Panasonic VariCam HS Camera Kit

The Panasonic VariCam HS Camera features an innovative modular design. The Panasonic AU-V23HS1 VariCam HS 2/3" 1080p Camera Module docks with the AVC-ULTRA recording module to provide the full functionality and ergonomics of a conventional production camera/recorder. This system flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the 2/3” camera module Unit (AU-V23HS1) and the recording module Unit (AU-VREC1), providing “box” camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other remote camera needs. This common recorder module is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new AU-V35C1 Super 35mm 4K camera module unit (not included, sold separately), enabling professionals to switch between 2/3” and S35mm camera heads to best suit their creative needs. This kit also includes the AU-VCFV1 Color Viewfinder and AU-VSHL1 Shoulder Mount Module.

The VariCam HS utilizes three newly-developed, 1920 x 1080p MOS imagers with an extraordinary 14 stops of dynamic range, providing full control over wide range lighting conditions for unparalleled 1080p native recording/operation. The camera/recorder boasts a classical RGB imager/prism system that provides equi-band full resolution color processing for critical applications. Among the camera's key features are real-time high frame rate and off-speed recording to 240fps in 1080p (using AVC-Intra Class100), plus the ability to ramp / change frame rates during record. To complement the impressive video quality, the new VariCam boasts 24-bit LPCM audio capabilities. Powerful yet creative image controls such as matrix, detail, gammas and a new Log recording capability, allow precise, powerful creative control over image parameters.

The VariCam HS features a range of high-quality recording formats including AVC-Intra Class100 (recording as 1080/24p, 30p or 60p format with VFR (up to 240p), AVC-Intra Class200 (up to 30p/60i) and AVC-Intra Class 4:4:4 (up to 30p). Both AVC-Intra Class200 and AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 deliver spectacular performance in applications where image quality is the utmost consideration. The VariCam HS adds Log to the well-respected FilmRec, VideoRec and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) image contrast management controls. The VariCam HS will feature Panasonic’s Emmy Award-winning Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) technology to minimize lateral chromatic aberrations and dramatically improve the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the optical system.

AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 supports 12-bit recording for 1080p content, allowing file-based 4:4:4 workflows with the unparalleled ability to handle the finer tonal graduations and color fidelity that the 12-bit format provides. AVC-Intra Class200, at twice the bit rate per frame of AVC-Intra Class100, is visually lossless, delivering studio master quality for recording network-level programming and archiving. AVC-Intra Class200 is ideal for field capture of content for film-outs; the higher quality greatly enhances color correction processes, as well as green screen and compositing applications.

Addressing the need for high-speed file exchange, the VariCam HS encodes high-resolution proxy files in parallel with higher bandwidth production formats, enabling fast, efficient offline editing, at bit rates from 6 Mbps down to 1.5Mbps.

Professional interfaces include: RGB4:4:4; a 3G-HD-SDI out to support 1080/60p, an HD-SDI out for monitoring; and two XLR inputs to record four channels of 24-bit, 48KHz audio. A multi-connector facilitates docking the camera head to the recording module. In another innovative design addition, the VariCam HS boasts a removable control panel to facilitate real-time control and easy menu access when the camera is in a fixed or remote position. The camera’s 2/3” B4 lens mount enables use of a remarkable variety of prime lenses and servo zooms, lensing possibilities simply not available on larger formats.

The VariCam HS will use Panasonic’s new ExpressP2 card for high frame rate recording. The camera recording module unit is equipped with a total of four memory card slots, two for ExpressP2 cards and two for MicroP2 cards. The new ExpressP2 card can record about 32 minutes of 240p 1080 HD video. The MicroP2 card is designed for recording HD or 2K at more typical production frame rates. 

The Panasonic AU-VREC1 Recording Module is a modular recording system designed exclusively for use with the VariCam 35 4K and VariCam HS 2/3" camera heads, both of which are separate from, but dockable to, the recording module itself. This enables users to quickly switch between the PL mount, Super 35mm 4K VariCam 35 and VariCam HS 2/3" B4 Mount camera head as needed. The camera head docks to the recorder without any cable connection. The rugged docking mechanism allows easy docking and undocking in the field, without having to use a screwdriver.

