Panasonic EVA1 5.7K S-35 Compact Cinema Camera

The Panasonic EVA 1 is now Netflix approved.

The compact design makes it perfectly suited to gimbal work but the high specifications including 10 bit, 4K, 4:2:2 onboard record capability and RAW capture absolutely makes it capable of much more.  The VMI package includes full ARRI Pro kit.

This camera can mount directly to EF mount lenses without using any adapter, which opens up a vast range of DSLR and more recently, also film lenses with an EF mount, however we also supply this with an option of the the Wooden Camera PL mount, to convert this into a PL mount camera.  Auto focus with compatible AF lenses is also offered.

The 10 bit 4:2:2 onboard record capability at up to 240 fps (in 2K) and 60 fps (in 4K) is important, as this camera can record bit rates of upto 150Mb/s for the highest quality and a newly designed 5.7K sensor offers 14 stops of dynamic range.

Dual Native ISO

Panasonic have perfected the art of designing sensors with dual Native ISO, so that it achieves optimal low noise at both 800ASA and 5000ASA like the larger Varicam camcorders.  It does so by extracting more information from the sensor without affecting the image in the same way as increasing the gain or shifting the gamma. This results in the EVA1 being a camera that can switch from a standard sensitivity to a high sensitivity with minimal, if any, impact by way of image artifacting.

V-Log and V-Gamut Capture

Like the Panasonic GH-5, Panasonic-developed V-Log and V-Gamut is available to the EVA1.  In this mode, it can capture a wide exposure latitude and represent a wide color palette. V-Log has exposure curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film while V-Gamut delivers a color space even larger than film. Having both of these tools enables the EVA1 to be used in production workflows for both HDR and SDR production.

Native EF Lens Mount

A first for Panasonic is to create a camera with a natice EF lens mount to enable shooters to natively use the broad EF lens ecosystem, encompassing many brands of lenses and the lens mount itself features electronic contacts for communication with compatible lenses as well as enabling one-push autofocus.

Optional PL Lens Mount

VMI can supply the no-cost option of a Wooden Camera PL mount to convert this camera to PL mount.

Electronic Image Stabilization

The EVA1 can electronically compensate for vibrations induced by shooting handheld or shoulder-mounted. This feature is especially useful for documentarians and other shooters that employ the run-and-gun style.

Integrated Motorized Filters

Available in 2, 4, and 6 stops, the built-in ND filter wheel enables the camera operator to have precise control over their image. If you wish to open up your lens while maintaining a set shutter speed, the ND filters can help reduce the exposure to retain your image’s highlights. The IR-cut filter can also be actuated electronically, allowing for night-vision and unique photographic effects.

Generic SD Card Recording

Another first for Panasonic with the EVA1 is a departure from only using proprietary media made by Panasonic which is necessarily more expensive than generic media.  The EVA1 give a choice of using relatively affordable SDXC memory to record video, however for the highest data rates for 4K and fast frame rates (including the 10-bit 4:2:2 4K modes), you will require V60-rated SD cards support all internal recording modes. VMI supplies these as standard Dual card slots means you can continuously record from card to card, or record to both cards simultaneously for a backup.

Recording Modes

The EVA1 can record in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling, even at 4K resolutions. For in camera recording, you can capture in 4K (4096 x 2160), UHD (3840 x 2160), 2K (2048 x 1080), Full-HD (1920 x 1080), and HD (1280 x 720). For high-speed capture, the EVA1 offers up to 59.94 fps for 4K, up to 120 fps for 2K and Full-HD, or 240 fps with an image sensor crop.

Audio and inputs/Outputs

Compact cameras often suffer from a lack of audio inputs but not so with the EVA 1 which includes dual XLR inputs as standard and also offers phantom power capability as well.  The HDMI and SDI video outputs are both 4K-capable and each can be adjusted separately, allowing HD to be fed to a viewfinder or other third-party monitor while 4K is sent to an outboard recorder or monitor. The camera is also equipped with standard Timecode functionality.

Built-In Monitoring Tools

As a professional video production tool, the EVA1 contains several professional imaging tools, including Peaking, Expand (Image Zoom), Waveform, Zebras, and Spotmeter (Y-Get). The EVA1 also utilises Focus Squares, a feature originally found in the Varicam line which displays an array of green squares that grow in size when their local area appears to be sharp, to enable shooters to achieve critical focus.

Features

• 5.7K Super 35mm sensor (5720×3016)
• 14 stops of dynamic range
• Dual sensitivity ISO 800 & 2500
• EF or PL Mount (using optional Wooden Camera PL mount)
• 4K 10 bit 4:2:2 & RAW