Article and photos by George Leon
On August 6, Panasonic hosted a workshop at Keslow Camera covering Panasonic VariCam 35 and VariCam LT Cameras.
The event introduced camera crews to the cameras and the latest technical details.
Panasonic staff provided technical assistance to train end users in how to maximize the capabilities of these cameras. Keslow Camera staff were there demonstrate how large selection of lenses and accessories that can be used to put together a VariCam 35 and LT camera package.
The workshop began with a rundown of the operating features of the Varicam 35 and LT,
and attendees were divided into 3 groups with three cameras.
Menus and details of the newly installed firmware were shown the three cameras. Many technical questions raised by the attendees were answered.
For me, the most interesting portion was the demonstration of the Varicam LT’s low light capability.
The camera sensor of the Varicam showed its wide dynamic range capturing subject detail at about one foot-candle, much more discernible than what my eye could see — and without any apparent digital noise.
These were the topics covered:
• Introduction to VariCam 35 and LT
• Explanation of VariCam sensor and its unique dual native ISO 800 / 5000
• HDR ready wide dynamic range sensor
• High frame rates
• Recording options including uncompressed Raw
• AVC-Ultra vs ProRes, why less is more!
• Navigating the easy to use GUI Remote Panel and Menus
• In-Camera Color Grading plus importing and exporting LUT’s and CDL’s
• In-Camera Dailies via Sub or Proxy recording
• Monitoring Options
• Focus Assist Tools
• In Camera Exposure Measurements
• Power management
By the way, Panasonic is an Official Sponsor of the Rio Olympics — providing on-site HD projectors, switchers, monitors, engineering, installation, maintenance and HD/4K video coverage using Varicam 35 cameras throughout the event, on opening night and during the closing ceremonies.
Images from the workshop:
Almost total darkness, lit by 3 candles with subject 3 feet away. Nicely demonstrated the dual ISO capability of 800 and 5000 at 1 foot-candle.
Almost total darkness, lit by 3 candles with subject 3 feet away. Nicely demonstrated the dual ISO capability of 800 and 5000 at 1 foot-candle.
Almost total darkness, lit by 3 candles with subject 3 feet away. Nicely demonstrated the dual ISO capability of 800 and 5000 at 1 foot-candle.
Almost total darkness, lit by 3 candles with subject 3 feet away. Nicely demonstrated the dual ISO capability of 800 and 5000 at 1 foot-candle.
Peter Bonilla, Cinematographer Javier Costa, Camera Operator SOC Cricket Peters, Cinematographer
Eloi Moli, inematographer/ Camera Operator, Pablo Diez, AEC Asociacion Española de Cinematografos, Tania Espinosa, First AC. Bryce Grubler, Director
Eloi Moli, Cinematographer/ Camera Operator Pablo Diez, AEC Asociacion Española de Cinematografos Tania Espinosa, First AC. Bryce Grubler, Director
Eloi Moli, Cinematographer/ Camera Operator Pablo Diez, AEC Asociacion Española de Cinematografos Tania Espinosa, First AC. Bryce Grubler, Director
Chad Wilson, Cinematographer Jonathan Kutner, D.P, Colorist Christopher Alvarez, Cinematographer Aaron Latham-James, Panasonic Jonathan Abrams- Cinematographer SOC Gary Bush, Cinematographer
Chad Wilson, Cinematographer Jonathan Kutner, D.P, Colorist Christopher Alvarez, Cinematographer Aaron Latham-James, Panasonic Jonathan Abrams- Cinematographer SOC Gary Bush, Cinematographer
Kurt Nolen, Camera Operator SOC
Javier Costa, Camera Operator SOC Marshall Victory- Cinematographer Michael Dean, Camera Operator SOC Tony Sullivan, Director Steer J Brown, Camera Operator
Javier Costa, Camera Operator SOC Marshall Victory- Cinematographer Michael Dean, Camera Operator SOC Tony Sullivan, Director Steer J Brown, Camera Operator
Aaron Latham-James, Panasonic Production Business Dev. Mgr. Steve Mahrer, Panasonic Senior Technologist Doug Leighton- Panasonic Technical Sales
Ricardo Clement, First AC, ICG Jonathan Kutner, D.P, Colorist Aaron Latham-James, Production Business Dev. Mgr. Ambar B Capoor, Cinematographer Doug Leighton- Panasonic Technical Sales Steve Mahrer, Panasonic Senior Technologist
Panasonic Varicam Workshop at Keslow Camera. Film Digital Times
