Panasonic S1H Body

The newly developed 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor with low-pass filter uses Dual Native ISO technology with two basic sensitivities for minimal noise at high sensitivities. The S1H's dynamic range of over 14 EV stops is on par with cinema cameras. Its V-Log/V gamut is compatible with the popular ?VariCam? cinema look. Thanks to Panasonic's unique heat-dissipating technology and a built-in fan, the S1H is ahead of other cameras with unlimited recording time in all shooting modes. In addition, HDR with HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI output and a 4:3 anamorphic mode are available. Add to that a host of handy tools for movie production, such as shooting lights, a waveform monitor, and a V-Log preview wizard.

The LUMIX S1H is equipped with a body-integrated image stabilizer (Body I.S.) for effective compensation of camera movement during freehand shooting. The combination of Body I.S. (5-axis) and the O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis) of the LUMIX S series lenses to form the Dual I.S. system further improves protection against all kinds of camera shake. This enables up to 6.5 stops slower shutter speeds up to the telephoto range of 200mm. The freely swiveling touchscreen monitor, real viewfinder and large-format shoulder display on the camera feature high resolution and excellent visibility. All the while, the S1H's weather-resistant and rugged body design ensures the professional reliability you need.
 The 35mm full-frame mirrorless camera system of the LUMIX S series uses the future-proof L-mount bayonet as lens mount. This gives users access to over 45 available or planned interchangeable lenses from Panasonic, Leica Camera and Sigma by 2020, including 11 LUMIX S/S PRO lenses. Various lens adapters also allow the use of additional lenses. Thus, the L bayonet opens up an extensive range of creative possibilities.
 Panasonic now offers three innovative full-frame DSLM models in the LUMIX S series - the S1R, the S1 and the new S1H. The LUMIX S1R is ideal for high-resolution shooting, the LUMIX S1 is an advanced hybrid camera for high-quality stills and video, and the S1H is designed and developed specifically for film production. With this product line, Panasonic meets a wide variety of requirements from imaging professionals in all fields.

1.Cinema-quality video recording
 Its exceptional video talents are the outstanding feature of the new LUMIX S1H. They make this camera a professional tool for filmmakers.

The S1H is equipped with a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor (35.6 mm x 23.8 mm) with 24.2 megapixels and an effective resolution of 6,024 x 4,016 pixels. An optical low-pass filter suppresses moiré effects.

A special feature of the LUMIX S1H is the Dual Native ISO technology. It was first introduced in Panasonic's VariCam video cameras and uses different sensor readout methods for normal and high sensitivities.

With a normal image sensor, noise increases as sensitivity increases. However, the new image sensor with Dual-Native-ISO in the LUMIX S1H minimizes the resulting noise by applying two analog circuits to each pixel even before signal amplification - one for low sensitivities, one for high sensitivities. The optimal base sensitivity circuit is selected depending on the shooting condition. This allows high sensitivities to be achieved without increasing noise or other artifacts to a greater degree. Dual-Native-ISO thus opens up a greater variety of creative possibilities and makes it possible to get by with less light on the set. The Dual-Native-ISO values of the S1H with V-Log are 640 for LOW (ISO 640-5000) and 4000 for HIGH (ISO 4000-51200).

By making the best use of the full-frame image sensor's pixels, the LUMIX S1H is the first full-frame system camera to achieve high-resolution and smooth video recording at 6K/24p, 5.4K/30p (3:2 aspect ratio), or 5.9K/30p (16:9 aspect ratio). Among other things, 4K videos with higher image quality can be created from the high-resolution data, or images can be cropped in 4K.

It also enables 10-bit 60p 4K/C4K HEVC video recording in Super 35mm aspect ratio for the first time. 4:2:2 10-bit 4K30p can be recorded in H.264 with the full image range.

Dynamic range describes the range of brightness that a digital camera can capture. It is more than 14 EV steps for the LUMIX S1H and is virtually identical to those of Panasonic's cinema cameras.

A camera's ability to capture accurate color and differentiated skin tones is a must for any filmmaker. The S1H adopts the proven colorimetry of Panasonic VariCam cinema cameras. It offers a V-Log/V-Gamut shooting mode to capture high dynamic range and a wide color spectrum. V-Log renders a very flat image, but retains all color information in the image. This provides greater latitude for post-processing. V-Log exhibits log curve characteristics similar to a negative film. The CMOS sensor of the LUMIX S1H covers a wide color gamut called V-Gamut. It delivers an even wider color gamut than film and is also larger than IBU-R BT.2020.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) video recording provides a more refined reproduction of both bright and dark portions of the image, as would be seen similarly by the human eye. The camera records this Hybrid Log Gamma video with a fixed gamma curve that is compatible with ITU-R BT.2100.

