Panasonic camera series with native 24p recording and variable frame rates for slow motion. Current VariCam LT shoots 4K/60fps with Super35mm sensor.
Technical Details
The original AG-DVX100 offers a resolution of 1280x720p at 24/25/30/50/60 fps, while the AJ-HDX900 operates at 1920x1080i. Both use 3-CCD sensors with primary color filters and achieve a sensitivity of F11 at 2000 Lux. The Dynamic Range Controller (DRS) compresses light values by up to 600%, resulting in a contrast range of 800%. The cameras record to P2 memory cards in the DVCPRO HD codec at 100 Mbit/s. A 13-step gamma menu allows for precise image adjustments, while the Cinema Gamma curve was specifically developed for film look applications.
History & Development
Panasonic introduced the first Varicam AG-DVX100 in 2002 in response to the growing demand for 24p recording in the prosumer market. In 2004, the professional AJ-HDX900 followed for broadcast productions. In 2014, Panasonic launched the new Varicam generation with the VariCam 35, which supports 4K recording and extended color spaces. The current VariCam LT (2016) offers 4K at up to 60 fps and a Super35mm sensor format.
Practical Use in Film
The Varicam quickly established itself in music video and commercial production due to its natural color reproduction and slow-motion capabilities. Cinematographer Matthew Libatique used the HDX900 for parts of "Black Swan" (2010), while the series "The Walking Dead" was partially shot on Varicam systems in its early seasons. The 24p native mode eliminates the typical video look and creates cinema-like motion blur. Variable frame rates enable seamless slow-motion effects without post-production interpolation.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike the Sony HDW-F900, the Varicam offers true 24p recording instead of 24-over-60i pulldown. The RED ONE (2007) surpassed the Varicam with 4K resolution and RAW recording, while the Varicam remained limited to compressed HD formats. Modern alternatives like the Sony FX9 or Canon C300 Mark III offer comparable features in a significantly more compact format. The current Varicam series directly competes with ARRI Alexa and RED cameras in the high-end segment.