Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1E Panasonic - Review 🏆

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1E is a compact box-style mirrorless camera designed specifically for video production and live streaming. As Panasonic's first box-style digital single lens mirrorless camera, the DC-BGH1E packs many pro-level features into a portable form factor weighing only 545g.

Key features of the DC-BGH1E include:

• 10.2MP Live MOS Sensor
• Dual Native ISO Technology
• 4K 60p/50p Video
• V-Log/V-Gamut Compatibility
• 3G-SDI & HDMI Video Outputs
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

With its box-style body, the BGH1 provides practical features like built-in threads for mounting, a versatile side flip-out monitor, and professional connections in a rugged and lightweight design. The DC-BGH1E delivers cinema-quality video, advanced autofocus, and extensive connectivity options in a take-anywhere camera body.

Build Quality and Design

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1 is designed to be a durable, reliable video production camera. It has a rugged magnesium alloy body that weighs only 1.1 pounds. Despite its light weight, it feels very solid and durable in the hand.

The camera body is dust and splash resistant, allowing it to hold up well during outdoor shooting. All of the ports and flaps are weather sealed as well. The materials used in the construction are high quality and help keep the weight down.

With dimensions of 3.53 x 5.87 x 5.11 inches, the BGH1 maintains a compact form factor that's easy to handle. The deep grip provides a secure hold. The compact size makes the camera highly portable and well-suited for run and gun style documentary or event videography. Overall, the build quality is impressive given the small size and weight.

Image Sensor

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1E features a 10.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor and the Venus Engine image processor. This combination enables the camera to capture high-resolution 4K video as well as crisp still images.

The Four Thirds sensor in the BGH1E measures 17.3 x 13 mm, which is larger than the sensors found in most mirrorless cameras. The larger sensor size means each pixel can be bigger for improved light gathering capabilities. This translates to better low light performance with lower noise levels when shooting in dim environments.

With an effective resolution of 3680 x 2760, the 10MP sensor can resolve fine details in both photos and video. The resolution meets the 4K standard nicely, resulting in video with a high level of sharpness and clarity.

Overall, the image sensor in the BGH1E provides the camera with great dynamic range, excellent low light capabilities, and crisp 4K video recording across the entire sensor area.

Video Capabilities

The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 camera offers impressive video capabilities for its compact size. It can record 4K video at up to 60p with no crop, providing maximum resolution and smooth footage.

The BGH1 supports a variety of recording formats including 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p, Anamorphic 4:3 3.5K 50p/30p, and FHD 180p HFR. For greater dynamic range, it also offers 4:2:2 10-bit C4K/4K 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p recording. This allows capturing video with rich colors and maximizing flexibility in post-production.

Slow and quick motion effects are possible too thanks to frame rates up to C4K 60fps, 4K 60fps, Anamorphic 4K 50fps, and FHD 180fps. The array of video options makes the BGH1 suitable for cinema, documentaries, events, sports, and more. Its compact size belies its impressive video capabilities.

Autofocus Performance

The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 has excellent autofocus capabilities thanks to the advanced Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology. It offers lightning-fast and precise focusing for both photo and video applications.

Some key autofocus features include:

• Focus Types: The BGH1 has both Contrast Detection AF and DFD autofocus. Contrast detection is accurate but slower, while DFD uses lens modeling for faster focusing speeds while retaining accuracy. This hybrid system provides the best of both worlds.

• Focus Modes: For video, the camera offers Face/Eye/Body/Animal Detect AF which quickly locks onto and tracks subjects. There is also a Custom Multi mode where you can manually select multiple focus zones. For stills, you get Pinpoint AF for precise focusing control.

• Speed: The DFD autofocus is extremely fast with near instantaneous focusing acquisition. It can also maintain focus accurately when shooting fast moving subjects.

• Accuracy: The autofocus system offers precise focusing and tracking even in low light conditions. The Face/Eye detection works very reliably for human subjects. The DFD modeling helps maintain sharpness when shooting video as well.

Overall, the autofocus capabilities allow you to capture tack sharp photos and videos in a wide variety of conditions. The intelligent features like face/eye detection make it easy to track fast moving subjects during video recording.

Connectivity

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1E offers a solid set of connectivity options for a compact mirrorless camera aimed at video production.

In terms of ports, the BGH1E has a full-size HDMI Type A port for outputting clean 4K video. There's also a 3.5mm microphone input and a 3.5mm headphone jack for monitoring audio. For storage, there are dual UHS II SD card slots that support high read/write speeds essential for 4K video recording.