The LUMIX S1H can output a 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50p HDMI signal and provides a variety of professional recording formats including 4:3 anamorphic mode.

Variable Frame Rate (VFR) allows filmmakers to capture slow motion/timelapse video in C4K/4K (60fps, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (180fps, maximum 7.5x slower in 24p). The minimum frame rate for time-lapse videos is 2 fps. In addition, HFR (High Frame Rate) video with sound and use of autofocus is recordable.

The LUMIX S1H also offers handy tools such as a scalable waveform monitor for controlling the video signal and a V-Log preview function for displaying different LUT effects on the monitor. When using multiple cameras, camera activity indicator lights on both the front and rear of the camera help, and a red frame indicator can be displayed on the monitor or in the viewfinder when the camera is running.

2.Professionally reliable
 The built-in body stabilizer ensures powerful shake correction. The algorithm developed by Panasonic calculates the movement information particularly precisely based not only on the data from a gyro sensor, but also additionally from the image sensor and an accelerometer. This brings more accurate camera shake detection and enables compensation for shutter speeds that are around 6 stops slower. By combining Body I.S. (5-axis) in the camera and O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer, 2-axis), the Dual I.S. system compensates 6.5 EV stops even into the telephoto range. The 5-axis stabilization works for both still and video shooting, including 4K. The body stabilizer compensates for camera movement even when using third-party lenses without O.I.S..

For stable, continuous video recording, heat distribution in the camera is a critical factor. Based on accumulated experience from developing both professional video cameras and digital still cameras, Panasonic has designed a cooling fan exclusively for the LUMIX S1H. Its innovative structure ensures efficient heat distribution, enabling video recording for an unlimited period of time.

To withstand tougher operating conditions, the main structure of the camera body is made of a die-cast magnesium frame for the top, front and back. The rugged construction and seals for every joint, dial and button not only protect the S1H from splashing water and dust, but also make it freeze-proof down to -10 degrees Celsius. The durable shutter unit is rated for approximately 400,000 release cycles.

The LUMIX S1H is equipped with a dual memory card slot for SD cards, compatible with high-speed, high-performance UHS-II and video speed class 90. Users can flexibly select the recording method from continuous recording, parallel backup recording or separately by file type on both cards, for example to store video and photo data on separate cards. The 7.4-V 3,050 mAh high-performance battery achieves approximately 2 hours of recording time in all recording modes. The battery can be quickly charged via USB (USB Power Delivery) with the included USB 3.1 Type-C cable, which is also used for fast data transfer, and can also serve as a continuous power supply.

3.Expandable for more creative freedom
 The LUMIX S1H delivers a 4:2:2 10-bit 4K 60p/50p signal on the HDMI Type A output. Included with the S1H is a cable lock for the HDMI cable to prevent problems caused by accidental disconnection during use.

The camera is compatible with timecode IN/OUT sync via the flash sync connector and a BNC converter included with the supplied BNC cable. This facilitates non-linear editing of footage shot with multiple cameras.

As with the LUMIX S1R and S1, a variety of accessories can be used with the S1H including a microphone adapter (DMW-XLR1), remote shutter release (DMW-RS2), eyepiece cup (DMW-EC6), battery grip (DMW-BGS1) and battery charger (DMW-BTC14). The microphone adapter holds two XLR microphones for high-quality stereo recording with lip-sync audio. Individual switches provide direct and quick control. This allows switching between MIC, LINE and condenser microphone. The charger allows fast battery charging via USB in about 2 hours. The camera can still be used while charging via this adapter. Panasonic external system flash units (DMW-FL580L / FL360L / FL200L) can also be used on LUMIX S series cameras.

Bluetooth 4.2 compatibility (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) allows constant connection to a smartphone/tablet with minimal power consumption. Settings from one S1H can be copied and wirelessly transferred to other S1H cameras when using multiple S1H cameras. Furthermore, Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) is active in addition to 2.4-GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n.). This enables a secure and stable connection not only with a smartphone/tablet, but also with other devices on site for smooth remote control. The transfer speed of photo/video data is also increased by using the 5 GHz band. The LUMIX Sync app for iOS/Android devices enables photo transfer to a smartphone or tablet via a simple wireless connection. These can also be used to remotely control the camera.

The LUMIX Tether application software enables networked shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. This also allows them to view the image while shooting on a large PC monitor.

