Video Cameras

Panasonic guns for the C200 and the FS7 with the new EVA1.

They may be late to the party, actually very late, but Panasonic have finally announced a sub-$10,000 S35 video camera, the AU EVA-1. While they were the first manufacturer post the Canon 5D MK II to bring out a large sensor video camera, the micro four thirds AF100, they never followed up.

The newly-designed EVA1 sensor is Super 35 sized (24.60mm x 12.97mm) with 5.7K resolution. With an active resolution of 5720 x 3016, the EVA1 delivers more than 17.25 million photosites. By starting at a higher native resolution, the 5.7K sensor yields a higher resolving image when down-sampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, or even 720p. Additionally, the increased color information results in a finer, more accurate finished image.

The lack of a camera from Panasonic in this market to compete with the Canon C300, C100, Sony FS7, FS5 etc has always been surprising. Panasonic make excellent cameras. Their 4K Varicams are superb.

After letting some of its marketshare slip to Arri and RED over the last decade, Panasonic has made a huge step back into the cinema market with the Varicam renaissance, starting three years ago with the Varicam 35. Panasonic is now also aiming squarely to reclaim ground lost in the indie cinema marketplace by releasing the new EVA1, announced recently at Cine Gear Expo on the Paramount Lot in LA.

Weighing just under 3 pounds, with a compact form factor and a removable handgrip, EVA1 can be used for efficient handheld shooting applications and can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig, or jib arm for complex yet smooth camera moves.

The EVA1’s Dual Native ISOs are 800 and 2,500, which will allow cinematographers to shoot in almost any lighting environment. And the EVA1 delivers 14-stops of Dynamic Range, enabling fine gradation in exposure from bright to dark.

For lensing, the camera utilizes a native EF-mount, giving shooters access to the broad EF lens ecosystem, including dozens of cinema-style prime and zoom lenses from numerous manufacturers. There will be full Iris Control, One-Push Auto Focus, and Lens Data.

The new EVA1 is a great all-round camera. It’s an ideal choice for independent cinema and drama, and it’s small and light enough to be chosen for that documentary look and feel.

For all of your Super 35 video production needs, contact Capitola Media.