Panasonic today released additional information, including pricing and specification data, about the AU-EVA1 5.7K handheld cinema camera. The camera was previewed this spring at Cine Gear Expo and will ship this Fall with a suggested list price of $7,495.
Technical specifications now include a pixel count of 5720 H x 3016 V (17.25 million), confirmed Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2,500, and 14-stops of dynamic range.
“The EVA1’s 5.7K Super-35 sensor has almost twice as many photosites as 4K,” said Mitch Gross, PMEC cinema product manager. “That means the 4K videos recorded in the camera will be crystal clear with rich color information. The EVA1 also inherits the unique dual native ISO sensor technology from our cinema VariCam line, allowing it to shoot in bright sunlight or night exteriors without compromising the image quality. And the 14 stops of dynamic range capture a huge scope of exposure detail.”
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, nearly double the 8.8 million for 4K DCI (4096 x 2160). 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.
A key feature of the VariCam cameras, dual native ISO utilizes a process that allows the sensor to be read in a fundamentally different way, extracting more information without degrading the image. This results in a camera that can switch from a standard sensitivity to a high sensitivity with almost no increase in noise or other artifacts. Dual native ISO has allowed cinematographers a greater variety of artistic choices as well as the ability to use less light on set, saving time and money. The EVA1’s dual native ISOs are 800 and 2,500, which will allow cinematographers to shoot in almost any lighting environment.
The EVA1 delivers 14-stops of dynamic range, enabling fine gradation in exposure from bright to dark. The ability to capture accurate colors and rich skin tones is a must for any filmmaker. The EVA1 features full V-Log/V-Gamut capture to best utilize high dynamic range and broad colors. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are HDR ready and V-Gamut delivers a color space that will cover BT.2020.
The camera weighs 2.65-lbs (1.2Kg, body-only) with a compact form factor (6.69-inches high by 5.31-inches wide by 5.23-inches deep) and a removable handgrip, which means it can be used for handheld shooting applications. It can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig or jib arm for complex yet smooth camera moves. There will also be numerous mounting points and Panasonic is currently working with top accessory makers to allow further customization with the EVA1.
The included adjustable handgrip offers several controls, including Menu, REC start/stop, Iris and Two User Buttons. The EVA1’s LCD screen is a 3.5-inch touch panel for menu selections, expand (image zoom) positioning and playback controls. The LCD has an adjustable backlight control, including a Power LCD mode for bright viewing conditions.
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. Electronic Image Stabilization within the camera will counterbalance camera shake and blurring, enabling smooth movement for handheld shooting. There will also be full Iris Control, One-Push Auto Focus, and Lens Data.
Behind the lens mount, an integrated ND filter wheel in 2, 4, and 6 stops allows for precise exposure control. The EVA1 also allows the IR Cut to be swung out of the path to the sensor at the push of a button. Unique photographic effects and night vision imagery are possible with this control over infrared.
The ND filter and IR Cut filter operate electronically, allowing wireless remote control from smartphones and tablets. EVA1 will have a remote-control app for a tablet (iOS, Android) that enables users to control an EVA1 when the camera is on a camera crane or in a emote location.
Ideal for indie filmmakers, the EVA1 records to SD cards. With two SD card slots, you can capture footage either with Simul Rec (simultaneous dual record) or Relay Rec (continuous record). There’s also One Shot Record, which enables single frame video for stop motion capture.
The camera can record in several formats and compression rates, and offers up to 10-bit 4:2:2 even in 4K. 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). In a future firmware upgrade, EVA1 will offer ALL Intra compression for in camera recording and 5.7K RAW output to third party recorders.
For more information about the AU-EVA1, visit http://business.panasonic.com/products-professionalvideo.