Panasonic BS1H | Review + Best SmallRig Kit to Use

Today we look at the Panasonic BS1H box camera. We review the camera and show you our recommended shooting rig built with SmallRig products.
Products in this video
Panasonic BS1H: bit.ly/PanaBS1H
Panasonic S 35mm f/1.8: bit.ly/Pana35mmS
SmallRig Cage for BS1H: bit.ly/SmallRig3024
SmallRig Right Side Grip: bit.ly/SmallRig1941B
SmallRig Universal ARRI Handle: bit.ly/SmallRig2165C
SmallRig Swivel & Tilt Mount: bit.ly/SmallRig2905
SmallRig Cage for Ninja V: bit.ly/SmallRigCMA2209
SmallRig Cold Shoe: bit.ly/SmallRig1241
SmallRig Matte Box Mini: bit.ly/SmallRig3196Matte
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Intro - 0:00
Body - 1:15
Connection Points - 2:13
Sensor - 3:26
Photo Capabilities - 3:41
IBIS - 3:49
Video Features - 4:08
Full Frame vs Super 35 example - 4:51
Standard vs Vlog example - 4:59
Video Outputs - 5:13
BS1H vs S1H Summary - 5:46
SmallRig Kit Intro - 6:37
SmallRig Cage - 7:07
SmallRig Top Handle - 7:49
SmallRig Swivel Mount - 8:04
SmallRig Ninja V Cage - 8:11
SmallRig Mic Mount - 8:38
SmallRig Matte Box Mini - 8:54
Conclusion - 9:28
Today we’re looking at the Panasonic BS1H, which is the box camera version of the S1H. It takes many of the specs and features of the S1H and puts it into a box camera form factor, which adds many benefits like smaller size, modularity, more connection inputs, but also removes some important things like a screen and a grip. This video will be split into two parts. In the first part I’ll discuss the BS1H, it’s features and specs, and why you might choose it over the S1H. In the second part I’m going to walk you through how I used Smallrig accessories to kit out this camera into a really nice shooting rig.
The main thing about the BS1H is it’s box camera body. There are 4 custom function buttons at the front. There’s also an operation lock switch. On the top is the record button and the menu control wheel. The camera has dual UHS-II compatible SD card slots that support hot-swapping. In addition to the standard mic, headphone, USB and HDMI ports, the BS1H has extra connections not found on the S1H. It has a locking SDI port, plus Timcode connection, as well as Genlock. There’s also an Ethernet port which supports Power over Ethernet. The “Lumix Tether for Multicam” app can be used to have one computer control up to 12 cameras via ethernet.
Inside the BS1H is a 24 MP full frame sensor. This is the exact same as the S1H. It has no photo mode, only video. Also, the BS1H lacks the in-body image stabilisation system from the S1H. So handled video shooting is going to have a lot more shake than it would on the S1H.
The video features on the BS1H are largely the same as the S1H.
-The camera shoots 4K video at up to 60 fps, although there is a crop at 60 fps (no crop at 30 fps). Cinema 4K and 4K UHD are downsampled from 6K. It can even shoot 5.9K. It can record H.264, LongGOP, H.264 All-Intra, H.265 HEVC in 8 or 10-bit. It has Vlog for 14 stops of dynamic range, as well as HLG profiles. It can output RAW video data via the full-size HDMI port to an external recorder in Blackmagic RAW or Apple ProRes RAW. The camera can output full-frame 5.9K at 30p, or Super 35 C4K at up to 60p, and Anamorphic 4:3 at 3.5K in 12bit RAW. It can even record internally and externally simultaneously. There is no record limit regardless of resolution or frame rate. Finally, the camera can livestream at up to 4K 60.
In my opinion, the BS1H is aimed at semi-professional and higher level users who can really benefit from the flexibility, modularity, connection points and networking capabilities of the camera. For more casual users, especially those who have an interest in photo as well as video, the more traditional S1H body design is favourable.
In this second part of the video, I’m going to show you the rig that I used when shooting with the BS1H. It’s a fairly simple yet elegant setup that served me quite well. All of the accessories I use here are from Smallrig, a company that makes a ton of these types of items.
I’m using the SmallRig cage for the BS1H or BGH1. This adds protection plus many new connection points for rigging, including a side handle taht would fit the SmallRig Right Side Wooden Grip. Next, I’ve added the SmallRig Universal ARRI Locating Handle right on the top. I’ve attached the SmallRig Swivel and Tilt Adjustable Monitor Mount at the front of the handle, and attached an Atomos Ninja V, which I’ve put into it’s own dedicated SmallRig cage. As an extra bonus, I’ve used the SmallRig Matte Box Mini on the front of the camera. Of course this is only one possibility, there are tons of ways you could kit this out based on your own needs.

[@SmallRigGlobal]

Thanks for sharing.

[@skbachoti]

Nice seeing you after a long time!

[@digiDirectAustralia]

Thank you!

[@AustrisPhoto]

Great rig. Would of been cool to show rig with side handle 😊

[@trayneadjeifilms]

Thanks for this! Great rig and breakdown of the cameras features. What is your ND solution and how do you find adjust camera setting on the go with any other dedicated buttons? Love Panasonic's image but hesitant to upgrade to this because of lack of NDs and dedicated exposure buttons although the camera is so versatile.

[@digiDirectAustralia]

Hi Trayne. For an ND if using the Matte Box Mini you can use that to slot in 4 x 5.65" filters. Alternatively, with no matte box you can use a Hoya ND filter on the lens, either fixed or variable. Items like these: www.digidirect.com.au/catalogsearch/result?q=Hoya+ND+filter Adjusting the settings purely using the dial is a bit less ideal than having dedicated dials, although you do get used to it. The Q Menu that you see me using at 8:45 is how you do this, has options to adjust Shutter, Iris, ISO, etc.

[@turbotu5346]

Nice video! I want to ask. What is better to take for reportage videos (weddings and various events): Sony a6400, a7 Mark 2 or Canon 90D? Budget up to $1700. Thanks in advance for the answer!

[@vanzetti7]

Would love this set up but I can’t justify the cost. My GH5 and GH5s does everything I need for my clients.

[@mr.bigglesworthyoumagnific4281]

I’d get one, or 2 if you could use v mount batteries and an external ssd.:I’ll probably end up buying the ursa mini but I’d rather have the bs1h because of its small size..be nice to have xlr inputs

[@onemanmob6756]

How can a marketing department allow a product to be called BS...?