Panasonic BS1H Review - Is Boxy Better?

[@YiowMade]

6:25 🤣 “Never go to Jordan’s basement with promise of magic” 🙌

[@fellowcitizen]

Somehow this gave me a flashback to Wayne's World, and then I realised that that film was about two guys making a TV show that made it big... They should make a Hollywood movie about Jordan and Chris!

[@YiowMade]

@@fellowcitizen makes one wonder why they haven’t made a Wooden Niccolls version of Wayne’s World eh? 🤔

[@fellowcitizen]

@@YiowMade We are not worthy!

[@stevestruthers6180]

That just cracked me up! One thing that always makes watching videos from DPReview TV so entertaining is the humour and the banter between Chris and Jordan.

[@fabipuello]

Jordan great job hosting. And, Chris, can you expand on the magic that you've seen? 😂😂😂

[@KobusGevelspar]

The s1h is indeed a fantastic photocamera as well. I shoot it next to the d850 with a tack sharp Sigma 40mm and love it. The high resolution mode is great too. A very capable package.

[@vikastiwari1844]

I want to use autofocus in 4k60p mode for gimbal shots for my short film. Does autofocus work well with that setting(4k60p) in S1H ?

[@vikastiwari1844]

Maybe autofocus doesnt work well in v log picture profile but i heard that it works well with HLG or Cine D

[@KobusGevelspar]

Vikas Tiwari From my experience: the higher the fps, the better the AF. In general the AF performance is pretty decent, only tracking modes in difficult lighting conditions can be tricky. Also, the lens you use is important, a native pro lens will do a lot better than the sigma’s for example.

[@vikastiwari1844]

@@KobusGevelspar if everything is in the right place.. Lighting is good, and i use lumix 24mm f1.8 s lens or 50mm f1.8 s lens(not the 50mm f1.4 s pro lens) do u think autofocus will be useful in 4k50p for short film work ? I can take retakes if AF fails 1 out of 10 times. I would like to use 4k50p framerate and then convert it to 4k25p in the editing software.

[@KobusGevelspar]

@@vikastiwari1844 Hard to answer. Like every movie and every camera it also depends on you. But in general: yes. I use the S1h autofocus (single square) a lot in production environments and it hardly fails me. For interviews (static) I don't use it, not with any camera. I tested the new firmware tracking a few weeks a go and it worked surprisingly well, but like I said, I haven't used that professionally.

[@benmunro9308]

This episode looked amazing! Really appreciate the beautiful location. Jordan could have talked about bunyans the whole time and I would have kept watching. I mean, I may have puked as well but it still would have been worth it for that eye feast.

[@GregTardif]

Didn’t realize how cool the S1h screen hinge is! Nice

[@RogerHyam]

Gratuitous use of Canadian fall colour. If you've got it flaunt it baby!

[@JonathanPetersonlisten2EITS]

Jordan, you did GREAT! Host as often as you like, buddy!!

[@GregCoonrod]

I have 0 interest in this camera but I still loved watching the video. I think you two could make discussing tax law entertaining.

[@seantomlinson3320]

I was just thinking that too. Great pair.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Try Contract law. Have Chris explain anticipatory repudiation or 3rd party delegation.

One of the hidden benefits is likely thee lack of HDMI delay on the SDI. The S1H has MASSIVE delay over HDMI, making pulling focus externally just horrible. I would guess the BS1H HDMI will be the same, but SDI tends to not have a delay, so a puller could use this output locally or wirelessly. This is all guess work now though. It would be good to know if it can feed both outputs and the SDI has a delay.

[@charlescowper]

@dpreview would love get an answer on this

[@sdm2]

Yes to this! I find the delay so bad so it’s not usable for moving objects or people. I was so excited to try RAW, using the Ninja to help with focus pull. It’s just the opposite for me. Love to know if I have something wrong I’m my settings. I have tried the Atamos HDMU cable, too. No difference. Thanks

@@sdm2 there's no setting that fixes it sadly. it is half as bad in double rates like 50 and 60p though. that Atomos cable is just a cheap HDMI re-branded for profit it won't make a difference, There's actually loads of posts with people complaining that they break.

[@charlescowper]

No reviewers seem to talk about this issue.

