Panasonic 4K VariCam LT camcorder meets the Aussie public

The Panasonic recently broadcast team launched our next generation 4K cinema camera, the VariCam LT camcorder, at a series of events across Australia.

The VariCam LT camcorder incorporates the imaging ‘DNA’ of the VariCam 35 in a much more compact rendition. The VariCam LT inherits the same super 35mm sensor and superb imaging capabilities that distinguish the award-winning VariCam 35, but with significant reductions in size, weight and price.

To introduce this class-leading product the team held several events around Australia, inviting cinematographers and broadcast camera users to experience the new VariCam LT and see footage from both the LT and the 35.

To find out more we caught up with Mathew Alexander, from Panasonic Australia’s Broadcast and Professional Video division, after the Sydney launches at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) and the Australian Cinematographers Society (ASC).

WATCH: Find out why Don McAlpine shot his latest feature film using the Panasonic VariCam

In this video from the VariCam LT launch, award-winning cinematographer Don McAlpine (Moulin Rouge, The Dressmaker and much more) talks in-depth about why he decided to shoot his latest feature film using a Panasonic VariCam (video credit: Con Filippidis).

READ MORE: Award-winning cinematographer chooses Panasonic Varicam 35.

MORE LAUNCH VIDEOS: Rob Myers & Varicam LT Part 1 of 3 and Don McAlpine ACS ASC Part 3 of 3

What made you choose AFTRS and the ACS for the first introduction of the Varicam LT to Australia?

“AFTRS is Australia’s national screen arts and broadcast school. They work with the industry to advance their student’s knowledge so we approached them to use their state of the art 4K projector/theatre and they thankfully agreed. The AFTRS 4K projector and big screen are the same type of projector/screen that are used by theatre chains like Hoyts and Village so we were very excited to showcase footage shot on the Varicams in same conditions that film-goers would experience in a commercial cinema. The results were amazing!

“We’ve also been sponsors and partners of the ACS for many years now and they’re Australia’s premiere association of cinematographers. In other words, these are people that use cameras professionally to create much of the content that we see online, on TV and in cinemas. We have always valued the feedback that their members give us so it was a no brainer to ask them to work together for the launch.

“Working with AFTRS and ACS also had the added benefit of having two nights for people to come and see the new camera.” -Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast and Professional Video, Panasonic

Legendary filmmaker Don McAlpine spoke about his VariCam experiences. What were his impressions?

“Don spoke about the reasons that he chose to shoot his latest feature film, Ali’s Wedding, using the VariCam 4K Super35 sensor built into the VariCam 35 and VariCam LT. I think he really liked it but it’s his actions that speak volumes. After very extensive testing Don chose the VariCam’s Dual Native ISO Native 4K S35 sensor for his latest feature film. After seeing the results of the tests he chose to shoot on a camera he had never used before, risking his reputation for his new project. He spoke about how revolutionary the Native ISO 5000 is, so he obviously saw something that really convinced him!'” -Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast and Professional Video, Panasonic

READ MORE: Award-winning cinematographer chooses Panasonic VariCam 35.

How was the VariCam LT received by the guests in attendance? What do you think this camera brings to the Aussie market?

“People loved the new camera so much that we’ve received many requests for tests from cinematographers – we are working our way through them! The new VariCam LT brings the ability for cinematographers to extend their creative abilities and to do it while saving time and money for their producers because the VariCam LT means less time for setting up lights and faster set-ups.” -Mathew Alexander, Product Marketing Manager, Broadcast and Professional Video, Panasonic

Find out more about the Panasonic VariCam LT camcorder