Last Updated on July 9, 2020
Features
- 35mm format full-size single-chip MOS sensor
- 14+ Stops of Latitude
- Variable Frame Rates 1 to 120 fps in 4K
- Records simultaneous 4K/ 2K/Proxy, or UHD/HD/Proxy + Raw out to Codex Recorder
- 4K Raw up to 60fps (via external Codex Raw recorder only)
- Dual Recording System – Main and Sub
- OLED Viewfinder (1280 x 720p) with optical zoom & diopter adjustment
Panasonic VariCam 35 Introduction Video
Panasonic VariCam 35 Overview
Whether you’re planning to enter the cinematography industry as a newbie or are already a professional filmmaker who’s looking for new gear, you’ll want to look at the Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera. This recent offering from Panasonic is considered to be a challenger to the well-known Arri Alexa, which has long been a favorite among cinematographers because of its rugged construction and excellent features. But can the VariCam 35 out-perform this tried-and-tested product?
Design & Features
The Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera comes with a Super 35mm 4K MOS image sensor with 14 stops of exposure latitude. This can take impressive 4K videos with variable frame rates that can reach up to 120 frames per second, allowing you to add slow motion effects to your videos in real time. The camera can even shoot 4K Raw videos at 60 frames per second when you use an external recorder! You can also shoot videos in other formats, including 2K, UHD, and Full HD.
To make the most of the camera’s 4K recording ability, Panasonic has built in an internal optical filter that’s made of combined IR glass and optical low-pass filter and has a UV/IR-cut membrane. This filter is optimized for 4K recording, so it promotes excellent resolution while minimizing image aliasing.
Perhaps one of the best things about the Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera is its modular design. It actually comes in two pieces: the recording module and the camera module with the sensor head. You can attach them together and use them as a complete package, but you can also separate them and use them along with jibs and cranes to record hard-to-shoot scenes. You can even attach the recording module to 2/3” setups, which is great if the super 35mm system doesn’t fit your shooting needs.
Another unique thing about this camcorder is its dual native ISO settings. It comes in at both ISO 800 and ISO 5000, which allow the device to have impressively high sensitivity without producing a lot of noise. ISO 800 gives you excellent shots in regular settings, while ISO 5000 works great in dim environments since it allows you to capture every detail and maintain a realistic feel even when you’re working with low light.
Pros and Cons
A professional film making camcorder is a huge investment, so it’s important for you to do your research and learn about the advantages and disadvantages of a certain model before buying it. To help you decide if the Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera is ideal for you, we’ve listed some of its pros and cons below:
PROS
Removable control panel
Aside from its unique modular design, the VariCam 35’s control panel can be easily removed when you need easy access to its settings. It’s especially helpful if the camera is set at a fixed, odd angle that makes it difficult for you to reach over and adjust its parameters.
ExpressP2 and microP2 slots
The VariCam 35 comes with two slots for expressP2 cards and another two slots for microP2 cards. The former are used to store 4K recording as well as videos with high frame rates, while the latter are used to store 2K and HD videos. A 256 GB expressP2 card can hold up to 64 minutes of recording while a 64 GB microP2 card can hold up to 256 minutes of videos (the storage capacity of each depends on the codec used).
Selection of interfaces, inputs, and outputs
As mentioned above, you can shoot 4K Raw videos using an external recorder, which you can attach to the camera using 3G, HD, or SD-SDI connectors. You can also opt for the dual XLR inputs and HD-SDI output.
CONS
Heavy weight
Without its accessories, the Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera weighs at around 5 kg (or 11 lb). Add on its 0.95 kg camera extension module and its 0.65 kg recording extension module, and you have a setup that weighs approximately 6.5 kg (or around 14.3 lb). This isn’t a problem if you have a big production with several camera assistants, but it can be an issue if you’re running a small-scale production with only a couple of crews.
