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Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Box Cinema Camera

BH #PADCBGH1 • MFR #DC-BGH1
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Box Cinema Camera
Key Features
  • 10.2MP M4/3 MOS Sensor, MFT Lens Mount
  • 4K60, 4:2:2, H.264/H.265/HEVC Recording
  • 13 Stops of Dynamic Range, HLG Imaging
  • Dual-Native ISO, VariCam Look & V-Log L
Moving the Lumix camera range into fresh new territory, the Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is a modular, box-style digital cinema camera with a miniature form factor, making it ideal for gimbal and drone work as well as broadcast, live streaming, vlogging, and cinema production. This box-style digital cinema camera features a 10.2MP M4/3 sensor, an MFT lens mount, and a wide 13-stop dynamic range to accommodate extreme changes in light. It records video with resolutions up to 4K60 and incorporates VariCam Look workflows such as V-Log L and Cinelike, dual-native ISO using its Venus Engine, anamorphic support, advanced AF (autofocus), numerous remote and power options, and it supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) color for vivid imagery to aid professional color grading. There are many features packed into this tiny form that make it the go-to production camera in any mobile and multicamera production environment.
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Panasonic DC-BGH1 Overview

By B&H Photo's

Moving the Lumix camera range into fresh new territory, the Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is a modular, box-style digital cinema camera with a miniature form factor, making it ideal for gimbal and drone work as well as broadcast, live streaming, vlogging, and cinema production. This box-style digital cinema camera features a 10.2MP M4/3 sensor, an MFT lens mount, and a wide 13-stop dynamic range to accommodate extreme changes in light. It records video with resolutions up to 4K60 and incorporates VariCam Look workflows such as V-Log L and Cinelike, dual-native ISO using its Venus Engine, anamorphic support, advanced AF (autofocus), numerous remote and power options, and it supports HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) color for vivid imagery to aid professional color grading. There are many features packed into this tiny form that make it the go-to production camera in any mobile and multicamera production environment.

The BGH1 provides multiple ways to record your footage to high data rate files in the ALL-Intra Long GOP, MOV, and MP4 recording formats with H.264 and H.265/HEVC codecs. The camera supports unlimited recording time and allows you to record 10-bit 4:2:2 video using the camera's dual SD card slots. It can output up to 4K via the HDMI 2.0 output, or you can output up to 1080p resolution via 3G-SDI. The camera allows you to output via HDMI and 3G-SDI simultaneously, so you can use one signal for monitoring and the other for recording. It also supports recording at variable frame rates up to 1080p240 for high-quality slow-motion video. Custom 3D LUTs can be uploaded into the camera using the SD card slots.

The BGH1 is also an ideal camera for multicamera environments, not only because it's highly mobile, but it includes timecode and genlock BNC ports, so you can sync up with other cameras to make syncing in post-production easy. Its RJ45 Gigabit LAN port allows you to sync with other networked BGH1 cameras, manage the camera settings and functions, and even perform direct IP streaming with a future firmware update. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality are also integrated for monitoring, configuration, and control via a smartphone or tablet using the LUMIX Sync app. Another function integrated into the BGH1 is a USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C input to control the camera with the LUMIX Tether app, which allows you to capture still images and control up to 12 BGH1 cameras. There is also a 2.5mm LANC input for an additional camera control option with an optional external controller. Audio features include high-grade 48 kHz/24-bit LPCM format, an integrated stereo microphone, a 3.5mm mic input, and a 3.5mm headphone output. The optional DMW-XLR1 XLR adapter can be utilized using the camera's integrated hot shoe, allowing you to record with professional microphones.

Its compact form measures less than 4" square and weighs only 1.2 lb, so it can be used on gimbals or drones for high-quality stabilized footage. Its internal fan keeps the camera cool during long shoots, and its aluminum and magnesium housing provides protection and adds to the cooling factor. It also features four 1/4"-20 mounting threads for mounting on a plate, cage, or tripod mount. There are four user-programmable function buttons around the housing, as well as tally lights on the front and rear. You can power the BGH1 using the included power adapter, with a separately available high-capacity VBR-type battery using its integrated mount, or by using PoE+ (Power-over-Ethernet) via the LAN port with compatible PoE equipment. There is also a cable lock included for keeping your camera cables secure, so they don't disconnect.

