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Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix S1H, featuring the world's first 6K 24p recording capacity in a full-frame mirrorless camera.
It is better to think of S1H as S1 on steroids. However, unlike the S1 and S1R models, the LUMIX S1H has been designed and developed specifically for film production.
S1H is far from ready for consumers. Panasonic only presents a prototype camera here in Cinegear. Just like they did with the S1 and S1R models, it's more of a joke than anything else. The camera should not be available until autumn 2019.
We'll bring you more details as we go along, including an interview with Panasonic, but here's what we know so far:
Main characteristics
- 6K / 24p (3: 2 format)
- 5.9K / 30p video recording (16: 9 format)
- 4K DCI & UHD 4: 2: 2 10 bit 60p
- Dynamic area claimed more than 14 stops
- V-Log / V-Gamut
- 4: 3 anamorphic mode
- No time limit for recording
- Release date autumn 2019
6K recording
On paper, the specifications are certainly impressive. The S1H is the world's first full frame mirrorless camera capable of recording 6K 24p images (3: 2 aspect ratio), 5.9K up to 30p (16: 9 aspect ratio) and UHD / 4K DCI in 4: 2: 2 10bit to 60p internally.
For comparison, its little brother, the S1, requires an optional pay update to obtain a 4K 30p 10-bit 4: 2: 2 internal recording and an external 4K 60p recording with V-Log. On the S1H, all this can be done internally and without a license.
The 6K (6000×4000) 24p 3: 2 mode is interesting, but most people who shoot movies will probably record in the range of 5.9K to 30P in a 16: 9 aspect ratio.
We currently have no idea what 6K 24p (3: 2) and 5.9K 30p (16: 9) modes are recording. I doubt that it is 4: 2: 2 10 bits. Looks like the camera is doing APS-C size cropping when recording 4K 60p.
The S1H is certainly, at least in my opinion, the first complete mirrorless system to use an external recorder to get the best picture quality. Yes, you can say that the external recording in ProRes 422HQ is perhaps better, but I think the beauty of the S1H is that you do not need to do it.
Panasonic does not indicate if the S1H is capable of recording in Full HD at 180 frames per second, but since it is possible on the S1, there is no reason to believe that it will not be included in the S1H.
With the S1, some shooting modes are available to record continuous 4K (3504 x 2336) 4: 3 8MP at 60 frames per second or 6K (5184 x 3456) at 3: 2 at 30 frames per second. was able to extract the sensor information to allow the camera to continuously record in 6K 24p format at 3: 2 as a video file instead of a series of still images. This mode could be very useful for photographers who can capture 6K still images from the video being recorded.
4: 3 Anamorphic shooting
Unlike the GH5 and GH5, the S1H has a 3: 2 and not a 4: 3 size sensor. The GH5 features a 6K anamorphic 6K mode (4992 x 3744). We do not know for sure what are the 4: 3 anamorphic modes of S1H.
At the launch of S1H, Panasonic delivered a powerful shot by Los Angeles DP Alicia Robbins.
The film was shot in cameras in 4: 3 anamorphic mode in 4: 2: 2 10 bits 24p. using Atlas anamorphic lenses.
History of innovation
Some of these early global features are not really surprising if you look at Panasonic's story:
- 2009 – The LUMIX GH1 is the world's first single-lens mirrorless digital camera to record in full HD AVCHD video.
- 2014 – The LUMIX GH4 is the world's first single-lens mirrorless digital camera capable of recording 4K video.
- 2017 – The LUMIX GH5 is the world's first mirrorless camera capable of recording 4K / 60p, 4: 2: 2 10K 4K / 30p.
V-Log / V-Gamut
Unlike the S1 and S1R, the S1H has V-Log / V-Gamut included as standard. With the video-centric S1, if you want to record 60-bit internal 4p 2: 2: 2 and V-Log, you need an update key similar to the GH5.
According to Panasonic, the sequences recorded by the S1H are compatible with V-Log sequences recorded by VariCam or V-Log L recorded by other LUMIX devices, such as GH5 / GH5S and S1.
