Panasonic

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Cinema Camera Review

Reviews
19
Score
77/100
From
$3,498
Released
January 2021

We've aggregated 19 high-signal reviews and 1 live retailer price below.

Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Cinema Camera
Available
Our take
Worth buying

Our editorial take on the Panasonic Lumix BS1H Box Cinema Camera

The Panasonic Lumix BS1H brings full-frame cinema capability to a compact, modular box form that's smaller than most rigging accessories. At just 1.3 pounds and barely larger than a Rubik's Cube, it packs the same 24.2MP sensor from the S1H into a stripped-down body designed for builds, gimbals, drones, and tight spaces. Reviewers consistently praise its outstanding image quality, with 14+ stops of dynamic range, dual native ISO, and the flexibility to record up to 6K in 10-bit with V-Log/V-Gamut. The full 3:2 sensor readout and Netflix approval underscore its cinema credentials. Its extensive I/O (BNC timecode and genlock, LAN, USB-C, dual card slots, and nine threaded mounting points) make it a serious tool for professional productions that need flexibility without bulk.

That said, the BS1H demands commitment. There's no built-in viewfinder, no articulating screen, and no in-body stabilization, so you'll need external monitoring, rigging, and support gear to make it functional. Reviewers note the rolling shutter can be noticeable, and the lack of built-in ND filters means additional filtration or matte boxes. It's also a specialist tool: if you don't need the modular form factor or already own the S1H, the value proposition is less clear. For filmmakers who prioritize size, rigging versatility, and top-tier full-frame video in confined or remote setups, the BS1H delivers.

Best for: Professional filmmakers and video production teams who need a compact, modular full-frame cinema camera for rigging, gimbal work, or multi-camera setups.
What's great
  • Exceptional image quality with 14+ stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO
  • Tiny, lightweight modular form factor ideal for gimbals, drones, and tight rigging
  • Comprehensive professional I/O including timecode, genlock, LAN, and dual SD card slots
  • Full-frame 6K capture with V-Log/V-Gamut and Netflix approval
  • Nine 3/8-inch mounting threads and robust build for flexible rigging
Watch outs
  • Requires external monitor, no built-in viewfinder or articulating screen
  • No in-body image stabilization
  • Rolling shutter can be noticeable in fast motion
  • No built-in ND filters

Synthesized by Geared editors from aggregated expert reviews.

What reviewers say

Best reviews

The highest-signal reviews from creators and editorial blogs.

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Video reviews

B\u0026H Photo Video Pro Audio4y ago
1M subscribers
Panasonic Lumix BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera | Hands-on Review
30.2K views
digiDirect4y ago
32.4K subscribers
Panasonic BS1H | Review + Best SmallRig Kit to Use
4.3K views
Jason Morris1y ago
144K subscribers
Is the LUMIX BS1H Worth It?
17.2K views
Camera Man3y ago
2.2K subscribers
Panasonic Lumix BS1H Review : Best Camera For Making Cinema
1.7K views
DPReview TV4y ago
424K subscribers
Panasonic BS1H Review - Is Boxy Better?
77.5K views
PhotoJoseph4y ago
139K subscribers
This camera is total BS… Introducing the Panasonic LUMIX BS1H
120.9K views
Josh Cameron3y ago
36.4K subscribers
Lumix BS1H - The Good & The Bad
18.7K views
Patrick Tomasso4y ago
234K subscribers
Dream Cinema Cube? | + Lumix 35mm F1.8 Lens
26.9K views
Ed Prosser4y ago
27.3K subscribers
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H review | To cube or not to cube ...
7.1K views

Editorial reviews

dpreview.com·
DPReview TV: Panasonic BS1H review - Is boxy better?

This week Jordan reviews the Panasonic BS1H, the company's first full-frame box camera. How does it compare to the S1H and Panasonic's first ...

Read review
Imaging-resource·
lumix Archives - Imaging Resource

Panasonic today announced a new member to its unique "box-style" video camera line, the Panasonic Lumix BS1H. As you can…

Read review
Dpreview·
Hands-on with the Panasonic BS1H - DPReview

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Read review
Cined·
Panasonic LUMIX BS1H and SIRUI 50mm T2.9 1.6x Lens Review

This lens is the PERFECT fit for such a Panasonic LUMIX camera since it gives the option to shoot in 6K/24p and fully utilize the 3:2 sensor. This, of course, can result in an appealing 2.4:1 aspect ratio which contributes to the much desired “cinematic look”.

Read review
Newsshooter·
Panasonic goes Full Frame with Lumix BS1H Box Camera

Panasonic expands its box-style camera lineup with the new LUMIX BS1H. The new camera has a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with Dual Native ISO and features 6K full-area high-resolution recording.

Read review
Bhphotovideo·
Pro Video Cameras Videos | B&H eXplora - B&H Photo

The compact cinema camera market has become even more competitive with the announcement of Panasonic’s new Lumix BS1H box-style camera that sports a long list of professional features in a tiny form factor. This mirrorless camera joins the S1H and BGH1 compact camera line, featuring a full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor that captures cinema-quality video up to 10-bit 6K24 resolution, 14+ stops of advertised dynamic range using V-Log.

Read review
Petapixel·
Panasonic Launches the L-Mount BS1H Full-Frame Box Camera

Panasonic has announced a new “box-style” Lumix mirrorless camera called the DC-BS1H. Similar in form-factor to the Micro Four Thirds BGH1, the BS1H packs a much larger 24-megapixel full-frame sensor.

Read review
digitalcameraworld.com·
Panasonic Lumix BS1H review - Digital Camera World

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

Read review
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Specs

Weight
1.3 lb / 585 g
Battery
Panasonic AG-VBR Series
App Name
Lumix Sync
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Mic/Line Input on Camera Body 1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output on Camera Body
Materials
Aluminum
Other I/O
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 1) Control/Data/Video Input 1x BNC (Timecode) Data Input/Output 1x BNC (Genlock) Data Input/Output 1x RJ45 (LAN) Control/Monitor/Video Input/Output 1x 2.5 mm Sub-Mini (LANC) Control Input
Power I/O
1x Weipu SF610/S2 (12VDC) Input
Shoe Mount
1x Hot Shoe
Gamma Curve
Panasonic V-Gamut, Panasonic V-Log
Capture Type
Stills & Video
Image Sensor
35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Ip Streaming
RTP, RTST 1280 x 2160 to 3840 x 2160 at 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p (4.0 to 50.00 Mb/s)
Shutter Type
Electronic Rolling Shutter
Tripod Mount
2x 3/8"-16 Female (Bottom)
Package Weight
2.985 lb
Viewfinder Type
Optional, Not Included
Autofocus Points
225
Netflix Approved
Yes
Sensor Resolution
Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
Built-In Nd Filter
No
Lens Communication
Yes
Built-In Microphone
Stereo
Image Stabilization
No
Autofocus Sensitivity
0 to +51,200 EV
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
Box Dimensions (Lxwxh)
8.2 x 6.9 x 6.4"
Dimensions (W X H X D)
3.7 x 3.7 x 3.1" / 9.3 x 9.3 x 7.8 cm (Without Protrusions)
Media Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) [V90 or Faster Recommended]
Advertised Dynamic Range
14 Stops
Accessory Mounting Thread
9x 3/8"-16
Fast- /Slow-Motion Support
Yes
Global Positioning (Gps, Glonass, Etc.)
GPS
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