GEAR
PANASONIC LUMIX BS1H
Sync smartphone app. And the Genlock and Timecode functions make it ideal to sync with other cameras for high-precision, multi-camera editing. It’s ideal for livestreaming, as a stand-alone unit or part of a multi- camera broadcast – all in stunning, full-frame quality. We linked via HDMI to a monitor/switcher, and crisp, clear recording was simple. It can also be rigged up as a small documentary camera, if you attach a monitor or EVF, and ideally some sort of side handle. We used it with an Atomos Ninja V and it felt well-balanced, but for handheld we did miss IBIS. If you pick the right battery for the camera, that has a D-Tap power output, you could even power the monitor via a cable rather than having to carry more batteries. The hotshoe is ideal to take an XLR audio adapter, such as Panasonic’s own DMW-XLR kit. But sadly there are no built-in NDs, so you have to screw on your ND system of choice. It can be mounted on a tripod, using a follow focus to turn it into a real cinema camera. Or simply rely on the AF and its decent face detection to track a subject. Instead of asking why you might want a box camera, perhaps the real question is how you get by without one? Image quality is incredible, and it can be rigged up as a cinema camera, docu-cam, wireless remote camera, streaming device, or part of a multi-camera broadcast production. That’s a lot of uses for the type of machine most filmmakers never knew they wanted – the BS1H could change all that.
“We used it with an Atomos Ninja V and it felt well-balanced, but for handheldwe didmiss IBIS”
THE VERDICT If you only ever shoot one specific subject in one particular way, chances are you have settled on a certain sort of camera with a fixed set of needs. The BS1H might be that camera. Perhaps more realistically, most independent production companies are called on to do a huge range of shoots – from events to launches, adverts to full cinematic-style shorts. If this sounds like you, then a camera like the BS1H could also make sense. It can be used for so many different things, thanks to its modular formwhich allows you to bolt on just what you need and nothing more. For livestreaming, or joining a multi-camera broadcast crew, it’s a good option. It can be a high-quality cinema camera shooting 6K anamorphic in Netflix-approved quality. Or hold its own as a documentary camera, using AF lenses with built-in IS to remove any wobbles. Whatever you require it for, expect incredible images in high resolution, with lots of dynamic range, even in low light.
Chances are you will uncover loads of uses to give your work a noticeable edge.
More information
CINE STYLE A monitor, battery and matte box (below) make the BS1H very capable – good enough for Netflix
panasonic.co.uk
HOW IT RATES
Features: 8 No screen, monitor, IBIS or phase detection AF, but lots of pro connections Performance: 9 Stunning footage in 6K, 5.9K and 4K – and fast 180fps in HD Handling: 8 Small and compact, but lack of screen makes it fiddly to use Value formoney: 8 It’s less than an S1H, but more than an S1, which offers extra for typical filmmakers OVERALL RATING: 8/10 It’s the amazing spec and performance of the S1H in a smaller body, with great pro I/O Pros: Size, customisation, image quality Cons: Contrast-detect AF, no screen at all
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