Panasonic Launches 6K Video Full-Frame Mirrorless

2019.05.31

In a world-first, Panasonic is announcing development on the very first Full-Frame digital camera to record 6K video. While 4K is only becoming common now, Panasonic is delivering the next level of resolution for videographers to start producing content in an entirely different format.

The new Panasonic Lumix S1H is a Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera based on the same L-mount platform as the S1R and S1 which just became available this spring. Its headline feature is 6K video which captures 6144x4096 3:2-aspect video at 24 FPS. With a16:9 crop, as currently used in 4K Ultra-HD, this becomes 5.9K at 30 FPS. When scaled down to 4K, the S1H can record Cinema 4K and 4K Ultra-HD at 60 FPS in 10-bits.

Although its resolution is not specified in the press-release, the output for 6K video requires a 24 megapixels sensor at least. Higher resolutions would have to be scaled down which requires a considerable amount of bandwidth, so expect this camera to feature a 24 MP Full-Frame CMOS sensor which would be capable of delivering very high-quality output and low-light performance.

Video recording will be available in V-Log format which can compress over 14 stops of dynamic-range into its 10-bit output. The S1H has been optimized for color-critical capture to be compatible with industry-standard VariCam and V-Log L video from the Panasonic Lumix GH5S. Video of any resolution can be recorded without a preset limit up until the memory-card and battery-capacity of the S1H.

This mirrorless is a completely hybrid camera designed to excel at both photography and videography. Externally, it look nearly identical to the S1/S1R twins with dual control-dials, a high-resolution EVF, top status display and high number of direct controls. It is expected to be the same size too, making it rather compact compared to traditional professional video gear.

Panasonic expects to ship the S1H in the fall with a prototype on display at Cine Gear Expo 2019, currently in progress in Los Angeles.

Many of the Panasonic S1H feature - except for 6K video - are going to be available next month as a paid upgrade to the S1. Video enthusiasts will not have to wait long to get:

Over 14 stops of dynamic-range using V-Log capture.

4K @ 30 FPS 10-bit internal video recording.

4K @ 60 FPS 10-bit external video output via HDMI.

Color-critical V-Log and V-Gamut output.

In-camera color Lookup Table (LUT).

Live brightness display in waveform monitor.

96 Hz 24-bit sound using XLR microphone via optional adapter (DMW-XLR1).

All these features come as a software upgrade (DMW-SFU2) for the Panasonic Lumix S1 in June for a price of $270 CAD. It will be available at time from the Panasonic eStore and at select retailers.

• Digital Camera