The control panel on the recording module has a built-in 3.5" LCD display panel. It can be used as the display for menu operation and also can be used as a live/preview monitor. The keys and dials are laid out around the display for quick and accurate operation so frequently used settings can be accessed directly.

NOTE: Using the Panasonic AU-VEXT1 Extension Module (not included), the camera head and recorder can also be positioned at separate locations and connected with a cable (not included). This lets you mount only the camera head to a crane, adding flexibility to your camera configuration. Extension cables (not included) are available in two lengths: AU-VCBL05G (5m) and AU-VCBL20G (20m). Contact your salesperson for details.

The Panasonic AU-VCVF1 Color Viewfinder is a high resolution EVF for the Panasonic VariCam 35 and VariCam HS.

Features: 

• High-resolution 0.7" 1280 x 720 OLED panel shows a wide field angle with viewfinder magnification of 0.78x
• Large-diameter 38mm eyepiece lens offer comfortable viewing with minimum vignetting
• Optical zoom and advanced focus assist function

The Panasonic AU-VSHL1 Shoulder Mount Module is an optional shoulder mount for the Panasonic VariCam 35 and VariCam HS. The module can be adjusted forward/aft up to 110mm, to accommodate a range of lenses.

General Specifications (AU-V35C1G and AU-VREC1G):

• Power: DC 12V (11V-17V)
• Power Consumption: 60W (body only)
• 90W (with all optional accessories connected and maximum power supplied from each output terminal)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% (Relative Humidity)
• Storage Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
• Weight: Approx. 4.5 kg (9.92 lb) (excluding accessories)
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 179mm x 230.5mm x 347mm (7.06" x 9.09" x 13.66") (body only, excluding protrusions and accessories)

Camera Module (AU-V23HS1G) Specifications:

• Sensor Type: 2/3", 3 x MOS
• Effective Pixels: 2.2 million pixels
• Lens Mount: 2/3"-type bayonet (B4)
• Optical filter:
  • CC filter
    • 3200 K
    • 4300 K
    • 5600 K
    • 0.3ND
  • ND filter
    • CLEAR
    • 0.6ND
    • 1.2ND
    • 1.8ND
• Gain Settings:  
  • [ISO] mode: ISO 2500 to 12800
  • [dB] mode : 0 to 18 dB (3dB step)
• Shutter speed:
  • [deg] mode: 1.0 to 360deg (0.5deg step)
  • [sec] mode: 1/24 to 1/250 (when 23.98p mode)
• Sensitivity:
  • [Gamma: HD] mode:
    • F9 (2000 lx, 3200 K, 89.9% reflection, 1080/59.94p)
    • F10 (2000 lx, 3200 K, 89.9% reflection, 1080/50p)
• Horizontal Resolution: 1000 TV lines or higher (center)

Recording Module (AU-VREC1G) Specifications:

Memory Card Recorder

• Recording Media: expressP2 card, P2 card, microP2 card
• Recording Resolution: 4096×2160, 3840×2160, 2048×1080, 1920×1080
• Recording Framerate:
  • 4K/UHD: Maximum 100p/120p
  • 2K/HD: Maximum 100p/120p
• System Frequency: 59.94p, 59.94i, 50i, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p
• Recording Format (Main Recorder): 
  • AVC-Intra4K444
  • AVC-Intra4K422
  • AVC-Intra4K-LT
  • AVC-Intra2K444
  • AVC-Intra2K422
  • AVC-Intra444
  • AVC-Intra200
  • AVC-Intra422
  • AVC-Intra100
  • ProRes 422 HQ
  • ProRes 4444*
• Recording Format (Sub Recorder):
  • AVC-Intra2K422
  • AVC-Intra422
  • AVC-Intra100
  • AVC-LongG50
  • AVC-LongG25
• Recording Video Signal:
  • 4096×2160 / 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p
  • 3840×2160 / 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p
  • 2048×1080 / 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p
  • 1920×1080 / 59.94p, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 23.98p, 59.94i, 50i
• Recording Time** (Main Codec, when using 256 GB expressP2 card):
  • AVC-Intra4K444 (24p): Approx. 45 min.
  • AVC-Intra4K422 (VFR ON, 50fps/60fps): Approx. 36 min.
  • AVC-Intra4K422 (VFR OFF, 24p): Approx. 90 min.
  • AVC-Intra4K-LT (VFR ON, 100fps/120fps): Approx. 32 min.
  • AVC-Intra100 (VFR ON, 100fps/120fps): Approx. 64 min.
  • ProRes 422 HQ* (VFR ON, 60fps): Approx. 60 min.
• Recording Time** (Sub Codec, when using 64 GB microP2 card):
  • AVC-Intra2K422 (25p/29.97p): Approx. 64 min.
  • AVC-Intra100 (25p/29.97p): Approx. 64 min.
  • AVC-LongG50 (25p/29.97p): Approx. 128 min.
  • AVC-LongG25 (25p/29.97p): Approx. 256 min.

