Vvaricam “F” series vs. the new “H” series

[John Sharaf]

Rock,

Needless to say, we’ve been though this before, mainly because as you might not know the H has been out for at least six months or more, but:

The main difference is that it is a lead-free version, mandated by the European Consumer Union. As a benefit of the rebuilding process, Panasonic did take the opportunity to upograde and include some of the feedback they had from the F users, such as:

improved cooling
option to delay picture two frames for dead sync sound
HD-SDI output with no nomenclature full time on one of the two outputs
strengthened lens mount
non-interchangable files, but they do have a PC program for conversion

As far as picture difference, there is very little; the preamps are improved and produce a slightly better (quieter – less noisey) picture.

I own both models and use them together all the time, and can assure you that they can be made to match with no more difficulty than two of the same models.

Panasonic did publish a white paper that ennunciated in detail all the differences (I’m sure I’ve left out a few as I’m recalling by memory) and perhaps you can get your hands on this document if you need it. Otherwise please search the archives here as I know i used the document to reply to this same query months ago when I received it.

JS

[Andrew J. cifelli]

Thank you, John.

[Mariusz Cichon]

I will add to the list of new H series camera options. This is what I remember being told by Panasonic:

– 12bit insead of 10bit DSP (cleaner signal)
– different optical block to reduce noise in blue channel
– automatic pixel compensation on Black Balance
– clean output from HDSDI on the rear of the camera
– color option for viewfinder output
– white shading for lenses can be saved on SD memory card
– there is also DARK COMPRESSION MODE inside the menu for compressing noise below 10%IRE (very subtle)

Scene files from Varicam F are not compatible with H and vice versa. Panasonic provided PC only software to convert files. AbelCine Tech has free software that does the same and litlle more for mac.

Mariusz

[Andrew J. cifelli]

Hey Mariusz,

Thanks for responding.
Good to hear from you. I hope all is going well. You’ve been missed at Abel.

Andy Cifelli