4K VariCam 35 Comes In at $55K, High-Speed VariCam HS Is $46K

On Friday, reseller AbelCine posted details of the pricing for Panasonic's new VariCams, which have been configured for the first time as modular systems. A full VariCam 35 (4K/4096×2160) camera package (pictured, top), including recording and control module, color viewfinder, and shoulder mount, will list for $55,000, while the same VariCam HS (1080p at up to 240fps) package will list for $46,000.

UPDATE October 15: Panasonic said the VariCam 35 and VariCam HS have begun shipping. See the press release for details. 

In theory, because the camera heads are interchangeable, you may be able to save some dollars by doubling up on the modules. For instance, if you buy the full VariCam 35 package plus the VariCam HS module, you'll be able to swap out camera heads to shoot cinema-style with the 35 or video-style at up to 240fps in 1080p with the HS. This might be an attractive option for users that need 4K capabilities but also want to maximize their existing investments in 2/3-inch glass for HD projects.

Here's the chart from AbelCine.

VariCam-35

VariCam 35 complete package with AU-V35C1 4K camera module,
AU-VREC1 recording / control module,
AU-VCVF1 color viewfinder,
AU-VSHL1 shoulder mount module

$55,000

VariCam-HS

VariCam HS complete package with AU-V23HS1 2/3 camera module,
AU-VREC1 recording / control module,
AU-VCVF1 color viewfinder,
AU-VSHL1 shoulder mount module

$46,000

AU-V35C1

VariCam 35 s35mm 4K camera head, PL mount

$29,000

AU-V23HS1

VariCam HS 2/3″ 1080p camera head, B4 mount

$20,000

AU-VREC1

VariCam common recording module / control unit

$17,000

AU-VSHL1

Shoulder mount module

$2,000

AU-VCVF1

Color viewfinder

$7,000

AU-XPD1P

Express P2 drive

$495

AU-XP0256AG

Express P2 card, 256GB

$2,000

Source: AbelCine CineTechnica blog

AbelCine says the VariCams are slated to ship beginning later in October.

Panasonic VariCam: www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/varicam-models.asp