Panasonic VariCam LT | Varicam LT 4K camera head

The Cinematic VariCam Look in Your Hands

The Cinema VariCam LT features outstanding image quality that allows you to achieve your “VISION”. The advanced grading tools, in-camera dailies and proxy recording capabilities that are built into the VariCam LT are a "REVOLUTION" in streamlining workflow.

Compact Size, Light Weight and Top Cinema Quality — The VariCam LT!

The Cinema VariCam LT features outstanding image quality that allows you to achieve your “VISION”. The advanced grading tools, in-camera dailies and proxy recording capabilities that are built into the VariCam LT are a "REVOLUTION" in streamlining workflow.

The VariCam LT has a compact and lightweight magnesium body and offers same picture quality specifications as the larger VariCam 35 cinema camera. The super 35mm image sensor, which is the same imager as VariCam 35, features wide dynamic range, an expansive colour gamut, and high sensitivity for 4K image acquisition. It has dual native ISO settings of 800 and 5000. The native 5000 ISO allows for clean shooting in very low light situations. Its size and design facilitate a wide array of shooting styles including comfortable ergonomic shoulder mounted operation or use on gimbals and drones.

One new feature that has been added to the VariCam LT is the EF lens*1 mount which offers a wide array of lens choices. The EF mount*1 can be removed by an end user and replaced with a PL mount (optional). This allows for even greater versatility in lens selection when shooting with the VariCam LT. The VariCam LT workflow is very similar to that of the VariCam 35. Both cameras have a dual codec recording function that allows the user to record a primary or “main” codec as well as a smaller proxy file. In addition, each camera offers an in-camera colour grading function and support for AVC-Intra 4K and Apple ProRes*2 codecs.

Same Imager as VariCam 35

The VariCam LT is equipped with the super 35mm single-chip MOS sensor developed especially for the VariCam 35. It offers 4K (4096 x 2160) and UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution, and boasts high sensitivity, low noise, wide dynamic range and cinematic depth of field. This sensor received The Hollywood Post Alliance Engineering Excellence Award 2015.

14+ Stops of Wide Latitude

The camera has a dynamic range of 14+ stops. This wide dynamic range assures accurate image rendering over the entire image, from dark areas to highlights. Even in very dimly lit scenes, which are particularly important in movie production, the VariCam LT provides low-noise images without any compromise in picture quality. “V-Log” is capable of creating the 14+ stops of dynamic range offered by the VariCam LT image sensor, greatly enhancing look creation capability.

Dual Native ISO of 800/5000

The VariCam LT has two native ISO settings: 800 and 5000. This means the VariCam LT achieves very high sensitivity while maintaining a low noise level at 5000 ISO. The noise level at 5000 ISO is nearly identical to that seen at 800 ISO. In order to achieve this function two dedicated analogue circuits are implemented on every pixel of the imager of the the VariCam LT for each native ISO before gain processing. This allows the camera to achieve much higher sensitivity without increased noise. Normally noise is introduced in the gain process of rating ISO in digital cameras. This functionality is revolutionary for low light scene shooting. Especially this ISO 5000 enable to capture under the natural light keeping the mood making more realistic.

Expansive Colour Gamut

The VariCam LT is equipped with "V-Gamut," giving it a wider colour gamut than that of film. V-Gamut also encompasses the entire BT. 2020 colour space.

Scene Files and V-LOOK

The "V-Log" gamma curve offers 14+ stops of dynamic range and facilitates advanced colour grading adjustments in post production. The five position scene file function is new to the VariCam LT. The VariCam-LOOK (V-LOOK) mode is a newly developed setting for creating cinematic images without colour grading. A newly designed gamma curve that allows detail to be maintained over a greater tonal range within the Rec 709 colour space has also been included in the VariCam LT. The "V-709" gamma setting provides a tone suitable for viewing on standard monitors while the "BC-LOOK" creates a look that mimics traditional TV broadcast images.

