Housing a high-resolution 5.7K image sensor capable of rendering smooth 4K images inside a compact body, Panasonic's AU-EVA1 Compact 5.7K Super 35mm Cinema Camera is a flexible camera system ready for documentary, cinema, and live event production. The 5.7K sensor is used to super-sample internal recordings, resulting in higher resolving images with less noise and artifacting when compared to non-super-sampled recordings. Panasonic's acclaimed Dual Native ISO technology is also incorporated into this sensor. Dual Native ISO uses alternative circuitry within the sensor, rather than adding gain or shifting the gamma of the original signal output, to increase sensitivity while maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio. The standard native ISO is 800, which works for most production situations. This can be switched to 2500 when working in dim scenarios.

An EF lens mount at the front of the body supports a wide range of interchangeable lenses from popular manufacturers. Directly behind the mount is an electronically controlled ND filter wheel offering 2, 4, and 6 stops of filtration for cutting down on excess light, letting you set your lens's aperture to fit the desired aesthetic of your production. For further flexibility, the IR-cut filter is defeatable for shooting in extreme low-light situations or for creative color effects.

On the back end, videos are recorded using 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampling for smooth gradations in subtle shades and a reduction in banding artifacts over 8-bit sampling. Bit rates up to 400 Mb/s are available for high image quality, though lower data rates around 150 Mb/s are available as well to save card space without an extreme image quality penalty. For the highest image quality, the EVA1 will output a 10-bit raw data stream to an external recorder via its BNC terminal. The raw data can then be processed in post-production to extract cinema-grade images with high dynamic range.

Infusing high-resolution recording into a small form factor camera body gives DPs and camera operators the flexibility to achieve cinema-grade images in spaces normally restrictive of larger camera systems. Additionally, since tactile controls and I/O connections are available on the exterior of the camera, the overall design doesn't sacrifice conventional ergonomics for traditional shooting scenarios whether operating handheld or locked down atop a tripod.

Super 35mm 5.7K Sensor    Dual Native ISO    EF Lens Mount    Records 4K up to 60 fps    Records 2K up to 240 fps    5.7K Raw Output via BNC    10-Bit, 4:2:2 Processing    Records to SD Cards    V-Log and V-Gamut Capture    SDI and HDMI Video Outputs

Panasonic's 5.7K sensor is at the heart of this camera. Its high resolution allows for oversampled 4K footage, resulting in sharp images with reduced aliasing and increased color fidelity over native 4K Bayer-pattern sensors. Video is recorded on widely available SD cards, providing high-quality recording on accessible, industry-standard media. The full active resolution of the 5.7K sensor can be output via the SDI port as a 10-bit raw data stream for external recording by a compatible recorder.

Utilizing a process that allows the sensor to be read in a fundamentally different way, Dual Native ISO extracts 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 standard sensitivity to high sensitivity with minimal, if any, impact by way of image artifacting. For further reducing noise, several noise reduction modes have been added with firmware 2.5.

Combining Panasonic-developed V-Log and V-Gamut, the EVA1 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 tools enables the EVA1 to be used in production workflows for both HDR and SDR production.

Panasonic chose the EF lens mount to enable shooters to natively use the broad EF lens ecosystem, encompassing many brands of lenses. The lens mount features electronic contacts for communication with compatible lenses and enables one-push autofocus.

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.

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.

Proprietary media can be expensive, but the EVA1 uses relatively affordable SDXC memory to record video. V60-rated SD cards support all internal recording modes, including the 10-bit 4:2:2 4K modes. Having dual card slots means you can continuously record from card to card, or record to both cards simultaneously for a backup.

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 SDI 4K (4096 x 2160), UHD 4K (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.

On the body of the camera you'll find dual balanced XLR audio inputs for professional shotgun microphones, lavalier microphones, and line outputs. The HDMI and SDI video outputs are 4K-capable and can each be adjusted separately, allowing for 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.

Bundled with the EVA1 is the AG-VBR59 battery, which should give approximately an hour and a half of continuous operating time and a charge time of approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. Optional separately available VBR batteries can extend the runtime of this camera.

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 utilizes 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, enabling shooters to achieve critical focus.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can I use my Canon XL2 lenses on this squire??

A: I'm afraid not. There is no adapter available that will allow you use your XL2 lens with current cameras.

Q: 2. Will the EVA1 work in complete darkness with IR lights?

A: The EVA1 does have an IR Mode. You will be able to use it with IR lights in very dark settings.

Q: 3. WHY WASN'T THIS AF100 MK2 WITH M4/3 MOUNT???

A: Panasonic learned many things since the days years ago of the AF100. All that knowledge was applied and they made a much, much better camera with the AU-EVA1. It is a terrific option in the under $10,000 dollar range of digital cinema.

Q: 4. How would I switch between the dual native ISOs? Say I want to set the ISO to 3200 - would it realize that I'm stopping a bit above 2500, instead of REALLY stopping high over 800 (giving me a lot of noise)?

A: You can select ISO in three different modes right now. You can choose Base 800 which gives you a range of 200-2000. You can choose Base 2500 which gives you a range of 1000-25600. Then you can choose Native ISO which lets you quickly switch between 800 and 2500 back and forth. You basically use the Native 800 and 2500 with a combination of your ND filters to shoot with the native ISOs.

Q: 5. Can this camera output 4K DCI at 59.94P without a crop in 10Bit 422 over SDI or HDMI? (I know that Raw 4K60 crops)

A: The camera does offer 4K DCI at 59.94p through HDMI at 10 bit 422. The SDI output when not capturing RAW offers 4k DCI up to 30p. Crop does not appear with HDMI doing 4K 59.94p.

Q: 6. Can you use an Atomos Ninja with this?

A: The EVA-1 has a clean output so any ATOMOS recorder can be used. Be sure pick an ATOMOS recorder that matches the camera resolution and frame rate that your production needs.

Q: 7. Does the camera have a 12-pin Hirose for connecting to broadcast/ENG lenses? Can't see the other side of the camera to tell.

A: This camera is going for the documentary, cinema, and live event production arenas and not really for broadcasting. No 12-pin Hirose has been mentioned in any of the information available to us.

Q: 8. Can the GH5s record video at variable frame rates for slow motion, like the EVA1?

A: Yes it can, the GH5s can record HD at up to 240fps.https://bhpho.to/2DyfszV

Q: 9. Can it create proxie files internally? Or at all?

A: With this camcorder, there is no proxy recording mode, as there is with VariCams.

Q: 10. will this camera have wifi? will it have an app to control it remotely?

A: Sorry, no Wi-Fi but it will have a remote-control app for a smart device in both iOS and Android.