Rumors about the new “Varicam” from Panasonic revolve around its support for variable bitrates. In my previous HVX200 specs review, I was able to confirm that the HVX200 will support a variety of frame rates at 720p. That’s similar to what its big brother’s doing – the AJ-HDC27.

Here’s the latest spec update – directly from Panasonic:

• 1080: 60i, 30p, 24p
• 720: 60p, 48p, 36p, 32p, 30p, 26p, 24p, 22p, 20p, 18p, 12p
• 480: 60i, 30p, 24p

DVCPRO-HD allows Panasonic rates of up to 100Mbps and they’re obviously taking advantage of it! 720p at 60 frames allows REAL slow motion at 2:1 ratio. Even the CineAlta can’t do this, nevermind the HDV Sony models: FX1, Z1, and HC1.

I don’t think we’ll be seeing actual footage from the upcoming Panasonic HVX200 before Christmas. So plan your next video production for February – getting a HVX200 will allow you greater creative freedom at much lower prices.