Panasonic Lumix introduces BGH1
Posted on Oct 13, 2020 by Pro Moviemaker
A new mirrorless box-style cinema and live camera featuring C4K/4K 60/50p and 10-bit video recording
Panasonic today announced the release of the its first box-style Lumix Mirrorless Camera, DC-BGH1. Based on the Micro Four Thirds System, the new Lumix BGH1 offers increased flexibility and access to an extensive lens lineup, bringing together technologies Panasonic has acquired though the development of professional cinema cameras, camcorders and the Lumix GH series.
With today’s increased demand for streaming in addition to traditional broadcasting, the Lumix BGH1 provides a versatile solution in the form of an easy-to-use expandable camera that can be used in multi-camera, drone, IP remote control and live-streaming environments.
The Panasonic Lumix BGH1 will be available at RRP £1899.99 from mid-November 2020.
The new Lumix BGH1 integrates a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor with Dual Native ISO technology and a Venus Engine. Dual Native ISO technology seamlessly utilises two circuits to create two separate native ISO settings, which is used in Panasonic professional Varicam models.
Normally, noise increases as sensitivity rises with a single native ISO image sensor, however, an image sensor with Dual Native ISO minimises noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. As a result, the BGH1 is capable of a maximum ISO 51200 high sensitivity recording.
The Lumix BGH1 enables 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p / 50p internal video recording. It records video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and you can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in Photo Style. A low-bit-rate recording mode C4K/4K HEVC/H.265 for HLG is also available.
The V-Log L featuring log characteristics with 13 stops of wide dynamic range is pre-installed. It is also capable of C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit output via HDMI.
The VFR (Variable Frame Rate) lets users record overcranked / undercranked video in C4K/4K (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 BGH1 benefits from a new heat dispersion structure to achieve unlimited video recording. The body frame is composed of aluminum and magnesium alloy, making the camera both durable and lightweight.
The BGH1 is a compact box-style camera complying with Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+) protocols. Control over maximum of 12 Lumix BGH1 cameras is available using Panasonic PC software ‘Lumix Tether for Multicam’. With a future firmware update, it will also support wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP).
In addition to a USB 3.1 Type-C port, it is also equipped with a 3G-SDI and a HDMI Type-A terminal, which can be used for simultaneous output. Furthermore, Genlock IN and Timecode IN/OUT functions which enable multi-angle synchronised video recording are available, allowing the user to build a scalable system with external monitors, rigs and gimbals supplied from other manufacturers.
The Lumix BGH1 is equipped with a double SD Card slot for backup recording or relay recording.
Other practical features
- Supports anamorphic lenses (4:3)
- Tally lamps (one front, one rear), as well as a network connection lamp
- Φ3.5 Audio (in/out) jack compatible with XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately)
- Generic remote control unit φ2.5mm
- 4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE)
- Bundled accessories including a Cable lock band, AC adapter and AC cable
- Remote camera control using application software (LUMIX Tether for Multicam and Lumix Sync)
- Tethered photo shooting with Lumix Tether for Multicam software
- A SDK (Software Development Kit) for camera control via USB will be available free of charge.
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