It's nice to see that Panasonic has included V-Log / V-Gamut in S1H and has not made it a paying option. This is the first Panasonic mirrorless camera (if you do not have the S1 agreement just announced) for which you did not pay for a V-Log license.
Sensor?
We have no idea of the sensor used in the S1H. It may be the same full-frame 24.2MP MOS sensor and the same Venus engine as the S1, but it was not officially said. If it's not the same sensor, its size will probably be the same.
For reference, the S1 sensor measures 35.6 x 23.8 mm and its sensor resolution is 6026 x 4017. The maximum resolution of the image that can be recorded is 6000 x 4000. This means that the 6K 3 sensor: 2 would be possible.
To record in 5.9K 16: 9, the effective number of pixels required is approx. 18.69 megapixels (5952 x 3140).
Form factor similar to S1 and S1R
The S1H is a sister camera of the S1 and S1R. He shares a similar form factor and look. However, it is slightly larger and wider.
Notice the big red button. We assume that it is a recording button.
You can see that the red button on the S1H is placed where the mode select button is on the S1.
Just like the S1 and S1R, the S1H is big enough for mirrorless cameras. The camera is much larger than the Sony Alpha cameras and larger than the Nikon Z and the Canon R. It is also much heavier.
This does, however, offer some advantages. Panasonic can insert two card slots (SD XQD + card), larger batteries, lots of cooling and optimal ergonomics, just like the S1 and S1R, it should be pretty nice to hold.
The camera is equipped with a 3.2-inch tri-axial rear monitor instead of the reversible GH5 displays, as well as a screen on the top of the camera that will appeal to photographers. The camera has the same EVF OLED filter with a resolution of 5.760k pixels found on the S1 and S1R. The OLED EVF also has an impressive refresh rate of 120Hz.
The S1H uses the same 225-zone Contrast Detection AF DFD system and the same sensor shift image stabilization as the S1.
Food and other accessories
The S1H uses the same batteries as the S1 and S1R, the DMW-BLJ31. It has a capacity of 3100mah. For extended shooting, you should be able to add the DMW-BGS1 battery grip that can hold another battery and connect via electronic contacts rather than a dummy battery, such as the other battery grips. The grip sells for $ 349.99 USD.
The camera has a USB Type-C port that allows fast file transfers as well as fast charging of the battery in the camera. In addition, there is a Type A HDMI port, a 2.5mm port that can be used with the optional DMW-RS2 remote trigger, and 3.5mm microphone and headphone jacks.
What about the heat?
Cameras without a full-frame mirror recording 4K videos generate a lot of heat. Unlike digital cinema cameras that have large cooling and ventilation systems to dissipate heat, the mirrorless cameras are sealed. This means that there is nowhere where the heat can escape. A large number of full frame mirrorless cameras suffer from overheating problems when recording video.
The reason why the body of S1H is larger than that of S1 and S1R is probably directly due to these heat problems. Having a larger body would certainly help with heat dissipation, especially if you save in 6K.
Even though the S1H can record continuously without any time limit, it will still heat up. Panasonic indicates that when the temperature of the camera exceeds the specified operating temperature, it can automatically stop video recording to protect it from heat damage.
Does the S1H launch a key for Panasonic?
As the S1H is specifically marketed as a film production tool, what are the consequences for other Panasonic Cinema dedicated cameras, including the EVA1?
It is very rare to see major manufacturers incorporating into cheaper cameras features as good, if not better, than their more expensive offerings.
Although the S1H offers a 4K DCI & UHD 4: 2: 2 10-bit 60p, 6K and 5.9K recording, a claimed dynamic range of 14 stops and V-Log / V-Gamut, it still lacks many features that you get on an EVA1.
The built-in audio recorder of the EVA1 with XLR, built-in ND filters, external RAW recording, native dual ISO, 2K up to 240 frames per second and SDI output is built-in.
Despite all these additional features, one could argue that the S1H really begins to blur the lines between a hybrid / mirrorless camera and a movie camera such as the EVA1.
Your Sony move
The LUMIX S1H arrives just three months after Panasonic officially announced the complete specifications and details of their first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the S1 and S1R. This announcement has me announced today that Panasonic was striving energetically to provide video shooters with the best mirrorless cameras available (at least as far as technical specifications are concerned).