Key Features
  • M4/3 10.2MP MOS sensor
  • Anamorphic video support
  • MFT lens mount
  • 13 stops of dynamic range
  • Dual native ISO
  • Lightweight at 1.2 lb
  • Internal fan to keep camera cool
  • Measures less than 4" square for lightweight applications on drones or gimbals
  • HDMI 2.0 and 3G-SDI video outputs
  • Record up to 4K60 10-bit 4:2:2 to SD cards or HDMI/3G-SDI outputs simultaneously
  • Unlimited recording time
  • USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C input for control with LUMIX Tether app
  • 2.5mm LANC input for camera control
  • Gigabit Ethernet via RJ45 for remote control and PoE+ power support
  • Direct IP streaming with a future firmware update
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support to control the camera using a smartphone or tablet
  • Integrated stereo microphone, 3.5mm mic input, and 3.5mm headphone output
  • The optional DMW-XLR1 XLR adapter can be installed using the camera's hot shoe
  • Four programmable Fn buttons
  • Tally lights on front and rear
  • Genlock BNC input/output
  • Timecode BNC input/output
  • Dual SD card slots
  • Included 12 VDC power adapter
  • Integrated VBR battery mount
  • Cable lock
  • 3-Year extended warranty with registration
UPC: 885170376861

Panasonic DC-BGH1 Specs

Key Specs
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 10.2 Megapixel (3680 x 2760)
Image Sensor
19 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS
ISO Sensitivity
160 to 51,200 (Extended: 80 to 204,800)
Internal Recording Modes
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/MOV/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit
4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit
4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 400 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 400 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit
4096 x 2160 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p from 2 to 240 fps [100 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [72 to 100 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [24 to 28 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:2 10-Bit via SDI/BNC
1920 x 1080p up to 59.94 fps
4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
4096 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Video I/O
1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
1 x HDMI 2.0 Output
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: Panasonic LUMIX Sync
*As of June, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
Battery Type
Panasonic AG-VBR Series
Imaging
Lens Mount
Micro Four Thirds
Lens Communication
Yes
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 10.2 Megapixel (3680 x 2760)
Image Sensor
19 x 13 mm (Four Thirds) MOS
Image Stabilization
None
Built-In ND Filter
None
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Exposure Control
Shutter Type
Mechanical Shutter
ISO Sensitivity
160 to 51,200 (Extended: 80 to 204,800)
Advertised Dynamic Range
13 Stops
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
9.7 dB
White Balance
2500 to 10,000K
Video Capture
Internal Recording Modes
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/MOV/MP4 4:2:2 10-Bit
4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97 fps [150 to 400 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:0 10-Bit
4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 400 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 400 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [100 to 200 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MOV 4:2:0 8-Bit
4096 x 2160 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
3840 x 2160 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
3328 x 2496 from 2 to 59.94 fps [100 to 150 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p from 2 to 240 fps [100 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:0 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [72 to 100 Mb/s]
AVC-Intra/AVC-LongG/H.264/H.264 Long GOP/H.265/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [100 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [24 to 28 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:2 10-Bit via SDI/BNC
1920 x 1080p up to 59.94 fps
4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
4096 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support
Yes
Gamma Curve
Panasonic V-Gamut, Panasonic V-Log
Built-In Microphone Type
Stereo
Audio Recording
MOV: 2/4-Channel 48 kHz LPCM Audio
MOV: 2/4-Channel 96 kHz LPCM Audio
MP4: 2/4-Channel 48 kHz LPCM Audio
MP4: 2/4-Channel 96 kHz LPCM Audio
IP Streaming
None
Still Image Capture
Aspect Ratio
4:3
Interface
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Video I/O
1 x BNC (3G-SDI) Output
1 x HDMI 2.0 Output
Audio I/O
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
Power I/O
1 x Barrel (12VDC) Input
Other I/O
1 x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Control/Data/Video Input
1 x BNC (Timecode) Data Input/Output
1 x BNC (Genlock) Data Input/Output
1 x RJ45 (LAN) Control/Monitor/Video Input/Output
1 x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control Input
Wireless
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Bluetooth Video Output, Control
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: Panasonic LUMIX Sync
*As of June, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
Viewfinder
Type
Optional, Not Included
Focus
Focus Type
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode
Automatic, Focus Lock AF Area Mode, Manual Focus
Autofocus Points
255
Autofocus Sensitivity
-6 to +20 EV
Environmental
Operating Temperature
22 to 72°F / -10 to 40°C
Operating Humidity
10 to 80%
General
Battery Type
Panasonic AG-VBR Series
PoE Support
PoE+ 802.3at
Tripod Mounting Thread
1/4"-20 Female (Bottom)
Netflix Approved
Yes
Material of Construction
Aluminum
Dimensions (W x H x D)
3.7 x 3.7 x 3.1" / 9.3 x 9.3 x 7.8 cm (Without Protrusions)
Weight
1.2 lb / 545 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.885 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
8.1 x 7 x 6.25"

