Panasonic unveils video-orientated Lumix S1H camera

Front view of the new Panasonic DC-S1H camera. (Source: Panasonic.)

Combining professional-level video quality with the high mobility of a mirrorless camera, the S1H is the first full-frame digital interchangeable lens system camera to enable 10-bit 60/50p 4K/C4K video recording. It is also the first to offer 6K/24p (3:2 aspect ratio) or 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio) video recording. This enables it to accommodate a wide range of recording formats to meet professional needs, including 4:3 Anamorphic mode. Shooting in 6K enables higher-quality 4K output, and the ability to crop, pan or apply additional stabilisation in post-production while maintaining 4K resolution.

The S1H’s recording format is compatible with the V-Log/V-Gamut format recorded by a VariCam with a wide dynamic range in excess of 14 stops. Compatibility with V-Log L footage recorded by the Lumix GH5/GH5S enables an easier post production workflow. Heat management has been a critical aspect of the new camera’s design, enabling it to deliver non-stop video in every recording mode, an important factor for professional long form video shooting of documentaries, interviews and events.

We can’t provide further information as Panasonic informs us this is a ‘development announcement’ but the latest rumours suggest the S1H’s sensor resolution will be around 20 megapixels and it will be capable of recording s 14-bit dynamic range. A prototype of the Lumix S1H is being exhibited at the Cine Gear Expo 2019 show, which opened overnight in the Paramount Studios on Hollywood, California.  The new camera will be available in Australia in the third quarter of 2019. Local pricing will be announced closer to the release date.

The new Leica-branded DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH (H-X1025) lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

Panasonic has also released details of the Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25mm f/1.7 ASPH (H-X1025) lens, which was previewed at Photokina 2018 and is scheduled to go on sale in Australia in August, priced at AU$2799. This new G Series interchangeable lens features a constant f/1.7 maximum aperture, covering the wide to standard zoom range. Covering a zoom range equivalent to 20-50mm in 35mm format, it features a rugged, splash-resistant design plus a durable metal mount, and is freeze-proof to -10° Celsius. The optical design consists of 17 elements in 12 groups with three aspherical lenses and four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) lenses that suppress axial and magnification chromatic aberration, as well as spherical aberration and distortion. Relatively compact and light in weight, it has a nine-blade iris diaphragm that closes to a circular aperture and accepts 77 mm diameter filters.

This lens is compatible with the Lumix G sensor drive, which operates at 240fps enabling users to take advantage of the high-speed, high-precision auto focusing. An internal focus drive system ensures silent autofocusing, while a stepless aperture ring and the micro-step drive system in the aperture control section allow the camera to adjust smoothly to brightness changes when zooming or panning. The addition of a focus clutch mechanism enables instant AF/MF switching and accurate manual focusing.

The new Panasonic Lumix S-series teleconverters, the DMW-STC14 (left) and the DMW-STC20 (right). (Source: Panasonic.)

Panasonic has also announced two new teleconverters for Lumix S-series telephoto zoom lenses. Both are dust- and splash-resistant and  freeze-proof down to -10° Celsius. The new 1.4x and 2x teleconverters can be attached to the Lumix S PRO 70-200mm f/4 O.I.S. (SR70200) lens to achieve an extended zoom range up to 400mm without compromising focusing speed or precision. Both teleconverters are also compatible with the upcoming 70-200mm f/2.8 S Series lens, which will be be introduced later in 2019. The DMW-STC14 has seven elements including two UHR (Ultra High Refractive Index) lenses in four groups, while the DMW-STC20 has eight elements including two UHR lenses in four groups. The new teleconverters will be available in Australia in mid-July, with the DMW-STC14 priced at AU$799 and the DMW-STC20 at AU$999.

In a further announcement, Panasonic has also heralded the release of a Software Upgrade Key (DMW-SFU2) for the Lumix S full-frame mirrorless camera. This paid software program will further expand the video performance of the camera, allowing the user to access 14+ stops of V-Log recording. The following functions will be included:
– 14+ stops of V-Log recording
– World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K MOV 30p/25px internal video recording
– World’s first 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50pxii HDMI output
– V-Log and V-Gamut compatible with Cinema VariCam Look
– In-camera LUT (Look Up Table) application enabling playback of V-Log while or after recording (LUT Display with Custom Function)
– A WFM (Waveform Monitor) displays brightness level while recording
– High-res 48-kHz/24-bit or 96-kHz/24-bit sound can be recorded in MOV using the XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1.

The Software Upgrade Key DMW-SFU2 will be available in Australia in July 2019, priced at $299. Click here for additional information on the new products.