Panasonic Announces New Full-Frame Box-Style Mirrorless Camera LUMIX BS1H

Featuring Compact Body with 6K 24p / 5.9K 30p 10-bit
Unlimited Video Recording Capability

7^th October 2021 - Panasonic is proud to announce the release of its new full-frame box-style LUMIX Mirrorless Camera DC-BS1H. The LUMIX BS1H is a versatile box-style camera combining the cinema-quality video performance of the LUMIX S1H into the easy-to-deploy box-style profile. Accommodating a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO technology, the LUMIX BS1H further enhances its potential including 6K full-area high resolution recording, impressive bokeh, low-light performance, wide dynamic range of 14+ stops V-Log and more.

With its high connectivity and mobility, users can flexibly build the BS1H up into their ideal camera system according to the scenario. The consistent look of images minimises post-production processing when other Panasonic LUMIX production cameras such as the BGH1, a Micro Four Thirds box-style camera, or the S1H, a full-frame mirrorless cinema camera, are used together. 

The LUMIX BS1H will be available at RRP £2,999 (inc. VAT) from mid-November.

Cinema production quality video with 35mm full-frame sensor

The BS1H contains a 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6 mm x 23.8mm) that captures 6K resolution. With an active resolution of 6,024 x 4,016, the BS1H delivers approximately 24.2 million photosites. Adoption of an OLPF (Optical Low Pass Filter) suppresses moire and false colour. The image sensor with Dual Native ISO in the BS1H minimises noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. In combination with optimum signal processing by the Venus Engine, it assures maximum ISO 51200 high sensitivity recording with minimum noise.

Maximising the use of the pixels in the full-frame image sensor, the LUMIX BS1H is capable of 6K/24p, 5.4K/30p (3:2 aspect ratio) or 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio) high-resolution, smooth video recording. It also provides 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K^*1 HEVC video recording when using the image area equivalent to Super 35mm. The 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 30p is recordable in H.264 at its full area. Its high-resolution data can also be used for creating 4K videos with higher image quality or for cropping images in 4K.

Dynamic range measures the luminance range that a digital camera can capture. The LUMIX BS1H delivers 14+ stops of Dynamic Range with a V-Log, which are virtually the same as those of the Panasonic Cinema Cameras, to precisely reproduce everything from dark to bright areas.

The ability to capture accurate colours and rich skin tones is a must for any filmmaker. The LUMIX BS1H imports the renowned colorimetry of the VariCam line-up of cinema cameras. The LUMIX BS1H contains V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver a high dynamic range and broad colours. V-Log renders a very flat image while maintaining all of the colour information within the image. This means that there is a greater level of play when the images are put through post-production processes. The CMOS sensor of the LUMIX BS1H achieves a wide colour gamut known as V-Gamut, which is the BS1H’s optimum colour space and achieves a colour space that is wider than BT.2020. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film and V-Gamut delivers a colour space even larger than film.

In addition to HDR (High Dynamic Range) video recording, the camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and the user can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in Photo Style.

The LUMIX BS1H also provides real-time subject detection with an advanced deep learning technology to set precise focus on the target subject such as humans and animals even if they are moving fast.

^{* Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).}

A wide variety of recording formats, frame rates and resolutions in maximum 6K

The LUMIX BS1H is capable of 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50p HDMI output. Adopting a new heat dispersion structure, it achieves unlimited video recording in a variety of recording formats, including 4:3 Anamorphic mode, to meet professional needs.

Moreover, with two options for RAW workflow, the BS1H satisfies wide-ranging creative requirements. [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI to save Apple ProRes RAW on the Atomos Ninja V or save Blackmagic RAW on the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.

V-Log or V709 is selectable on the external Live View monitor through SDI during RAW output.

Shooting assist functions including V-Log View Assist, WFM (Wave Form Monitor), Vector Scope, Luminance Spot Meter and Zebra Pattern can be used during RAW output.

