Panasonic has announced a free firmware upgrade for the VariCam 35 4K and VariCam HS camera/recorders that expands recording options and allows for a more flexible post-production workflow scenarios. New features include uncompressed RAW capture for the VariCam 35 with the new Codex V-RAW recorder, support for the Apple ProRes 4444 codec in both the VariCam 35 and VariCam HS, and anamorphic lens support for the VariCam 35.
   

“We have largely developed these new features based on numerous set visits as the VariCam 35/HS have gained traction in commercial, narrative and documentary production,” said Steven Cooperman, Senior Product Manager, Panasonic System Communications Company. “We’ve listened closely to the real-world requirements and observations of cinematographers, DITs, rental and post houses and other VariCam partners.”

With newly added support for HD recordings in the Apple ProRes 4444 industry-standard codec, VariCam 35/HS users will enjoy the advantages of well-established workflow options as well as premium HD image capture. The addition of 1.33:1 and 2.0:1 anamorphic lensing support for the VariCam 35 is enhanced by the simultaneous recording of squeezed and de-squeezed images in the VariCam 35’s main and sub-recorders, eliminating cut-out operations during post. Anamorphic lens support also enhances on-set monitoring by displaying de-squeezed images in the viewfinder and HD monitor outputs.

The powerful versatility of Panasonic’s scalable AVC-ULTRA codec is on full display in the VariCam 35, with AVC-Intra4K422 providing 4K recording up to 60fps, AVC-Intra4K444 12-bit recording up to 30fps for the highest-quality field production and graphics flexibility, and AVC-Intra4K-LT optimized for high-speed capture up to 120fps.