Panasonic Lumix BS1H review

Designed for multi-media content, can the Panasonic Lumix BS1H prove its boxy shape is the future of solo filmmaking?

5 Star Rating
Panasonic Lumix BS1H
(Image: © Sebastian Oakley / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Panasonic Lumix BS1H is a very compact, powerhouse cinema camera targeted at true filmmakers. It provides a small form factor with outstanding spec and I/O that means it can be used by solo filmmakers right up to big productions. Not every cinema camera is as tiny as the BS1H and that’s where it shines. It provides the smallest form factor possible with the highest full frame specs any filmmaker could want and is a very competitive alternative to the Super 35 RED Komodo, which is double the price!

Pros

  • +

    All-in-one package

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    5.9k capture

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    Uses inexpensive media

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    Solo or crew operation

Cons

  • -

    Slight learning curve

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    Only available in Leica L-mount

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    No V-mount battery option

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Panasonic Lumix BS1H is an example of a square box-style camera that has become an increasingly popular choice amongst filmmakers at all skill levels shooting various genres – but one thing remains consistent across the board; they all choose it for its convenient go-anywhere form factor.

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.