Posted by Joey Nathan on 5th Nov 2019
Panasonic S1H Now Official Camera for Netflix Originals
Netflix ads the Panasonic S1H to their approved list of cameras for their Originals Productions. This not only makes it the first mirrorless camera to be added, but also the cheapest.
Approved by Netflix
Joining the Sony Venice, the Panasonic Lumix S1H is now an official camera for Netflix Originals. This means cinematographers can now use it as an ‘A’ (primary) camera during Netflix 4K Original Productions. It also adds prestige to the camera’s reputation and will likely lead to a surge of S1H digital productions uses. Similarly how the Sony Venice has seen many filmmakers pick it up for cinematic productions since being added to Netflix. Additionally, with Lumix S1H being both the only mirrorless on the list and by far the cheapest, it gives more flexibility for lower-end indie productions.
Best Practices & Settings
Netflix also creates a documents for cameras approved for Netflix Originals productions, with recommended settings for shooting projects. Recommendations include DCI 4K (4,096 x 2,160) or Ultra HD (3,840 x 2,160) resolutions in V-Log with 4:2:2, 10-bit All-I (400 Mbps) for encoding. NetflixPreferred captures settings include, .MOV 4096 x 2160 or 3840x2160 for System Mode, V-Log for Log Encoding/ Colour Space and 422/10bit/ALL-I 400 Mbps for CODEC. It also allows for anamorphic shooting either in Large Format 3:2 (→6K/24p/420/10-L) or in Academy Ratio 4:3 (4K-A/48p/420/10-L). The full notes can be seen on their website or ask one of our expert staff if you have any questions.
Restrictions For Panasonic S1h
There are some restrictions to the use of the S1H for productions too. The main restriction is you can only use S1H 6K video mode for ‘B’ camera filming. This is because it lacks an I-frame codec which might be something Panasonic will consider for their next iteration. Netflix approves in-body image stabilisation with certain limitations. Filmmakers are also made aware about common issues like how movements can be exaggerated when using anamorphic lenses. Mostly it asks to test certain features before committing to them for scenes.
So, there we have it, the first mirrorless camera to shoot Netflix Originals on. We can’t wait to see how the S1H will change productions for DOPs and what new ad-ons we will get to go with the camera.
Buy The Panasonic S1H Now With 3-Years Free Warranty