Digital Video 

• Quantizing:
  • AVC-Intra4K444, AVC-Intra2K444, AVC-Intra444: 12 bit
  • Others: 10 bit
• Video Compression Format: AVC-Intra4K444
  • AVC-Intra4K422
  • AVC-Intra4K-LT
  • AVC-Intra2K444
  • AVC-Intra2K422
  • AVC-Intra444
  • AVC-Intra200
  • AVC-Intra422
  • AVC-Intra100: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Intra Profile AVC-LongG50,
  • AVC-LongG25: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 4444: Apple ProRes*

Digital Audio 

• Recording Audio Signal: 48 kHz/24 bit, 4ch
• Head room: 18 dB/20 dB switchable menu

Proxy 

• File Format: MOV
• Video Compression Format: H.264/AVC High Profile
• Audio Compression Format: LPCM
• Recording Time (1 GB)**: Approx. 25 min.

Video Input/Output 

• SDI Out: HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω (1 set, 4 pieces)
• MON Out 1: HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω
• MON Out 2: HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω
• VF SDI: HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω

Audio Input/Output

• Audio In (CH1/CH2): 2 x XLR 3-pin, LINE/MIC/MIC+48V/AES switchable
• Mic In: 1 x XLR 5-pin
• Phones: Stereo mini jack
• Speaker: 20mm diameter, round

Other Input/Output

• Genlock In: HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω
• Timecode In/Out:
  • Head rBNC x 1, Input/Output switching
  • IN: 0.5 V[p-p] to 8 V[p-p], 10 kΩ
  • OUT: 2.0 V ± 0.5 V[p-p], low impedanceoom
• DC In: XLR 4 -pin, DC 12 V (DC 11.0 V to 17.0 V)
• DC Out/RS: 4-pin, DC12 V (DC11.0 V to 17.0 V), maximum output current 1.0 A
• DC Out: 2-pin, DC12 V (DC11.0 V to 17.0 V), maximum output current 1.0 A
• LENS: 12-pin x 1, 4-pin x 2
• VF: 14-pin
• LAN: 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T
• USB2.0 (device): Type B connector, 4-pin
• USB2.0 (host): Type A connector, 4-pin
• EXT: 50-pin, exclusive for external recording only

Control Panel

• Display Panel  LCD, 3.5-type QHD color monitor, approx. 1.56 million dots 

Input/Output:

• DC In: XLR 4-pin, DC 12V (DC 11V to 17V)
• DC Out: 2-pin, DC 12V (DC 11V to 17V), maximum output current 1.0 A
• EXT: 48-pin

Electronic HD Color View Finder (AU-VCVF1G):

• Display Panel: OLED, 0.7-type, approx. 2.76 million dots
• Signal Input: 1080/59.94p, 1080/50p, 1080/60p

*ProRes is licensed from Apple Inc. Apple ProRes codec is under license from Atomos. Atomos is a trademark and copyright of Atomos Global Pty. Ltd.

**Figures are for continuous recording as one clip. Depending on the number of clips, the overall recording time may be shorter than the above.