4.Practical functionality for intuitive operation
 The S1H offers three display solutions for easy image control. The rear 3.2-inch touchscreen monitor with 2.33 million pixels (3:2 aspect ratio) has approximately 50% higher luminance compared to LUMIX S1R/S1, GH5 as well as GH5S, making it even more visible during outdoor shooting. Using a new mechanical structure, it is tiltable as well as rotatable, allowing users to easily change the angle without having to disconnect cables such as HDMI or USB. Live View Boost is another handy feature. It enables image control even in complete darkness by increasing the sensor sensitivity for live view only. A night display mode switches to low-contrast black and red operation indicators.

As with the S1R/S1, the LUMIX S1H viewfinder features a high resolution of 5.76 million pixels. The magnification factor of 0.78x can be switched to 0.7x or 0.74x. The use of a fast, high-precision OLED display for the viewfinder enables smooth viewing at rates of 60 or 120 fps (switchable) and fast response with a minimum time delay of about 0.005 sec. The high contrast of 10,000:1 promotes excellent recognition. With minimal distortion and high optical performance, this true-image viewfinder provides a natural view almost like the naked eye, sharp and clear from the center to the corners.

The new status LC display on top of the S1H is the largest in its class at 1.8 inches diagonal and its high resolution. Using MIP (Memory In Pixel) technology, it nevertheless consumes very little power and is suitable for continuous operation even when the camera is turned off. It then displays the available time for video recording, the number of photos, and the remaining battery capacity with a black and white switchable background. Thanks to the reflective backlit LC display, it is easy to see in bright outdoor environments as well as in dark scenarios. It also displays the most important settings for photo or video shooting. The fast response of the LC display also allows timecode and audio control.

The S1H offers multiple Fn buttons on the front of the body for quick access to desired functions. There is also a second video recording button at the front that can be accessed from the left. Most of the buttons can be assigned specific functions depending on how they are used.

5.High-performance photographic camera
 The LUMIX S1H is not only a high-quality video camera, but also a high-performance photographic tool. It can capture and reproduce photos in 14-bit RAW format with the highest level of detail.

Taking full advantage of its high-resolution sensor, the S1H offers an additional high-resolution mode that captures even the smallest details in great detail and saves them in RAW mode. Eight images are automatically captured in immediate succession as the moving sensor is shifted with the Body I.S. mechanism. These individual images are combined into a 96-megapixel (12,000 x 8,000 pixel) photo by the latest Venus Engine image processor with its high-speed signal processing. This mode is particularly suitable for capturing natural landscapes or art objects with fine details. This super-high resolution is best used when shooting static objects from a tripod. However, it can also be used with moving objects in the scene when the motion compensation sub-function is selected.

Panasonic has realized high-speed AF thanks to its advanced control technology for the key elements of lenses, sensor and motor. The lens and sensor communicate at a maximum of 480 Hz. By combining contrast AF with DFD technology, the S1H achieves AF that is as fast as it is precise, with a response time of only about 0.08 sec. Continuous shooting at 6 fps is feasible with continuous AF with subject tracking (AFC). The S1H's high-speed mode allows continuous shooting at 9 fps (AFS) at full resolution. As a camera specifically for low-light shooting, the camera offers low-light AF for luminance levels as low as -6EV. Face/eye detection enables sharp shots even when people are moving. Eye AF even detects the pupil of the eye to focus on it for portraits. The S1H is also equipped with advanced AI technology that detects specific objects - people or even moving animals, including dogs, cats and birds. The camera continues to track these objects even when they turn their backs to the camera.

Continuous burst shooting is also possible with the S1H at 6K PHOTO. From a 30 fps series, the image from the decisive moment (in 4:3 or 3:2 aspect ratio) can later be extracted and saved as an 18-megapixel photo. 4K PHOTO enables high-speed shooting at 60 frames per second with a resolution of approximately 8 megapixels. Users can select the most appropriate burst shooting mode depending on the situation, in addition to the normal full-resolution continuous shooting mode.

With a wider dynamic range, the HLG photo mode is used to capture very high-contrast subjects with natural-looking contrast reproduction of light and shadow for direct TV playback. HLG photos are saved by the S1H as HSP files with compressed high-brightness signals in full resolution (5,888 x 3,312, in 16:9) in addition to the normal JPEG/RAW files. These high dynamic range images reproduce highlights better in particular, e.g. twinkling starlight or bright sunlight. Alternatively, a highlight-emphasized metering mode can also meter light with priority on highlighted areas to prevent them from washing out in the image. Users can play back these dynamic images on the latest Panasonic HLG-compliant 4K TVs via the HDMI cable connection or other HLG-compliant devices. The mode is also particularly suitable for photographers' photo presentations.

The LUMIX S1H's fastest shutter speed of 1/8000s makes it possible to capture very fast-moving subjects or use high-speed lenses with the aperture fully open, even outdoors with selective focus and blur. The external flash can be synchronized with the industry's fastest shutter speed of 1/320 second maximum.