Panasonic certainly adds value to their cameras for their lifetime. Today they released new firmware for their super35 cinema camera EVA1, which came out in 2017. So what does the new version 3.0 firmware add to the camera?
The free upgrade is available today through the official Panasonic firmware update page. Key feature of the new update is HEVC H.265 codec that can record in 4K 50p/60p video with 4:2:0 10bit video sampling. Available bitrates are 200Mbps in 4K 50p/59.94p and 150Mbps in 4K 25p/29.97p. Compared to the existing H.264 codec, this allows up to twice the amount of compressed data, while maintaining the same high quality resolution. A week ago, after Panasonic introduced their new flagship handheld camcorder AG-CX350 with the H.265 4K 50p/60p mode, many EVA1 users were hoping their camera will get it too. So yes, here it is. Thank you, Panasonic.
Another feature is the support for a third party’s USB-LAN adapter with internet protocol control. This enables EVA1 live multi-cam control with the advanced integration of CyanView Cy-RCP remote control panel.
Furthermore, new functions can be assigned to user button for quick switching of shooting modes & frame rates which simplifies system menu change.
The firm has also added a still image capture in playback mode feature, enabling the EVA1 to capture still JPEG images and store them on to the SD card. Also, the camera now allows two auto white balance presets, a focus indicator in the LCD head-up display, and SDR monitoring when shooting in HDR (HLG).
