Panasonic presented its new Lumix DC-BGH1, a camera with a square format and without a screen that makes many wonder what is interesting about this. The truth is that a lot, although it is not an ordinary camera and for any type of user. Even so, you are still interested in meeting her if you dedicate yourself to certain topics.
Lumix BGH1, a camera for you
To understand the new Panasonic camera, the first thing to know is what kind of cameras are used when recording video, especially in professional settings. There cameras like these new proposal from Lumix are the usual thanks to the enormous versatility what are you offering. And no, it is not a format at all new.
For years brands like RED or Blackmagic Design have had cameras of this type. Some recent examples are the RED Komodo or the URSA Micro and they share this square or box style as they are normally called. But why is it so attractive, because of the possibilities it offers.
The fact that it does not include a screen, grip or a more classic distribution of the keypad and controls makes it everyone can adapt it according to their own needs. That you want to mount it on a drone, then do it and avoid all those other elements that you don't need and only add weight or make it difficult to use. If you want to put it in places that are not easily accessible or where there is little space -such as the interior of a car-, go ahead. And if you want to use it as a conventional camera with its external monitor, grip, etc., too.
As you will already be seeing, that versatility and his ability to create the rig that you want or need is the main attraction of this camera at the design level. So since you already know why that is, let's talk about its capabilities.
Professional video quality
La Lumix BGH1 is a camera focused on the professional market and more demanding users. For this reason it offers a 10,2 MP sensor with Dual Native ISO and Venus Engine processor that it shares with models focused on the Pro sector.
Thanks to the Dual Native ISO, the performance of the sensor improves substantially by being able to process the signal more efficiently when there is little light. The rest allows capture video internally with a depth of 10-bit and 4:2:0 at C4K/4K 60p/50p resolutions maximum and both in REC.709 and HLG (Hybrid Los Gamma) for better quality in terms of color, saturation, etc. And all without forgetting like slow motion recording options, etc.
Thus, as you can imagine, Panasonic's new proposal provides an interesting tool for all kinds of content creators, even those who do it from home through platforms like Twitch. Because that is one of the focuses of this product, to offer a device for streaming with a professional finish.
Also, this is one of those cameras that includes ethernet connection so it can be operated remotely through a wired network. Once again, a feature designed for very specific uses, but which in turn can make a difference compared to other options. And others such as double slot for SD cards, WiFi connectivity, Bluetooth, 3G_SDI connections, LANC, 3,5mm jack microphone inputs, headphone output among others.
Lumix BGH1, price and availability
The only weak point is its price if it is going to be your first and only camera. Because with a price of 2.100 euros just for the body, taking into account that you have to add lenses, a monitor and other possible accessories, the total price skyrockets compared to what cameras like the Lumix s5, Sony a6600, Canon EOS-R6 or similar.
In any case, as we said, if you dedicate yourself to the world of streaming and are looking to level up, you can take that leap together with other accessories such as the ATEM Mini Pro. If you are interested, it will be available in stores this month.