Sony really seems to have dropped the ball. They had a golden opportunity to retain their crown as the king of mirrorless cameras, but they have not yet managed to produce the much anticipated A7S III.
As everyone knows, Sony has leapt ahead of the competition in APS-C full frame and mirrorless cameras. In recent years, this jump has become a small step and you can now claim that they have been overtaken by some of their competitors. Panasonic, Fujifilm, Nikon and even Canon (somehow) have all caught up.
We have seen time and again in our industry that someone who stands out with little competition is indifferent and neglects to innovate. That's what Canon did after the initial success of the 5D Mark II and the C300. It now seems that Sony has done the same thing with its range without mirror.
That's not to say that the A7S III may not be a great camera, but Sony has left the door open, and now everyone else has left the room. In affirming all this, Sony is still firmly established as the market leader in the mirrorless cameras. It is therefore difficult to know if they are really worried about this new competition.
How does S1H compare to S1 for video?
| LUMIX S1H | LUMIX S1 |
| Sensor: Unknown | Sensor: 24.2MP MOS sensor |
| Video recording: 6K 24p (3: 2 format), 5.9K 30p (16: 9 aspect ratio), 4K DCI and UHD 10bit 60p |
Video recording: 4K 60p, 8 bits 4: 2: 0 internal with APS-C cropping, 4K 30p with full frame image, Optional pay update to 4K30P, 10-bit 4: 2: 2 internal and 4K60P, externally with V-Log. |
| V-Log / VGamut: Yes | V-Log / VGamut: Yes (with optional license key) |
| Recording of the transmission speed: unkown | Recording of the transmission speed: MP4 / H.265 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p / 29.97p [72 Mb/s] MP4 / H.264 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 59.94p [150 Mb/s] 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p / 29.97p [100 Mb/s] |
| Limit of registration: No | Limit of registration: Yes / No – Recording UHD 4K 60p is limited to 29 minutes 59 seconds |
| Headphone and microphone ports: Yes | Headphone and microphone ports: Yes |
| HDMI: Yes | HDMI: Yes |
Specifications do not make the camera
Having excellent specifications on paper is one thing, but the specifications do not take pictures and do not use the camera. A good camera depends on many factors, including specifications.
As for the competition
Regarding competition if you are looking for a full frame mirrorless camera to use primarily for video, the best options available are the Panasonic S1, Nikon Z6, Sony a7s II, Sony a7 III and Canon EOS R.
On paper at least, most of these cameras seem outclassed by the S1H. By saying this, all these other cameras are significantly cheaper than what the S1H will cost.
The Sony S1 costs 2,499 USD, the Sony a7s II (1,998 USD), Sony a7 III (1,998 USD), Nikon Z6 (1,796.95 USD) and Canon EOS R (1,999.00 USD) are one unbeatable price.
Whether you like Panasonic's teasing strategy or not, that's how they now seem to market their products. Announce a camera, then try to create hype by avoiding revealing everything. They did the same thing with the EVA1 and the S1 and S1R. If you want to get people waiting, they have to live up to what they say.
The problem with early tease is that you leave the door open to Sony to engage with the a7S III. Sony is likely to market the a7S III before the S1H is available.
Although the S1 and S1R have no drawback, they have not stolen the thunder of any other camera without a full-frame mirror already available, but the S1H seems to be a different story.
Just as when the S1 and S1R were launched for the first time, we will have to wait to know the full specifications and capabilities of the S1H. Personally, I'm not a big fan of product teasing. I would much prefer that a company advertises a product in which it has all the features and specifications and makes it available for purchase within a few weeks.
Price
Panasonic has said that about The price of the S1H will be 4,000 USD. This certainly makes it a lot more expensive than the S1 and all the other full frame mirrorless cameras you would choose for the video.
S1H is expected to be available in the fall in the Northern Hemisphere.
What do you think of this latest announcement of Panasonic? Would you buy the S1H or are you still waiting for the Sony a7SIII? Would you like to pay $ 4,000 for the S1H? Let us know in the comments section below.
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