NEWARK, NJ — Panasonic (us.panasonic.com/news) has released a free firmware upgrade for its AU-EVA1 cinema camera that greatly enhances the camera’s recording capabilities, including All-Intra frame recording formats, RAW data output, timelapse recording, HD 4:2:2 interlaced formats and more. These additions expand the camera’s abilities so fundamentally that Panasonic refers to the upgrade as “EVA 2.0.”
Released in late 2017, the EF-mount AU-EVA1 is a 5.7K cinema camera containing a Super-35mm sensor that features 14-stops of dynamic range, Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2500 and the same colorimetry as the renowned VariCam camera system. Due to its small size and weight, the EVA1 is ideal for gimbal and drone work, as well as handheld shooting.
The free firmware upgrade is now available for download from the Panasonic Website at https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/download/EN/ep2main/soft/upgeva1_e.htm.
“When the EVA1 was announced last summer, we promised a major expansion in its functionality in early 2018,” says Mitch Gross, cinema product manager, Panasonic Media Entertainment Company. “EVA 2.0 fulfills that promise with features like RAW output and ALL-Intra recording as well as with such unannounced user-requested features as a 2K at 240fps RAW output and additional interlaced HD recording formats.”
EVA 2.0 allows uncompressed RAW output via 6G SDI. Formats include 5.7K at 1fps to 30fps, 4K at 1fps to 60fps and 2K at 1fps to 240fps. Atomos has announced that its Shogun Inferno and Sumo monitor/recorders will capture RAW-to-ProRes from the EVA1 in 4K up to 60fps and 2K up to 240fps. Additional announcements for RAW support are to be released soon.
A key feature of EVA 2.0 is ALL-Intraframe (ALL-I) codec recordings, offering 10-bit 4:2:2 at up to 400Mbps. Intraframe recordings require less post processing than the LongGOP codecs also available in the EVA1, enabling real-time editing on more cost-effective high-performance computers.
New ALL-I codecs and frame rates include: 4K (400Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2,29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p; UHD (400Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2, 29.97p/25p/23.98p; 2K/FHD (200Mpbs) 10-bit 4:2:2, 59.94p/50p; 2K (100Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2, 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p and FHD (100Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2, 29.97p/25p/23.98p.
New Variable frame rates include: 4K/UHD (VFR up to 400Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2, 1-30fps and 2K/FHD (VFR up to 200Mbps) 10-bit 4:2:2, 1-120fps. EVA 2.0 expands recording capabilities with the inclusion of two high-quality interlaced codecs: FHD (1920 x 1080) All-I 100Mbps, 10-bit 4:2:2, 59.94I/50I; FHD (1920 x 1080) LongGOP 50Mbps, 10-bit 4:2:2, 59.94I/50I.
In addition, remote operation is now available through third-party wired controllers that connect to the EVA1 handgrip port and will allow focus, iris and zoom control of Canon Compact Cine Servo zoom lenses (18 to 80mm and 70 to 200mm). Remote operation of these lenses soon will be available wirelessly through the next update of the EVA ROP application. Interval recording (timelapse) is now available in both LongGOP and ALL-I.
For monitoring, a new feature is partial cloning of the LCD signal to the HDMI output, as well as improved file playback in LongGOP and ALL-I. There are also new Home screen controls.
The AU-EVA1 5.7K handheld cinema camera is distinguished by a pixel count of 5720 H x 3016 V (17.25 million), Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2,500, and 14-stops of dynamic range. 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). Weighing only 2.65 pounds (1.2Kg, body-only) with a compact form factor (6.69-inches high x 5.31-inches width x 5.23-inches deep) and a removable handgrip, the EVA1 can be used for efficient handheld shooting applications. Because of its compact form factor, it can also be mounted on a drone, gimbal rig or jib arm for complex yet smooth camera moves.