The First Footage from Panasonic's 4K VariCam 35 is Here, & It's Absolutely Stunning
At NAB 2014, Panasonic finally lifted the veil on their long-rumored 4K VariCam 35 cinema camera. Even though the price point of the system will likely leave many disappointed, there was little doubt in anyone's mind that it would be a powerhouse of a camera once it landed in the hands of a capable cinematographer.
As of today, we now know that's definitely the case, as Panasonic has released a reel of sample footage shot with the VariCam 35. In two words, the footage is breathtakingly stunning. But don't take my word for it. Have a look for yourself.
In case you need a refresher on the specs of the VariCam 35, here they are:
4096 x 2160 Super 35mm CMOS sensor
14+ Stops of Dynamic Range
PL Mount
Internal 4K up to 120fps
Records 4K & UHD in AVC-ULTRA 4K
Records 2K & HD in AVC-Intra 100/200
Capable of 4K RAW
1.5 to 6 Mbps Proxies
Two expressP2 card slots (Record 130 minutes of 4K/24p with these cards)
Two microP2 card slots (for HD and 2K)
Four 3G-HD-SDI Outputs for 4K QUAD
Two 3G-HD-SDI Outputs for RAW
HD-SDI out for monitoring (down-converting from 4K)
Two XLR inputs can record four channels of 24-bit, 48KHz audio
Removable Control Panel
OLED Viewfinder with Optical Zoom
Availability: Fall 2014
Price: TBA - (Although it's expected to be north of the $30k mark)
It's hard to say yet where the Panasonic VariCam 35 will fit into the current spectrum of digital cinema cameras, although it's safe to assume that if it's priced in the same neighborhood as Sony's F55, that it will become a serious competitor to that popular camera. Given the VariCam's modularity, and the fact that the camera module and the recording module can be kept apart from one another and connected via an umbilical cable, the VariCam will likely become a popular choice when flying cameras on jibs, cranes, or anywhere where size and weight are crucial.
I've been on a kick watching a certain director's movies in order, over the course of a few weeks. Recently, I completed the filmography of Tim Burton, and it was a blast.
Burton is so whimsical and also so macabre. His movies span all sorts of different emotions and ideas, and even sizes. There's so much to learn from him and his movies.
Here are 10 directing lessons we can draw from his work, along with examples from his films.
Let's dive in.
10 Directing Lessons You Can Get From Tim Burton
1. Embrace the Outsider Perspective
Tim Burton's films often celebrate characters on the fringe of society. They are misfits, dreamers, and those who see the world differently. Those characterizations really pull the audience in and get us to care in fun ways.
Example: Edward Scissorhands, Beetlejuice, Lydia Deetz
2. Visual Storytelling is Paramount
I can't tell you how often I'm trying to encourage people to amp up their visual storytelling. Burton's signature style is as important as his written words. Pay attention to set design, lighting, costumes, and camera angles to create mood and atmosphere.
Example: The gothic cityscape of Gotham in Batman, the twisted trees and landscapes of Sleepy Hollow, the vibrant underworld in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
3. Don't Shy Away from the Dark and Whimsical
Burton blends the macabre with humor and a sense of childlike wonder. This contrast is essential to his unique style and also in bringing in outsiders. He has an audience he plays to, but he finds universal themes that pull us all in.
Example: The darkly funny dance sequence in Beetlejuice, the mix of horror and festivity in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
4. Music is Your Ally
Spend more time with the music in your films. Burton frequently collaborates with Danny Elfman, and music drives the emotional core of many of his stories. Think about how music can enhance the atmosphere and impact of your work.
Example: The iconic scores of Edward Scissorhands, Batman, and Corpse Bride.
5. Find the Beauty in the Strange
Burton challenges traditional notions of beauty. He finds compelling visuals in the grotesque, the odd, and the decayed. What do you see differently than the rest of the world? What's inside you that you think you need to share? Get it out and onto film.
Example: The character design of Jack Skellington, the twisted suburbia of Edward Scissorhands.
6. Practical Effects Can Be Magic
Nothing looks better than a practical set or effect. While Burton embraces technology, he often favors practical effects when possible. And it makes a difference when buying into the worlds. You feel like you're in something he created, something personal.
Example: The stop-motion animation of The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride, the elaborate makeup and prosthetics of Beetlejuice.
7. Collaborate with a Recurring Ensemble
Work with your friends. Find the people you can trust, who have your back, and share your vision. Burton works with actors like Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Winona Ryder repeatedly. This builds a sense of familiarity and shorthand.
There's often a deeply personal element to Burton's films, drawing from his childhood and unique perspective on the world. You have a voice, use it.
Example:Edward Scissorhands reflecting suburban isolation, themes of loss and longing in Big Fish.
9. Don't Underestimate Your Audience
One thing I always appreciate about Burton is that he trusts the audience implicitly. And he's okay with challenging them. Burton crafts films that appeal to both children and adults. He doesn't shy away from darkness or mature themes.
Examples: The subtle social commentary within Edward Scissorhands, the complex exploration of grief in Frankenweenie.
10. Never Lose Your Sense of Play
Even at their darkest, Burton's films retain a sense of playfulness and mischievous humor. They are so much fun and you can tell were fun to make. It's important never to forget that this is an art form that is inherently playful and bold. So keep experimenting and playing.
Example: The ghoulish gags in Beetlejuice, the exuberant musical numbers of The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Tim Burton is one of the greatest directors of all time. He's an auteur with a keen eye for cinema and a great sense for spectacle.
Hopefully, these lessons help inspire you to find your own unique voice.