NAB 2015: Day 3

– Diane Wallace

This is my first year at the NAB Show and it’s even more than I expected. Everyone is here. We’’re all demo-ing new gear and gadgets, giving awards and drawing prizes. It’s an exciting and really fun show. And I found even more very cool products to share with you:

Panasonic is a name we all know, but this year they’re all about 4K video. Their very large booth was practically overflowing with camera set-ups, sets to test-shoot in, dynamic digital displays and so many people it was tough to get in. But get in I did, because I wanted to check out Panasonic’s new AG-DVX200 4K camcorder.

The AG-DVX200 is the world’s first 4/3-type fixed-lens 4K camcorder. This 4K/60p camcorder features an f/2.8 LEICA Dicomar 4K 13x zoom lens combined with an advanced large format 4K imager and 12-stop dynamic range – made possible by its VariCam-style V-log L processing – to capture stunning video. The newly designed lens-integrated body shows off a gorgeous crimson red coating and hatch-type cover that protects the battery and cable terminals, and the 5 axis hybrid image stabilization and intelligent AF system are sure to keep images crystal clear in almost any shooting conditions. More features include variable frame rates up to 120 fps (in FHD resolution), ND filters in ¼, 1/16 and 1/64 options, and two card slots that are capable of simultaneous, backup and relay recording.

Panasonic also introduced the VariCam 35 at NAB. It has the ability to shoot 4K, 2K and HD simutaneously, and features a modular system so it can adapt to different filmmaking needs.

Not far from the Panasonic booth I found Freefly, where we talked about their new Movi XL and Alta products. Let’s start at the beginning: Alta is an aerial photography platform, i.e., a large remote-controlled helicopter that can mount a camera either on the bottom of the copter or on top, which allows for a lot more options to shoot creatively. The Freefly Alta is impressive – the arms fold in so that it’s actually quite compact and easy to transport in a Pelican case, and set up takes less than 5 minutes. And The Alta can handle up to 15-pounds of camera, so cinematographers can confidently fly pro cameras like RED or Arri.

The best way to mount the cameras is using Movi XL, Freefly’s lightweight but very sturdy gimbal. Top- or bottom-mounted, Movi can handle about 25 pounds. Its software logs valuable data and gets both regular firmware updates and a growing number of accessories. The Movi Controller has both single and dual operator modes, and works with Wedge, a compact 3-function (focus, iris, zoom) lens controller. Movi XL can also be remotely controlled with a handheld motion sensor called Mimic, which works with external monitors and can control multiple units at once, if needed. Freefly really is creating a full system to give filmmakers every opportunity for new and creative cinematography.