The EVA1 and the flagship VariCam are defined as Panasonic’s Cinema Camera lineup. These cinema cameras have been extensively used by filmmakers, including in high-end productions (Netflix, Hollywood, etc). However, Panasonic has stopped updating the social channels, publications, and discussions regarding the EVA1 and Varicam, and that’s can be a solid indication about termination of this cinema lineup. Let’s dive into the details.
The VariCam: Panasonic’s flagship
Varicam, originally stylized as VariCam, is a brand name associated with specialized Panasonic video cameras that are mostly used to imitate the look and feel of motion picture cameras. The first model was established in 2001. The more known and recent models are the LT and the PURE which both of them were announced in 2016. The VariCam LT was introduced as the little brother to the VariCam 35. This “Lite” VariCam incorporates the same Super 35 sensor and quality imaging of the VariCam 35, but with a much-reduced size, weight (magnesium), and price tag. That means you get the same 14+ stops dynamic range capabilities in V-Log mode, wide color gamut, and dual ISOs of 800 & 5000. The initial price for the LT was $18,000 for the body only or $24,000 for the camera with an OLED EVF.
Varicam, originally stylized as VariCam, is a brand name associated with specialized Panasonic video cameras that are mostly used to imitate the look and feel of motion picture cameras.
Significant price drop
In 2019, three years after its introduction, Panasonic has announced a major price drop off the Varicam LT – from $18,000 to $9,995. This significant price reduction was made to make the camera much more affordable to other markets, and especially independent filmmakers who want to shoot with VariCam but couldn’t afford it. There’s something about the ‘under $10,000’ price point in the cinema camera business. This is a financial ‘line’ that constitutes a border of the decision to buy or rent a cinema camera. Many filmmakers will tell you that if the camera is under $10,000, you should buy it, and above that, you should rent it. So Panasonic wanted to get under this line in order to improve sales.
In 2019, three years after its introduction, Panasonic has announced a major price drop off the Varicam LT – from $18,000 to $9,995. This significant price reduction was made to make the camera much more affordable to other markets, and especially independent filmmakers who want to shoot with VariCam but couldn’t afford it.
Panasonic EVA1
The EVA1 is a compact cinema camera released by Panasonic in 2017. The EVA1 owns a Super 35mm 5.7K sensor, has dual native ISO, EF lens mount, and records 4K up to 60 fps. The goal was to offer a compact cinema camera that sits between the flagship VariCam, and GH5. The initial price of the EVA1wasr $7,495 US. The current price is $1,000 less ($6,495).
The initial price of the EVA1wasr $7,495 US. The current price is $1,000 less ($6,495).
What happened to the Cinema Lineup?
Bothe VariCam and EVA1 were very popular cameras and were utilized by a broad range of productions. The EVA1 was used mostly by independent creators that wanted more cinematic flexibility than Panasonic’s mirrorless lineup, and the VariCam was used by more high-end productions, including Hollywood and Netflix. By the way, both cameras are approved by Netflix. However, it’s been over a year that Panasonic hasn’t been updating its cinema lineup’s social channels. A good example of that is ‘Shot on VariCam’ Digital Magazine.
‘Shot on VARICAM’ is an e-magazine highlighting the creative work filmmakers have produced with Panasonic VariCam digital cinema cameras
“Shot On VariCam” is an e-publication Panasonic started a few years ago to share stories of interesting productions shooting on the Panasonic VariCam cameras. As stated by Panasonic: “Shot on VARICAM is an e-magazine highlighting the creative work filmmakers have produced with Panasonic VariCam digital cinema cameras”. The last issue was published in May 2019. Since then, Panasonic hasn’t published more issues. Also, the page that contains relevant information about the VariCam and EVA1, hasn’t been updated for over a year. Most of the content was published in 2019.
Panasonic’s social channels that deal with the VariCam have not been updated over a year as well.
Social channels froze
Panasonic’s social channels that deal with the VariCam have not been updated over a year as well. For instance, the last post on the official Instagram page of VariCam & EVA1 was published 60 weeks(!) ago. Furthermore, the most recent video in the Panasonic Cinema YouTube channel was uploaded over a year ago, and the last tweet was published in July 2020. The FB page is barely active, but it’s focused on Panasonic broadcasting techniques rather than on cinematography. These are the Panasonic official social channels that were supposed to be focused on cinematography. There’re other social channels that are constantly updated. However, the main items are related to broadcasting and LUMIX products. It seems that the EVA1 and especially the VariCam are barely mentioned by Panasonic. Indeed, during the last year, Panasonic has been focusing more on the broadcast solutions via its Pro AV (Audio-Video) division.
It seems that the EVA1 and especially the VariCam are barely mentioned by Panasonic.
LUMIX business stays
In September, Panasonic’s Director of Imaging Business Unit Yosuke Yamane-san has published a letter stating that the company has no plans to sell off the LUMIX camera business. In the letter, Yamane also declared that the manufacturer is committed to growing the full-frame and Micro Four Thirds camera series, and after the Panasonic GH5 II and Panasonic GH6 it intends to bring out even more impressive products. These are the key points in the letter, spotted on Panasonic Weibo by Mirrorless Rumors:
- No intention to sell the Lumix business
- Fully committed to grow both the FF and MFT format
- There will be “more impressive” products than GH5II and Gh6
The company has no plans to sell off the LUMIX camera business.
Panasonic’s Director of Imaging Business Unit Yosuke Yamane-san
What’s next?
In October, Panasonic has introduced the boxy-style cinema camera which is the LUMIX BS1H. This camera is the successor of BGH. The BS1H incorporates a full-frame 24MP sensor that is capable of shooting 6K with 14+ stops of dynamic range. Also, thanks to Atomos, the BS1H can shoot 5.9K of ProRes RAW. The LUMIX BS1H is proof that the LUMIX business is here to stay. However, it’s another proof that the Cinema Lineup is being faded. Thus, Panasonic will most probably focus on the LUMIX lineup and high-end broadcast cameras, but not on pure professional cinema cameras.
Most probably that Panasonic is going to abandon its flagship, which is the VariCam.
Summary
By calculating all that info, It is pretty obvious that Panasonic is in the middle of a business shift regarding its imaging division. Most probably that Panasonic is going to abandon its flagship, which is the VariCam, and invest more resources on developing the LUMIX including the cinema solutions that are branded as LUMIX. Moreover, Panasonic is shifting toward broadcasting rather than cinematography. A month ago, a new and mysterious camera by Panasonic was spotted, which is an 8K prototype camera with a new 35MP S35 organic sensor.
A month ago, a new and mysterious camera by Panasonic was spotted, which is an 8K prototype camera with a new 35MP S35 organic sensor.
However, we don’t know if this camera will come to fruition. Most chances, that this 8K camera will be aimed at broadcasting as well. As for the VariCam, it was a nice ride. BTW, on many Netflix productions, the VariCam was replaced by the Sony VENICE. Hard to believe that Panasonic will develop another version of the VariCam/EVA1. What’re your thoughts about that? Comment below.
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Panasonic Cinema VariCam LT 4K S35 Digital Cinema Camera
- Panasonic AU-EVA1 Compact 5.7K Super 35mm Cinema Camera
- Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Cinema Camera
