Kunihiko Miyagi…Director of Panasonic Professional Imaging…

“One of the big defining characteristics of the new Varicams is their modular style. The cameras and recorder are separate, with the recorder being dockable to both cameras.

The cameras have received a lot of attention already, but I would like to again explain about them. One is the 4K camera module, which has a Super35-sized sensor and a PL mount.

Next is the 2/3” HD camera module, which has a 2/3” sensor set and can shoot FullHD up to 240fps. The recorder module is a very powerful unit capable of recording in a variety of formats, including 4K and high frame rate FullHD.

Besides the convenience of being able to use a single recorder for the two different camera heads, the Varicam’s modular set up allows the camera and recorder to be separated, connected by a single cable. When shooting in tight quarters, on a crane, etc, room need only be made for the camera, with the recorder located somewhere with a bit more space. Please note, however, that the camera heads cannot be used without the recorder, and the recorder can only be used with the Varicam camera modules.

Why did we adopt a modular concept for the Varicams?

The biggest reason is simply that we believed we could best meet the needs of users by simultaneously developing a large sensor version when shallow DOF is needed, and a 2/3” version for scenes that require more of the picture in focus. Being modular also of course allows more flexibility for further additions to the line in the future.

By the way, in response to our original announcement of the Varicam 35 and Varicam HS in late February, there were a lot of comments online from people  saying they wanted clearer pictures of the cameras. I’ve included some in this post, and I am sure there will be many pictures taken by visitors to our NAB booth in a couple of weeks!”