[@jomiblura]

Panasonic's trouble with HDMI latency is mind boggling, even more so for a cam that doesn't even have it's own screen. That's actually ridiculous. I need to record external Raw and both S1H and BS1H would have been great options but that latency makes them unusable. Fix that Panasonic!

[@ewenjam]

bold move from Panasonic putting BS in the product name. looks good tho!

[@CrossLegacyOfficial]

Ha ha

[@maukkas]

They also have the legendarily named DMW-SFU1 key that they are selling...

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Nice to see Panasonic still in the game. Since I got my new mac mini, I am using an old Yi E1 box style camera for video conferencing, it works great for that but I have been thinking of getting a used BG1 if I can find one. Even the E1 is overkill, the GB1 would be crazy and the BS1H would be insane. Thanks for the video on video, glad you get more screen time, photo cameras seem to be getting all the time recently.

[@BjørjaBear]

Jordan brightening our day!

[@hmfilms3506]

Great camera, but the biggest problem is lack of image stabilization. Thanks for awesome review Jordan!!

[@aviatorman8]

Excellent review, keep it up guy! P.s Jordan, you should consider extracting a portrait still at 8:29! Looks awesome! And Chris takes the credit for framing you :)

[@spenceford4299]

Great job Jordan

[@Grisildor]

That intro explained the perils of GAS in a nutshell. Loved it.

[@ostettivictor]

You guys should give us an episode about ethernet on cameras, like on Nikon D4, D5, Canon 1DX Series, Sony a9 series and so on. About the use cases and whos is for.

[@juandiosdado]

And about NDI replacing HDMI and SDI !

[@edjefferson9175]

Dante AV is next big thing

[@juandiosdado]

@@edjefferson9175 Can you explain a bit more? I thought Dante was audio-only.

[@fellowcitizen]

Thanks Jordan, I'd love to see a "battery grip"-equivalent field interface module with a small touchscreen display, e-screen for settings/histogram, macro keys, and second carousel control.

[@charliewaterman816]

Always here to support you two :)

[@derik_niez]

Thanks for the video, I might look into this down the line as something that could pair well with the S5

[@moranast]

This is was an awesome review ..I always look forward to you guys reviews !

[@goingfurther8092]

That basement segue was pure gold.

[@jorre4478]

Hey Jordan, you are right about the heavy part. But as you say, the image quality makes up for it. Good review man.

[@dancewithethan]

love your reviews, keep it coming.

[@poziax]

Great job Jordan! I don't shoot video but I am interested in the tools and processes.

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

Blackmagic should go Boxy with BMPCC. they should put 6k pro sensor into cube with internal ND filters.

[@hankroest6836]

They did do a boxy little BMCC: "Micro Cinema Camera." But Jordan didn't review it and it failed. Just kidding: it's still on their site; MFT mount.

[@jesseyules]

Cute form-factor. I'm shocked that Panasonic doesn't offer some form of internal raw recording. Even standard HD raw would nice for shots with chrome or water where the dynamic range makes a bit difference.

[@joemash4193]

Personal question, but Jordan, what have you done to keep your hair over the years? I would say we have similar hairlines and i've noticed that your hairline looks really good.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

My question as well. He actually looks like his hair is better. What's the secert, man? I need to know, lol.

[@seantomlinson3320]

Neat that this exists for those who need it. Good for Panasonic.

[@AndresGonzalez-rm6fp]

Nice footage!!. did you use any fill light or reflectors?. or just an amazing HDR?

[@sonholee5769]

Fall light looks great!

[@Indo_chef]

Great honest review. I find too many youtubers only tell the good side of products. After seeing this, the s1h is better suited to my needs.

[@dansshade5621]

Thoroughful and well balanced. Very nice review, well done!

[@nguquyen]

Did they misfocus or it is just me seeing Jordan's collar sharper than his eyes (at 3:04)?

[@LucasRider]

Agree. My opinion is missed focus on his face. Great shirt collar though!

[@hankroest6836]

Also agree. My opinion is ridiculously and unnecessarily shallow DOF. Nice "open shade" though!

[@MrPhilbautista]

Variety is always welcome. Not playing favorites here.

