Panasonic Launches UX Series of 4K High-Powered Handheld Camcorders, Delivers VariCam LT 4K Cinema Camcorder
Panasonic (Booth C3607) has expanded its 4K camera offerings, announcing the new UX series of 4K handheld camcorders and the immediate availability of the VariCam LT 4K cinema camcorder and AK-UC3000 4K studio.
Technology displays at the Panasonic booth include a proposed video-over-IP technology using the newly developed VoIP Gateway for 4K and HD, an 8K professional display, and the freeze-ray optical-disc–based data-archive/storage platform. The company also announced the immediate availability of its high-speed AK-HC5000 camera system, with an output of up to 1080p at 239.76p.
New 4K Cinema and Professional Cameras
The VariCam LT 4K cinema camcorder, which began shipping last month, inherits the super-35mm sensor and imaging capabilities of the award-winning VariCam 35 but with significant reductions in size, weight, and price.
VariCam LT 4K cinema camcorder
Incorporating this identical imaging “DNA” in a more compact rendition, the VariCam LT (model AU-V35LT1G) delivers 14+ stops of dynamic range with V-Log, and the cinematic VariCam image quality and color science, as well as the VariCam 35’s dual native ISOs of 800/5,000.
Weighing just under 6 lb. and having superior capability to similar-size cameras, the VariCam LT is suited to handheld, Steadicam, jib, crane, drone, gimbal, and overall cinema verité work. It is likewise tailor-made for owner/operators, independent filmmakers, documentary makers, and content creators. The VariCam LT is available in four accessorized packages, with suggested prices ranging from $18,000 to $30,200.
The new UX series of professional 4K camcorders is currently under development and scheduled for release in the fall. The AG-UX180 is a premium model and features a 1-in. MOS sensor, a 20X optical zoom, 60p UHD recording; dual-codec recording, IR recording in low light, and 3G-SDI/HDMI2.0 output. Variable–frame-rate recording in 1080p is also planned. The AG-UX90 is the standard model and features a 1-in. MOS sensor, optical 15X zoom, and UHD 30p recording. The suggested prices are expected to be under $4,000 for the UX180 and under $3,000 for the UX90.
AG-UX90 4K camcorder
NAB 2016 is also a showcase for the company’s industry-leading Visual Systems Technologies products, including the new 28,000-lumens PT-RZ31KU 3-chip DLP SOLID SHINE laser phosphor projector and 10,000-lumens PT-RQ13K 3-CHIP DLP 4K laser projector. Also on display is the marquee lineup of Panasonic’s laser-projector portfolio, including the PT-RZ570WU and the PT-RZ970WU 1-chip DLP SOLID SHINE laser phosphor projectors. The booth is also highlighting the 84-in. TH-84LQ70 4K LED backlit LCD display and the new 55-in. TH-55LFV60U Series video-wall displays, which create nearly seamless, vivid images across multiple displays ideal for broadcast-studio applications.
Applications
The company is also showcasing high-profile projects being shot with its VariCam 35 4K cinema camera/recorder, including the November 2016 release Bad Santa 2, the upcoming season four of the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, and The CW network dramatic series Containment, premiering April 19.
Several major sales of the new 4K and high-speed studio camera systems were announced: UC3000s and HC5000s to Duke Athletics as part of an upgrade to Brooks Field at Wallace Wade football stadium; HC5000s to Florida State University’s Seminole Productions as part of the upgrade of the Doak Campbell football stadium; UC3000s to Rice University Athletics; HC3000s to rental/production-services company TV Pro Gear; and UC3000s to 4K/HD systems provider Clark Media.
At a press conference, Cox Media Group Director of News Technology Dave Sirak discussed the integration of P2 Cast, Panasonic’s cloud-based news-production system, with its AJ-PX800 AVC-ULTRA ENG camcorders at CMG’s WFTV Orlando. P2 Cast leverages the network features of Panasonic P2 HD AVC-ULTRA camcorders, integrating their network capabilities so that content uploaded to the cloud is immediately available for reviewing and editing on the web.