Panasonic was highly dominant in the beginnings of the digital video revolution with cameras like the original VariCam and the DVX-100. While they lost some ground to Canon with the 5D Mark II, they've been working double-time for the last few years to get that market share back with the GH5, the EVA1 and the high-end VariCam line, which has just had a price drop to actual affordability.
Panasonic is back again at CineGear Expo, where they launched the EVA1 two years ago, with the new Pansonic S1H, a full frame, mirrorless camera in the Lumix line (which includes the GH cameras).
Here’s some test footage to get things started:
[youtube https://youtu.be/gT2B_DUEbiw
The big marquee feature here is that it is capable of shooting 6K at 24fps, 5.9K up to 30fps, and then up to 60fps in 4K mode, and that will indeed be a major benefit to a lot of filmmakers.
The more important specification is that it includes v-log and v-gamma in the S1 platform of cameras. This is not only going to help with color reproduction and latitude, but it's also going to help make the S1H intercut more seamlessly with the other cameras from Panasonic, including the EVA1 and the Varicam.
This is going to make S1H extremely popular as an owner/operator, or C-camera, body for a DP to own, even if they end up renting a larger camera for most of their shoots since the post-production integration will be more seamless. Test footage shown was impressive, including some great low light results.
Panasonic also announced improvements in their L-line lenses targeted just at filmmakers. The L mount alliance brings together Panasonic, Sigma and Leica in an open format, unlike the proprietary format of Canon, Nikon, and Sony full frame cameras. The motion focused lenses from Panasonic will be designed with a focus clutch for a smooth feeling while pulling focus, and for repeated and accurate focus pulls.
Tech Specs
- vLog and vGamut
- 14 stops of dynamic range
- full frame 3:2 aspect ratio, 6K at 24fps
- 5.9K at 30fps
- 4:3 anamorphic support
- 4k up to 60p
- LUT display and custom functions
- 96kHz 24bit audio recording
This the first full-frame camera specifically aimed at "filmmakers" from Panasonic and will hopefully mean we can see a full frame Varicam or EVA model in the near future.
The S1H will be available for purchase this fall for under $4000. Amazingly, they know that this might frustrate some S1 owners, so they have rolled out an upgrade kit for them to get a large number of the features offered by the S1H for only $199.
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