Apple ProRes RAW

^{*Selectable recording mode depends on the firmware version of Atomos Ninja V.
*Please refer to the Atomos website for the information on the corresponding firmware version of Atomos Ninja V.
*Software that supports Apple ProRes RAW is required to edit RAW video recorded with NINJA V. Apply the LUT (Look up table) available on the following customer supports site to make the same color grading as V-Log/V-Gamut
https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/lut/s1h_raw_lut/
*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.}

Blackmagic RAW

^{*Selectable recording mode depends on the firmware version of Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.
*Please refer to the Blackmagic Design website for the information on the corresponding firmware version of the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR.
*DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to play back and edit Blackmagic RAW data. DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to deliver projects using Blackmagic RAW data in resolutions over 3840x2160.
*DaVinci Resolve or DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to play back the Blackmagic RAW data. DaVinci Resolve Studio is required to edit the Blackmagic RAW data.
*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.}

The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) lets users record overcranked/undercranked video in C4K/4K (60 fps, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (180 fps, maximum 7.5x slower in 24p). The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps. In addition, HFR (High Frame Rate) video with sound is also recordable even when using auto focus. A variety of effects are available for producing a slow-motion video through the post production process.

The LUMIX BS1H adopts a new heat dispersion structure to achieve unlimited video recording. The body frame is composed of aluminium and magnesium alloy to realise both durability and light weight.

To support a growing need of live streaming, the BS1H provides an IP streaming function that enables distant, high-quality image transmission to a social streaming platform online with PC connection over wired LAN. Notably, the LUMIX BS1H can stream 4K 60p (50p) video in H.265. The H.265 realises half the bitrate while keeping the image quality the same, which means it can provide 2x higher image quality at the same bitrate as H.264. Streaming in ultra-high definition 4K at low bitrate is possible even in the cases where the bandwidth is not broad enough.

A wide range of connections for unlimited possibilities

With the body frame composed of aluminium and magnesium alloy, the LUMIX BS1H is a compact and lightweight yet durable box-style camera and it provides a variety of practical ports.

In addition to a USB 3.1 Type-C, the BS1H is equipped with a 3G-SDI (BNC) and an HDMI Type-A terminal, which can be used for simultaneous output. Moreover, Genlock IN (BNC) and Timecode IN/OUT (BNC) functions which enable multi-angle synchronised video recording are available to build a scalable system with external monitors, rigs and gimbals supplied from other manufacturers. When connected to LAN, Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+) makes it easy to install both physically and electrically. Control over maximum 12 sets of LUMIX BS1H cameras^*12 is available using Panasonic PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam^*1. The LUMIX BS1H is also equipped with a double SD Card slot for backup recording or relay recording.

Use of LUMIX S Series lenses with BS1H provides further advantages. The Boost I.S.(Video) function (Image Stabiliser) can be used and superior AF/AE control is available when the LUMIX S Series lens with O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabiliser) is mounted.

Other practical feature

• Tally lamps (front 1 and rear 1), a network connection lamp
• Operation Lock switch and 5 function buttons
• Φ3.5 Audio (in/out) jack compatible and compatibility with XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately)
• Generic remote control unit φ2.5mm
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
• Remote camera control using application software^*2 (LUMIX Tether for Multicam and LUMIX Sync)
• Tethered photo shooting with LUMIX Tether for Multicam software
• A SDK^*23 (Software Development Kit) for camera control via USB/LAN will be provided for free.

*1 Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
*2 Operation may be unstable depending on the connection environment and performance of the connected PC.
*3 The SDK for BS1H will be available at following site. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html
•Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
•ATOMOS / Ninja V are registered trademarks of ATOMOS Limited.
•‘Blackmagic Design’, ‘Blackmagic RAW’ and ‘DaVinci Resolve’ are registered trademarks of Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd.
•Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
•Some accessories are not available in some countries.
•Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

The LUMIX DC-BS1H is a qualifying product for the LUMIX PRO program. The LUMIX PRO program is designed to support LUMIX users when they need it the most, with a range of benefits available to members not only in their own countries but also in countries that they visit for work. Check out www.lumix-pro.com for details and Terms & Conditions, on eligible levels, countries and products.