Varicam 27H vs 27F issues

[Chris Bell]

From what I understand, Panasonic had to redesign the Varicam due to certain key parts no longer being available. Welcome to the world of manufacturing.

Chris Bell

[Bruce Schultz]

There appears to be a similar thread to this circulating on the HDTV CML list, and from it I have cut/pasted a quote from Bill Hogan concerning the 27F vs 27H issue. Although this doesn’t address the entire issue, it basically states that current 27F owners are S.O.L. on any hardware equipment upgrade path. Again, a typical Panasonic business practice (need I dredge up MII??). Don’t you folks at Panasonic wonder sometimes why you have to work so hard to gain any credibility in the broadcast market? The more things stay the same, the more they stay the same.

So, when my next camera upgrade comes, I won’t be looking to Panasonic – but probably back to Sony and their HD-XDCAM version 2 (supposedly will support 2.3″ chips and 24/30P at an improved data rate from HD-XDCAM ver 1 -late 2006) or even Infinity from Thompson if it flies.

Sony has made a big point at not obsolescing the F900 which as an owner of one I am grateful for. Panasonic obviously doesn’t get it still or they would bend into pretzels to accomodate broadcast professionals who have made a giant and expensive (and apparently stupid)leap of faith into their equipment camp.

Rant over.

CML quote:

“It is important to understand that the model AJ-HDC27F can not be
upgraded to the new AJ-HDC27H since many of the internal components of
the new AJ-HDC27H are engineered to give the increased performance
required of the revised model. Due to this fact, and that several menu
items have changed, configurations in the AJ-HDC27F can not be directly
applied to the AJ-HDC27H and visa versa. However, Panasonic is
providing a free software program to allow most of the set-ups to be
transferred from one camera model to the other thus allowing the two
different models to work together. This transfer software will be
available soon on the Panasonic web site.

By downloading this software, it will be possible to use an SD card to
capture the set-up information of an AJ-HDC27F, load it into a computer
such as a laptop, transfer the set-up information to match an AJ-HDC27H,
save back to the SD card and load it into the AJ-HDC27H. The reverse of
this procedure is also possible; save the configuration of an AJ-HDC27H,
transfer it, and save to an SD card for set-up in an AJ-HDC27F. The
conversion software will be available at no cost.”

Quote from Bill Hogan on the CML HDTV list

Bruce Schultz
F900/Varicam 27F owner/operator
LA based

[Accountclosedduetopolicyviolations]

[Bruce Schultz] “Sony has made a big point at not obsolescing the F900 which as an owner of one I am grateful for.”
Give them another 6 months and they will have to do it too.
There will be just too many options.
I think company like Thomson will become major player with Viper and Infinity…Sony ofcourse will do something similar….who in 2006-7 will shoot on that Beta tape..it will be all about workflow ..
jiri vrozina

[Kevin Lang]

From what I understand its still only going to tape 10 bit so whoopie unless your going to cable to a G5 your sol on the 12 bit part. I would find anyone to stupid to drop there 27f for this new one as the new Varicam is right around the corner.

Kevin

[Bruce Schultz]

>>> “From what I understand its still only going to tape 10 bit so whoopie unless your going to cable to a G5 your sol on the 12 bit part. I would find anyone to stupid to drop there 27f for this new one as the new Varicam is right around the corner.” >>>

Please translate this statement.

[Kevin Lang]

Which part? The new varicam which expect in the next year or two to be the P2 technology. But this is just speculative.

[Leo Ticheli]

The “F” model of the VariCam has enjoyed a very long run, has offered very low cost, if not free, software upgrades, and is not at all eclipsed by the new “H” model. You should be able to enjoy more profitable years with your “F” model VariCam. I see no reason whatsoever for you to feel that you must rush out and buy an “H” model.

All manufacturers who stay in business must upgrade and replace their products as technology advances. It’s foolhardy not to plan for this kind of natural evolution.

While I’ve been very happy with my Sony products, they have certainly had their share of rather short-term “successes.” Remember D2? A nice system, but quickly surpassed by Digital BetaCam. I think it’s very unfair to bash Panasonic for the VariCam program, which has been enormously successful with a product unmatched by any other on the market. I’ve enjoyed an excellent return on our purchase of the VariCam system, camera and decks, and we’ve received terrific service and support from Panasonic.

Best regards,
Leo

Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[Bruce Schultz]

It’s not bashing, it’s stating the obvious.

Bruce Schultz

[Leo Ticheli]

Hi Bruce,

You’ve had the VariCam for two years; have you not made a ton of money on it?

With the relatively low purchase price and very respectable rental day rates, you should have. If not, either your business did not justify the purchase in the first place or your market conditions are very wrong.

At any rate, the important point is that the “H” model is an incremental change and certainly does not “obsolete” the “F” model.

You should continue to be successful with your VariCam.

Best regards,

Leo
Director/Cinematographer
Southeast USA

[Steve Wargo]

The F900 is soon to be replaced. Obsolete? It has it’s share of problems. The primary reason is the use of lead solder on the boards. EPA says “No, No – Gotta Go” They are afraid that the F900 will polute the world as they all get tossed into the nearest dump. (Here’s your cue, rune).

Silver solder requires hotter processes and the boards would all have to be redeigned to accomodate. Sony will build a newer, overpriced camera to replace it. On the good side, ours has been at work 49 of the last 60 days. The local VariCams are seeing a sudden surge in labor also. Good for all of us.

Should you upgrade your VariCam? Only if your clients quit hiring you because you have outdated gear. Tip: Don’t tell them. The picture is still great.

SW
F900 etc.