Panasonic introduces the successor of its BGH1, which is another yet more advanced boxy-style cinema camera called the non-friendly name BS1H. This time, the camera is much more sophisticated and armed with a full-frame 24MP sensor that is capable of shooting 6K with 14+ stops of dynamic range. Also, thanks to Atomos, the BS1H can shoot 5.9K of ProRes RAW. All details are below.

Panasonic LUMIX BS1H

The BS1H contains a 24.2MP 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology that captures 6K resolution at maximum ISO51200. The camera is capable of 6K/24p, 5.4K30p (3:2), or 5.9K/30p video recording. It also provides 10-bit 60p 4KC4K HEVC video and 4:2:2 1-bit 4K30p in H.264 recording modes. The BS1H is equipped with comprehensive professional I/O and many mounting options. Furthermore, the BS1H provides 14+ stops of dynamic range in V-Log.

A serious ‘jump’ from BGH1

As you can see, the BS1H constitutes a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the BGH1, which was (and still is) pretty much a success. The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 is a 10.2MP M4/3, 4K camera that is capable of 13 stops of dynamic range, and it’s the cheapest Netflix Approved camera available. Obviously, the heaviest feature of the BS1H compared to the BGH1 is the size of the sensor. Panasonic wanted to develop a boxy-style cinema camera that is capable of shooting large formats.

LUMIX BS1H highlights

1. 24.2MP full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO technology: The 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor delivers high sensitivity and top image quality in both still photos and videos. Dual Native ISO technology further enhances video performance.
2. 6K video recording performance and multiple recording modes: Equipped with 6K 24p 4:2:0 10-bit (3:2) and 5.9K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit in addition to C4K/4K 60p/50p* 4:2:0 10-bit, C4K/4K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:2 10-bit and anamorphic 4K recording. Meets the diverse video production needs of professionals with a wide array of recording modes.
3. Heat management = unlimited recording: The LUMIX BS1H realizes unlimited video recording in all modes. The rise in the camera’s temperature can be suppressed with the cooling fan and can be used for an unlimited time within the guaranteed operating temperature range.
4. Flexible expandability with wired LAN connection: Remote control with LUMIX Tether for Multicam enabled by Ethernet cable | Ethernet / PoE+ compatible camera | IP streaming with PC (RTP/RTSP protocol) | Simultaneous SDI/HDMI output | Genlock IN and Timecode IN/OUT

5.9K ProRes RAW thanks to Atomos

Atomos has announced that the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H 5.9K Apple ProRes RAW support is coming soon for Ninja V & Ninja V+. This, when combined with either the Atomos Ninja V or Ninja V+ the LUMIX BS1H will be capable of recording up to 5.9Kp30, 4.1Kp60, and 3.5Kp50 anamorphic ProRes RAW. The Ninja V or Ninja V+ and the LUMIX BS1H combination for multi-camera productions are facilitated by the camera’s LTC and Genlock inputs perfectly complemented with the Atomos UltraSync One wireless sync system which works alongside the AtomX SYNC module for Ninja V and Ninja V+.

BRAW on the horizon

The LUMIX BS1H enables the output of maximum 29.97p 5.9K (5888×3312, 16:9) / 59.94p 4K (4128×2176, 17:9) and Anamorphic 3.5K (3536×2656, 4:3) 12-bit RAW video data over HDMI to save it as Apple ProRes RAW on the Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR monitor-recorder. The Blackmagic RAW can also be recorded on Video Assist 12G HDR (waiting for the Blackmagic announcement…). 

Price and availability

The Panasonic LUMIX BS1H costs $3,497.99 which is significantly higher than the BGH1 (price: $1,997.99). The shipping will begin in November. You can preorder the camera on the B&H website and on the Adorama website.

Watch below behind the scenes of “Night Lights” by Carrisa Dorson, shot on the LUMIX BS1H: 

Final thoughts

As explained, the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H is a major upgrade compared to its predecessor, the BGH1. In fact, this is a whole different camera, with a whole different sensor. If I’m not mistaken, the BS1H is one of the most affordable full-frame cinema cameras in the market. This makes the LUMIX BS1H a solid solution for large format imagery when a compact form factor is needed (aerial cinematography for instance). Add to this the ProRes RAW and BRAW capabilities, and you’ve got a filmmaking machine in your hand, and with a decent price tag as well.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box-Style Live & Cinema Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 Cinema 4K Box Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA