Varicam 2700/3700

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

In a nutshell:

2700 has variable frame rates (1-60 fps) with 720P imager. Highest resolution:

1080P 10 bit 4:2:2

3700 has limited variable frame rates (1-30) with 1080 imager. Highest resolution:

1080p 10 bit 4:4:4 with dual link HD-SDI.

2700 is generally for documentary/ENG type use, 3700 targets Episodic TV and feature film industry. Doesn’t mean one cant be used for the other.

Emre Tufekci
http://www.productionpit.com

[Robin Probyn]

Ok Many thanks

So 2700 1080p is an upres thing like the HDX900 1080i Does the 2700 have AVC 100 also..

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

yes and yes. 2700 goes uprez to 1080 and has AVC-I available.

Emre Tufekci
http://www.productionpit.com

[Robin Probyn]

Thanks again..

I have an old but working Betcam 400AP,and a still sometimes used digbeta 790 WS.. also HDX900..
Sort of wondering about the trade in that ends Sept I believe.. esp if I can trade the 400..
I read the trade in was for the 2700,and like the idea of being able to do slomo.. more than 4-4-4 etc

Still use my HDX900.. but ofcourse irs days are numbered.. have used the 3700.. nice camera but the whole down loading thing is not appealing… so far always had a data wrangler.. but doc,s wont pay for the extra body for sure.. what are your thoughts ?

And thanks again for your time..

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

You should check with Panasonic as far as the trade ins as they will vary from region to region. I would recommend not to miss out on the offer as it makes a huge difference.

https://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SpecialOffersForModel?storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=298737&surfModel=AJ-HPX2700

As far as the data downloading with larger cards its not as a big deal as it was. For example the 2700 has 5 slots. Each fits a card (currently at 64GB). Thats 320GB of storage. If you are doing documentaries and can use 24PN (native) at 4:2:0, 8 bit DVCPROHD that will get you 30 hours of 720P footage before you have to offload anything.

Or get you 320 minutes at 1080P at 10bit 4:2:2 using AVC-I.

There are also new tools you can use to automatically download and save your footage without a need for a laptop or second person.

https://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=181938&catGroupId=34402&surfModel=AG-HPG10

The entire industry is moving towards tapeless acquisition and this probably is the best time to get in to the workflow as it has already been proven in the field (the panasonic rebate is also very sweet.) We have been using P2 for over 4 years and have had great results. Just make sure you demo the workflow and the cameras before making your final decision.

Hope this helps,
Emre

Emre Tufekci
http://www.productionpit.com

[Jeff Regan]

2700 is a worthwhile step above the 900 due to:

AVC-Intra 100 codec-10-bit, true progressive, native, twice as efficient as DVCPRO HD with no legacy tape format limitations.

Film-Rec gamma with up to 600% dynamic range, giving you all the latitude the sensors are capable of.

DRS 1, 2, 3, which is like Film-Rec at the top end, with expansion of shadow detail dynamically.

More ND filters.

LCD color display.

P2 means no rewinding, fast forwarding, cueing, 5 year warranty, no moving parts, virtually nothing to wear out. Meta data. 5 cards in the camera is like carrying a case of tape in the camera.

Proxy board option.

GPS option.

2-channel wireless receiver slot.

The 2700 is an amazing camera at the trade-in price, IMO. I’ve owned the 900, have had a 2700 for almost a year and also shoot with a 3700 regularly. The latter doesn’t have the flexibility, is less light sensitive and consumers more power, and of course costs a lot more.

Jeff Regan
Shooting Star Video
http://www.ssv.com

[Robin Probyn]

Many thanks again.. lots of info.. much appreciated !

Thanks

[Robin Probyn]

Hi Jeff

Ok thanks.. yes if I could trade in the 400AP would be very good deal! if not I wonder the digibeta or the HDX900…?

I guess my only worry would be getting the 2700.. but then having people say they want only the 3700..
My work is doc,s not drama..

What are the situations where you use the 3700? that you mention..

Thanks again for your time..

[Emre Tufekci s.o.a.]

We use the 3700 when we need a Dual Link HD-SDI to pull 4:4:4 for compositing/FX work (When we dont want to shell out to rent a Panavision Genesis or F35).

For documentary, EFP, ENG work I would only recommend the 2700. Anything more would be waste of money (IMHO). No need for the 3000 or the 3700.

Emre Tufekci
http://www.productionpit.com

[Robin Probyn]

Ok thanks! glad to hear that!!