[@Nico-bc4ir]

I think you did a good job, Jordan. It's just that I haven't dived into filming yet, so much of what you said, apart from the magic in your basement, made little sense to me. That said, I still watch your videos, regardless of the topic. :)

[@mshepard2264]

If you need controls on the camera get the S1H. We do remote imaging stuff where we are never actually holding a camera. The BS1H or BGH1 is great I wish more companies made cameras in this body type.

[@hedydd2]

Excellent review that kept me interested in a camera that I have no intention whatsoever to own or shoot.

[@stuartshaffer6619]

Fall colors looking nice

[@wparo]

I have no idea what any of those ports that you mentioned do even after you explained them. But it was great to watch you talk about them. I don't think I'd buy this camera over the S1H. I like to be able to take photos if the occasion arises.

[@WorkingTitleVP]

Glad i wasn't the only one lol

[@808islandlife_HI]

Great job Jordan!

[@fellowcitizen]

Three requests: 1) try it rigged up as a Left-handed camera 2) how well does control work with the dji gimbal interface now that dji are an L-mount accessory partner? 3) more Jordan! And Gordon...! C'mon, Gordon just needs enough love to come out of his shell.

[@CoalitionGaming]

That basement joke. Got him!

[@marklaurendet1861]

We need to see more of jordan presenting, stills as well as video

[@xWood4000]

I like that Gerald cable!

[@travelcanada8817]

Good Job Jordan!!! 👍

[@JonInLondon]

That was good, thanks, although the audio seemed slightly off, e.g. around the 3 min mark (on the 4k version) - dubbed or something else?

[@workingwiththelight3119]

I am pretty sure you already have New Sony a7iv for testing as it will come at the end of this month. I am looking forward to this review and especially in comparison to Canon R6. Both cameras are on my wish list for my home studio content creations. Thank you for your video.

[@lindsaywebb1904]

But no waveforms on their tether software? That's nuts

[@Rashadmcka]

If a camera like this doesn't have sensor stabilization, i would have loved for it to have internal ND. Still looks like a great camera tho! side note: Would love if Panasonic came out with their own handle for it, that can start stop record too. Thanks for the review

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

Z-CAM in 2018 - We're gonna release 4 Cinebox cameras from MFT to Full Frame that can shoot raw! Panasonic - RIGHT THAT DOWN! RIGHT THAT DOWN!

[@SoundSpeeding]

*WRITE

[@ScottJWaldron]

Jordan's time to shine! (thanks to that handy $30 reflector) heh

[@TheAaronalden]

Interesting... if I had the money, then yeah, great studio camera. They never give it all to you, always some compromises. I can't afford an uncompromising camera anyway. Thanks for the review! It was right to the nitty gritties, unlike my rambling comment.

[@MiguexD13]

do you experiences some delay on the hdmi output??

[@CallMeChato]

Looked great.

[@cire30a]

will lumix make a tether software that allows multicamera switching. that would be a huge selling point

[@kreimsnta]

Jordan Drake, was rapping with fire!!!

[@ChrisCiapala]

New haircut I see? Nicely done video.

[@andytee88]

yay I made it to the intro! woohoo

[@danieldougan269]

Panasonic overlooked one of the main reasons people use dedicated video cameras, and that's built-in ND filters. Sony made the same mistake with the FX3.

[@vaska00762]

Built-in ND is difficult to implement without having the flange distance to accommodate it. Canon's RF at least has the ability to feature gelatin filters between the lens and body, but you'll need an EF lens if you want to be able to drop in filters with the necessary adaptor. L-Mount has a tiny flange distance, and fitting in some kind of ND system would probably be a big challenge for any of the manufacturers. I guess Sony's E-Mount has a longer flange distance, which is why the FX-6 has the room for it. But when it comes to built in NDs? It's almost as if the only way you can truly accommodate it is by having a mount system with the flange distance for it, whether it's EF mount, PL mount or some other system like B4 mount for broadcasting.

[@logitech4873]

@@vaska00762 L-mount flange distance is 20mm. E-mount flange distance is 18mm. I don't see why it would be impossible mechanically, but it does require the camera body to have internal space for the mechanism.

[@randomgeocacher]

@@vaska00762 no, you are thinking of mechanical NDs which is a solved legacy problem. FX6 and some other cameras do electronic or liquid crystal based NDs on short flange distance. Modern electronic NDs are not incompatible with short flange as the ND is statically mounted with no mechanical parts and is just a few millimeters thick, close to the sensor.

