We were in LA for the official announcement of the Panasonic EVA1 at the Paramount theater during Cine Gear back in June, and the excitement was palpable. Many filmmakers remain highly loyal to Panasonic but have been frustrated that the price point for the amazing Varicam was out of their reach.

The announcement of the EVA1 showed the potential to change that: Panasonic was now releasing a sub $8000 digital cinema camera, that theoretically could go head to head against the C200 and the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro—and bring with it the company's beloved ergonomics, color science and dual native ISO. While the cameras won't be shipping until this fall, Panasonic has finalized the spec list and there are a lot of key features here that users should be excited about.


Au-eva1_skateboard_hr_copy_0Credit: Panasonic

The most important finalized spec is the confirmed dual native ISO of 800 and 2500.  While many cameras can crank their ISO up to insane numbers in the hundreds of thousands these days, Panasonic's dual native system is different; it doesn't simply use internal signal boosting to wring every last drop of useable info out of an image while piling on noise.

With the Varicam, the dual native high ISO of 5000 has very little noise, and what noise is there being primarily created by the wave nature of light. We can expect something similar from the EVA1, considering that it is a fresh sensor descending from the same technology, with an ISO 2500 setting that should reasonably be expected to offer exceptionally useable images such that it will likely be the default mode for many shooters when not doing day exterior work. 

Au-eva1_01_slant_0Credit: Panasonic

Additional finalized specs have also been released including final dimensions, power draw and a suggested list price of $7495. Along with the 14 stops of dynamic range, and the final confirmation of just what resolution 5.7K is (5720 x 3016), theres a lot to be excited about here.

Au-eva1_03_topCredit: Panasonic

You can sign up at B&H to be notified on availability here.

Tech Specs:

  • Dual native ISO 800/2500, expandable to 25600 with internal gain
  • 5720 H x 3016 V pixel sensor
  • 4K 60fps, 2K 240fps
  • EF mount, EIS capable
  • Touch panel LCD
  • 2.6lb/1.2kg camera body
  • 5.7K raw output via future firmware upgrade
  • 14 stop V-log & V-gamma
  • 400 Mbps Recording
  • Dual SD card slots, SDXC UHS Speed Class 3, video speed class V90
  • 4:2:2 10 Bit
  • 2/4/6 stop ND filter wheel
  • Removable IR filter via wheel
  • Detachable handle and rotating LCD mount
  • 19W power consumption
  • 135mm x 133mm x 170mm (5 5/16" x 5 1/4" x 6 11/16")
  • Super35mm MOS sensor
  • SDI and HDMI out, HDMI red remote supported