Panasonic VariCam LT Camcorder
The Panasonic VariCam LT is a 8.9 Megapixels (effective), 10.3 Megapixels (total) Super 35 cinema camera — with 4K video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Panasonic VariCam LT Camcorder
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Camera Overview — Panasonic VariCam LT
Key Features — Panasonic VariCam LT
Super 35 Cinema Sensor: 8.9MP effective Super 35 sensor delivers a cinematic field of view and shallow depth of field consistent with professional motion picture workflows.
4K DCI Internal Recording: Records up to 4096 x 2160 at 1–60 fps internally, meeting the DCI standard required for theatrical and broadcast delivery.
Dual Native ISO (800/5000): Two native ISO settings optimized for low-noise capture in both normal and low-light conditions, extending usable exposure latitude without excessive noise penalty.
High-Speed Shooting up to 240fps: Shoots up to 240 fps in 2K/HD center crop mode in 1-fps increments, enabling precise control over slow-motion playback speed.
10-Bit 4:2:2 / 12-Bit RAW Output: Records 10-bit 4:2:2 internally and outputs 12-bit RAW externally via SDI, giving colorists maximum latitude in post-production.
V-Log & ACES Color Science: Supports V-Log, V-Gamut (BT.2020 compatible), and ACES color workflows, integrating smoothly into professional color grading pipelines.
Camera Specifications — Panasonic VariCam LT
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Documentary, Video / Cinematography |
| Type | Other |
| Sensor | Super 35 |
| Resolution | 8.9 Megapixels (effective), 10.3 Megapixels (total) |
| Processor | Panasonic Proprietary |
| ISO Range | 200 – 12800 |
| AF System | Other |
| AF Points | Single-point (dependent on lens) |
| Max Photo Resolution | 8.9 Megapixels (4096 x 2160) |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K |
| Max Frame Rate | 240fps |
| Bit Depth | 10-bit (4:2:2 internal), 12-bit (RAW external via SDI) |
Description — Panasonic VariCam LT
The Panasonic VariCam LT is a professional cinema camera centered on a Super 35 sensor with 8.9 megapixels effective resolution (10.3 megapixels total) and a native ISO range of 200 to 12800. It captures 4096 x 2160 (4K DCI) footage internally at variable frame rates from 1 to 60 fps, and pushes to 1 to 240 fps at 2K/HD via center crop — all adjustable in 1-fps increments. Internal recording delivers 10-bit 4:2:2 quality, while 12-bit RAW is available externally over SDI.
Video color profiles span V-Log, V-Look, Cine-Like, Scene Files, V-Gamut (BT.2020 compatible), and ACES, making it a serious tool for high-end post workflows. The magnesium alloy body is dust resistant, measures 184 x 230.5 x 247 mm, and weighs 2.7 kg. Storage options include P2, SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, and the Canon EF mount opens up a wide lens selection.
A detachable 3.5-inch LCD panel (approx. 920,000 dots) handles monitoring, with the optional AU-VCVF10G OLED EVF available for eyepiece use. Audio is handled via an XLR 5-pin stereo input, 2 x XLR 3-pin mono inputs, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack.
Pros — Panasonic VariCam LT
- ✓Wide ISO range from 200 to 12800 (specifications.iso) for flexibility across lighting conditions
- ✓Up to 240 fps at 2K/HD in center crop mode (specifications.videoSpecs.maxFrameRate) for high-speed slow-motion capture
- ✓10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording with 12-bit RAW external via SDI (specifications.videoSpecs.bitDepth) for robust post-production workflows
Cons — Panasonic VariCam LT
- ✗No built-in image stabilization of any kind (specifications.imageStabilization.type: None), making stabilized lenses or rigging essential
- ✗Viewfinder is optional and sold separately as the AU-VCVF10G (specifications.viewfinder.type), adding cost and complexity
- ✗No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity (specifications.connectivity.wifi / bluetooth), limiting wireless monitoring or remote control options
Reviews — Panasonic VariCam LT
- Field testing the Panasonic Varicam LT: a hands-on review for solo shooters
Newsshooter · 2016-06-26 - The Hollywood cinema camera we can actually afford
Jake Hayden - Panasonic Varicam LT Overview with Alister Chapman
Visual Impact - Panasonic Varicam LT: High ISO Test
LensProToGo - Panasonic Varicam LT unveiled . First thoughts
Jonathan Lawrence
Videos — Panasonic VariCam LT
Panasonic Varicam LT: The Camera — LensProToGo
Frequently Asked Questions — Panasonic VariCam LT
What lenses are compatible with the VariCam LT?+
The VariCam LT uses a Canon EF lens mount, as listed in the specifications. This gives shooters access to the Canon EF lens ecosystem. No other mount compatibility is specified in the product data.
What recording media does the VariCam LT support?+
The camera records to P2 cards (Panasonic), SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. This dual-format media support provides flexibility depending on the production's storage workflow and budget requirements.
Can the VariCam LT output RAW footage?+
Yes — the VariCam LT supports 12-bit RAW output externally via SDI, according to the videoSpecs.bitDepth field. Internal recording is 10-bit 4:2:2. An external recorder capable of accepting RAW over SDI would be required for the 12-bit RAW workflow.
What color profiles are available for video recording?+
The VariCam LT offers V-Log, V-Look, Cine-Like, Scene Files, V-Gamut (BT.2020 compatible), and ACES support for video. These options provide significant flexibility for on-set monitoring looks as well as professional post-production and color grading pipelines.
What type of battery does the VariCam LT use?+
The camera uses the Gold Mount battery system, compatible with Anton Bauer batteries. The specifications note a typical power draw of approximately 77W for the body only, and actual battery life will vary depending on the battery capacity used.
Does the VariCam LT include a viewfinder?+
A viewfinder is not included in the base configuration. The optional OLED EVF model AU-VCVF10G is available separately and offers approximately 1.77 million dots (1280 x 720) resolution at a 60Hz refresh rate. The included display is a detachable 3.5-inch LCD control panel with approximately 920,000 dots.