Panasonic has always shown commitment to creating a better life and a better world, continuously contributing to the evolution of society and to the happiness of people around the globe. In addition to various consumer electronics, Panasonic manufactures a wide range of cameras for photographers and videographers. Each time they release a new product, they raise the bar in terms of quality, form, and functionality. This time is no different.The Panasonic LUMIX BS1H, a 4K Cinematic Live Streaming Box Camera for broadcasting, live streaming, and cinema productions, was just announced.
The camera body features a box-style design that is lightweight and easy to use. As the demand for high-end streaming solutions grows each year, the timing for this couldn’t be more perfect. Let’s take a closer look at what we know about the new BS1H so far.
Key Features of the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H:
- 24.2MP 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO
- Multi-Camera Control up to 12 units
- 14+ stops of Dynamic Range V-Log/V-Gamut, Anamorphic mode
- 12-bit RAW output over HDMI
- Remote control, 4K 60p streaming with PoE+
- 6K 24p, 5.9K 30p – 10 bit unlimited video recording
- L – mount
- 2 Tally Lamps (1 front, 1 rear)
- Compatible with LUMIX Tether and Sync
- Dual SD card slot
The Panasonic LUMIX BS1H, the follow-up to the successful BGH1, offers the cinematic video performance of the LUMIX S1H in a box-style design. Along with its 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, it offers 6K full-area high-resolution recording, impressive bokeh, low-light performance, a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops V-Log, and more.
A new heat dispersion structure is built into the camera to allow limitless video recording. Aluminum and magnesium alloys create the body frame, which helps both durability and weight reduction. Users can develop BS1H into their ideal camera system based on their specific needs using its high connectivity and mobility. As a result, post-production processing and time are minimized when combined with other LUMIX production cameras. In addition to providing real-time subject detection with advanced AI, the BS1H is able to focus accurately on moving subjects, such as humans and animals.
Recording Formats, Frame Rates
- 6K 24p 4:2:0 10-bit (3:2 aspect ratio)
- 5.9K 30p / 25p / 24p 4:2:0 10-bit (16:9 aspect ratio)
- C4K / 4K 60p / 50p 4:2:0 10-bit
- C4K / 4K 30p / 25p / 24p 4:2:2 10-bit
- 4:3 Anamorphic 4K recording mode
The formats are designed to meet the needs of big and small productions alike, as well as those undertaken by one person. In order to suppress moiré and false-color effects, optical low pass filters are used. Using the Venus Engine, optimum signal processing allows for high sensitivity ISO 51200 recording while reducing noise. By maximizing the use of pixels in the full-frame sensor, the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H can record smooth, high-quality videos. You can also use its high-resolution data to crop images in 4K. Moreover, the BS1H offers two RAW workflow options, providing greater versatility to creative professionals. You can output 12-bit RAW video data over HDMI to save Apple ProRes RAW in Atomos Ninja V or Blackmagic RAW in Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.
S1H offers an impressive dynamic range of 14+ stops with its V-Log/V-Gamut, making it perfect for capturing accurate color and skin tones. The camera also makes use of VariCam’s famous colorimetry for greater flexibility when color correcting. Along with HDR video, the camera also records video with a designated gamma curve compliant with ITU-R BT.2100. Also, users can now select Hybrid Log-Gamma in the Photo Style menu.
Live Streaming Capabilities
Those who are heavy live streamers will love and appreciate the BS1H’s IP streaming feature, which allows high-quality, distant image transmission over a wired LAN connection to the streaming platform of your choice. The LUMIX BS1H can stream 4K 60p video in H.265 which provides half the bitrate while keeping the same image quality as H.264. This means twice the quality at half the bitrate. Even when bandwidth is low, 4K streaming is possible.
Furthermore, the BS1H is equipped with plenty of ports: USB 3.1 Type-C, a 3G-SDI, and an HDMI Type-A terminal that can be used for simultaneous output. In conjunction with Genlock IN/OUT, multi-angle sync video recording can be achieved using external monitors and riggs from other manufacturers. Power over Ethernet+ can be easily installed both physically and electrically when connected to LAN. Panasonic’s PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam allows you to control up to 12 BS1H cameras.
The Panasonic Lumix brand is celebrating its 20th anniversary this month, so we can certainly expect — or at least hope — to hear about other new Lumix products including the highly anticipated Panasonic GH6.
The Panasonic LUMIX BS1H is available for preorder at Adorama for $3,497.99.