[@vaska00762]

@@logitech4873 I thought L-Mount was the shorter flange distance... Sigma's newer DG DN lenses are longer and heavier on E-Mount compared to L-Mount, which Sigma claim is due to the way E-Mount was designed.

[@logitech4873]

@@vaska00762 Well you can just look up the numbers.

[@mannydrives]

I was in a toss up between the BGH1 and the Pocket 4k. Got the 4k and wish it would have a computer/phone app to remote control the camera. I have a a Portkeys but need a 10 ft HDMI cable to use it. Yes, there are wireless HDMI devices but it’s an added cost.

[@StillPictureProduction]

You can control the camera via a BMD phone app.

[@mannydrives]

@@StillPictureProduction does it stream video to your phone?

[@StillPictureProduction]

No, it doesn’t have a monitor.

[@mannydrives]

@@StillPictureProduction maybe you should’ve read my post before commenting.

[@StillPictureProduction]

@@mannydrives You wrote “to remote control the camera”. That is not what’s called monitoring. Monitoring means to be able to view remotely what your camera is potentially capturing. To remote control means to be able to change parameters on your camera remotely. I furthermore mentioned the app because I wasn’t sure you are aware of it being able to remote control your camera.

[@carlbenjiphotography6651]

Hi folks. I like your video content. Interesting video. My question is really simple, Is it a good option for live streaming and multi-cam stream on social media (ex: KZbin live or Fb live)? Or it have better option on the market.

[@gotja]

Not the most cinema like but ibis on this would be incredible

[@DetroitVideoDiaries]

Thanks Jordan

[@KobusGevelspar]

Do you guys shoot in vlog?

[@mattdebyl8806]

I think Panasonic are missing a trick with these in their marketing. They pitch them as being only for professionals in ‘the studio’ like that’s some mythical thing nobody uses. But in the real world I see a LOT of KZbinrs etc that have ‘studios’ with multicam setups that are usually rigged up with a bunch of random cameras, these box cameras would be absolutely perfect for that kind of environment. Ok the BG1H is probably perfectly suited to that as they are a lot cheaper and smaller and focus will be easier. But with these you can mix and match also which is really nice. These fit the idea of a low cost mini studio multicam setup so well, yet aren’t being marketed as such.

[@younesbouwqfawi9449]

Jordan which fluid head u re using with ur monopod?

[@alexsystems2001]

The problem with the S1H isn’t the size… it is and has always been the autofocus. Panasonic PLEASE replace the DFD system! I love everything else about my S1H. I use it quite often for photography as well and the autofocus is extremely important for photography, it misses so often OR you have to just take control.

[@VoicesofMusic]

I always enjoy your vids. But, I have to say I really don't understand why there is no mention of Z Cam--the pioneer of this type of camera. Surely this elephant is too large to omit? Fanless. Secure mount. Sony batteries or industry standard power. Tablet/smartphone monitoring. Multiple lens mounts. ND filters(!). Open gate. And much more....

[@samepage3762]

Red and Kinefinity are the pioneer. Z-cam just followed up with their version that is not so robust; hence the smaller box.

[@VoicesofMusic]

@@samepage3762 Sure, where are they, as well? But Z Cam is the same size, similar price point, and so on.

[@safemode8598]

Jordan is great at explaining video tech, Panasonic should give him 11 more BS1Hs.

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@zfisher]

A lot of your video cam reviews come down to the fact that they're not good in the field, I'd love to see you interview someone who does mostly shoot in studio on a monitor to get their perspective

[@isitmeorisityou3608]

Did Panasonic mention a release date?

[@thesestillmoments]

Is a Nikon zfc review coming?

[@aizyl]

Jordan's haircut giving 'dad' from Calvin and Hobbes vibes.

[@ratt57]

Just found out about this camera, thanks for a great review! Panasonic advertises this as a 4K camera, but it also states it shoots in 6K (?). Can you explain?

