Cameras

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera: Review

October 11, 2021

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Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera

Credit: Digital Photography Review

Panasonic has recently unveiled the LUMIX BS1H full-frame box camera with S1H internals and a casing comparable to the BGH1. The camera can record video in up to 5.9K/30p full sensor or C4K/60p Super35 crop. It also has HDMI output for 12-bit raw footage and a 3G-SDI connector for Full HD video. An Ethernet connection with a PoE+ capability for remote power and control is also included in the robust body.

Modular cameras in the style of boxes appear to be fairly trendy these days. Consider the Z CAM E2 series of cameras, the RED Komodo, and, most recently, the RED V-RAPTOR. Panasonic, a Japanese camera maker, already has such a camera in its lineup. The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 was announced in November 2020 and quickly became the most inexpensive Netflix-approved camera.

The GH5S’s Micro Four Thirds sensor provided enhanced connection through SDI-out, Ethernet port, and other features. Naturally, we put the camera to the test in our lab. Panasonic has just announced the LUMIX BS1H, another box-shaped camera. It’s a box-shaped S1H, as the name indicates, now look at a review of the Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera.

Pros

At up to 6K resolution, the video quality is unrivaled
Outstanding low-light performance
Excellent ergonomics
In-body five-axis stabilization
Rear display that can be flipped out
EVF is excellent

Cons

Autofocus is not up to standard
Burst-shooting speeds are mediocre
Expensive

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Camera

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Camera Price and Availability
Specifications: Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera
Features: Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera
Front Controls and Lens Mount of Camera
Battery and Connections
SDI Connections of Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera
Comparison of Panasonic S1H and Panasonic BGH1
Controls
Streaming and Media of Camera
Thermal Management
Bottom Plate

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Camera Price and Availability

The Pre-orders for a Panasonic LUMIX BS1H are available now for $3,497.99, and the shipping is expected to begin in mid-November.

Specifications: Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box

Recording Media	SD Memory Card / SDHC Memory Card* / SDXC Memory Card
Image Sensor Type	35mm full-frame CMOS sensor
Camera effective pixels / Total pixels	24.20 megapixels / 25.28 megapixels
Anti Reflection coating	Yes
Aspect ratio / Color filter	3:2 / Primary color filter
Latitude	14+ stops (V-Log)
Recording file format	JPEG, Tethered photo shooting with LUMIX Tether for Multicam software
Battery	Optional, not included
Battery Quantity	1
Wi-Fi	2.4GHz , IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412 MHz – 2462 MHz , Wi-Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure mode
Bluetooth	Bluetooth® v4.2
Dimensions	Approx. 93.0 x 93.0 x 78.8 mm
Weight	Approx. 585g

Credit: B&H

Features: Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera

6K ‘open gate’ 3:2 video shooting in 10-bit at up to 24p
5.9K 16:9 capture up to 30p
From 5.9K, up to 10-bit 30p in UHD or DCI 4K
Super35 cropped in UHD or DCI 4K at up to 60p
HDMI, SDI, Ethernet, and USB 3.1 (USB 3.2 Gen 2) ports are all full-size
Genlock and Timecode
With a built-in fan, you may record for as long as you like

Front Controls and Lens Mount of Camera

Credit: Newsshooter

To fit the L-mount, the camera’s front layout has altered slightly from the BGH1, but we believe it is for the better. All of the camera’s programming function buttons have been relocated to one side, whereas the lens release and power buttons have been relocated to the other. In comparison to the BGH1, there is one more function button.

There’s also a unique operating lock switch that prevents inadvertent camera settings adjustments. This was a popular request from BGH1 consumers, according to Panasonic. That’s user-configurable, which means you can choose which camera features it disables.

This button arrangement should give a more natural workflow based on our experience with the BGH1. It also reduces the chances of unintentionally hitting the power button when seeking a function button. That isn’t to say we haven’t made mistakes in the past.

Battery and Connections

Credit: DrivePhotoGuide.com

Much of the action takes place in the camera’s back. There are standard 3.5mm microphone and headphone ports, as well as a USB-C connector and a full-size HDMI port. Using compatible off-camera recorders, the camera can output Raw data through HDMI, which can be converted as either ProRes Raw or Blackmagic Raw files. Panasonic’s professional camcorder batteries are used in the BS1H, and they give many hours of power on a single charge.

