With this new update, the full RAW capabilities of the EVA1 are on their way.
We had a great time doing a hands-on review of the EVA1 earlier this year. While there was a lot to love about the camera, we definitely missed out on the ability to test raw output, which wasn't live when the camera started shipping Q4 last year. Not everyone needs a full RAW workflow, but we all want the option of RAW for when we do need it and can handle it in post.
The current EVA1 firmware release, announced today and promised by the end of March, is large enough to merit being called a 2.0 version. It includes a whole host of new features available for the popular camera, including support for external RAW recording. While waiting until the end of March can feel like forever (especially if you are in the wintry areas of the world where it kind of feels like the end of March is years away), Panasonic shipped the unit on time so we can feel pretty confident they'll ship the firmware on time as well.
In addition to the RAW output, which we know will be supported by Atomos monitor/recorders and will likely be supported by others as well, there are also several new All-I 10-bit 4:2:2 at 400Mbps formats. All-I, for those not familiar, is short for "All-Intra," which means that every single frame is only compressed within itself (intra-frame encoding), as opposed to inter-frame encoding, where a group of frames are compressed together. Filmmakers tend to prefer All-I when it is available, though it will make for larger files initially (requiring more storage), in the end you'll have an easier time in the edit. The dependable Wolfcrow has a great breakdown if you would like more info.
Most fascinating for us is a previously unnanounced feature: 2K recording up to 240fps RAW. While you can do 5.7K RAW up to 30fps and plain old 4K up to 60fps, getting 240fps in 2K formats is a super appreciated feature.
Firmware 2.0 will be a free update for all EVA1 users by the end of March.
- 4K 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
- UHD 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/23.98p
- 2K/FHD 200Mpbs 10-bit 4:2:2 59.94p/50p
- 2K 100Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p
- FHD 100Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 29.97p/25p/23.98p
New Variable frame rates:
- 4K/UHD VFR up to 400Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 1-30fps
- 2K/FHD VFR up to 200Mbps 10-bit 4:2:2 1-120fps
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8 Comments
Camera looks sexier and sexier everytime I hear about it! From my Gh5 do I go to the GH5s (sick of sensor shake on my gimbal from wireless follow focus) or this bad boy! I love the panny color, especially in 10bit 422 I'm still about 50/50 video and stills work. I use a7rIII and canon mkIII for stills though. Love me som FF.
February 22, 2018 at 9:37AM, Edited February 22, 9:37AM
Yours is a good dilemma to have :) I'm struggling between the EVA1 & URSA Mini Pro. Decisions, decisions...
February 23, 2018 at 8:08AM
EVA1 is just so much lighter than the URSA. That fundamentally allows me to move faster, and get more shots (and thus more good shots). Ursa file sizes are also insane...
February 23, 2018 at 12:18PM
You have a point about the bulk, but you can adjust the recording format if you don't like the file sizes. BlackMagic gives you ProRes, which is 700 Mbps vs. the relatively lame 400 Mbps you're getting with Panasonic's update.
Not to mention that you also get built-in raw, if you want to do some green-screen work.
BlackMagic's biggest problem is crap-ass low-light performance. That should be their top priority right now, but it has gone unaddressed year after year.
The C200 is interesting, but that viewfinder placement is embarrassingly inept.
February 23, 2018 at 5:16PM, Edited February 23, 5:17PM
I love my Ursa Mini Pro. It's very versatile and creates an amazing image. Internal RAW recording, prores, higher bitrates, etc. The EVA1 is amazing as well, but it actually felt TOO light and plasticky to me. The dual ISO though,...... man that would be nice to have. It is true that the Ursa needs light. If you're shooting narrative and have the time to light properly it's great. If you find yourself needing to shoot with whatever light you have available......that dual ISO is killer. I have a GH5 and am thinking about picking up the GH5s just for that feature alone. I had my Ursa Mini Pro before the EVA1 was out, but personally if I had the choice to make again I'd still go Ursa. However, I really don't think you could go wrong either way. It's a great time to be a filmmaker. :)
February 26, 2018 at 12:09PM
It's just "raw," not "RAW." It's not an acronym.
February 23, 2018 at 5:18PM
The dependable Wolfcrow lol
February 26, 2018 at 6:09AM
I'm seriously considering it. It did feel a bit plastic-y in person. But Netflix is accepting it, and the color is great, and all I think I need is the 10 bit Intra for 99% of what we do. 10 bit is enough to play nice with skies, etc. But someone here claimed that the Raw out is also 10 bit, not 12 like BMD. I wonder why that is, if it's true? I can't find anything about this on Panasonic's site that's definitive. Since it should be 4:4:4 it likely doesn't matter all that much for even extensive grading.
April 11, 2018 at 7:04AM