Earlier this year Panasonic announced they'd be releasing a version of the VariCam specifically designed for the independent filmmaker. The VariCam LT is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than its big brother, but features the same Super 35mm MOS sensor, 14 stops of dynamic range, and Dual ISOs of 800 and 5000. You can purchase the camera in bundles ranging from $16,000 to $27,000 whereas the VariCam 35 would run you somewhere in the range of $40,000 -$50,000. 

The footage comes from director Steven Bailey and certainly shows how Panasonic has succeeded in their mission to produce a high-quality cinema camera on the level of RED or ALEXA for filmmakers on a budget. In respect to image and color quality, Mr. Bailey qualifies it as the "best I've used so far in this price range."  All the footage is 4K except for the slow motion shots at the end. He used a 120p 2K crop and a Sigma 18-35mm lens.

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/167333654​ expand=1 site_id=26256498]

We got a chance to check out the new camera at NAB earlier this year. Here are a few more details on Panasonic's latest release from our coverage:

Technical Specifications

  • Same 4K Sensor as the VariCam 35
  • 14+ Stops of Dynamic Range
  • Dual ISO: 800 and 5000
  • Removable Canon EF or PL Mount Option ($1,300)
  • 4K-UHD — AVC-Intra 4K422: up to 30p
  • 4K-UHD — AVC-Intra 4K-LT: 30p to 60p
  • 2K — AVC-Intra 2K444: up to 30p, AVC-Intra 2K422: up to 60p, up to 120p (cropped), AVC-Intra 2K-LT: 120p to 240p (cropped)
  • HD — AVC-Intra444: up to 30p, AVC-Intra422: up to 60p, up to 120p (cropped), AVC-Intra100: 50i/59.94i, AVC-IntraLT: 120p to 240p (cropped)
  • HD ProRes: 4444 up to 30p, ProRes 422HQ up to 60p
  • One expressP2 card Slot
  • SD Slot for Proxies — AVC-Proxy G6 (6Mbps): up to 60p
  • RAW Output from SDI Coming in Summer 2016
  • ND filters (CLEAR, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8)
  • 256GB expressP2 card — 90 minutes of 4K/4:2:2/23.98p content
  • 3G-SDI OUT x3 (SDI OUT 1/ SDI OUT2/VF SDI)
  • Genlock IN, TC IN/OUT, LAN
  • USB HOST (for Network Connect), USB DEVICE (miniB)
  • XLR 5 pin x1, XLR 3 pin x2
  • DC OUT 4 pin Hirose x2
  • Lens/Grip Connector 12 pin
  • 12 V DC-IN 4 pin
  • Head Phone x1 3.5 mm Stereo Mini Jack
  • Proxy FTP
  • Can use Panasonic AU-VCVF10G viewfinder and 3rd party viewfinder solutions
  • Weight: Under 6 Pounds Body Only
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 184 mm x 230.5 mm x 247 mm (7-1/4 inches x 9-1/8 inches x 9-3/4 inches)
  • Power Consumption: 47 W (body only), 77 W with all ports maxed out
  • Price: $16,500

The image quality with the VariCam LT will be essentially identical to the VariCam 35 as they share the same sensor, so the only real difference between the two is in the specs and maximum frame rates (4K 60fps vs 4K 120fps). Check out a couple more videos that have come out with footage from the VariCam LT:

Source: Steven Bailey

panasonicVaricam LTvaricam35nabnab 2016
Cinematography & CamerasDirecting