By technical editor Matt Allard:
Panasonic has announced a free firmware upgrade for the VariCam 35 4K and VariCam HS camera/recorders that expands recording options and allows for more flexible post-production workflow scenarios. New features include uncompressed RAW capture for the VariCam 35 with the new Codex V-RAW recorder, support for the Apple ProRes 4444 codec in both the VariCam 35 and VariCam HS, and anamorphic lens support for the VariCam 35.
This firmware upgrade Version 4.0 is available for downloading at the Panasonic service support website, http://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/download/EN/ep2main/soft/upgvaricam_e.htm.
The Codex V-RAW recorder adds uncompressed RAW capture to the VariCam 35 camera platform by enabling the recording of 4K RAW at up to 120fps, greatly increasing the camera’s suitability for high-end cinema applications. Codex V-RAW Recorder directly attaches to the 4K camera module, eliminating any need for cables and simplifying the use of the system. And the V-RAW Recorder uses production-proven, industry-standard Codex Capture Drives, which are the gateway to an entire Codex workflow with Codex Vault or Codex docks. The Codex V-RAW recorder retails for $12,000 US.
This from Panasonic:
“We have largely developed these new features based on numerous set visits as the VariCam 35/HS have gained traction in commercial, narrative and documentary production,” said Steven Cooperman, Senior Product Manager, Panasonic System Communications Company. “We’ve listened closely to the real-world requirements and observations of cinematographers, DITs, rental and post houses and other VariCam partners.”
With newly added support for HD recordings in the Apple ProRes 4444 industry-standard codec, VariCam 35/HS users will enjoy the advantages of well-established workflow options as well as premium HD image capture. The addition of 1.33:1 and 2.0:1 anamorphic lensing support for the VariCam 35 is enhanced by the simultaneous recording of squeezed and de-squeezed images in the VariCam 35’s main and sub-recorders, eliminating cut-out operations during post. Anamorphic lens support also enhances on-set monitoring by displaying de-squeezed images in the viewfinder and HD monitor outputs.
Broad Software Support for AVC-ULTRA Codec
The powerful versatility of Panasonic’s scalable AVC-ULTRA codec is on full display in the VariCam 35, with AVC-Intra4K422 providing 4K recording up to 60fps, AVC-Intra4K444 12-bit recording up to 30fps for the highest-quality field production and graphics flexibility, and AVC-Intra4K-LT optimized for high-speed capture up to 120fps.
The following products and versions support all the above formats:
Assimilate Scratch 8.3
AVID Media Composer 8.4
Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve 11.3.1
Colorfront Express Dailies, On-Set Dailies, Transkoder 2015
Digital Vision NuCoda 2015.1
Filmlight BaseLight, DayLight 4.4m1
GrassValley EDIUS 7.5
Additional AVC-Intra4K422 support is provided by:
Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2015.1 (4k422 and 4k444 are both supported)
Apple Final Cut Pro X 10.2.1
Autodesk Flame/Smoke 2016 (4k422 and 4k444 are both supported)
Quantel Pablo Rio v2.0