There’s also an Ethernet port, which is essential for the camera’s operation. The Lumix Tether for Multicam app may be used to control the BS1H remotely, either via Ethernet or via remote IP streaming. The Ethernet connection also supports PoE+, which means you can manage, broadcast, and power the camera with only one wire.

SDI Connections of Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera

Credit: YMCinema

Three SDI connections are located on the rear of the BS1H, which are recommended by professionals owing to their longevity and locking mechanism. They have SDI video out, timecode in/out, and Genlock in capabilities. The video out connection is 3G-SDI, which means it doesn’t allow Raw footage or resolutions higher than 1080p; it’s designed mostly for monitoring. For applications that need perfectly synchronized cameras, such as broadcast or research usage, genlock is critical.

The only thing missing is a screen. You can access the camera’s menus via a display that supports Panasonic’s touch interface, such as the Portkeys LH5P, a monitor in combination with the control dial to browse menus, or a smartphone app, depending on how it’s set up.

External recorders like the Atomos Ninja and Blackmagic Video Assist, however, do not presently support Panasonic’s touch interface, so you’ll have to browse menus using the control wheel.

Comparison of Panasonic S1H and Panasonic BGH1

Credit: Newsshooter

The BS1H is effectively an S1H under the hood, despite its altered physical factor. It has the same 24MP full-frame sensor as its mirrorless brother, as well as the same video specifications and color science.

As previously stated, it lacks crucial components such as a screen, in-body image stabilization, a mechanical shutter, and even a shutter button for still photography. The SDI connectors, Genlock, and Ethernet connectivity are among the new capabilities geared at pro video users. Panasonic claims that with the LUMIX Tether for Multicam software, you can snap stills with a camera meant for professional video work, even though we had some trouble doing so in time for launch, suffice it to say that the majority of this camera’s intended customers will not be too bothered.

The physical resemblance to the BGH1 isn’t by chance. Panasonic anticipates that many users will combine the two cameras in production settings. One computer may manage up to 12 cameras over Ethernet using the ‘Lumix Tether for Multicam’ software, including remote IP streaming.

Despite having a full-frame sensor, the BS1H is virtually identical in size to the Micro Four Thirds BGH1, with a depth difference of only 0.8mm. It, like the BGH1, has eleven 1/4″-20 mount points dispersed around the camera on all sides to make rigging easier.

Controls

A hot-shoe adapter is included on the camera’s top plate, allowing you to use Panasonic’s DMW-XLR1 mic adapter or a wireless mic receiver with external microphones. The primary control dial and menu button are located next to it and may be used to browse the camera’s menus on a connected screen.

Utilizing the dial to navigate menus is far less elegant than using Panasonic’s superb touch interface. Even if your external monitor doesn’t allow touch control in the menus, it gets the job done.

Based on our experience with the BGH1, the only criticism we have of the top plate design is that a microphone adapter installed in the hot shoe partially obscures the control dial, making it difficult to operate.

Streaming and Media of Camera

The BS1H offers powerful live streaming and internal recording capabilities in addition to external recording. Live streaming at up to 50 Mbps over Ethernet supports resolutions up to 4K/60p, utilizing either the H.264 or H.265 codecs.

For internal recording, the camera has dual SD card slots, both of which are UHS-II capable. Continuous recording is possible with hot-swapping. The BS1H offers a lot of versatility when it comes to capturing video in multiple formats, thanks to the SD cards and numerous video-out choices. An operator might, for example, output Raw video via HDMI, FullHD video over SDI, and simultaneously record video to both internal cards using separate settings.

Thermal Management

Panasonic’s video cameras are known for having excellent heat management, as well as the BS1H, will be no exception. It has an aluminum and magnesium alloy body that is designed to direct and disperse heat, as well as a built-in cooling fan that removes heat from the camera.

What’s the result? Unlimited recording duration regardless of quality or frame rate is extremely important to professional users.