
Buying a camera is only the start of your production journey.
Next, you'll need accessories to get the most out of your new gear. We save you the hassle with our Deals of the Week, so you can start shooting your Netflix project right out of the box.
The hidden costs of getting a camera production ready can vary from gear to gear. But a general rule to follow is that the cheaper the camera, the more accessories you'll need to make it comfortable to use. That doesn't mean cheaper cameras are bad, but to cut the cost, manufacturers also have to cut some features.
Worry not! We at NFS have sourced three different camera kits with three different sensor sizes. Whatever you need, we'll help you find the sensor right for you with the accessories to match. And save you money!
Panasonic DC-BS1H Full-Frame Cinema Camera Shooters Kit
Is the Super35 sensor too small for you? Then The Panasonic LUMIX BS1H is right up your alley.
This is basically a LUMIX S1H but in box form. While the BS1H is not officially on the Netflix Approved Camera List, the S1H totally is. Since they're the same camera, could the BS1H get Netflix-approved? Maybe it's just a matter of time until it's official. If anyone at Netflix is reading this, please update your list.
This Panasonic BS1H kit comes ready to shoot with a Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 Lens, an Atomos Ninja V 5" 4K HDMI Recording Monitor, and a beefy 1TB SSD to capture anything you need. While the BS1H doesn't shoot RAW internally like a BMPCC 6K, the Atomos Ninja V will provide ProRes RAW support! Whatever your needs are, this kit will help you shoot your upcoming Netflix project.
Panasonic BGH1 Mirrorless Camera Shooters Kit
Maybe the full-frame sensor is too big for your needs. Heck, maybe the Super35 sensor is too big. This is where the little brother of the BS1H comes in.
The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 boasts a micro four-thirds sensor that shoots 4K60 footage at 4:2:2. Unlike the previous cameras, the MFT mount can be adapted to almost any lens on the market. You can even use a focal reducer to get the most out of your lens' image circle.
Speaking of lenses, this kit comes with Lumix G Vario 14-140mm Power O.I.S. Lens for super stable shots. It also includes the Atomos Ninja V, which expands your shooting formats with ProRes RAW. Much like the BS1H kit above, you'll be ready to shoot right out of the box. And guess what? This camera is officially Netflix-approved!
Blackmagic Design 6K Film/Music Video Production Starter Kit
Everyone's favorite industry disruptor, Blackmagic Design, went from black sheep to David savoring his victory over Goliath in just a few years, which makes this kit a solid value—not only to your pocket but to your production.
While the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K isn't Netflix-approved, we just had to add it to this list since it shoots stunning footage in BRAW on a Super35 sensor, a decades-long standard of the movies and television. The kit partners this EF mount camera with a Rokinon Cine DS lens set, giving you a 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and an 85mm. All these lenses are T1.5, making them blazing fast and an attractive piece of kit for low light shooting, especially with the BMPCC 6K's dual native ISO. The included Atomos Shinobi 5.2" monitor, power solution, Manfrotto tripod, and shotgun mic will help shooters tackle any project. With the fast lenses and dual native ISO of the BMPCC 6K, you can even skip the light kit and use natural light!
What are you putting on your list?
Your Comment
4 Comments
I realize a title like: "3 Camera Kits to Get You Production-Ready for Netflix, except none of them are actually Netflix approved" isn't as catchy, but can we tone down the clickbaityness a bit? B&H is doing just fine without you writing sales copy for them...
February 14, 2022 at 10:56PM
Netflix is where films go to die... you're lucky if you break even on your production costs. Unless your name is Martin Scorsese of course.
February 15, 2022 at 1:47AM
Now, this isn't cheap by any means; but it's still staggering to think about the image quality that can be obtained for a reasonable fee these days. It means you can invest in other things to create production value; the things that, you know, make a movie. I don't even know my own reasons for not making one anymore.
February 15, 2022 at 4:35PM
The BGH1 is indeed Netflix approved, shoots ProRes RAW with Ninja recorders, and I absolutely love it! I owned 3 Pocket 4K cameras before, and after trying the BGH1 I sold all the Blackmagic cameras to buy more Panasonic. I currently have 8 BGH1 kits available for rent, and can ship anywhere in the US. I also have 3 Ninja V kits with the ProRes RAW option and SDI module. Look for me via my website AVGearGuy.
February 17, 2022 at 11:22AM, Edited February 17, 11:23AM