Monitoring Output Terminals

The VariCam LT provides down conversion to Full HD via two 3G HD SDI outputs and one VF output (BNC) while shooting in 4K. Your look with in-camera colour grading and information overlay can be applied to each output.

Advanced Shooting Functions for Film Making

Native 4K/60p Shooting

The maximum frame rate when recording in 4K (4096 x 2160) or UHD (3840x2160) resolution is 60p (60fps). This produces smooth, high-resolution images when recording fast-moving action scenes.

2K/HD 240p Slow Motion

When shooting in 2K (2048 x 1080) and HD (1920x1080) resolution, high-speed 240 fps recording can be used to produce an extreme slow-motion effect. This is achieved by cropping the image sensor recording area in order to achieve a faster scanning speed. Variable frame rates are available from 1 to 120 fps in AVC-Intra 2K422 and from 120 to 240 fps in AVC-Intra 2K-LT. The frame rate can be changed while recording.

Infrared Shooting (IR)

The Cinema VariCam LT has an integrated, detachable IR cut filter. User can do the IR shooting to record 4K images in dark unlit nightscapes. This is ideal for capturing nocturnal wildlife and other scenes with no illumination. Also, the IR filter can be used in daylight as a creative tool for achieving a unique look.

Detachable Control Panel with Monitor

The supplied control panel has a built-in 3.5 type LCD display panel. It can be used for menu operation or as a live/preview monitor. The keys and dials are laid out around the display for quick and accurate operation. Frequently used settings can be accessed directly. The detachable structure allows the camera to be operated from a distance of up to 90 cm.

Standard HD-SDI Interface for EVF

The VariCam LT has a regular BNC connector for the View Finder. Users can select from various HD monitors or viewfinders in addition to the new Panasonic View Finder (AU-VCVF10G). The DC power and command control connectors for the Panasonic VF are also provided.

Toughness, Durability and Reliability

• The lens mount is made of stainless steel, and designed to prevent flange back deviation due to temperature changes
• The camera body is made of strong rigid magnesium
• The top and bottom panels have been made flat for easy installation of various plates and accessories
• Mounting holes are provided on both sides as well as on the handle for convenient mounting of accessories
• New accessories include the new Shoulder Mount (AU-VSHL2G) and Grip Module (AU-VGRP1G)
• The new Shoulder Mount (AU-VSHL2G) installs directly on a base plate

Revolutionary Workflow — Multi-Codec and Dailies in Camera

Multiple Codec 4K/UHD/2K/HD Recording

AVC-Intra 4K is a 4K-compatible version of the AVC-Intra, intra-frame compression codec that is suitable for cinema production. Using this codec, the VariCam LT can record 4K (4096 x 2160) or UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. For 2K recording, the VariCam LT supports AVC-Intra 2K444/2K422/2K-LT. For HD recording, the VariCam LT supports AVC-Intra 444/422/100/LT and Apple ProRes 4444/HQ. Using the 256 GByte expressP2 card, the camera can record approximately 90 minutes of 23.98p 4K video with AVC-Intra 4K422.

* ProRes is licensed from Apple Inc. Apple ProRes codec from Atomos under license.
Atomos is trademark and copyright of Atomos Global Pty. Ltd.

In-camera Colour Grading

The VariCam LT features an in-camera colour grading function (3D LUT/CDL). This enables colour tuning on set as well as in the field when using the camera control panel or 3rd party software. This means dailies which had been created after shooting can now be produced on set with the camera. Grading information such as 3D LUT files and CDL files can be recorded together with the image data, allowing you to provide the same vision that you created on set to the editorial staff.

Main and Proxy Recording

In addition to the main codec recording the VariCam LT has the ability to record files to an SD memory card. This feature lets you record an ungraded 4K master with V-Log in the main expressP2 card recorder while simultaneously recording graded HD files on the SD memory card. The primary recording data is used to create deliverables while the proxy recordings are used for viewing or off-line editing. The file name and time code of each file will match exactly.