Long boot-up time
Some reviewers have noticed that the VariCam 35 boots up in around 40 seconds. As they pointed out, this can be a problem since the camera needs to restart a couple of times when you change the codec, frame rates, and other parameters.
More expensive
Given its unique design and exciting features, it’s not surprising that the VariCam 35 has a high price tag. Still, it’s worth pointing out that there are cheaper models with a similar performance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Panasonic VariCam 35 4K Camera can hold on its own against the Arri Alexa. If you can get past its several drawbacks, you’ll get your hands on a powerful camera that provides you with many useful features and lets you shoot clear, high-quality videos.
| Power | DC 12 V(11.0 V – 17.0 V) |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 69 W (Body only) 99 W(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. 5.0kg (11.02 lb) (excluding accessories) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 179 mm x 230.5 mm x 347 mm (7-1/16 inches x 9-3/32 inches x 13-21/32 inches) (body only, excluding protrusions and accessories) |
| Ensure that the total current from the DC OUT terminal, VF terminal, and LENS terminal of the camera module, and the DC OUT/RS terminal and USB HOST terminal of the recording module does not exceed 30 W. | |
Camera Module (AU-V35C1G)
| Pickup Device | super35 mm, MOS, 8.9 megapixels |
|---|---|
| Number of Pixels | Total pixels: Approx.10.3 million pixels, Effective pixels: Approx. 8.9 million pixels |
| Lens Mount | 35 mm PL mount |
| Optical Filter | ND filter: 1: CLEAR, 2: 0.6 ND 3: 1.2 ND, 4: 1.8 ND |
| EI Settings | Native ISO: 800, 5000 800 Base: 200 to 4000 5000 Base: 1250 to 12800 |
| Shutter speed | [deg] mode: 1.0 deg to 358 deg (0.5 deg step) [sec] mode: 1/24 sec to 1/250 sec (for 24p mode) |
Recording Module (AU-VREC1G) When used with AU-V35C1G
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, 50p, 29.97p, 25p, 24p, 23.98p, 59.94i, 50i |
| 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 *1 |
| 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 *2 (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 *1 (VFR ON, 60fps): Approx. 60 min. |
| Recording Time *2 (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 *1 |
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)*2 | 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 OUT1 | HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω |
| MON OUT2 | 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) | XLR x 2, 3-pin, LINE/MIC/MIC+48V/AES switchable |
|---|---|
| MIC IN | XLR x 1, 5-pin |
| PHONES | Stereo mini jack |
| Speaker | 20 mm diameter, round x 1 |
Other Input/Output
| GENLOCK IN | HD (1.5G)/3G SDI, 0.8 V[p-p], 75 Ω |
|---|---|
| TC 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 |
|---|
Extension Module (AU-VEXT1G)
| Power | DC 12 V (11.0 V to 17.0 V) |
|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 33 W (Body only) 63 W (With all optional accessories connected and maximum power supplied from each output terminal) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F) |
| Operating Humidity | 10% to 85% (Relative humidity) |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C (–4°F to 140°F) |
| Weight | Camera Extension Module: Approx. 0.95 kg (2.09 lb) Recording Extension Module: Approx. 0.65 kg (1.43 lb) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | Camera Extension Module: 121 mm x 143 mm x 73 mm (4-25/32 inches x 5-21/32 inches x 2-7/8 inches) Recording Extension Module: 106 mm x 143 mm x 61 mm (4-3/16 inches x 5-21/32 inches x 2-13/32 inches) |
Input/Output
| DC IN | XLR 4-pin, DC 12 V (DC 11.0 V to 17.0 V) |
|---|---|
| DC OUT | 2-pin、DC 12 V (DC11.0 V to 17.0 V), 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 |
* : Specification is as of April 2016. Specification subject to change upon firmware upgrade.
*1: 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.
*2: Figures are for continuous recording as one clip. Depending on the number of clips, the overall recording time may be shorter than the above.
Unboxing the Panasonic VariCam 35
User Reviews
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