“Last week, Panasonic figuratively blew the doors off its competition in the pro video space with the introduction of the Lumix S1H. It offers truly high-end video capability for pro videographers and cinematographers at an unprecedented price point….
… I had a chance to sit down briefly with Yosuke Yamane, Director of Panasonic Corp.’s Imaging Business Unit, Smart Life Network Business Division, Appliances Company, to ask a few questions related to its development and release….”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H rigged with Zacuto moviemaking accessories.
“Zacuto owners and Director & Cinematographer team Steve Weiss and Jens Bogehegn sat down with Matt Frazer from Panasonic for an EXCLUSIVE First Look at the Panasonic S1H. In episode 1, we discuss the ergonomics of the camera from dials and LCDs to card slots and more. We also cover what specific differences S1 and S1R users will see in the new S1H….
Stay tuned for new episodes in this First Look series…
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H rigged with Zacuto moviemaking accessories.
Zacuto’s new camera review videos are always great introductions to new gear and the company is outdoing itself with this six-part series on the amazing Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H.
I will be adding links to each new instalment as they appear so please keep coming back.
“Flashback to 2014 and the headlines in the mirrorless filmmaking world was that of the LUMIX GH4 being the very first hybrid mirrorless camera capable of recording in UHD 4K, without the need for an external recorder – how times have quickly changed. With the recent release of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, and now the official release of the LUMIX S1H, it looks like 6K video within these compact camera bodies is now a thing. Panasonic LUMIX did of course share some of the top headline specs of this new camera a few months ago, teasing us filmmakers with what was promising to be the most powerful hybrid camera for filmmaking to date – and it seems like they’ve delivered. In this video, Kriss runs you through the main features of the S1H and shares his thoughts on how he found shooting with a pre-production model in the HD, 4K and 6K recording modes.”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens.
Commentary
This is one of the best Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H review videos so far with excellent sample footage and plenty of insights from a working cinematographer, hopefully with in-depth follow up videos to come.
“Imagine a VariCam and a GH5 fell in love and had a brilliant baby – a small, powerful full-frame camera baby capable of shooting 6K V-Log video and 96 megapixel raw images and with image stabilisation so impressive it all but eliminates the need for gimbals. That’s the new flagship S series cinema camera from Panasonic, the Lumix S1H – and from what we know so far, it’s a filmmaker’s dream….”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Panasonic Lumix S PRO 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens.
Commentary
It goes without saying that I would be the very last person who would ever be invited to launch events like this though I was always on the invitation list for similar events overseas and for the Australian branch of one particular camera company whose then PR person was a family friend.
Hence, having to cobble together information about new hardware and software releases of interest to my not inconsiderable daily readership from press releases, articles and videos created by others.
If I am lucky I get to hear about public launch events held at or by Sydney retailers and can obtain a brief hands-on there in less than ideal conditions, and if I am even luckier I may be loaned the item in question some months or years after its local release.
Small mercies!
Mustn’t grumble.
I am incredibly grateful for any kind assistance that is rendered by hardware and software makers and their public relations officers and consultants and am glad to be able to share with you anything that I can.
Meanwhile I am pleased to share this report on the Sydney launch of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H and am glad that at least one female was invited to the event though it would have been terrific if she was a cinematographer as well as a stills photographer and thus better able to assess the video-oriented S1H’s potential.
Event photographs shared by Panasonic Australia on its Facebook page
“This is the sizzle reel of a variety of films shot by four film creators with the new LUMIX S1H full-frame mirrorless camera.”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1J rigged with Zacuto moviemaking accessories.
[NEW] LUMIX S | S1H Short Film “Kepler 138” shot by Jacob Schwarz
This film is shot by Jacob Schwarz (MYSTERY BOX) with LUMIX S1H. “ ‘Kepler 138’ is the emotional story of Charles, a blind father who connects with his daughter Claire, and how a space mission to explore new worlds guides them both to see. A short film that crafts a dramatic and emotionally stirring short film reminding viewers that love transcends time and space.”
