Panasonic has released details of its first box-style cinema camera, the Lumix BGH1, which offers professional functionality in a small cube form factor.
The new Panasonic Lumix BGH1 camera in use in a live streaming studio environment. (Source: Panasonic.)
The BGH1 is ideal for filmmakers who require a compact, box-style body that can be easily deployed and controlled in different situations and has connections for peripherals to assist camera control and fittings to attach accessories such as cages, gimbals and handles. Made from durable aluminium and magnesium alloy, the BGH1 weighs just 545 grams and is light enough to be mounted on a drone. It is built around a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor with Dual Native ISO technology, similar to the M4/3 chip used in the GH5S camera and using Panasonic’s Venus Engine image processor. The sensor can leverage a dual-base ISO setting that integrates with the Venus Engine processor to deliver a maximum ISO of up to 51200.
Angled front and rear views of the BGH1 camera body showing the various connection ports and the high-capacity battery. (Source: Panasonic.)
The BGH1 supports 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p / 50p internal video recording as well as C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit output over HDMI. The camera records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and Hybrid Log Gamma is available with a low-bit-rate recording mode C4K/4K HEVC /H.265. The camera is pre-installed with V-Log L gamma profile, offering a wide dynamic range of 13 stops. Variable Frame Rate lets users record overcranked/undercranked video in C4K/4K (up to 60 fps, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (240 fps, maximum 10x slower in 24p). The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps. The camera also incorporates an improved Deep Learning autofocus algorithm with greater accuracy in detecting subjects like people’s faces, and fast-moving animals.
The BGH1 camera is compact and light enough for handheld use. (Source: Panasonic.)
Other features include a new heat dispersion structure designed to achieve unlimited video recording plus 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 BGH1 cameras will be available using Panasonic PC software LUMIX Tether for Multicam. A future firmware update will support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP). Terminals include USB 3.1 Type-C; plus 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A which can be used for simultaneous output. GenLock IN and Time Code IN/OUT functions enable multi-angle synchronised video recording and support a scalable system with third-party external monitors, rigs and gimbals – making the camera ideal for virtual reality video, bullet time and homography. The BGH1 is equipped with two SD Card slots for backup or relay recording plus front and rear tally lamps and 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks. It can be used with anamorphic lenses. Bundled accessories include a Cable lock band, AC adapter and AC cable. A SDK (Software Development Kit) for camera control via USB will be provided free.
The BGH1 is priced at AU$3099 RRP, and will be available in late November 2020 from leading photographic specialists. Click here or phone 132 600 for further information.
