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Panasonic’s full-frame S1H full-frame mirrorless camera has been certified as a Netflix primary camera and is now part of the Netflix Post Technology Alliance. This recognition means productions are now able to use the relatively affordable S1H as a main camera, so long as the footage is captured within a range of formats and settings.
As laid out in Netflix’s camera production guide, the S1H needs to be shot in at least 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels or 4096 x 2160 pixels) in V-Log with 4:2:2 10-bit All-I (400Mbps) encoding and pixel-for-pixel readout in either full-frame or Super 35 modes.
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| The capture settings Netflix is requiring of the S1H, according to the camera production guide linked above. |
Other specific requirements within the production guide include Noise Reduction be set to zero and sharpening be set to zero, while less-strict recommendations include turning off diffraction compensation and vignetting compensation. Additional suggestions include using the S1H’s Pixel Refresh setting at least yearly, using the sensor cleaning feature and making sure the firmware is always up to date.
Currently, there are no current Netflix Original productions using the S1H, ‘to the best of [Panasonic’s] knowledge,’ but having the full-frame mirrorless camera available as an approved camera should draw massive appeal for smaller operations where budget is more a factor. Yes, $ 4000 for a single camera body isn’t cheap, but it’s easily the most affordable camera on Netflix’s approved list, which includes the like of ARRI’s Alexa LF, Canon C700, RED Weapon Dragon 8K And Sony F55 camera systems.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)