The Panasonic AU-EVA1 became a complete camera system this week, with a new firmware upgrade enabling raw data output and new recording formats, including all-intraframe recording, interlaced 4:2:2 HD formats, and more.
With a 5,7K (5720 x 3016) Super 35mm image sensor, dual-native ISO settings (800 or 2500) and color science borrowed from Panasonic’s upscale VariCam systems, the EVA1 is an affordable option when DPs need to get cameras into tight places, onto gimbals or drones, or just keep them handheld.
The free firmware upgrade adds uncompressed raw output over 6G-SDI to the EVA1’s capabilities., along with the option of recording using a 10-bit 4:2:2 all-intraframe codec at bit rates up to 400 Mbps. All-intraframe codecs are less efficient than long-GOP codecs, but their compression schemes require less compute power on playback, allowing less powerful computers to capably edit footage.
The intraframe recording formats are available in resolutions ranging from 1080p to UHD and 4K. Variable-frame-rate recording is now supported from 1-30fps in 4K and UHD and from 1-120fps in 2K and HD. Two additional interlaced codecs are being added, one using long-GOP and one all-intraframe, to record 10-bit 4:2:2 HD at 50i or 59.94i.
| Resolution | Frame coding | Bit rate | Bit depth/color subsampling | Frame rates |
| 4K | All-I | 400 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p |
| UHD | All-I | 400 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 29.97p/25p/23.98p |
| 2K/HD | All-I | 200 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 59.94p/50p |
| 2K | All-I | 100 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 29.97p/25p/24p/23.98p |
| HD | All-I | 100 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 29.97p/25p/23.98p |
| HD | All-I | 100 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 59.94i/50i |
| HD | Long-GOP | 50 Mbps | 10-bit 4:2:2 | 59.94i/50i |
Uncompressed raw output can be accessed via 6G-SDI at frame rates ranging from 1fps to 240fps, depending on resolution — up to 30fps at 5.7K, up to 60fps at 4K, and up to 240fps at 2K.
Remote FIZ operation for Canon’s Compact Cine Servo lenses is now possible via wired third-party controllers connected to the EVA1’s handgrip port, and wireless control will be available soon. Time-lapse recording is available in long-GOP and all-interframe modes.
