Panasonic has announced a free firmware upgrade to its VariCam LT 4K camera that sets the cinema camera up for live and ‘near live’ multi-cam use.
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 get 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.
Due to the Varicam LT’s 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.
Panasonic says using the VariCam LT cinema camera for live productions offers benefits over smaller sensor broadcast cameras that are typically used, citing the cinematic depth of field with VariCam’s Super 35mm sensor, its HDR-ready 14+ stops of dynamic range
and ability to capture low light shots using VariCam’s Dual Native 800/5000 ISO feature
A new ’live mode’ fan setting has also been added to reduce fan noise.
“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.”
Jon Creamer
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