Panasonic EVA1 Firmware 3.0 Released – Brings HEVC H.265 Codec and more

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by Jakub HanJanuary 31^st, 2019

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Panasonic just released the new EVA1 firmware 3.0. As with all previous versions, the download is available for free. The update brings HEVC H.265 codec in 4K 50p/60p, support for a third party USB-LAN adapter for multicam control, quicker switching of shooting modes and few more improvements.

EVA1 gets Firmware 3.0. Source: Panasonic

Panasonic certainly takes a good care of their customers. In reaction to user feedback, they frequently release firmware updates for their cameras fixing issues and bringing new features. Their super35 cinema camera EVA1 already got two firmware updates since its introduction in 2017 (firmware 2.0 and firmware 2.5). Now it is time for another firmware update – the version 3.0. What Is new?

Panasonic EVA1 Firmware 3.0

The free upgrade is available today through the official Panasonic firmware update page. Key feature of the new update is HEVC H.265 codec that can record in 4K 50p/60p video with 4:2:0 10bit video sampling. Available bitrates are 200Mbps in 4K 50p/59.94p and 150Mbps in 4K 24p/25p/29.97p. Compared to the existing H.264 codec, this allows up to twice the amount of compressed data, while maintaining the same high quality resolution. A week ago, after Panasonic introduced their new flagship handheld camcorder AG-CX350 with the H.265 4K 50p/60p mode, many EVA1 users were hoping their camera will get it too. So yes, here it is. Thank you, Panasonic.

Another feature is the support for a third party’s USB-LAN adapter with internet protocol control. This enables EVA1 live multicam control with the advanced integration of CyanView Cy-RCP remote control panel.

Furthermore, new functions can be assigned to user button for quick switching of shooting modes & framerates which simplifies system menu change. This is a very welcomed feature since EVA1 users were complaining how complicated and time consuming it is switching from – say – 4K 25fps ProRes to 1080p 240fps slow motion ProRes RAW with the Atomos Shogun Inferno. In this (kind of extreme) example it took about one minute (!) to change the shooting modes. I hope this new feature will work correctly to significantly cut down that time. The following video demonstrates the pain of switching the shooting modes.

Other functionality added as part of the upgrade include still image capture in playback mode, enabling the EVA1 to capture still JPEG images and store them on to the SD card. Additionally, the camera now allows two auto white balance presets, a focus indicator in the LCD head-up display, and SDR monitoring when shooting in HDR (HLG).

Lastly, Panasonic has announced a reduction in pricing of the EVA1 by €500, with a new RRP (recommended retail price) of €6,790 (excl. VAT). The EVA1 already is much cheaper in stores, so maybe we can expect another price drop? It is not the first price drop this camera received and I can only speculate what it means – is the camera not selling quite as well as Panasonic expected?

I own an EVA1 myself and one of the reasons I decided to invest in the camera was the good customer relationship which Panasonic is providing. These frequent free firmware updates are one part of it.

What do you think of the EVA1 and its new firmware update? Are you an EVA1 user? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.