Panasonic EVA 2.5 Firmware Upgrades Performance of AU-EVA1 Cinema Camera

Panasonic today released the EVA 2.5 firmware update for the AU-EVA1 cinema camera, adding a new noise reduction mode, more lens support expansion and menu improvements. SMOOTH mode noise reduction is designed for capturing low noise images without need for additional post processing.

EVA2.5 firmware update for AU-EVA1 cinema camera

The EVA1 received the major EVA 2.0 firmware update at the end of March 2018 — adding All-I recording codecs, RAW output, time lapse recording, expanded lens support, and more. Released in late 2017, the EF-mount EVA1 is a 5.7K cinema camera containing a Super-35mm sensor that features 14-stops of dynamic range, Dual Native ISO ratings of 800 and 2500, and the same colorimetry as the renowned VariCam camera system.

“The EVA1 is being used for all sorts of productions,” explains Mitch Gross, Cinema Product Manager, Panasonic System Solutions Company. “While some productions prefer to shoot in V-Log, do careful color grading in post and apply noise reduction to sensitive shots as necessary in the finished edit, other jobs simply do not have that post schedule available. They pick a Scene File, expose accordingly and wish to apply noise reduction in camera to avoid the time-consuming steps later. While the EVA1 already features two levels of noise reduction in its menu — along with an OFF position for no NR — the new SMOOTH mode is a more aggressive setting designed for use with higher ISO settings. Clients indicated that they would like it available at all times so it’s available in all resolutions and ISOs. One of the advantages of a 5.7K sensor is that even at ISOs such as 2500 or even 5000, with SMOOTH mode the EVA1 shows less noise and yet retains higher resolving power than competing 4K cameras.”

EVA 2.5 firmware also expands EF lens support. Added to the compatible lens list are the Canon 24-105mm F4L IS II USM, the Canon EF-S 17-55mm F2.8 IS USM, the Tamron SP 35mm F1.8 DI VC USD, and the Tamron SP 90mm F2.8 DI MACRO 1:1 VC USD. Panasonic continues to expand support of the two Canon CN Compact Cine Servo zooms (18-80 & 70-200), now adding One Push AutoFocus support. A programmable button on the lenses now mirrors one of the
EVA1’s User Buttons — allowing from the lens’ servo handgrip on-demand One Push AutoFocus or any of 27 other additional functions available in the camera’s menu.

On request from customers, Panasonic has adjusted two menu functions. EXPAND mode is a focus assist tool that magnifies a portion of the image. The duration the mode is engaged has always been adjustable, but by users’ requests, the default setting automatically returns to normal viewing after ten seconds. Scene Files could always be named, but now the names are visible in the Color Setting menu page as well as the HOME screen Color Settings shortcut — making the selection of the appropriate Scene File easier.

The free firmware upgrade is now available for download from the Panasonic website at https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/download/EN/ep2main/soft/upgeva1_e.htm.