Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 Cinema 4K Box Camera, Micro Four Thirds with Livestreaming (DC-BGH1)
The Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is a mirrorless camera with a rangefinder-style viewfinder and an attachment for Micro Four Thirds lenses. Its primary focus is on video. It comes equipped with some awe-inspiring features, including a diverse selection of video standards and frame speeds and sophisticated connectivity choices.
There are several good reasons why the Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is referred to as a compact camera. It’s almost exactly the shape of a cube, with a lens mount on the front and connections on the rear. Inside, there’s a sensor. However, there is neither a viewfinder nor an OLED screen for adjusting the settings. Instead, you use the 1/4-20 threaded openings to attach the required attachments to transform them into the type of camera you want.
The American cinema camera behemoth RED has utilized this idea for many years with its high-end cameras, essentially just a box that the user dresses up according to the project they are about to do.
This is in stark contrast to other Panasonic Micro Four Thirds cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix G9 and GH5 II, which can be taken directly out of the package, fully assembled, and ready to begin shooting with no additional setup required.
However, the new Panasonic takes this multi-use approach one step further by incorporating built-in technology that enables live broadcasting or recording of movies on YouTube and connectivity that allows it to be used as a remote camera while shooting on location.
Alternately, you could use prime cine lenses and a follow-focus to transform it into a cinema camera and use it to shoot movies. Alternatively, you could equip it with an autofocus lens and use it as a run-and-gun camera to shoot documentaries.
In this evaluation, we will take a more in-depth look at the camera’s most important specifications and features to assist you in determining whether or not it is the best camera to meet your requirements.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Design and Build Quality
The BGH1’s appearance is similar to that of other Panasonic cameras in that it is both streamlined and rugged. It is designed to withstand frequent use and is adaptable to a wide range of shooting environments.
The camera has measurements of 93 by 93 by 78 mm (3.66 by 3.66 by 3.07 inches) and a weight of 545 grams (1.20 pounds / 19.22 ounces). So even though it’s not the world’s smallest or lightest smartphone camera, it’s still quite portable and easy to bring around wherever you go.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Sensor and Image Quality
The BGH1 is equipped with a CMOS sensor that is a Four-Thirds format and has 10 megapixels and 12 megapixels of sensor picture processors. This indicates that it can capture pictures and videos of very high quality, with an extraordinary level of detail and sharpness.
You can take photos in variousg situations thanks to the camera’s wide ISO range of 160-51200, which can be extended to -204800.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Autofocus and Focus Points
Autofocus on the BGH1 is achieved through contrast recognition and phase detection, which enables rapid and precise focusing. Additionally, it possesses a staggering 225 focus points, which guarantees that the subject of your photograph will always be in clear focus.
Your optics’ range will be essentially increased by a factor of two thanks to the camera’s focal length multiplier, which is set at 2x.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Video Quality
The BGH1 is predominantly intended for video, reflected in its wide variety of features. It can record in many different video formats, including MPEG-4, H.264, and H.265.
In addition to that, it offers a diverse selection of frame speeds, such as 60p, 30p, and 23.98p. Furthermore, the camera is capable of shooting at resolutions of up to 4096 by 2160, which enables the creation of video material that is extraordinarily detailed.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Connectivity
The BGH1 comes with many different communication choices, some of which include USB 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth. This facilitates the transmission of files and the management of the camera from a distant location. In addition, it is compatible with UHS-II memory cards and has dual ports for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Other Features
The BGH1 comes equipped with a wide range of additional features, all deserving consideration. Along with a tethered remote control or a smartphone remote control, it also has a timelapse recording function and an orientation indicator. However, because the camera is not protected from the elements, extreme caution must be exercised when used in wet or windy conditions.
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Specifications
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 3680 x 2760 |
| Image ratio w h | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 10 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 12 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (19.2 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| ISO | Auto, 160-51200 (expands to 80-204800) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 204800 |
| White balance presets | 4 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | No |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 225 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Articulated LCD | No |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Minimum shutter speed | 1/2 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/16000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject/scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264, H.265 |
| Modes | 4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3328 x 2496 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3328 x 2496 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3328 x 2496 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | None |
| Storage types | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported) |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (Type A) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or smartphone) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | AG-VBR59, AG-VBR89, AG-VGR118 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 545 g (1.20 lb / 19.22 oz) |
| Dimensions | 93 x 93 x 78 mm (3.66 x 3.66 x 3.07″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Conclusion
Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 Cinema 4K Box Camera, Micro Four Thirds with Livestreaming (DC-BGH1)
The Panasonic Lumix BGH1 is a competent and adaptable camera that is primarily intended for use in the video recording field. However, it is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to shoot high-quality video footage because it has a CMOS sensor compatible with Four Thirds, 225 focus points, and a wide variety of video formats and frame rates.
Even though it is not the lightest or the most miniature camera available, it is still portable enough to bring you anywhere. If you want to upgrade your current video camera, the BGH1 is an excellent option to consider.
