Panasonic S1H – The First Netflix Approved Mirrorless Camera

Netflix Approved

by Jeff LochOctober 29^th, 2019

There are no doubts the Panasonic S1H is a competent camera and to make things even better, Netflix just approved the Panasonic S1H as the first mirrorless camera that can shoot Netflix 4k Originals contents. For our complete S1H camera coverage, please head to our review by clicking here and our lab test by clicking here. 

The Panasonic S1H Is Netflix Approved

Netflix has just announced that the Panasonic S1H is Netflix Approved to shoot Netflix 4k Originals content. That means that the S1H is the first mirrorless camera delivering “good enough” quality for shooting the high-quality programming the video streaming leader demands. Even more impressive is the fact that it can do it internally, without the use of an external video recorder.

Image credit: Netflix

As you can see, Netflix advises that you shoot in 4K DCI or UHD, using either the Full Frame sensor or the S35mm mode. Also, you have to shoot in the V-Log picture profile, using a 4:2:2 10bit ALL-I codec at 400 Mbps.

Most of the cameras that are Netflix Approved are usually high-end cinema cameras like the ARRI Alexa LF, RED cameras, the Canon C500/C700, and so on (please see this link for the complete list). These cinema cameras use proprietary media, high-speed memory cards like CFexpress/CFast cards, or high-end video recorders to store the footage. But, the Panasonic S1H uses affordable UHS-II SD cards, like the EVA-1.

Image credit: Netflix

The only limitation is for slow-motion recording, up to 60 frames per second in 4K DCI/UHD. If you want to shoot in “high-speed mode,” you have to use an external recorder that can record the HDMI output of the S1H in 4:2:2 10bit.

This certification means that the Panasonic S1H can be a perfect A-Camera on a budget for filmmakers that want to sell their content to Netflix. Also, it means that the S1H can be a nice B-Camera – and even crash camera – alongside a more feature-full cinema camera. In fact, the S1H is the most affordable option on the Netflix certified list.

What do you think of this Netflix certification of the S1H? Did you already shot content for Netflix? Let us know in the comments!