Panasonic announces new full-frame LUMIX BS1H: Box-style camera for live broadcast and cinema production

Panasonic is proud to unveil the LUMIX BS1H full-frame box-style camera. The LUMIX BS1H is designed for video professionals, combining the cinematic video performance of the LUMIX S1H with advanced live stream functionality in an easily-deployable box-style body.

Incorporating a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor, the LUMIX BS1H further enhances its potential by including 6K full-area high resolution video with unlimited recording, impressive flexibility over depth of field and low-light performance, a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, V-Log and more.

The LUMIX BS1H provides incredible flexibility to support and deliver the creative vision of industry professionals, with industry standard connections and interfaces – such as SDI, HDMI, Genlock IN and Timecode I/O – as well as offering LAN with PoE+ for power and control. With V-Log and V-Gamut, the BS1H also offers the colour reproduction and imagery of the VariCam line of Panasonic production cameras – similar to the S1H full-frame mirrorless camera or the EVA1 compact cinema camera.

The LUMIX BS1H is priced at $5,299 RRP and will be available in November 2021 from leading photographic and video specialists.

  1. Cinema production quality video with 35mm full-frame sensor

The LUMIX BS1H utilises the same 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6 mm x 23.8mm) as the critically acclaimed LUMIX S1H. The Venus Engine processor delivers minimised noise and outstanding image quality with a maximum ISO of 51200. In addition, an optical low-pass filter effectively suppresses moiré patterns.

By 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[i] HEVC video recording when using the image area equivalent to Super 35mm. The 4:2:2 10-bit 4K30p 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.

The LUMIX BS1H features V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, in line with the dynamic range of the Panasonic VariCam, to precisely capture everything from dark to bright areas. Subtle gradations such as skin tones are faithfully reproduced, and consistent colour management is achieved in post-production.

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 offers Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in Photo Style.

The camera also incorporates an advanced 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.

  1. 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. With a highly efficient heat dispersion structure, it can deliver unlimited video recording in a variety of recording formats, including 4:3 Anamorphic mode, to meet professional requirements for long form shooting.

In addition, with two alternatives for RAW workflow[ii], the LUMIX BS1H provides further support for wide-ranging creative needs. [5.9K] / [4K] / [Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K] 12-bit RAW video data can be output over HDMI to save Apple ProRes RAW video on the Atomos Ninja V or Blackmagic RAW on the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR external recorder.

Area Resolution Frame Rate Aspect HDMI Output
Full-frame 5.9K (5888×3312) 29.97p/25p/23.98p 16:9 12-bit
Super 35mm 4K (4128×2176) 59.94p/50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 17:9 12-bit
Super 35mm Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656) 50p/29.97p/25p/23.98p 4:3 12-bit
  • V-Log or V709 is selectable on the external monitor through SDI during RAW output.
  • Shooting assist functions including V-log View Assist, Luminance Spot Meter and Zebra Pattern can be used during RAW output.

VFR (variable frame rate) functionality supports video overcranking and undercranking. Users have access to 2.5x slow (24p/60 fps) in C4K/4K and 7.5x super-slow (24p/180 fps) in FHD. The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps. In addition, HFR (High Frame Rate) recording includes audio and autofocus, allowing creation of slow-motion video in post-production.

To support live streaming, the LUMIX BS1H provides an IP streaming function over ethernet that enables high-quality image transmission to a PC on a wired network that can then be live streamed to the preferred social platform using PC software. Notably, the LUMIX BS1H can transmit 4K 60p (50p) video in H.265. H.265 is highly efficient, requiring half the bitrate when transmitting video with the same image quality as H.264, thus providing 2x higher image quality when transmitting at the same bitrate as H.264. Transmitting video in ultra-high definition 4K at low bitrates is possible even in low bandwidth situations.

  1. A wide range of connections for unlimited possibilities

With a body frame composed of aluminium and magnesium alloy, the LUMIX BS1H is compact and lightweight yet durable enough for field operation. This box-style camera provides a variety of practical ports. The LUMIX BS1H 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 BS1H cameras[iii] is available using Panasonic PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam[iv]. Terminals include USB 3.1 Type-C; plus 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A which can be used for simultaneous output. In addition, Genlock IN (BNC) and Timecode IN/OUT (BNC) functions enable multi-angle synchronised video recording to support a scalable system with third-party external monitors, rigs and gimbals. The camera is also equipped with two SD Card slots for backup or relay recording.

When using LUMIX S Series lenses with the BS1H, Linear Focus control is available for smooth and repeatable focus transitions. In addition, during video recording, Boost I.S. (Image Stabiliser) can be used when S Series lenses with Optical Image Stabilisation are mounted.

  1. Other practical features
  • Simultaneous HDMI RAW and SDI FHD output
  • Simultaneous output and internal recording to SD Cards
  • Tally lamps (front 1 and rear 1), a network connection lamp
  • Operation Lock switch and 5 function buttons
  • Φ3.5 Audio (in/out) jack and compatibility with XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately)
  • Generic remote-control unit φ2.5mm
  • 4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
  • Remote camera control using application software[v] (LUMIX Tether for Multicam and LUMIX Sync)
  • Tethered photo shooting with LUMIX Tether for Multicam software
  • A SDK (Software Development Kit)[vi] for camera control via USB/LAN will be provided for free.

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

▪ 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.

[i] Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).

[ii] 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 colour 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 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 3840×2160.

*All functions may not be available depending on the situation.

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

[iv] The SDK for BS1H is available at the following site. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html

[v] The SDK for BS1H is available at the following site. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html

[vi] The SDK for BS1H is available at the following site. https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html