Panasonic DC-BGH1 Reviews

Anamorphic livestream multicam ? A dream come true

By Jeremie
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-02-09

POE+ and the ability to control the settings to all the cameras on set from one centralized computer is super super great. Camera control through the raven eye on the Ronin S2 also amazing especially when on the cable cam so I don't have to climb on a ladder every time I need to start/stop recording on the camera and can do it straight through the ronin/raven eye app. Simultaneous hdmi/Sdi output is also very important especially on the cable cam rig but also great for on camera monitor and sending a wireless feed to the director monitor or 1st AC. I had never shot on MFT sensors before, always super35 or bigger and I'm very pleased with the low light with the dual native ISO. I mean, Its just amazing to be able to load 4 camera and lenses and monitors etc in one 1510 pelican cases and fly around. It's clearly not for everyone and if you are getting one you know why and won't regret it. Could've gotten 1 Red Komodo or 4 of these for the same price. No brainer. Panasonic always gives you so many pro features for the money. V-log grades real easy and slin tones are great. Menus are corky but you get use to it. Not great for run and gun shooting but great in studio/Event environment

Works great right off the bat

By Tara
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-02

This is what I've been waiting to find for my virtual fitness studio. I run linux fedora and this camera connected right away without the hassle of needing to avoid hot plugging. I just have a standard G-Vario 12-60 mm lens and still the picture quality is excellent. Only drawback having to adjust the picture from my desktop via USB connection rather than directly on the camera. Also, the buttons on the camera could be better, they are very flat and can be hard to manipulate. But the input/outputs are so rugged!

No XLR audio????????

By Daniel
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-26

How can you consider this a cinema camera with 1/8 input. TERRIBLE oversight by panasonic. Seriously, no XLR on the body?!?!

Fantastic Cine Camera

By Jon
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-05-13

This is the most versatile M4/3 cinema camera made to date. DFD auto focus is at its fastest with this model, flexibility with the 6 programmable buttons is powerful with each button having 3 to 4 options depending on what menu you are in, and the connectivity/remote operability is great. I use this mostly for documentaries and narrative dramas. Low light performance is about on par with my Sony A6400 which makes this a great A cam for shooting with my two GPS. Panasonic has further evolved their DFD getting very close to PDAF in some situations, but is not as reliable in others. I love using this well thought out camera for cinema projects.

Many pluses and minues......

By Patrick
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-04-24

This is my 2nd 4k (UHD) camcorder, first was the JVC LS300 using MFT to B4 adapter I had to be in 2x ext lens mode to fill the JVC sensor. Also used on my Panasonc AF100 in 2x ext mode. However, a huge plus is that with the same 'dummy' adapter I don't need to be in 2x ext mode when atach to GBH1 ! Somehow my Canon J 21x fills the GBH1 sensor. So far so good. Yeah, I know the chromatic artifacts. However, displaying the HDMI GBH1 output to a Zacuto Z Finder EVF requires some power ON sequence methods. If I power up GBH1 first and then power ON the Zacuto I avoid the EVF error, Unsupported Video Format 1080pYUV422. By mistake I changed the GBH1 'downconvert HDMI default to menu setting of 4k30p and that disabled the camera ! I was then unable to get back into it's menu settings. After an hour of online manual reading there is a sequence of GBH1 buttons held at once that resets the box back to default: Q-Menu, F2 and F4 (all at once) causes box to blink and reset back to defaults such as HDMI downconvert (I'll never get off that setting again). Another issue is B4 lens backfocus is super touchy, there is a critical sweet spot and it's right near the end of the it's adjustment; not a lot of leeway for error for backfocus.

Amazing quality, incredibly versatile!

By Graham
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-04

You have to know what you're buying with this camera -- sure, it's the only Netflix-approved micro 4/3 camera and the same awesome video quality as GH5s in a body that is streamlined for video – but you have to know going in that you will need some kind of monitor attached to set or view anything. The Ethernet, Wifi, and Bluetooth are incredibly versatile, but it does take some getting used to that you can't touch a touchscreen to set the focus area, for example. How versatile? As soon as I connected it by Wifi, my whole home network was able to see and control it. I didn't try Ethernet, but I imagine it is the same and a lot faster. I LOVE that it sends both SDI and HDMI at the same time. It has mounting points all over the place -- this is amazing! You do have to experiment/plan so that you can reach the various buttons and controls, but this is easy. I'm still putting it through its paces, but I can say wholeheartedly that it delivers on what it promises, especially in low light and the V-Log L profile. I plan to buy a lot more of these for multi-cam use.

