As you already know, Netflix has updated its list of authorized cameras by including the Panasonic S1H. The S1H is the first Netflix approved mirrorless and the most affordable camera in the list. What does it mean for filmmakers? Scroll down to read our insights.

Netflix’s list: An elite group of cameras

From time to time, Netflix updates its cameras list, according to their specific image capture requirements. The criteria for Netflix approved primary cameras are (data is taken from Netflix Partner Center):

Resolution Requirements

True 4K UHD sensor (equal to or greater than 3840 photosites wide).

Capture Requirements

• Capture Format: RAW (Sony RAW, REDCODE, Arriraw, etc.), Compressed (XAVC, AVC-Intra, ProRes)
• Minimum of 16-bit Linear or 10-bit Log processing
• Minimum data-rate of Bitrate of 240 Mbps at 23.98 fps

Capture Transfer Function

S-Log3, Log-C, V-Log, Log3G10, etc.

Capture Color Space

S-Gamut3.cine, RED Wide Gamut RGB, Alexa Wide Gamut, etc.

Limitations

• No looks or color corrections should be baked into the original camera files.
• Files must maintain all metadata (i.e., Tape Name, Timecode, Frame Rate, ISO, WB, etc.).

Miscellaneous

• Any cameras other than the primary camera (crash, POV, drone, underwater, etc.) must be approved by Netflix.
• 90% of the total runtime of a final program should be captured on approved cameras.

We wrote this to demonstrate how strict are Netflix guidelines regarding their image capture requirements. Also, there are more requirements that you can find on the Netflix website. Anyway, the list for the approved cameras is being continually updated as new camera systems are evaluated. 

The list for the approved cameras is being continually updated as new camera systems are evaluated

Netflix Originals

It’s important to note that the camera list is relevant to Netflix Originals only. Let’s say you shot a film with a camera that is not listed, and you want your movie to get distributed by Netflix. In that case, Netflix may approve it, which means it depends on more factors. To sum it up, it’s not that simple. The whole picture is way more complicated than a dry list.

Take, for instance, the successful series, Narcos. They have shot the aerials with the Panasonic GH4, which is not on the list of approved cameras. Also, the first two seasons of Money Heist were shot on the ALEXA Mini, which is also not listed (the ALEXA Mini doesn’t comply with Netflix requirements, but the Mini LF does). So, it’s not the end of the world. We wrote an article about the Canon C200 that can be used on Netflix productions (under some circumstances). By the way, the reason that the C200 is not on the list is the lack of time code. Anyway, take in mind that your content can be accepted to Netflix in some circumstances regardless of the camera been used. Read this article about the cameras behind Netflix’s best series. As you can see, many of them are not in the list of approved cameras.

We must not think that Netflix’s list is the only reference for quality

Major changes in October

In October, a bunch of cameras has owned the Netflix badge and entered this “elite” list of cameras. The first three were the obvious choices. The fourth was a bit of a surprise. The cameras are ARRI ALEXA Mini LF, RED RANGER GEMINI, RED RANGER HELIUM, and Panasonic S1H.

No need to explain the logic behind excepting the new ARRI and RED to the list. However, the Panasonic S1H can be defined as the first Netflix approved mirrorless and the most affordable camera in the list. That means you can shoot a Netflix Original with a $4,000 camera.

Panasonic S1H

What’s so special about this mirrorless? Well, reviewers say that this is the best cinema-oriented mirrorless that was designed with filmmakers in mind. In my opinion, the camera delivers elegant images but lacks that special cinematic texture. There is no uniqueness regarding its imagery, but it’s a matter of personal taste. However, the spec wins here. 6K sensor with full readout, although, Netflix allows using only 4K mode in 4:2:2 since the 6K is limited to 4:2:0 (below minimum requirements). Furthermore, no external recorder is needed. All done internally, which is quite an impressive capability for a mirrorless camera.

Thoughts: A Foothold for Mirrorless Cameras

Accepting the S1H into Netflix glowing camera list is an impressive achievement for Panasonic. Furthermore, a precedent was created, opening the door for another affordable mirrorless to get in and be a part of the Netflix family.

What does it mean for filmmakers? Practically speaking, it means nothing. As filmmakers, you will not use the Panasonic S1H as a primary camera in Netflix Original because it will not make any sense. However, the S1H would be a perfect solution for another camera on set that needs to be super mobile and to operate in tight spaces. Also, a crash cam could be the ideal role for the S1H.

Concerning technology, it means a lot. The ability for affordable cameras to get formally accepted for professional cinema production is a significant foothold. I do think that the S1H has opened a gate for other mirrorless cameras to get admitted to Netflix, which is fantastic.

On the other hand, we must not think that Netflix’s list is the only reference for quality. Furthermore, it will be interesting to reveal the camera requirements of Netflix’s main competitor, which is Apple TV+.