Press text:

Panasonic announced today that the AU-EVA1 Compact S35 and the VariCam LT cinema cameras will have support for their RAW data outputs in the new ProRes RAW recording codecs. Native support for ProRes RAW has been introduced in the latest edition of Final Cut Pro X, and Atomos has announced that its Shogun Inferno and Sumo monitor/recorders will record in the new format. In addition to internal recording formats, the EVA1 and VariCam LT can output RAW data for the greatest flexibility in post image adjustment.

“ProRes RAW unleashes the potential of our VariCam LT and AU-EVA1 cinema cameras,” said Mitch Gross, Cinema Product Manager, Panasonic System Solutions Company of North America (PSSNA). “Panasonic likes to provide choices to video professionals. Both the EVA1 and the VariCam LT shoot at multiple resolutions and variable frame rates, and now our RAW output can be captured in a format that’s easy to use. Whether it’s 5.7K resolution or 240fps, our RAW is rich in data but has required a commitment of time and memory space for filmmakers to process and store. Working closely with Panasonic, Atomos enabled ProRes RAW in its recorders, allowing an easy, high quality and complete RAW workflow so professionals can enjoy the powerful capabilities our cameras have to offer.”

With the new EVA2.0 firmware, the EVA1 can output 10-bit Log-encoded RAW data in 5.7K up to 30fps, 4K up to 60fps, and 2K up to 240fps. From the VariCam LT, the Atomos recorders can capture RAW data in 4K up to 60fps and 2K up to 240fps. There are two variable bitrate levels of ProRes RAW being introduced. ProRes RAW HQ and ProRes RAW record at similar data rates as their ProRes video counterparts. This efficiency allows RAW data to be stored in similar memory space as common video files, and Final Cut Pro X can edit and color natively in RAW on a MacBook Pro. ProRes RAW files will also output from Final Cut Pro X to video finishing formats faster than other RAW formats. And Final Cut Pro X now includes increased color correction controls plus support for 3D-LUTs such as Panasonic’s V-Log-to-709 image transform, included in the program.

“Panasonic, Atomos and Apple have combined to deliver an astonishing set of features for end-to-end RAW production – 5.7K30p, 4K60p, 2K240p in 10-bit V-Log recorded on SATA SSDs in ProRes RAW on our Shogun Inferno or Sumo 19,” said Jeromy Young, CEO of Atomos. “We primarily used the EVA1 for ProRes RAW launch testing – it’s the best RAW solution for the price point on the market today.”

Today, Atomos has released the firmware to support EVA1 RAW and VariCam LT RAW to ProRes RAW recording in 4K and 2K resolutions, with 5.7K support scheduled for a May release. Final Cut Pro X with ProRes RAW support is slated to be available for download on Monday, April 9th. The EVA 2.0 firmware with RAW output and VariCam LT v6.0 firmware are available for download now.

About the AU-EVA1
The AU-EVA1 5.7K handheld cinema camera is distinguished by a pixel count of 5720 H x 3016 V (17.25 mil-lion), Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2,500, and 14-stops of dynamic range. The newly-designed EVA1 sensor is Super-35 sized (24.60mm x 12.97mm) with 5.7K resolution. With an active resolution of 5720 x 3016, the EVA1 delivers more than 17.25 million photosites, nearly double the 8.8 million for 4K DCI (4096 x 2160). Weighing only 2.65-lbs (1.2Kg, body-only) with a compact form factor (6.69” H x 5.31” W x 5.23” D) and a removable handgrip, the EVA1 can be used for efficient handheld shooting applications. Because of its compact form factor, it can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig or jib arm for complex yet smooth camera moves.

About the VariCam LT
The VariCam LT camcorder inherits the same super 35mm sensor and superb imaging capabilities that dis-tinguish the award-winning VariCam 35, but with significant reductions in size, weight and price. Incorporating this identical imaging “DNA” in a more compact rendition, the VariCam LT delivers 14+ stops of dynamic range with V-Log, and the esteemed cinematic VariCam image quality and color science, as well as the Vari-Cam 35’s breakout innovation, dual native ISOs of 800/5000. Weighing just under six pounds and having su-perior capability to similar sized cameras, the VariCam LT is the ideal camera for handheld, SteadiCam, jib, crane, drone, gimbal and overall cinema verité work. The VariCam LT offers a host of new features including an EF lens mount, hot swappable batteries, IR shooting capability, a 23.98 PsF output, cinema style file nam-ing, and image presets such as scene files.

The new camera is on preorder at BHphoto and Adorama.

We have to thank Blackmagic for making this years NABshow more exciting than expected. Their new MFT camera is making quite big waves in the film comunity for the following reasons:

• Cheapest 4K RAW recording camera
• first camera that will let users connect media, like an SSD, directly to the camera’s USB-C port for direct external recording.
• Camera with similar (or same?) GHS5 sensor for half the price

Of course it’s not a perfect cam: you don’t get superb GH5s kind of autofocus, no IBIS, no tilt screen, poor battery life. And the worse news of all it will officialy ship in September only. But I fear REAL shipment will start by very late 2018 only (typical for Blackmagic).

Here are new Hands-on videos:

The new Z-CAM E2 has now been officially announced. All info here: z-cam.com/e2/. This is an impressive Micro Four Thirds camera that records 4K @120fps, 10 bit color!

Blackmagic finally announced the new 4K Pocket Cinema camera. You can preorder it now at BHphoto (Click here).

Those are the key specs (here is the PDF with the full specs):
– MFT mount
– HDR sensor
– 12-bit RAW cinema 4K 60fps and full HD at up to 120fps
– 13 stops Dynamic Range
– dual native ISO up to 25,600
– external RAW recording
– 12-bit CinemaDNG RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
– 5 inch touch screen
– USB-C and standard sized HDMI
– Canon LP-E6N or locking DC12 volt power connection
– SD/UHS-II and CFast
– Bluetooth wireless camera control
– 3.5mm audio jack+mini XLR and headphone jack
– $1,250 (includes a copy of DaVinci Resolve Studio normally priced at $299.00)

Press text via Blackmagic:

The revolutionary new Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is the camera you’ve been asking for! It features an all new handheld design that puts the latest advanced digital film technology into the palm of your hand! The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has a 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600. That means you get stunning HDR images and incredible low light performance! The external controls give you quick access to essential functions, while the large 5 inch touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots, focus accurately and change camera settings. Images are recorded onto standard SD/UHS-II or CFast 2.0 cards in RAW and ProRes at up to 120 frames per second! In addition, the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has an MFT lens mount, built-in microphones, mini XLR input, full sized HDMI, 3D LUT support, Bluetooth, USB-C Expansion Port and more!

Press:
Cinema5D, Blackmagic, Newsshooter, Engadget.

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Let’s see if this is going to be a GH5s killer :)