Published: January 9, 2025 | Last Updated: May 21, 2025
Panasonic has been shaping the broadcast and cinema world for decades. It all started in 1958 when they got into the broadcasting game. Their first big step was the “Telook” WV-010 in 1963, a pioneering TV camera.
Then came the AU-100 “MII” in 1981, marking the first component-recording camcorder. By 1990, Panasonic had launched the AK-HC1000, the first HD 3CCD camera, pushing the boundaries of high-definition video.
Panasonic’s Journey from Broadcast to Cinema
The real game-changer for cinema, though, came in 2001 with the introduction of the VariCam line. These cameras were built for motion-picture production, allowing frame rate variability to mimic film-style slow or fast motion.
The VariCam 35 and its lighter sibling, the VariCam LT, both feature a 4K Super-35 MOS sensor, offering a wide dynamic range of over 14 stops. They also feature dual-native ISO technology (ISO 800/5000), making them a favorite for shooting in challenging lighting.
Cinematographer Vanja Černjul even used VariCam cameras to shoot Crazy Rich Asians, noting how seamlessly he could switch between ISO settings without losing image quality.
Then came the AU‑EVA1 in 2017, a compact Super‑35 cinema camera. It packs a 5.7K sensor that downsamples to 4K/60p 10‑bit recording. The EVA1 also features dual-native ISO (800/2500) and internal 4K 4:2:2 codecs, making it a versatile tool for indie filmmakers and documentaries.
Lumix GH Series: Where Hybrid Meets Professional
Panasonic’s Lumix GH series redefined what a hybrid camera could be. The GH1 (2009) made waves as the first Lumix hybrid, shooting HD video with manual controls. The GH4 (2014) took it further by becoming the world’s first mirrorless camera to shoot 4K video. This wasn’t just a marketing gimmick—it introduced Cinema 4K and UHD 4K capture with professional video features like peaking and zebra overlays.
When the GH5 dropped in 2017, it upped the ante with internal 4K60 10‑bit 4:2:2 recording, a first for mirrorless cameras. It also featured unlimited recording time, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and even a built-in ND filter. The GH5S followed in 2018, focusing on low-light shooting with its Dual Native ISO sensor.
Here’s a hands-on comparison of the GH5 and GH5S.
In 2022, Panasonic launched the GH6, featuring a 25.2-MP sensor and support for V‑Log, giving it 12+ stops of dynamic range. It could internally record in 10‑bit C4K/60p and shoot at frame rates up to 4K 120p. Because of its mobility and professional-grade video quality, it’s become a go-to for content creators and documentary filmmakers.
Lumix S Series: Full-Frame for the Filmmaker
Panasonic went full-frame with the Lumix S series in 2019. Partnering with Leica and Sigma as part of the L-Mount Alliance, Panasonic released the S1 and S1R. The S1 (24.2 MP) was designed for both high-res stills and robust 4K60p video.
But the real star was the S1H—the first full-frame mirrorless camera to shoot 6K/24p. It was so good that Netflix certified it for original productions, making it the first mirrorless camera to achieve that. In 2020, the S5 offered a more compact option while still delivering 4K10‑bit video and V‑Log/V‑Gamut profiles, matching the VariCam’s color science.
Recent updates, like the S5II and S9, added phase-detect autofocus and internal LUTs, making them even more filmmaker-friendly.
Panasonic’s Key Innovations and Industry Impact
The GH4 basically took over where the Canon 5D with the rogue-ish Magic Lantern software let go, and ran with it, initially leaving many camera companies in the dust in the hybrid-mirrorless market. Here are some key innovations I’d like to point out:
- 4K Video in Mirrorless: The GH4 (2014) was the first to do it, setting a standard for hybrid cameras.
- 10‑bit 4K60 Recording: The GH5 (2017) was the first mirrorless camera to feature this capability.
- Dual Native ISO: A breakthrough from the VariCam that eventually made its way into the GH5S and S5, allowing for flexible low-light performance.
- Full-Frame 6K Mirrorless: The S1H (2019) set a new benchmark as the first full-frame mirrorless to support 6K recording.
- Netflix Certification: The S1H became the first mirrorless camera approved for Netflix productions.
Why It Matters
Panasonic’s cinema cameras, especially the VariCam and EVA1, have been used on major productions, including Netflix series and Hollywood films. Indie filmmakers and content creators also embrace the Lumix GH and S series for their mobility and video quality.
Integrating cinema tech into hybrid mirrorless bodies has made Panasonic a key player in professional and indie filmmaking.
They slept, though, when it came to autofocus technology, insisting on using contrast-based autofocus. This caused them to lose ground and customers to Sony and Canon, especially Sony’s A and FX series. Now they’ve finally seen the light, and included other types, which is just as good and sometimes better than their competitors.
Summing Up
Panasonic has consistently pushed the boundaries of cinema and hybrid mirrorless cameras, balancing professional specs with usability. Panasonic’s commitment to innovation has shaped how we shoot today, whether it’s the VariCam’s cinema roots or the GH series’ hybrid flexibility.
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