Archive - October 2020

LUMIX BGH1: New Box-Style Mirrorless Cinema Camera: Featuring live streaming, C4K/4K 60p/50p and 10-bit Video Recording

October 14, 2020

Panasonic is proud to announce the release of its first box-style cinema camera, the LUMIX BGH1 Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera.

The BGH1 offers professional moviemakers and documentary cinematographers/videographers a professional cinema camera in a small cube form factor that is easy to install in a wide range of scenarios. It supports tight shots requiring a camera that can fit into a limited space, the connection of additional peripherals for camera control, and has fittings to attach accessories such as cages, gimbals and handles.

Supporting today’s flourishing streaming and broadcast opportunities, the compact, lightweight LUMIX BGH1 has high expandability with multi-camera control of up to 12 units. Its versatile operation includes shooting mounted on drones, IP remote control, direct live streaming and more.

James Choi, Product Marketing Manager, Imaging, Panasonic, explained: “This new box cinema camera boasts the class-leading video that Panasonic has built its reputation on with products like the flagship LUMIX GH5S. The BGH1 is ideal for filmmakers who require a compact body that they can easily deploy and control in an array of situations – capabilities that can’t always be met with traditional camera bodies.”

Using the Micro Four Thirds System mount, the new LUMIX BGH1 takes advantage of high mobility, an extensive interchangeable lens lineup, and Panasonic’s history of expertise in the development of professional cinema cameras, camcorders and the renowned LUMIX GH Series.

Key features

High user convenience for film production and scalability with external devices

The BGH1 has a new heat dispersion structure designed to achieve unlimited video recording. The durable, lightweight body is composed of aluminum and magnesium alloy, and the camera weighs just 545 grams.

The BGH1 complies with Power over Ethernet (PoE+), which allows the camera to be operated and powered using a single Ethernet cable through compatible peripherals. Control over a maximum of 12 BGH1 cameras^[i] will be available using Panasonic PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam^[ii]. A future firmware update will support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP).

Terminals include USB 3.1 Type-C; plus 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A which can be used for simultaneous output. GenLock IN and Time Code IN/OUT functions enable multi-angle synchronised video recording and support a scalable system with third-party external monitors, rigs and gimbals – making the camera ideal for virtual reality video, bullet time and homography. The BGH1 is equipped with two SD Card slots for backup or relay recording.

Professional-level video quality

The BGH1 integrates a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor with Dual Native ISO technology and Panasonic’s Venus Engine. The sensor can leverage a dual-base ISO setting, resulting in minimised noise and outstanding image quality from low to high sensitivity. This feature teams up with the Venus Engine processor to deliver a maximum ISO of up to 51200.

The BGH1 enables 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p / 50p internal video recording as well as C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit output over HDMI. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and Hybrid Log Gamma is available with a low-bit-rate recording mode C4K/4K HEVC /H.265. The camera is pre-installed with V-Log L gamma profile, offering a wide dynamic range of 13 stops.

Variable Frame Rate lets users record overcranked/undercranked video in C4K/4K (60 frames per second, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (240 fps, maximum 10x slower in 24p^[iii]). The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps.

The camera also incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm that offers greater accuracy in detecting specific subjects – including humans, people’s faces, and fast-moving animals. In addition to the eye, face and body, the head is also separately recognised by real-time detection technology to provide even more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking subjects when they move quickly, turn away, tilt their head or move far away from the camera.

Other practical features

Supporting anamorphic lens (4:3)
Tally lamps (front 1 and rear 1)
Φ3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks
Compatible with XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately)
φ2.5mm remote control input
4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
Bundled accessories including a Cable lock band, AC adapter and AC cable
Remote camera control using application software (LUMIX Tether for Multicam^[iv]and LUMIX Sync)
Tethered photo shooting with LUMIX Tether for Multicam software
A SDK[v] (Software Development Kit) for camera control via USB will be provided free.

LUMIX BGH1 Australian Pricing and Availability

The BGH1 is priced at $3099 RRP^[vi], and will be available in late November 2020 from leading photographic specialists.

For further information, please visit www.panasonic.com.au or call 132 600.

[i] Operation may be unstable depending on the connection environment and performance of the connected PC.

[ii] LUMIX Tether for Multicam will be released when the BGH1 goes on sale.

[iii] The angle of view is reduced when the frame rate is set to 201 fps.

[iv] LUMIX Tether for Multicam will be released when the BGH1 goes on sale.

[v] The SDK will be released for compatible LUMIX cameras (BGH1, S1, S1R, S1H, S5, GH5S, GH5, G9) at the following site https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html on 14 October, 2020.

[vi] Battery not included. An optional Panasonic AG-VBR59 battery is required to be purchased to operate the camera when not using the supplied AC Adaptor or an optional compatible Ethernet cable.