[NEW] LUMIX S | S1H Short Film “In Hope of Nothing” shot by Peter Hamblin
This film is shot by Peter Hamblin with LUMIX S1H. “ ‘In Hope Of Nothing’ aimed to speak to film-makers about the trials and tribulations of film-making.”
[NEW] LUMIX S | S1H Short Film “Alive” shot by Carissa Dorson
This film is shot by Carissa Dorson with LUMIX S1H. “In ‘Alive’, a laundromat worker wishes there was more to her life, so she imagines herself dancing without inhibition throughout her day.”
[NEW] LUMIX S | Behind-the-scenes of filming with LUMIX S1H
This is behind-the-scenes of filming with the LUMIX S1H full-frame mirrorless camera.
[NEW] LUMIX S | LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 (S-E2470) Lens Based on L-Mount System
This film is shot through LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 (S-E2470) on LUMIX S1H. Panasonic is proud to introduce a new interchangeable standard zoom lens, the LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 (S-E2470) based on the L-Mount system for the LUMIX S Series Full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera. Specially focusing on professional use, the LUMIX S Series pursues uncompromising photographic expression with its high-quality cameras and lenses. The LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 (S-E2470) is a large-aperture standard zoom lens that boasts high descriptive performance across the entire zoom range. The optical performance of this LUMIX S PRO lens is remarkably high to clear stringent LEICA standards. Ensuring versatile use for landscapes, snaps and portraits with its 24-70mm focal length, the LUMIX S PRO 24-70mm F2.8 features stunningly high resolution and high contrast at each focal length point. The full-range F2.8 high-speed aperture provides smooth defocus gradation from the focus peak to the neighboring area of the image to achieve a beautiful bokeh effect as well as a rich perspective.
Commentary
Congratulations are due to Panasonic for going some way towards evening up the gender balance with one of these videos being made by a woman and two by men, with a possible second female-made movie coming by Alicia Robbins.
“At its core Kepler 138 is the emotional story of Claire and her blind father Ted, and how a space mission to explore new worlds helped her give her father the ultimate gift — a glimpse into her new world. Staring: Carter Scott – Claire Nelson Shawn Stevens – Ted Nelson Directed by: Jacob Schwarz Ex. Produced by: Katie Schwarz & Mathew Frazer Producer: Andrew Peterson DP: Peter Mosiman”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1J rigged with Tilta moviemaking accessories.
Commentary
I look forward to a behind the scenes video for this production appearing soon!
“With the introduction of the Lumix S1H there are now three camera bodies in the Lumix S system. Although they share a number of design characteristics they have quite distinct purposes and unique feature-sets to match. The Lumix S1H is designed primarily to shoot high-end video and has many new functions and handling innovations to suit the way videographers work and the features they value. It can of course shoot stills too, and does so with the same 24.2MP resolution that the Lumix S1 does – and even offers the same 96MP High Resolution mode – but in this model that sensor is put to work recording moving images as a priority….”
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS standard zoom lens.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens.
Panasonic DMW-XLR1 Microphone Adapter for Panasonic Lumix G and S-Series cameras.
Panasonic DMW-XLR1 Microphone Adapter for Panasonic Lumix G and S-Series cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Atomos Ninja V.
Panasonic DMW-BGS1 Vertical Battery Grip for Panasonic Lumix S-Series cameras.
Panasonic DMW-BGS1 Vertical Battery Grip for Panasonic Lumix S-Series cameras.
Panasonic Lumix DMW-BLJ31 battery for Panasonic Lumix S-Series cameras.
Panasonic DMW-RS2 Remote Shutter for Panasonic Lumix S-Series cameras.
Commentary
Journalist and photographer Damien Demolder has done a great job noting and illustrating a number of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H’s key points and so far it looks like a combination Lumix GH5 and GH5S on steroids, with the customary Lumix fully-articulated monitor now morphed into a tilt plus fully-articulated wonder that is the new role model for all camera makers.
Panasonic has announced that 79 L-mount lenses made by Leica, Panasonic and Sigma will be available by 2020.