For wireless capabilities, the BGH1E has Bluetooth and WiFi built-in. The Bluetooth allows you to pair the camera with smartphones or tablets for remote control and image transfer. The WiFi enables more extensive wireless remote control of the camera through the Lumix Sync app. You can start/stop recording, adjust exposure settings, switch between video and photo modes, and more. The WiFi also enables wireless image transfer for quickly getting footage off the camera and onto other devices.

Overall, the connectivity options on the BGH1E cover the key needs for professional mirrorless video production in a compact form factor. The ports allow you to connect pro-level microphones, headphones, and storage. And the wireless capabilities enable flexible remote control and efficient wireless transfer of footage.

Battery Life

The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 uses a rechargeable 7.2V 3100mAh lithium-ion battery pack. This provides enough power for approximately 400 shots per charge based on the CIPA standard.

The battery life is decent but not exceptional. The relatively small battery capacity means you'll likely need multiple batteries for all-day shooting sessions. The battery is charged via USB-C so you can top it up from an external power bank if needed.

Overall the battery life is sufficient for short shoots but you'll want to invest in extra batteries for lengthy projects or all-day events. The camera does offer USB charging during use which helps extend shots per charge. Just be aware the battery drains faster when using features like continuous autofocus or shooting high bitrate 4K video.

Pros

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-BGH1E has many positive aspects based on reviews and hands-on testing of the camera.

• Excellent video quality with sharp 4K/60p recording and extensive codec options including 4:2:2 10-bit. Provides a lot of flexibility for post-production.

• Compact and lightweight box-style design makes it highly portable. Weighs only 630g.

• Large Four Thirds sensor captures more light than smaller MFT sensors. Helps achieve nice shallow depth of field.

• Dual native ISO can shoot clean footage even in low light conditions up to ISO 51200.

• 5-axis in-body image stabilization works very well for handheld shooting.

• Extensive professional video features like waveform monitor, anamorphic modes, V-Log pre-installed.

• Good battery life can record over 2 hours of 4K video on a single charge.

• Full-sized HDMI port for easy external recording. No recording limits.

• Unlimited recording time. Doesn't overheat like some mirrorless cameras.

• Works well for vlogging with features like face/eye detect AF.

• Excellent value for the video capabilities compared to other box-style cameras.

Cons

The Panasonic LUMIX BGH1 has a few drawbacks worth considering based on hands-on testing and reviews:

• No in-body image stabilization (IBIS) - The BGH1 lacks built-in image stabilization, so you'll need to use stabilized lenses or a gimbal for smooth handheld footage.

• Cropped 4K video - To achieve 4K 60p recording, there is a 1.5x crop applied, so framing will be tighter than the full width of the sensor.

• Fixed LCD screen - The rear LCD screen is fixed in place and can't flip out or rotate, limiting usefulness for vlogging or self-recording.

• Limited continuous autofocus - Continuous AF performance is not on par with some hybrid mirrorless cameras, making it less suitable for shooting fast action.

• No built-in ND filters - There are no internal neutral density filters to help control light in bright conditions. You'll need to add external ND filters.

• No headphone jack - There is no headphone jack for audio monitoring, requiring an accessory adapter for headphones.

• Battery life - The battery life could be better, so carrying extra batteries is recommended for long shoots.

• No weather sealing - The body is not environmentally sealed, reducing its durability for outdoor use.

So while the BGH1 delivers excellent video quality in a compact form factor, it does lack some features found in other mirrorless cameras at this price point. Considering your needs is important when weighing the pros and cons.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix DC-BGH1 is an excellent choice for video content creators looking for a dedicated box-style mirrorless camera. It delivers impressive 4K video quality in a compact and lightweight body.

The large 4/3 sensor provides beautiful image quality with extensive dynamic range. Combined with advanced video features like 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, V-Log L modes, and anamorphic 4K support, the BGH1 packs professional-level performance into a portable form factor.

Autofocus is fast and accurate thanks to deep learning technology. Extensive connectivity options allow easy integration into multi-camera productions and live streaming setups. The removable battery is the only real downside, limiting continuous recording times.

Overall, the Panasonic Lumix BGH1 hits a sweet spot between price, performance and portability. For solo shooters, production companies, and content creators needing uncompromised video quality without the bulk of a conventional cinema camera, the BGH1 represents an outstanding value and should absolutely be on your shortlist.