Panasonic has published roadmaps for scheduled firmware upgrades adding new features — codecs and recording formats, remote control options, LDS lens data support, and more — to the VariCam 35 and the VariCam HS.

If you need a refresher on the overall workflow for the new generation of VariCams, Panasonic has published a helpful chart. One thing to note: Panasonic uses the terminology of "Main" and "Sub" to describe the VariCam's capability of recording a secondary file for dailies and editorial (via the sub recorder) simultaneously with the master file (via the main recorder). And Panasonic has recommended three different tools for viewing and offloading footage in 4K: Assimilate Scratch Play v8.1, Panasonic P2 Viewer Plus v2.2.10, and Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Lite v11.1. Also listed are NLEs and grading and mastering tools that support natively support the VariCams' AVC-Intra 4K, V-Log, CDL and 3D LUT formats.

VariCam 35 Firmware Upgrade Schedule

January 2015

Recording with Main recorder: AVC-Intra Class 4K 4:4:4 (12-bit) (4K/UHD), Apple ProRes HQ (HD), VFR recording up to 120p (HD, AVC-Intra 100)
24.00p support (4K)
New user clip name function
Color grading (CDL/LUT) control from supported application software (Pomfort LiveGrade and Colorfront On-Set Live! 2014) via wireless LAN/Ethernet (AJ-WM30 wireless module is required for wireless LAN)
Control via LAN using AK-HRP200G remote operation panel
Skin tone detail

April 2015

Recording with Main recorder: AVC-Intra Class 2K 4:4:4 (12-bit) (2K), AVC-Intra Class 4:4:4 (12-bit) (HD), AVC-Intra Class 200 (4:2:2) (HD), Apple ProRes 4444 (HD), VFR recording up to 120p (4K/UHD, AVC-Intra Class 4K-LT)
LDS (ARRI lens data) support
Optional camera/recorder extension module support

Future

Recording with Sub recorder: VFR recording up to 60p
PreREC function
Codex V-Raw recorder support

Source: Panasonic

VariCam HS Firmware Upgrade Schedule

January 2015

Recording with Main recorder: Apple ProRes HQ (HD)
New user clip name function
Color grading (CDL) control from supported application software (Pomfort LiveGrade and Colorfront On-Set Live! 2014) via wireless LAN/Ethernet (AJ-WM30 wireless module is required for wireless LAN)
Control via LAN using AK-HRP200G remote operation panel
Skin tone detail

April 2015

Recording with Main recorder: AVC-Intra Class 4:4:4 (12-bit), AVC-Intra Class 200 (4:2:2), Apple ProRes 4444 (HD)
Optional camera/recorder extension module support

Within 2015

PreREC function

Source: Panasonic