Panasonic Launches Its First Digital Mirrorless Box-Style Camera DC-BGH1
New LUMIX BGH1 box-style mirrorless camera for filmmaking and live-streaming offers C4K/4K 60p/50p and 10-bit video recording
Sofia, Bulgaria, 13 October 2020 – Panasonic is proud to announce the launch of its first BOX-style Digital Single Lens Mirrorless camera, the DC-BGH1. Based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, the new LUMIX BGH1 boasts high mobility and an extensive interchangeable lens lineup, and contains the best of Panasonic’s technologies established in its cinema cameras, camcorders and the LUMIX GH series of Digital Single Lens Mirrorless cameras. In an era of increasing use of streaming, complementing traditional TV broadcasting, Panasonic proposes the LUMIX BGH1, an easy-to-install camera with expandability and multi-camera compatibility. Its applications and features are extremely diverse and flexible – remote shooting, live streaming, and more.
1. Professional-level video recording quality achieved thanks to high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
The new LUMIX BGH1 integrates a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology and a Venus Engine processor. Dual Native ISO technology is borrowed from Panasonic's professional VariCam cameras. It uses two separate circuits with different initial ISO sensitivities. With traditional imaging sensors that only have one initial ISO sensitivity, noise in the image increases as the camera's sensitivity increases. With a Dual Native ISO imaging sensor, noise generation is minimised by selecting the optimal circuit with the appropriate sensitivity, even before the amplification process. As a result, the camera offers recording with a maximum sensitivity of ISO 51200.
The LUMIX BGH1 can perform internal recording of 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p/50p video. The camera records video with a special gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100, and users can now select the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) setting from Photo Style. In HLG, a low-bit-rate C4K/4K HEVC/H.265 recording mode is also available.
The V-Log L function is factory-installed, extending the dynamic range to 13 stops. The ability to output C4K/4K 4:2:2 10-bit video via HDMI is also provided.
The use of VFR (Variable Frame Rate) allows recording of slow or fast motion video at C4K/4K resolution (60 frames per second, maximum 2.5x slower at 24p) or FHD (240 frames per second, maximum 10x slower at 24p)*. The minimum frame rate for fast-motion video recording is 2 frames per second.
The LUMIX BGH1 also uses advanced artificial intelligence technology that detects specific subjects – humans and fast-moving animals, including dogs, cats and birds. Specifically for humans, in addition to eye, face and body, the real-time recognition technology now also takes into account the head to provide even more precise focusing. The camera continues to track the subject even if he/she moves quickly, turns his/her back to the camera, tilts his/her head or moves away from the camera.
* The angle of view narrows when the frame rate is set to 201 fps.
2. Numerous conveniences for film scene users and expandability with various external devices
The LUMIX BGH1 uses a new heat dissipation structure, providing efficient cooling and enabling unlimited video recording. Its body chassis is made of aluminium and magnesium alloy, combining high strength and low weight.
The LUMIX BGH1 is a lightweight and compact "box-style" camera. It is compatible with PoE+ (Power over Ethernet+) technology, making it very easy to install both physically and electrically. Up to 12 sets of LUMIX BGH1 cameras*1 can be controlled using Panasonic's LUMIX Tether for Multicam*² computer software. And with a future firmware update, wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP) will also be supported.
In addition to the USB 3.1 Type-C port, 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A terminals are provided, which can be used for simultaneous signal output. What's more, the Genlock IN and Timecode IN/OUT functions for synchronised video recording from different angles enable the construction of modular systems with external monitors, platforms and gimbals from other manufacturers.
The LUMIX BGH1 is equipped with two SD card slots, supporting Backup recording and Relay recording functions.
3. Other practical functions and features
- Anamorphic lens (4:3) compatibility
- Tally lamps (1 front and 1 rear), network connection lamp
- Φ3.5 audio jack (input/output), compatible with XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately)
- Φ2.5 jack for universal remote control
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE) connectivity
- Included accessories, including cable tie, AC adapter and power cable
- Remote camera control via application software (LUMIX Tether for Multicam*² and LUMIX Sync)
- Tethered shooting with LUMIX Tether for Multicam*² software
- SDK*3 (Software Development Kit) for camera control via USB will be provided free of charge.
*1 Operation may be unstable depending on the operating environment and the performance of the connected computer.
*2 LUMIX Tether for Multicam will be released when the BGH1 goes on sale.
*3 SDK will be released for owners of compatible LUMIX cameras (BGH1, S1, S1R, S1H, S5, GH5S, GH5, G9) on the following website: https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/tool/sdk.html on October 14, 2020.
Some accessories may not be available in some countries.
Construction, design and technical specifications are subject to change without notice.
