In a very welcome announcement, Panasonic has added the ability to record external Blackmagic RAW on the LUMIX DC-S1H, a popular full-frame mirrorless camera in a new firmware update. Plus, the S1 gets new recording modes including 6K video and ProRes RAW, while the BG1H sees ProRes RAW recording and new IP streaming functionality.
Let's dive in.
DC-S1H
We're big fans of the S1H at No Film School. With impressive image quality, great color science, and multiple recording modes including anamorphic, it's one of our go-to cameras when it comes to shooting video. Panasonic is expanding what the camera can do with firmware version 2.4 by adding RAW video over HDMI to the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR. Now the Panasonic S1H can externally record ProRes RAW via Atomos or BRAW via Blackmagic, adding versatility to its workflow.
It's a fantastic move by Panasonic, as Blackmagic's DaVinci Resolve is one of the best color grading programs available. This will allow filmmakers to take advantage of the approximately 14 stops of dynamic range.
Panasonic is supporting 12-bit RAW in each of these recording modes:
- Full-frame 5.9K 5888 x 3312 (16:9), 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- Super 35 4K 4128 x 2176 (17:9), 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- Super 35 Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 3536 x 2656 (4:3), 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
While shooting with the Video Assist 12G HDR, users can select V-log or V709 on the Live View monitor during RAW output. Video assist functions including waveform monitor, vectorscope, zebras, and others will be accessible shooting RAW. Panasonic also told us DaVinci Resolve will support the metadata to adjust white balance and ISO/exposure offset adjustments in a future update.
Additionally, the firmware adds the ability to playback in vertical mode where users can choose to add or not add the camera orientation information in the menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback.
There's also a new Power Save Mode that can be selected while the camera is powered through AC. This allows those who don't want the camera to consume too much power to remain in standby for a long period. The feature is ideal for wildlife camera traps.
You can download version 2.4 for the S1H staring March 31st here.
DC-S1
For S1 users who already purchased the DMW-SFU2 upgrade, you're in for a treat. Version 2.0 expands the S1 a ton, adding 6K/5.9K/5.4K and 4K DCI recording modes, expanding 4K UHD, as well as adding anamorphic modes, external ProRes RAW, timecode functionality, and a Dual Native ISO setting. It's essentially become a mini S1H, but there are some limitations you need to know.
What makes the S1H great is the dedicated fan that cools the internals of the camera. Since the S1 lacks the same design, maximum record times and bit rates are not as robust as the S1H, but are still plenty good.
6K (5952x3968) / 5.9K (5888x3312) / 5.4K (5376x3584) in MOV:
- 6K 24p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
- 5.9K 30p/25p/24p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
- 5.4K 30p/25p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
- 6K 24p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
- 5.9K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
- 5.4K30p/25p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max. continuous record time is 15 minutes)
C4K (4096x2160) video in MOV
- C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds)
- C4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM (max continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds)
- C4K30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM (no limitation)
4K (3840x2160) 10-bit video in MOV
- 4K60p/50p, 4:2:0 10bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds)
Anamorphic (3328x2496) in MOV
- 4K-A50p, 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP, 200Mbps, LPCM (max continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds)
- 4K-A50p, 4:2:0 8-bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM (max continuous recording time is 29 minutes 59 seconds)
- 4K-A30p/25p/24p, 4:2:2 10-bit LongGOP, 150Mbps, LPCM (no limitation)
Now, we know what you're thinking. Does this mean the camera will stop automatically because of overheating issues? That answer is yes. Panasonic hasn't provided exact times for recovery periods but told No Film School that users shouldn't experience extended wait times. If you want to record longer continuous record times, you can also stick to the resolutions without limitations.
Even with a caveat to record times, having all these options at your fingertips is splendid. Plus, it really shows how important the dedicated fan is on the S1H. If you're serious about shooting video, you should consider a camera made for video.
On top of all of this, the S1 can record 12-bit ProRes RAW externally to an Atomos Ninja V recorder in the following formats:
- 5.9K 5888 x 3312 (16:9), 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- 4K 4128 x 2176 (17:9), 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 3536 x 2656 (4:3), 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
You can download version 2.0 for the S1 starting April 6th here.
BGH1
Panasonic's box-style camera also sees the same 12-bit ProRes RAW update in version 2.0, supporting the following formats.
- 5.9K 5888 x 3312 (16:9), 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- 4K 4128 x 2176 (17:9), 59.94, 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
- Anamorphic (4:3) 3.5K 3536 x 2656 (4:3), 50, 29.97, 25, 23.98fps
Additionally, IP streaming with PC (RTP/RTSP protocol) has been added, supporting H.265 and H.264 formats up to 4K UHD at 60fps. The BGH1 now supports captureboard streaming, tether+OBS, and it can also livestream using a USB cable, making it one of the more versatile live production-ready cameras on the market.
You can download firmware version 2.0 for the BGH1 starting March 24th here.
Along with these major updates, the S1R and S5 also see updates.
DC-S1R / S5
Users will be able to choose to add or not to add camera orientation information in [Vertical Position Info (Video)] menu to prevent unintended image rotation in playback. There will also be the same Power Save Mode added as the S1H.
You can download version 1.8 for the S1R starting April 6th here and version 2.2 for the S5 here.
