Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full Frame Cinema Box Video Camera

Key Features

• Compact body with 6K 24p / 5.9K 30p 10-bit unlimited video recording capability
• Durable
• Great for live broadcast and cinema production

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.

Full-Frame Cinema 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/C4Ki 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.

6K Recording Formats and Frame Rates

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, 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.

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 the 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.

Ports and Connections

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 is available using Panasonic PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam. 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 synchronized 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.

Our expert's opinion

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.