Panavision Panastar II

[Joe Walker]

We're shooting a music video in a few months and I'm looking at different cameras that can do high speed and have variable shutters. The Panastar caught my eye, but I've never even seen one before. Does anyone know how much this camera rents for per day completely decked out (i.e. w/video tap, matte box, follow focus, primo classic primes, lightweight zoom)? And my second question-not that it matters-but is this camera stricltly MOS or is it quiet at 24fps? Sound is not an issue for us but it would be nice to know for future reference. I appreciate any info that anyone has to offer regarding this camera. Thank you.

 

 

Joe Walker

[Brad Grimmett]

I don't know about prices, so I can't help with that.

The Panastar isn't a very loud camera at all. I used it recently for sync sound stuff. It's louder than a Gold or Platinum, but not by much. Check with Panavision for exact db #'s.

Be aware that it's a heavy camera. It can work for handheld, but it can be taxing on the body. Here's a picture of me with a Panastar II and a 10-1 zoom. It was heavy!

[Richard R. Robbins]

A couple of thoughts...

I like the Panastar alot. It is quieter than an Arri 35-III and because you can mount the mag off the back, I have found it OK for limited handheld work (with a prime). Also, I have had nothing but bad luck with 1000' mags on the 35-III, don't know about the 435.

Rich

[Joe Walker]

Wow, thanks for the advice guys, I'll definitely look into this one! :)

[Max Jacoby]

For prices you really need to call up Panavision themselves. A lot depends on what kind of deal they can give you, how busy they are, etc...

[Dennis A. Livesey]

When I was an assistant, I enjoyed the Panastar very much for two reasons: 1. Except for the body and magazines, it was identical to set up like a Gold II or Platinum. Not having to wrap my head around an entirely different camera made a much easier day for me. 2. As far as I know, the Panastar is the most reliable 120 FPS camera with a 1000' foot load out there. Less reloads, longer takes, more chance to get the shot, I thought this was much better for production. Also I wasn?t worrying so much about camera jams and being exasperated by endless reloadings.

For some reason however, the camera is not popular in New York. I believe that is mostly attributable to its rarity here versus the ubiquity of the Arri 435. (I don?t think Panavision New York even has one without shipping from LA). AC?s, being out of their comfort zone of the familiar 435 would complain of the Panastar not being up to date, being heavy, and having to oil it after high speed takes.

As far a noise level goes, at 24 FPS, it is very quiet compared to a 435. In a noisily environment, like a city street, the mics will not hear it at all. Even on stage, go on a longer lens, throw a furniture pad on it, and shoot sound takes. Also on pure MOS jobs, the lack of noise makes for a much nicer set experience for everyone. You of course hear it at 120 FPS, but still it is much less so than other cameras and thus more pleasant to work with.

 

 

Dennis A. Livesey