Panasonic Lumix BS1H Review: Full-Frame Cinema Camera

Pros

• A large sensor ensures good noise behaviour
• Can be expanded according to individual needs
• Good sound quality from the integrated microphones
• Very compact and light

Cons

• Settings are only displayed very small on external monitors.
• No sensor stabilisatio

The Panasonic Lumix DC-BS1H is the "box version" of the Lumix S1H system camera, which specialises in video filming. It is equipped with the same full-frame sensor, which delivers a resolution of 24.2 megapixels and a dynamic range of more than 14 f-stops. However, stabilisation of the sensor has been dispensed with. The camera's cube-shaped housing has been reduced to the essentials - you won't find a handgrip or display. This makes it particularly compact and easier to mount when space or payload is limited, for example, under a drone or in vehicles.Individual configuration is possible depending on the use.The housing is equipped with 1/4-inch threads all around, to which accessories such as external monitors, lights, handgrips, cages, or microphone mounts can be attached. This allows you to expand the camera accordingly for your areas of application. Panasonic has not stinted on professional coections: in addition to an HDMI output, there is a LAN coection and a 3G-SDI output. To coect microphones via XLR, however, an external sound adapter is necessary, which can be placed on the accessory shoe if required. However, the testers are less convinced by the ease of use: Above all, they miss a small display that informs them about the current settings. According to the testers, the overlays that are displayed on external monitors are far too small and make it difficult to read the settings.