Panasonic announces Lumix S1H - 6K video, 4K @ 60p, 24.2MP sensor
Panasonic have announced the Lumix S1H, a full frame mirrorless camera with some serious video chops.
Built from the same body as the Lumix S1 and S1R, and featuring the same sensor as in the S1, the S1H is primarily aimed at videographers and cinematographers, with its standout feature 6K (5952x3968) full-frame capture in 10-bit internally, the first time offered in a digital full-frame camera. There's also Cinema 4K/4K 60p/50p recording in 10 bit. The 4:2:2 10-bit 4K30p is recordable in H.264 at its full area, equivalent to Super 35mm.
The S1H should offer excellent low light performance, thanks to a dual native ISO inherited from the VariCam lineup. The sensor can leverage a dual base ISO setting, either 640 or 4000, and a max of ISO 51200 or an extended ISO of 204800 to help minimise noise. In use, this allows users to use the high or low gain settings based on what's more important – keeping noise to a minimum or retaining highlights.
There's also V-Log/V-Gamut with a wide dynamic range of 14+ stops, in line with the Panasonic VariCam, and its also compatible with V-Log L footage shot on the GH5/GH5S.
Variable frame rate functionality will allow up to 2.5x slow (24p/60 fps) in C4K/4K and 7.5x super-slow (24p/ 180 fps) in FHD, including autofocus and audio.
The stabilisation is also significant. The 5 axis in-body stabilisation system and 2-axis optical stabilisation in selected lenses can be combined for up to 6.5 stops of stabilisation, which should mean handheld use is increasingly possible at slower shutter speeds and ISO values.
Body-wise, the S1H shares much in common with the S1 and S1R, including the same 3.2-inch, 2,3030k-dot in 3:2 aspect touch rear monitor, although this gains 150% more luminance over the S1 and S1R to help with viewing in bright conditions. It also offers a more flexible multi-hinge design. The EVF is the same 5,760-dot viewfinder as on the S1/S1R.
Finally the big change over sister cameras the S1 and S1R comes with the dedicated heat management system. The S1H incorporates a cooling fan that allows the camera to deliver non-stop video in every recording mode, limited only by the size of the SD card. Speaking of which, there are 2 UHS-II slots.
Even with the cooling fan, Panasonic have confirmed the impressive weather sealing of the S1 series is carried over to the S1H. Battery life will allow for up to two hours of recording, and the camera can be charged over USB-C.
A number of accessories will be available on launch, including a microphone adaptor, remote shutter, eyecup, battery grip and charger.
Pricing
The Lumix S1H will be availbale in October, with a body only price of $5,999 and as a kit with the Lumix S 24-105mm MACRO O.I.S lens for $7,599. You can find out more at Panasonic.