Panasonic LUMIX BS1H
Image courtesy: Panasonic

Panasonic has announced the release of a new full-frame, box-style mirrorless camera, the LUMIX DC-BS1H. This new camera incorporates the performance of the successful LUMIX S1H into a highly configurable box-style form factor. With its lightweight aluminum and magnesium alloy body, the LUMIX BS1H looks ideal for a gimbal or drone.

Full-frame sensor

The BS1H has a 24.2-megapixel 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with dual native ISO. Panasonic claims this sensor delivers a dynamic range of more than 14-stops when recording in V-Log.

6K 24p internal video recording

The camera can record internally up to 6K 24p or 5.9K 30p in 4:2:0 10-bit video using the entire sensor. The BS1H also records up to 10-bit 60p in 4k when cropping to a super 35mm portion of the sensor. Variable Frame Rate mode shooting allows for recording at up to 180 fps in full HD. In High Frame Rate mode, video with sound is also recordable even when using autofocus.

In addition to internal recording, you can simultaneously record in Apple ProRes RAW or BRAW when using a compatible Atomos or Blackmagic external recorder.

Unlimited recording

Panasonic designed the LUMIX BS1H with a new heat dispersion structure. Panasonic promises that this means unlimited video recording is available in all modes.

Connectivity

The LUMIX BS1H has both clean HDMI and SDI outputs. It also has Time Code IN/OUT and Genlock IN ports for accurate synchronization when shooting with multiple cameras. However, the microphone input is a 3.5 mm socket, so you will need to buy an add-on to use XLR mics.

Livestreaming

In addition to its credentials as a cinema camera, BS1H looks to work well as a camera for livestreaming. Its Ethernet port and IP streaming function enable the camera to stream 4K 60p video in H.265. This is at half the bitrate of H.264 video with the same image quality, allowing for high-quality streaming even when bandwidth is less than ideal.

The LUMIX DC-BS1H retails at $3,499 and will be available in November 2021.

Pete Tomkies is a freelance cinematographer and camera operator from Manchester, UK. He also produces and directs short films as Duck66 Films. Pete's latest short Once Bitten... won 15 awards and was selected for 105 film festivals around the world.