Camera Operators Can Get Familiar with VariCam 35 and HS Ins and Outs Before Going Hands-On

Panasonic has introduced new VariCam menu simulation software that helps camera operators get familiar with the new VariCam 35 and VariCam HS interfaces before they go hands-on with an actual camera.

The simulated interface is meant to allow prospective VariCam operators to figure out the right button-press and dial-in actions to get at the camera's settings so they don't look like newbies on set, trying to figure out the particulars of changing frame rates, recording modes, and the like.

The simulator displays in 1920×1080 resolution and works in Internet Explorer 10.0 and Safari 8.0 or later, Panasonic said. We tried it in Chrome and Firefox with no obvious problems. Separate versions are available for the VariCam HS, VariCam 35, and VariCam 35 with the Codex V-Raw recorder.

Also today, Panasonic released a new VariCam firmware update. Version 5.10-00-0.0x fixes a system error involving stopping and immediately restarting recording while the Codex recorder is connected and eliminates a problem with date and time being reset if a GPS module sends incorrect time data, Panasonic said.