• Big Cats - BBC Series
• Investing for the future with the Varicam LT - Bournemouth University
• ITV Studios chooses Varicam LT for Factual Drama Little Boy Blue
• Panasonic Varicam used to film Sky 1 Comedy-Drama Mount Pleasant
• Wildscreen Festival - Filming Behavioural Sequences in Tough Environments Seminar

Ver 34.55-00-0.00

New Features

1. Supports HLG(Hybrid Log Gamma) Specification：
   Gamma=HLG, Color space=REC2020, Dynamic Range=1600%
   [Related MENU]
   ・HLG mode settings (Operate the following in order)
   1) MAIN COLOR -> SHADING
   2) SCENE FILE SETTINGS -> GAMMA -> HLG
   [Related Devices]
   ・AK-HRP1000
   * Firmware update scheduled for the near future is required to support HLG.
   Main features
   [For SDR Monitors]
   • The Gamma and the Color Space of HLG are converted into the SDR formats' ones.
     HLG images can be displayed on SDR monitors.
   • Monitors can express the gradation of the high brightness area while maintaining the contrast of the normal brightness area by this function.
     [Temporary change gamma of VF to HLG]
   • Usually, the gamma of VF is SDR (monitoring gamma).
     You can temporarily change the gamma of VF from SDR to HLG to check the high brightness gradation.
     [Simultaneous output of HLG/SDR (monitoring gamma)]
   • HDR (HLG) and SDR (monitoring gamma) can be output simultaneously with 2 lines of SDI.
     ＊When setting the output of PROXY, SDI 1, SDI 2 or VF SDI, you can select HLG/SDR respectively.
     [Zebra display function for high brightness]
   • Zebra indication can be displayed in the brightness saturated area of VF image.
     [RAW to 4K conversion]
   • When the PROCESSED RAW is set, the information about HLG is embedded in the SDI payload.
2. Improvement of UI in SYSTEM MODE setting. When the SYSTEM MODE of HOME (SYSTEM) is selected, the menu switches to the detailed items by pushing the dial. The UI of this operation is improved.
3. Improvement of the delay due to conversion from RAW to 4K. When AVC-4K422 is selected, the output of Processed RAW is set Dual.
4. The information of "PRODUCT VERSION" is written to the XML files.
5. Canon lens “CN-E70-200mm T4.4 L IS KAS S” and EXTENDER can be used in combination

Improvement of the following problems

1. The value of GAIN shifts by +6dB when GAMMA SELECT is set to “BC GAMMA” and EI MODE is set to “dB”.
2. When you input RETURN video signal at 23.98p or 24p frequency, the output images look jumpy.
3. When you input RETURN video signal at 25p frequency, the output images are abnormal.
4. The Up/Down operating range of AK-HRP1000’s IRIS lever and the OPEN/CLOSE operating range of lens do not match up.
5. (MC model only) KNEE MODE menu spelled in Chinese has some inaccurate expressions.

Ver 31.02-00-0.00

Improvement

• Loaded 3D LUT will be replaced by V709 (initial data: Vlog_to_V709_forV35_ver101.vlt) after rebooted. (Occurrence: once out of 20 times of loading 3D LUT).
  This problem is fixed.

Ver 28.01-00-0.00

• Firmware Ver. 27.98 (released in Feb. 19, 2018) had a problem that the image is shifted to the right side in RAW video. This problem is corrected.
• Additionally the following are updated.

New Features

1. Enhancement of usability in the state of being connected with ROP (AK-HRP1000/1005/HRP200 *)
   • AK-HRP1000/1005 (It will be supported by updating Ver.4.50-.)
   • AK-HRP200 Ver.4.01.00 or higer

   On the premise that the camera is used at live events, specifications and functions are added.