[@randomgeocacher]

Chroma sub sampling is the mystery, all camera / video spec are confusing because of it, we are living a lie where all manufacturers confuse us :) BS1H is a 6K sensor and supports 6K 24p 4:2:0 10-bit as well as 6K raw. Which is not full 4K resolution, confusingly :-) 6K is less data than fully resolved 4K 4:4:4 which requires an 8K bayer sensor. With 8K you actually have all color for all 4K pixels. So only 8K or 12K sensors can do “perfect” 4K. This doesn’t matter to us consumers much because because in normal images and normal use-cases “non-perfect” 4K looks more than good enough. Aside from 6K it also supports 4K 4:2:2 10-bit 4K at 60p and 30p I think. 6K 4:2:0 and 4K 4:2:2 is quite similar, kind of the same thing in terms of data. The 6K is easier if you plan to crop and re-compose in post, as you do not need to upscale or do other complex things in post. Basic rule of thumb; 8K 4:2:0 is similar to 4K 4:4:4 (all pixels fully resolved) 4K 4:2:0 is similar to 2K 4:4:4 (all pixels fully resolved) But eh, don’t think to much about it, this is mostly a stupid topic for forum wars or to complain about dishonest camera marketing. If the image looks good at whatever setting, it is good. Even if the resolution is partly marketing lies.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

@@randomgeocacher thanks for that. Any time bayer is mentioned my mind goes into overload.

[@randomgeocacher]

@@scottslotterbeck3796 hehe but bayer pattern is just an extremely clever replacement for needing a prism and 3 sensors (or other big cumbersome solutions). But eh, manufacturers give you 50% green, 25% red, 25% blue and essentially market to customers as if they sold us 100% of the pixels. Essentially the base image is upscaled instead of fully resolved. But you can imagine marketing discussing if a camera should be marketed as 24MP bayer pixels or 6MP truly resolved pixels; they’d bloody murder those suggesting marketing as having the lower count. The 4:2:0 is essentially a very similar thing to bayer sensors but in the video color space; giving us more pixels to display than actual color data transmitted/recorded.

[@juandiosdado]

Does it also take photos?

[@janclauder]

I would really love to fly that beast with my FPV Cinelifter!

[@DamienDemolder]

Cracking video gents! It looks beautiful too :-)

[@pickyeaterindo362]

Fantastic !!! 🔥

[@DD-1971]

The picture coming out of these cameras are very good indeed. Why, why, why the bad auto focus? Frustrating.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Panny's one huge downfall. I never use it, but for those who do...

[@davidsirr9910]

Good job.

[@Alexandra-Rex]

I win the lottery, and this x3 is my webcam for streaming :P

[@skymakai]

Very cool that the BS1H can do 4K/60 w/o a crop! 4K/120 though? Maybe the S2H (future) will have more non-cropped high speed options.

[@ParaSocial_Media_Me]

Where’s the $30 reflector review now? We need the full production story!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Makes me want to shoot a video in front of some fall foliage.

[@glen-draketoolworks7186]

What kind of focus are you using here. Jordon appears to be out of focus enough to be noticed.

[@amalieemmynoether992]

I have absolutely no interest in video but still love Jordan's reviews.

[@hiphatter]

I'm confused. You say there is no in body image stabilization. Panasonic and others say there is. I can find nothing conclusive. Please someone give input as I'm seriously considering picking this camera up.

[@willgavillan]

is that app available for iPad/iPhone?

[@andersistbesser]

I like the boxy style but i would have prefered if they made a sony fx6 style cam with more controls than this one

[@grafpez]

Is the BS1H the camera the FX3 should have been?

[@Khalidazizphoto]

I guess this will have the Netflix approval/certification as well

[@nicholasboule5134]

Good lighting is always the answer. If you think your camera sucks, it’s probably just your lighting skills.

[@nimbuskhannk627]

I hate to burst you bubble, Jordan but, no there's not much to "love" from what comes out of the S1H (...and, concurrently, the BS1H...). For a long, long time time I've been asking myself why do you favor such bland, fuzzy and color-weird camera as your "go-to camera" to film the otherwise stupendous output you and Chris give us.

[@alwinbenjamin]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ivandyap]

Great camera, but quite unfortunately named. Thanks for the thorough review, as always!

[@JCustom]

I heard a lot of where's phase detect not so much I want a box

[@Optidorf]

That was quite a magic show in Jordan's basement.

[@ThiefxJulian]

Hold up: isn't the camera not even announced yet`?