So badly want to use this camera but...

By Nathanael
Rated 2 out of 5
Date: 2021-10-07

I purchased this camera to use in a live broadcasting setup alongside some Panasonic EVA1s. I currently use GH5s for some smaller gimbal and dolly rigs but have to be very choosing with my shots because of the 4-6 frame latency the HDMI output on the GH5 has. I had hoped the SDI output from the BGH1 would solve that issue and be a perfect light weight companion to my EVA1s in live broadcasts but unfortunately the BGH1 has identical latency on all its outputs as well including SDI. A chat with Panasonic engineers confirmed that this is expected behavior and cannot be fixed with firmware. Really too bad because this camera has a lot to love and I would have loved to stick with Panasonic's color science. The latency just makes in unusable for any closeups in a live broadcast.

Excellent

By Jacob
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2021-07-26

I use this to record tutorial videos, and leave it attached and powered to a teleprompter almost all day. The face-tracking is not the best, but it's pretty good. I often have little hiccups in the final videos, where it locked momentarily blurred my face. It gets especially confused when something occludes your face temporarily. Image quality is lovely. The lack of display makes configuring it difficult at times. A small display would be nice, but my advice is to buy an inexpensive SDI display and leave it attached. It would have been nice to get 4k over SDI, but you can only get 4k HDMI. You can output timecode over both, either, or neither. It accepts timecode via the SYNC port. The camera seems to prefer 23.976 fps versus 24fps as some options like raw HDMI are disabled.

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YOUR RECENTLY VIEWED ITEMS

Does the BGH1 have an "open gate" mode?

Does the BGH1 have an "open gate" mode?
Asked by: Luke
Hello Luke! The DC-BGH1 does not have an open gate mode. -G
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2022-10-28

Can a user be connected on wifi and another over ...

Can a user be connected on wifi and another over ethernet at the same time to set and change camera settings Or is it one or the other not both ?
Asked by: RiC
No, this is not possible because the Panasonic BGH1 has only one MAC address that is either used by LAN or WIFI but not both.
Answered by: Chris H
Date published: 2022-03-04

What is the hole spacing in millimeters for the ...

What is the hole spacing in millimeters for the side 1/4-20 mounts?
Asked by: Sam
It is an industry standard. It will match any camera mounting plate.
Answered by: Dennis A
Date published: 2021-01-30

It says camera has a mechanical shutter. Does it ...

It says camera has a mechanical shutter. Does it work on the same principle as global shutter as I want to use multiple setup for 3D reconstruction?
Asked by: Ognjen
Hello! Thank you for your question! This model does not have a global shutter. -M
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2022-10-28

Does this output and genlock to 1080/23.98pSF?

Does this output and genlock to 1080/23.98pSF?
Asked by: Stephen
This camera supports extended cable runs and external monitoring. Supports simultaneous C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit internal recording and C4K/4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI live output external recording.
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2021-05-28

I heard that the BGH1 doesn't output anamorphic ...

I heard that the BGH1 doesn't output anamorphic desqueeze over HDMI. Dows it output it over the 3G-SDI ?
Asked by: Jeremie
I got this answer from Panasonic. "Hello! I was passed you’re question regarding the BGH1 regarding Anamorphic De-Squeeze capabilities. So, Anamorphic de-squeeze is available over 3G-SDI. It is also available over Ethernet and USB when connected to the Multicam app. You can also send out Anamorphic de-squeeze over USB-C using the LUMIX Webcam drivers. Sending a De-Squeezed image over HDMI while recording is NOT possible. This is a limit of the HDMI spec based on the video signal being sent in spec. De-Squeezed video CAN be played back over HDMI since it is being processed to fit within the HDMI spec (Similar to how USB can send the video de-squeezed)"
Answered by: akhi
Date published: 2021-03-19

Is the BGH1 compatible with Panasonic's CGA-D54 ...

Is the BGH1 compatible with Panasonic's CGA-D54 battery?
Asked by: Jon
It is only recommended to use the Panasonic batteries AG-VBR59, AG-VBR89, AG-VBR118.
Answered by: Panasonic Team
Date published: 2021-04-01

Is there a record time limit with the BGH1?

Is there a record time limit with the BGH1?
Asked by: Anonymous
There is not a recording limit on the BGH1, "4K recording is also supported with unlimited recording offered on all settings." https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/cinema_camera_varicam_eva/products/bgh1/index.html#:~:text=LUMIX%20BGH1%20offers%20multiple%20recording,recording%20offered%20on%20all%20settings.
Answered by: ericsc
Date published: 2021-07-05
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