The Panasonic VariCam 35, HS, LT, and Pure cinema cameras have all just received firmware updates. The firmware upgrades are- Ver. 7.5 for the VariCam 35/HS, Ver. 5.5 for the VariCam LT, and Ver. 7.5 for the VariCam Pure. All firmware upgrades can be downloaded at – http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/varicam/index.html.
The VariCam LT gets a new HIGH SPEED menu mode that enables 240p RAW output for 2K (2048 x 1080) or HD (1920 x 1080). This RAW output, lets the Convergent Design’s Odyssey 7Q/7Q+ record 2K/HD-cropped, uncompressed Cinema DNG files.
Varicam LT owners will also be pleased to know that there is now a faster and more efficient software reboot that is completed with the use of the control panel rather than having to turn off the physical power switch of the camera. This improvement is certainly a welcome addition, especially to those shooters working in fast paced environments where you could end of missing crucial shots while you are waiting for the camera to re-boot. The slow start up time and constant re-booting of the camera after making settings changes was my biggest gripe with using the Varicam LT.
For users of Canon EF mount lenses, the Variam LT now fully supports the 24-105mm F4 L-series USM lens.
The VariCam 35, HS, and LT, all receive a new REC Check function that allows you to check the first five seconds and the last five seconds of the latest clip for tail slate marking. You can assign these two options to USER SW.
For all VariCam cinema cameras (35, HS, LT, and Pure), there is now an expanded frame rate range in HIGH SPEED mode down to 1-fps, so you can now set the camera to capture from 1 – 240p. For VariCam wide-screen capture, Anamorphic Desqueeze is now available in play back as well as when recording. A horizontal desqueeze of 1.3x or 2.0x is available for SDI Out or VF SDI. Also for all VariCam cinema cameras, there is an option to apply grading data recorded with clip on play back. The LT can set PLAY BACK GRADING menu from PLAY display on GUI.
Additional features the firmware upgrades include:
RDD18 (Camera metadata, including Clip name) on MON output
INFRA mode (Wireless network setting)
Support WM50MC (for China) and PLANEX GW-900D (For Japan)
USER CLIP NAME TYPE3 on OSD is off as default (VariCam 35, HS & LT)
Deleted CPS password system (VariCam 35 & HS)
Fixed Card remain time bug of AVCLongG at 23.98p (VariCam 35, HS & LT)
Supports Canon EF 24-105mm F4 L-series USM lens (VariCam LT only)
Fixed Valid Frame Flag bug on RAW output (VariCam LT only)
