Panasonic unveiled Lumix BGH1, a unique device that is a “box-style mirrorless cinema and live event camera.” a Micro Four Thirds sensor and a compact cubic design, with one of the camera’s sides allocated for the lens mount.
The BGH1 is designed for versatility, expandability, and ease of installation. Panasonic foresees that this box style camera will be used in multi-camera situations involving drones, live streaming, and other complex setups. The camera has Power over Ethernet+, meaning it can be powered with the same cable that connects it to a network, and up to 12 of them can be controlled at once with the accompanying Lumix Tether for Multicam application.
The sensor is 10.2 megapixels, to optimize the camera for 4K video recording. The camera can shoot footage at 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p or 4:2:2 10-bit All-I C4k/4K 30p, and there’s an option to capture in Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) for broadcast-ready HDR. Standard color profiles are available, such as flat V-Log L and HDR Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) options. A low pixel count and a Dual Native ISO provide a very wide sensitivity range, up to ISO 51200.
With the right adapter, any lens can be fitted with the camera, as long as it works under manual focus control. However, for native Micro Four Thirds lenses - intelligent autofocus, complete with subject recognition for people, pets, and birds is available. For people, the BGH1 goes beyond face and eye detection—it also recognizes the body and head, and can continue tracking a performer, even if they turn their back to the lens.
Other features include dual UHS-II SD card slots, USB-C 3.1, HDMI output (up to 4K 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K 60p), 3G-SDI, a 3.5mm in/out jack, WiFi and Bluetooth, and the ability to output desqueezed anamorphic footage over Ethernet, SDI, or USB-C. Panasonic plans to include Lumix Tether for Multicam and Lumix Sync software to power and control the BGH1. Panasonic is also releasing a free SDK to allow people create camera control tools that work with USB.
The Lumix BGH1 is planned to be in the market by December 2020 for $1,999.99.
Source - The Verge, PC Magzine