   • Items are added to MENU.
     1. SHADING is added to GRADING in V-Log mode selected for MAIN COLOR.
     2. SHADING is added to MAIN COLOR.
   • Some of the specifications related to the connection with ROP are changed.
     1. GAIN, PED, GAMMA, BLACK GAM, KNEE, SCENE FILE etc.
     2. Support for ROP 5600K SW
        If 5600K SW is turned on, W/B works as PRESET 5600K regardless of its list.
     3. Specification change of the camera’s GUI
   • To simplify the setup process of connecting AK-HRP1000, this ROP’s IP connection account is added to the default account settings.
   • Support for RETURN input
   • TALLY light up according to the commands from ROP On AU-VCVF10.
2. The time required for displaying GUI at boot-up is reduced.
3. SYSTEM MODE can be changed by selecting the preset item.
4. ISO BASE ([800B] / [5000B]) is displayed. (VF, MON OUT, LCD (VIEW))
5. Support for the playback of multiple clips in succession as well as in order of selection
6. RESTART button is added so that the camera can be rebooted, after NETWORK SEL is changed.
7. For the following settings where VFR is possible, VFR ON/OFF Switching feature is provided.
   REC FORMAT: LT codec
   PIXEL: CROP mode
8. The function of changing TCP/UDP port for IP control by ROP is added.
9. The setting value for the fan’s rotational speed reduction is added.
10. The following compatible wireless LAN module is added.
    D-Link DWA171 (Australia)
11. The following compatible EF lenses are added.
    　 　　 CANON CN-E70-200mm T4.4L IS KAS S
    　　 CANON CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S
12. Support for SHADING RAW output
13. LongGOP50 and LongGOP25 are added to the supported formats for HD CROP mode.
14. The initial value of PROXY CODEC is changed to OFF. Even if the sub slot is empty, you can start recording.

Improvement

Any of the three operations of REC-stop, card-insertion/removal and card-formatting may cause the system error E36* on rare occasions. That is corrected properly.
* This problem never affects recorded clips or cards.

Ver 27.98-00-0.00

1. Enhancement of usability in the state of being connected with ROP (AK-HRP1000/1005/HRP200 *)
   • AK-HRP1000/1005 (It will be supported by updating.)
   • AK-HRP200 Ver.4.01.00 or higer
     On the premise that the camera is used at live events, specifications and functions are added.
   1. Items are added to MENU.
      1. SHADING is added to GRADING in V-Log mode selected for MAIN COLOR.
      2. SHADING is added to MAIN COLOR.
   2. Some of the specifications related to the connection with ROP are changed.
      1. GAIN, PED, GAMMA, BLACK GAM, KNEE, SCENE FILE etc.
      2. upport for ROP 5600K SW
         If 5600K SW is turned on, W/B works as PRESET 5600K regardless of its list.
      3. Specification change of the camera’s GUI
   3. To simplify the setup process of connecting AK-HRP1000, this ROP’s IP connection account is added to the default account settings.
   4. Support for RETURN input
   5. TALLY light up according to the commands from ROP On AU-VCVF10.
2. The time required for displaying GUI at boot-up is reduced.
3.  SYSTEM MODE can be changed by selecting the preset item.
4.  ISO BASE ([800B] / [5000B]) is displayed. (VF, MON OUT, LCD (VIEW))
5.  Support for the playback of multiple clips in succession as well as in order of selection
6.  RESTART button is added so that the camera can be rebooted, after NETWORK SEL is changed.
7.  For the following settings where VFR is possible, VFR ON/OFF Switching feature is provided.
   REC FORMAT: LT codec
   PIXEL: CROP mode
8.  The function of changing TCP/UDP port for IP control by ROP is added.
9.  The setting value for the fan’s rotational speed reduction is added. 
10.  The following compatible wireless LAN module is added. 
    D-Link DWA171 (Australia)
11.  The following compatible EF lenses are added.　 　　
    CANON CN-E70-200mm T4.4L IS KAS S 　　
    CANON CN-E18-80mm T4.4L IS KAS S
12.  Support for SHADING RAW output
13.  LongGOP50 and LongGOP25 are added to the supported formats for HD CROP mode.

 Improvement

1. Any of the three operations of REC-stop, card-insertion/removal and card-formatting may cause the system error E36* on rare occasions. That is corrected properly. 
   * This problem never affects recorded clips or cards.

Download the latest Firmware and Software

• Spec Sheet
• Instruction Manual
• Download HiRes Images