Newark, NJ—Panasonic released the brand’s first box-style Lumix digital single-lens mirrorless camera: the Panasonic Lumix DC-BGH1. Based on the Micro Four Thirds system, the new Lumix BGH1 takes advantage of portability and a broad interchangeable-lens lineup.
Moreover, the camera integrates technologies Panasonic has acquired though the development of professional cinema cameras, camcorders and the Lumix GH series. Against a background of increasing streaming opportunities, in addition to traditional broadcasting, Panasonic markets the BGH1 as an easy-to-install camera with high expandability, allowing multi-camera control. Consequently, it is a solution for various applications, from shooting on drones to IP remote control and livestreaming.
Panasonic Lumix DC-BGH1 Specs
The BGH1 ILC integrates a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology and a Venus engine. Dual Native ISO is a technology that bridges two circuits of separate native ISO; moreover, it is used in Panasonic Varicam models for professionals. Normally, noise increases as sensitivity rises with a single native ISO image sensor. However, the image sensor with Dual Native ISO minimizes noise generation by choosing an optimal circuit to use according to the sensitivity before gain processing. As a result, it allows a maximum ISO 51,200 recording.
In addition, the camera is capable of 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p or 4:2:2 10-bit All-I C4K/4K 30p internal video recording. It can also record video with a designated gamma curve compatible with ITU-R BT.2100. Furthermore, users can now choose Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) in photo style mode. A low-bit-rate recording mode C4K/4K HEVC/H.265 for HLG is also available.
What’s more, preinstalled V-Log L now features log characteristics with 13 stops of wide dynamic range. It is also capable of 4K 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K 60p output over HDMI.
The camera’s VFR (variable frame rate) also lets users record overcranked/undercranked video in C4K/4K (60 fps, maximum 2.5x slower in 24p) and FHD (240 fps, maximum 10x slower in 24p). The minimum frame rate for quick motion video is 2 fps.
The BGH1 also incorporates deep learning technology that detects specific subjects like humans and fast-moving animals, including dogs, cats and birds. Notably for humans, in addition to the eye, face and body, the head is separately recognized by real-time detection for more precise focusing. The camera keeps tracking the subjects even if they move quickly, turn their back to the camera or move far away from the camera.
Additional Features
The Lumix BGH1 is a compact, lightweight box-style camera. Its body is composed of aluminum and magnesium alloy. In addition, it boasts a new heat dispersion structure to achieve unlimited video recording. It also offers Power over Ethernet+ (PoE+); this simplifies installations by providing power, signal and control over the ethernet.
Moreover, control over 12 Lumix BGH1 cameras is possible via the Panasonic Lumix Tether for Multicam application. A future firmware update will also support IP streaming over wired ethernet (RTP/RTSP). 
Users can also use the included ethernet port or the USB 3.1 Type-C, 3G-SDI and HDMI Type-A terminals for simultaneous output. Also notable are Genlock-in and timecode in/out functions. They simplify multi-angle synchronized video recording. They also integrate into a scalable system with external monitors, rigs and gimbals supplied from other manufacturers.
Other features include dual UHS-II SD card slots; support for anamorphic lenses (4:3); desqueezed anamorphic output over SDI/USB-C/ethernet; front and rear tally lamps as well as a network connection lamp; a 3.5 audio (in/out) jack compatible with the XLR microphone DMW-XLR1 (sold separately); and 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity as well as Bluetooth 4.2 (BLE).
The Panasonic Lumix BGH1 will be available in December. It will retail for $1,999.99. Bundled accessories will include a cable lock band, AC adapter and AC cable.
