Panasonic's Lumix BGH1 Takes Pro 4K Video to Smaller Places

Panasonic is expanding its video-first Lumix GH camera series with an all-new concept. The product's moniker is a mouthful—it's technically the Panasonic Lumix Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera DC-BGH1, so we'll just call it the BGH1 for short.

There's not much to it, physically. The camera body is a small cube, with mounting points all around for accessories. It supports Micro Four Thirds lenses and includes dual UHS-II SD slots for internal recording, as well as 3G-SDI and full-size HDMI output to external recorders.

Panasonic BGH1 (Image: Panasonic)

There's no mechanical shutter, and the sensor has just 10MP resolution, making the camera a much better fit for videographers than still photographers. It also lacks a display or electronic viewfinder.

Videographers are more used to building out rigs, and the sensor is perfect for 4K footage, and supports widescreen anamorphic lenses and 4:3 recording too. Pixel-for-pixel readout means that there's no compromise in video quality.

You'll be able to record 4K at 60fps with a 4:2:0 10-bit sampling rate, and you get better 4:2:2 All-I footage at 30fps and slower frame rates. Standard color profiles are available, as are flat V-Log L and HDR Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) options. A low pixel count and a Dual Native ISO provide a very wide sensitivity range, up to ISO 51200.

With the right adapter, you can use pretty much any lens with the camera, as long as you're happy with manual focus control. For native Micro Four Thirds lenses you get intelligent autofocus, complete with subject recognition for people, pets, and birds. For people, the BGH1 goes beyond face and eye detection—it also recognizes the body and head, and can continue tracking a performer, even if they turn their back to the lens.

Panasonic BGH1 (Image: Panasonic)

The bare-bones design opens up possibilities as to where this camera can go. Security professionals can take advantage of its Ethernet and USB-C connectivity for network control, and it's certainly going to take the place of a GH5 for some aerial applications.

Panasonic includes Lumix Tether for Multicam and Lumix Sync software to power and control the BGH1. It's also releasing a SDK so programmers can write custom apps to drive the camera via USB.

The Lumix DC-BGH1 is priced at $1,999.99 and will start shipping in December.

About Our Expert

Jim Fisher

Principal Writer, Cameras

My Experience

Images, and the devices that capture them, are my focus. I've covered cameras at PCMag for the past 14 years, which has given me a front row seat for the changeover from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras, the smartphone camera revolution, and the emergence of drones for aerial imaging. I have extensive experience with every major mirrorless and SLR system, and am also comfortable using point-and-shoot and action cameras. As a Part 107 Certified drone pilot, I’m licensed to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for commercial and editorial purposes, and am knowledgeable about federal rules and regulations regarding drones.

The Technology I Use

I use all of the major camera systems on a regular basis, swapping between Canon, Fujifilm, L-Mount, Micro Four Thirds, Nikon, and Sony systems. I still find time to use Leica M rangefinders and Pentax SLRs on occasion, too. I keep an iPhone 13 in my pocket for the rare occasions I'm not carrying a camera.

I'm not a brand-specific photographer. For product review photos, I swap between a Canon EOS R5 and a Sony a7R IV. I use Flashpoint and Godox TTL lights and Peak Design tripods, and I most often reach for a Think Tank or Peak Design backpack to carry equipment.

When it comes to computers, I'm an unapologetic Mac person and have been for the past 20 years. I write in Pages and use Numbers for spreadsheets. I currently swap between an Intel i9 MacBook Pro and an Apple Silicon Mac Studio for writing and use a calibrated BenQ 32.5-inch with the Studio for photo and video editing. I rely on a LaCie 6big RAID for media storage. I also keep a PC around for gaming, but please don't tell my Macs about it; they'll get jealous.

I split time between several different software apps depending on the type of editing I'm doing. For Raw image processing, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic is my standard. I pair it with a LoupeDeck CT console to supplement my keyboard and trackpad, and I lean on RNI All Films 5 presets when I want to give an image a film look. I use Apple Final Cut Pro for video editing.

My first digital camera was the Canon PowerShot Elph S200, and my first DSLR was the Pentax *ist DL. I have a soft spot for antique film gear. I still use a 1950 vintage Rolleiflex Automat TLR and love trying mid-century Leica lenses on film and digital alike. I mainly use whatever's in front of me for review for digital snaps, but I pick up either my Leica M Typ 240 or Pentax K-3 III Monochrome when I want to step away from review work. In my downtime, I enjoy bird watching, reading, video games, and both good and bad movies, especially in the sci-fi and horror genres.

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