NEWARK, NJ (October 15, 2014) – Panasonic today announced the immediate availability of its highly-anticipated VariCam models, the VariCam 35 and VariCam HS.

The VariCam 35’s superb image handling in multiple formats ranging from pristine 4K RAW to more practical 4K, UHD, 2K, HD and ProRes capture formats make it an unparalleled tool for high-end filmmaking, commercials and episodic production as well as live 4K events. With high-speed 1080p image capture of up to 240fps, the companion 2/3” VariCam HS produces extraordinary high-definition imagery for the most demanding documentary, sports or SFX slow-motion applications.

The VariCam 35 and VariCam HS will both offer Apple ProRes 4444 and ProRes 422 HQ* support for HD recording, positioning the new camera/recorders within a well-established and widely accepted HD workflow.** Both VariCams include Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA family of advanced video codecs.

The VariCam 35 and VariCam HS incorporate an innovative design whereby the 4K and 2/3” camera heads are separate from but dockable to the common, shared recording module, enabling professionals to switch between s35mm and 2/3” camera heads to best suit their creative needs. This system flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the s35mm 4K camera and the AVC-ULTRA recorder, providing “box” camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other remote camera needs.  

Both models feature a removable control panel to facilitate real-time control and easy menu access when the camera is in a fixed or remote position. They offer a production-tough aluminum alloy body to assure durability and reliability in the most challenging shooting locations.

The VariCam 35 utilizes a new Panasonic super 35mm MOS sensor for 4096 x 2160 (17:9) 4K image capture; this imager when combined with the AVC-ULTRA codecs for 4K enables very manageable and practical 4K production file sizes. The new imager boasts an impressive 14+ stops of latitude, and faithfully captures high-contrast, wide dynamic range imagery without compromise.

Through a strategic product development alliance with Codex Digital, Panasonic will deliver a high-speed 4K uncompressed RAW recorder for the VariCam 35 camera.*** This dedicated recorder will capture uncompressed 4K VariCam RAW (V-RAW) at up to 120fps, bolstering the VariCam 35’s suitability for high-end cinema applications. 

Powerful color management capabilities provide a much extended color gamut for impeccable image fidelity, and permit support for an Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow for full fidelity mastering of original source material. The VariCam 35 also affords in-camera color grading.