Panasonic Unveils 5.7K Cinema Camera

At this year's Cine Gear Expo 2017, Panasonic previewed the AU-EVA1 – a 5.7K Super 35mm cinema camera.

Designed for handheld shooting, the camera is also suitable for commercials, documentaries and music videos.

The EVA1 contains a 5.7K Super 35mm-sized sensor for capturing cinematic images. By starting at a higher native resolution, the 5.7K sensor yields a higher resolving image when down sampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, and even 720p. The increased colour information results in a finer, more accurate finished image.

"For cinema-style acquisition, we realised there was a space between the GH5 and the VariCam LT," explained Nela Pertl, EMEA Marketing Manager. "With its compact size and new 5.7K sensor, the EVA1 fills that gap for a variety of filmmaking applications."

A key feature of the VariCam 35, VariCam LT, and VariCam Pure is dual native ISO. Utilising a process that allows the sensor to be read in a fundamentally different way, dual native ISO extracts more information from the sensor without degrading the image. This results in a camera that can switch from a standard sensitivity to a high sensitivity without an increase in noise, or other artifacts.

"On the VariCams, dual native ISO has allowed cinematographers to use less light on set, saving time and money, as well as allowing for a great variety of artistic choices. The EVA1 will include dual native ISO, but the camera is currently being tested to determine final ISO specifications," added Pertl.

The EVA1 contains V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver high dynamic range and broad colours. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film and V-Gamut delivers a colour space even larger than film. The EVA1 will also import the colourimetry of the VariCam line.

The EVA1 also records to readily-available, lower-cost SD cards. The camera can record in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10-bit 422, even in 4K. A complete breakdown of recording formats will be available at the time of the EVA1's release.

The camera utilises a native EF-mount, giving shooters access to the broad EF lens ecosystem, including dozens of cinema-style prime and zoom lenses from numerous manufacturers. Electronic Image Stabilisation (EIS) is employed to compensate for camera shake and blurring. Behind the lens mount, an integrated ND filter wheel in 2, 4, and 6 stops allows for precise exposure control. The EVA1 also allows the IR Cut filter to be swung out of the path to the sensor at the push of a button.

As a professional video production tool, the EVA1 offers dual balanced XLR audio inputs and 4K-capable video outputs in both HDMI and SDI. In a future firmware upgrade, EVA1 will offer 5.7K RAW output to third party recorders.

Weighing 1.2kg (body only) with a compact form factor (17cm x 13.5cm x 13.3cm) and a removable handgrip, EVA1 can be used for handheld shooting applications and can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig, or jib arm. There will also be numerous mounting points and Panasonic is currently working with accessory makers to allow further customisation with the EVA1.

The EVA1 will ship this autumn for less than €8,000 (body only).

business.panasonic.eu/broadcast-and-proav

(JP)