“@SmallRig has created a new cage just for the GH6… but of course it doesn’t stop there. Witness the power of this fully operational camera cage!…”
Commentary
SmallRig Black Mamba Series Camera Cage with Top Handle for Panasonic Lumix GH6. Image courtesy of B&H.
SmallRig Top Handle for Sony XLR-K1M / K2M / K3M and Panasonic DMW-XLR1 Adapter 3082. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
SmallRig LCD screen protector sunhood on Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
SmallRig Black Mamba Series Camera Cage with Top Handle for Panasonic Lumix GH6. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
SmallRig Black Mamba Series Camera Cage with Top Handle for Panasonic Lumix GH6. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
SmallRig Black Mamba Series Camera Cage with Top Handle for Panasonic Lumix GH6. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
SmallRig related products for Fujifilm X-H1. Image courtesy of SmallRig.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is such a huge leap forward in an affordable, powerful and small hybrid mirrorless video production camera and it has changed so much from its predecessors that a reassessment is in order in how to rig it for serious work.
Panasonic brand ambassador PhotoJoseph has presented a live action video on how he rigs the GH6 up with accessories by SmallRig, one of the most innovative and responsive makers of such devices that we have encountered.
The Lumix GH6 is eminently usable minus accessories but gains so much more when mated up with the right ones.
This how-to guide from PhotoJoseph may prove invaluable.
Links
B&H Affiliate Link – click here to assist us in financing this website and its contents by purchasing from B&H.
PhotoJoseph – LUMIX GH6 in 4½ Minutes — Everything new you NEED to know! – video – “The long-awaited Panasonic LUMIX GH6 is finally here!! And… WOW. It’s incredible! Learn everything that’s new in this amazing camera in one fast-paced video!”
“Paul takes a first look at the Panasonic S1H. Is this simply a full frame GH5S or is there more to this DSLM? Perfect camera for vloggers or a real cinema competitor?”
Commentary
Things have been quiet over at Panasonic Australia it seems since the release of the Lumix DC-GH5 and I have not heard a sound from the company’s PR people, so have not had any extended hands-on time with the Lumix DC-GH5S, Lumix DC-G9, Lumix DC-GX9, Lumix DC-S1, Lumix DC-SiR or the recently released Lumix DC-S1H.
So I am grateful for Paul of extrashot for this first look at the S1H, especially in the light of Netflix certifying the camera for use in Netflix 4K Originals productions.
I look forward to more in-depth reviews of the camera for use in movie productions appearing soon.
Panasonic’s longtime weak point has been its depth-from-defocus (DFD) Contrast Detection Auto Focus (CDAF) system that many users would prefer was actually Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), but is this a big problem given potential users of the Lumix DC-S1H are more likely to use manual focus with it, as illustrated in the product shot above?
DPReview – DPReview TV: Panasonic S1H First Look – “Jordan takes a first look at the new Panasonic S1H and wrestles with the moral struggle of cheating on his beloved GH5. Click below to download some ungraded sample clips from the S1H, including 6K footage.” – video
Leeming LUT Pro – “Leeming LUT Pro™ is the world’s first unified, corrective Look Up Table ( LUT ) system for supported cameras, designed to maximise dynamic range, fix skin tones, remove unwanted colour casts and provide an accurate Rec709 starting point for further creative colour grading.” – some reviewers have been commenting adversely upon the skin tones rendered by Panasonic’s S-Series and GH-Series cameras, but applying Leeming LUT Pro restores excellent colour to their video output. Paul Leeming is currently working on LUTs for S-Series Panasonic cameras so keep on eye his website.
“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….”
“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…
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.
“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….”
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.”
[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”
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
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm f/2.8 standard zoom lens. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
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. Image courtesy of Panasonic Australia.
Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H with Atomos Ninja V. Image courtesy of Atomos.
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 – 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.
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!
Camera accessories maker SmallRig is quick off the mark with not one but two camera cages for the Fujifilm X-T3 APS-C/Super 35 hybrid mirrorless camera to take advantage of the X-T3’s radically boosted video capabilities.
My experience with a range of Fujifilm cameras indicates that almost all of them benefit at least from metal hand grips and more so from vertical battery grips for better, safer handholding and extra power.
It is pleasing to see that SmallRig has acknowledged this by adding extra gripability to its cage for the X-T3 minus vertical battery grip.
Both camera cages are currently available under SmallRig’s Pre-Order scheme at 30% off an already low regular price and the estimated shipping date is October 11, 2018, well-timed for the official release of X-T3 production models.
SmallRig Cage for Fujifilm X-T3 Camera 2228.
SmallRig Cage for Fujifilm X-T3 Camera with Battery Grip 2229.