Panasonic – VariCam LUT Library – “Add from 35 conversion LUTs and artistic looks to VariCam® cinema cameras and the AU-EVA1.” – as well as to S-series cameras.
Atomos and Panasonic announce 35mm full frame RAW video over HDMI from the Lumix S1H to Ninja V
Atomos is excited to announce co-development with Panasonic of RAW over HDMI from the brand new Lumix S1H to the Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR monitor-recorder. The RAW update will be available free on the Ninja V when released by Panasonic.
“We are very proud of continuing to develop new ground-breaking technology with a company of the calibre of Panasonic. We are both highly committed to the democratisation of filmmaking for creators, and the ability to transmit RAW over HDMI from the S1H to a Ninja V is a major leap forward in this endeavour.” Said Jeromy Young, Atomos CEO.
As the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera capable of 6K internal video, the Lumix S1H combines the quality of professional cinema-grade video cameras with the size and photo capability of a mirrorless, making it the perfect companion with the Ninja V.
“The leading brand of external monitor-recorders is definitely Atomos. Both companies have a very good relationship and we have been providing 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output recording for the Lumix GH series for years. We are very proud to be developing RAW output via HDMI with Atomos for the S1H.” Said Panasonic at their launch event in LA.
Added Young: “Our advancements in screen technology now allows creators to accurately monitor RAW video in real-time as it would be viewed in the home or cinema for perfect preservation of creative intent. Our pristine custom Atomos HDR screens are second to none in colour accuracy and representation of brightness from RAW signals. When combined, these advantages create a dream workflow for filmmakers.”
The new Lumix S1H will be shown working with the Ninja V at the upcoming IBC show in Amsterdam from 13 September at the RAI Hall 11.D25, more information on the combination will be available during the show.
Media contact:
Eric Nielsen, Step 3 Eric@step-3.com +1.202.276.5357
About Atomos
Atomos Limited (ASX:AMS) is a global video technology company delivering award-winning, simple to use monitor-recorder content creation products. These products give content creators across the rapidly growing social, pro-video and entertainment markets a faster, higher quality and more affordable production system. The company’s range of products take images directly from the sensor of all major camera manufacturers, then enhance, record and distribute them in high-quality formats for content creation using the major video editing software programs. Since being founded in 2010, Atomos has established strategic relationships with key technology providers within the ecosystem including Apple, Adobe, Sony, Canon, Panasonic, Nikon and JVC Kenwood. Atomos is based in Australia with offices in the USA, Japan, China, UK and Germany and has a worldwide distribution partner network. For more information, visit http://www.atomos.com. Learn more about Ninja V athttps://www.atomos.com/ninjav
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Atomos Ninja V.
Commentary
Atomos and Panasonic are to be congratulated for collaborating on allowing the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H to record ProRes RAW raw video onto the Atomos Ninja V 1000 nits 5-inch monitor/recorder.
In my humble opinion, ALL camera makers need to do the same so we have affordable options for professional-quality moviemaking in all genres when cinema cameras remain out of reach.
Raw video recording with an in-body image stabilized camera like the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H is an excellent solution for high-end available light documentary moviemaking especially in combination with HLG or full V-Log profiles, and even more so with 35mm sensors even if they are set to record as Super 35.
As a documentary photographer and videographer, I have long been hoping for a reasonably affordable Super 35 4K solution for producing great stills and video with the minimum of equipment.
It is pleasing to read Atomos CEO Jeromy Young’s statement in this press releases that “we are both highly committed to the democratisation of filmmaking for creators” and even more so that Panasonic has now seen fit to bestow its DSLR-style cameras with features from its high-end VariCam cinema camera line.
VariCam image quality at hybrid camera prices… nice!
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H 35mm mirrorless camera with Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4.0 Macro OIS zoom lens.
Panasonic Develops a New LUMIX S1H Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera With Cinema-Quality Video and the World’s First 6K/24p*1 Recording Capability
Osaka, Japan – Panasonic Corporation announced today the development of the LUMIX S1H, a new Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera equipped with a full-frame image sensor. It is the world’s first camera capable of video recording at 6K/24p *1 (3:2 aspect ratio), 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio), and 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K.*2 *3 Combining the professional-level video quality and high mobility of the mirrorless camera, Panasonic will release the LUMIX S1H to world markets in fall 2019.