Your Versatile Gourmet Chef in the Kitchen: Panasonic NN-CS89L All-in-One Convection Microwave Oven

October 7, 2020

Kitchen appliances

It’s #MoreThanAMicrowave and here to give you complete cooking freedom.

Panasonic has launched the new NN-CS89L Convection Microwave Oven to give you the ultimate cooking freedom to make what you like, when you like. Bake, roast, grill, steam or simply microwave your favourite food to perfection in this all-in-one benchtop appliance.

The versatile capabilities of this all-in-one Convection model – combining the quick cooking of a microwave with the browning and crisping of a conventional oven – provides fast, delicious and healthy meals at home. If you are looking to save time, combination cooking uses the multiple cooking feature simultaneously for super speedy results. Enjoy the ease of a wide range of meal modes and menus, all in a stylish and space-saving design for the modern kitchen.

Tory Rooney, Product Marketing Manager, Microwaves, Panasonic Australia, said: “Panasonic has taken its 50 years of innovation in Microwave technology and created the company’s smartest Microwave yet. This model is sure to be the kitchen game-changer, combining the speed of Microwave power with the capabilities of your fan-forced oven and grill, and the healthy techniques of steaming.”

NN-CS89L FEATURES

ALL-IN-ONE VERSATILE COOKING

The Panasonic NN-CS89L is more than just a microwave. It lets you enjoy versatility and convenience with no compromise on quality and design. Get stuck into all the cooking feats of a full kitchen: from defrosting and reheating, right through to grilling steak, steaming fish and vegetables, roasting meat and baking cupcakes and slices. A range of cooking modes allow you to easily create delicious meals with precise results – including tasty grilling and browning and super healthy steam options.

Use the Microwave function for reheating and defrosting food. Panasonic’s 30 years of Inverter development ensures the very best results – delivering graduated power to cook food evenly without cold spots
The Grill feature with three pre-set power levels is great for toasting and browning your favourite dishes for a mouth-watering result, from garlic bread to mac ‘n’ cheese, crisp pizza and lamb chops
The NN-CS89L is a fully-fledged fan-forced Convection oven that can bake or roast at precisely controlled temperatures between 30⁰C and 230⁰C. Use it like a traditional oven and cook everything from family roast dinners to cakes and pies – but faster

Caring for the health of yourself and loved ones? Powerful steam retains the flavour and nutrients in your food for naturally fresh and juicy vegetables and fish – or spoil yourself with perfect steamed dumplings. The latest design boasts an easily refilled water tank with two steam outlets to deliver an even dispersion throughout the ovenand enabling steaming on both top and bottom levels.

COOK SMARTER NOT HARDER WITH COMBINATION COOKING

Combination cooking creates meals in no time by using multiple cooking modes simultaneously. The NN-CS89L also includes a smart Genius Sensor and pre-programmed menus.

For example, using Combination cooking to mix Microwave and Grill or Convection functions allows food to cook quickly on the inside while crisping or browning on the outside – taking as little as 40 minutes to produce a beautiful roast chicken. Or, take a pie from frozen to fabulous with a crisp, flaky crust and fast, evenly heated filling
Our Genius Sensor takes the guesswork out of cooking. The clever sensor detects the humidity of food and automatically determines the cooking time.
Sit back and relax with Panasonic’s list of pre-programmed menus. Simply select the desired Auto menu, set weight or time and your Convection Microwave Oven will do the rest

STYLISH, SPACE SAVING AND EASY TO MAINTAIN

The NN-CS89L’s all-in-one design is a space-saver and provides the versatility of an entire kitchen on the benchtop. This microwave is family-friendly, and equally suitable for solo cooks in studio apartments. The innovative flatbed design eliminates the traditional microwave turntable to increase interior capacity to a generous 31 litres, accommodating a wider range of cookware shapes and sizes.

There is a rail for a second tray or wire rack, making it even quicker to prepare a full meal. The modern, minimalist body features sleek stainless steel, a black glass door and touch panel for seamless integration into a range of kitchen decors. And thanks to the flat grill heater and turntable-free design, it is conveniently easy to clean.

TRIED, TESTED AND TOP RATED

Panasonic Microwaves are recognised as Australia’s No.1 brand^[i], and the latest Canstar Blue^[ii] survey of Australians across the country has seen Panasonic Microwaves receive the 2020 Award for Most Satisfied Customers. Panasonic received five stars for overall satisfaction, even heat distribution, cooking functions, ease of use and cleaning, plus appearance and design.

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The new Panasonic NN-CS89L Convection Microwave is priced at $1,299 RRP and is available in mid-October from leading consumer electronics retailers.

For further information, visit https://www.panasonic.com/au/consumer/household/microwave-ovens/ or call Panasonic on 132 600.

[i] Source: Euromonitor International Limited, Consumer Appliances 20ed, per Microwaves’ brand retail volume sales in 2019

[ii] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/appliances/microwaves/