In a launch event at Cine Gear Expo 2017 Panasonic has unveiled the AU-EVA1, a cinema camera positioned between the their Lumix GH5 4K mirrorless camera and the VariCam LT 4K cinema camera.  The EVA1 contains a newly designed 5.7K Super 35mm-sized sensor which is designed to produce improved image quality when down sampled to 4K, UHD, 2K, and even 720p.  One of the key features the EVA-1 will share with the VariCam is Dual Native ISO allowing the camera to switch from a standard sensitivity to a high sensitivity with very little increase in noise, or other artifacts. The EVA1 is still being tested to determine final ISO specifications, but if it is anything like it’s big brother, the VariCam, it should be very impressive in low light.  Also inherited from the VariCam, the EVA1 will offer V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver high dynamic range and broad colors.

Weighing only 2.65-lbs with a compact form factor and removable handgrip, the EVA1 should be especially well suited to handheld, gimbal, and drone photography applications.  The camera utilizes a native EF-mount and Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) with an integrated ND filter wheel in 2, 4, and 6 stops located behind the lens mount, and the IR Cut filter to be swung out of the path to the sensor at the push of a button.  The body has dual balanced XLR audio inputs and 4K-capable video outputs in both HDMI and SDI, and a future firmware upgrade is said to offer  5.7K RAW output to 3^rd party recorders.  The camera records to economical SD cards in several formats and compression rates up to 10-bit 4:2:2, even in 4K with bitrates stretching all the way  up to 400-Mbps.  For high-speed capture, the EVA1 offers 2K up to 240-fps. A complete breakdown of recording formats will be available at the time of the EVA1’s release in Fall of 2017 at an MSRP below $8,000US.

Currently available Specs:

SENSOR
• Super 35
• 5.7K
• Dual Native ISO

LENS / IMAGE PATH
• EF Mount
• Electronic Image Stabilization(EIS)
• IR Cut In/Out
• ND Filter Wheel (2/4/6 stops)

PROCESSING
• 4K 60p / 2K up to 240p
• 4:2:2 10 bit
• SD Card Recording
• Up to 400 Mbps Recording
• V-log & V-gamut
• 5.7K Raw Output (future update)

OTHER
• XLR Audio Inputs
• HDMI & SDI 4K Video Outputs
• 2.65 lbs
• 6.69″ x 5.31″ x 5.23″ (LxHxW)