Since starting the development of video recording technologies for digital cinema in the 1990s, Panasonic has produced a host of innovative technologies for impressive cinematic imagery, such as 24p video recording, slow motion video using a variable frame rate, and the wide dynamic range and color space of V-Log/V-Gamut. Panasonic has been working with film creators for over a quarter of a century to design and develop a number of cinema cameras, which has resulted in stunningly high video performance. The LUMIX GH1 made its debut in 2009 as the world’s first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera capable of full-HD AVCHD video recording.*4 The LUMIX GH4 was launched in 2014 as the world’s first Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera*5 capable of 4K video recording. And in 2017, the LUMIX GH5 was released with the world’s first 4K/60p, 4:2:2 10-bit 4K/30p recording capability.*6 The LUMIX GH5 is highly acclaimed by film creators for its high performance, excellent mobility, and superb versatility in film production.
The new LUMIX S1H has been designed and developed by applying the vast expertise and technologies accumulated in the cinema cameras of the LUMIX S Series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. It packs all of these technologies, especially in the field of digital signal processing and heat dispersion, into a compact, lightweight body to achieve both high performance and nimble mobility. It opens the door to creative film production in ways that conventional, bulky camera systems simply could not do.
The main features of the new LUMIX S1H are as follows:
1. High resolution up to 6K for multiple formats
Maximizing the use of the pixels in the full-frame image sensor, the LUMIX S1H, as a digital camera, has achieved 6K/24p (3:2 aspect ratio) or 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio) video recording for the first time in the world.*1 It is also the world’s first full-frame digital interchangeable lens system camera*1 to enable 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K *2*3 video recording. It accommodates a variety of recording formats, including 4:3 Anamorphic mode, to meet professional needs. Its high-resolution data can also be used for creating 4K videos with higher image quality or for cropping images in 4K.
2. Rich gradation and a wide color space virtually equal to those of cinema cameras.
The LUMIX S1H features V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, which are virtually the same as those of the Panasonic Cinema VariCam, to precisely capture everything from dark to bright areas. The color and even the texture of human skin are faithfully reproduced. Designed under consistent color management, the S1H’s recorded footage is compatible with V-Log footage recorded by VariCam or V-Log L footage recorded by LUMIX GH5/GH5S.
3. High product reliability that allows unlimited video recording.*7
In every S1H recording mode, video can be recorded non-stop under the certified operating temperature so the user can concentrate on shooting.
Panasonic now offers three innovative models in the LUMIX S Series of full-frame Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras – the S1R, the S1, and the new S1H. The LUMIX S1R is ideal for taking high-resolution pictures, the LUMIX S1 is an advanced hybrid camera for high-quality photos and videos, and the LUMIX S1H is designed and developed especially for film production. With this lineup, Panasonic is committed to meet the demands of every imaging professional by challenging the constant evolution of the photo/video culture in today’s new digital era.
The LUMIX S1H prototype will be exhibited at the “Cine Gear Expo 2019.”*8
Notes:
*1. As a digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of May 31, 2019 (U.S.). Panasonic research.
*2. As a full-frame digital interchangeable lens system camera, as of May 31 May, 2019 (U.S.). Panasonic research. In Super 35mm-equivalent size.
*3. Corresponding to 4K (4096×2160) as defined by Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI).
*4. As of March 25, 2009, as a digital interchangeable lens system camera. Panasonic research.
*5. As of March 25, 2014, as a Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera. Panasonic research.
*6. As of January 25, 2017, as a digital interchangeable lens system camera. Panasonic research.
*7. Recording time varies depending on the battery capacity and memory card capacity. When the camera’s temperature rises above the specified operation temperature, the camera may automatically stop video recording to protect it from heat damage.
*8. Cine Gear Expo 2019 is the premier annual event for professionals engaged in the technology, entertainment and media industry to be held at Paramount Studios in Los Angles, U.S., through May 30 to June 2.
– Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
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