Updated VariCam LT ‘ready for live’

Panasonic has announced a firmware upgrade to its VariCam LT 4K camera that sets the cinema camera up for live and ‘near live’ multi-cam use within concerts, events, TV shows and corporate productions.  

Set to be released at the end of February 2018, the Version 6 firmware upgrade sees the camera gain a new shading mode alongside tally and return video management. Full control of the cameras is also possible from Panasonic’s AK-HRP1000 remote control panel.

With the VariCam LT v.6.0 upgrade, multi camera live productions will benefit from extended control from the RCP, which includes full paint features - from standard ‘shading’ processes to LUT and CDL management – as well as scene file selection, remote REC control and call function.    An optional PC will allow the use of live grading software (such as Pomfort, Colorfront, FireFly, Codex) to remotely upload LUTs and manage the camera’s look from a user friendly colour grading interface.

The new shading mode allows users the option to record V-log in-camera, as well as performing live in-camera colour correction.

Because the Varicam LT has two separate SDI outputs, it’s possible to output different colour settings, one clean view for broadcasting or recording and one monitoring view for status check, markers and menus. Fibre transmission is possible via transport systems from DTS, ERECA, Multidyne, Telecast and more.

For ‘near live’ production, such as theatre, concerts, comedy, fashion shows and corporate events that don’t involve live broadcast, users can take advantage of 4K VariCam LT multi-cam capture through internal P2 recording with final grading done in post-production.

Using a VariCam LT cinema camera offers several benefits over smaller sensor broadcast cameras that are typically used for live events:

• Create cinematic depth of field with VariCam’s award-winning Super 35mm sensor
• Take advantage of the VariCam’s HDR-ready 14+ stops of dynamic range
• VariCam image quality and colour science
• Capture low light shots using VariCam’s Dual Native 800/5000 ISO feature
• The 5000 ISO compensates for any F drop due to a lens adapter or long zoom focal length

A new ’live mode’ fan setting has also been added to reduce fan noise, making it well suited for use in live environments.

“This latest firmware upgrade of the VariCam LT will make this the best large sensor camera to use for live production applications such as TV shows, concerts and corporate events,” said Luc Bara, Technical Product Manager for Panasonic. “It’s a perfect match of the style of the famous Varicam look and the substance of Panasonic’s expertise in broadcast camera systems. It makes the camera an incredibly versatile all-rounder.”

Panasonic will showcase the new firmware at ISE 2018 (Hall 1, Stand H20) in Amsterdam from 6-9 February, where the VariCam LT Ver.6 will be available for detailed information and demonstrations.

Like all VariCam firmware upgrades, v6.0 for the VariCam LT is a free download.

PLEASE NOTE: All images are Copyright of HDLOC, France

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