Panasonic has announced a new product called PanaTrack by Waterbird. It’s a highly flexible camera track system that can easily switch between linear and curved configurations.
Setup
The PanaTrack system has been launched via the Panasonic Connect website in Europe. There is a setup video on that page that shows lengths of flexible plastic track bases being slotted together. Metal rails are then slid into position along the plastic base. It resembles a large-scale model railroad track. In addition, there are baby pins under the track, which are supported by compatible light stands. Once assembled, the stands are moved to create a straight or curved track as you need.
Powered dolly
The setup video shows that PanaTrack uses a geared belt system to move a camera platform that mounts on the rails. PanaTrack supports camera payloads up to 33 pounds (15 kg). It also has a maximum speed of around 4.6 feet per second (1.4 meters per second). In addition, you can build a PanaTrack setup as long as 164 feet (50 meters) though the minimum length is around 6.5 feet (2 meters). Panasonic says that the PanaTrack is quiet and smooth in use.
Control
You can integrate the PanaTrack system with Panasonic’s AW-RP150 touchscreen remote camera controller. This device is designed to work with Panasonic’s range of PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) remote-controlled cameras. Panasonic says that PanaTrack supports the rocker, joystick and presets on the controller. In addition, you can control speed (iris) and ramp (focus) during live operation.
What we think
The PanaTrack by Waterbird flexible camera track system is an interesting product with many possible uses. Panasonic gives examples of the system being used on a balcony at the Oscars ceremony or as a curved track around an instrument for live music. It also shows the track being used with a studio camera on a pan and tilt head in a television studio. PanaTrack is a very versatile system that allows you to easily create curved paths for camera movement. It’s a highly specialized piece of kit, however, and not cheap. Hopefully, it will be available through rental houses so you can use it on projects without needing to commit to purchasing the full system.
Pricing and available
Panasonic hasn’t released pricing details for PanaTrack by Waterbird yet. However, it has been reported online that the system will cost under 10,000 euros which is equivalent to around $10,750 at today’s exchange rates.
