Atomos gives the Lumix S1 4k 10-bit 4:2:2 out of the box

The two are nicely balanced together as well

Panasonic’s new Lumix S1 might not be able to record 4:2:2 10-bit internally at release, but that doesn’t stop users from having the option straightaway via the Atomos Ninja V and Inferno.

Atomos is making a bit of a habit of adding capabilities to Panasonic kit. Its Ninja Inferno upgraded the GH5’s 4K 60p recording options from the internal 8-bit 4:2:0 Long GOP to 10-bit, 4:2:2, ProRes/DNxHR. And now it’s pulling the same sort of trick again, providing a shortcut to the ability to record 4k 10-bit 4:2:2 HDR with the new Lumix S1 mirrorless at release rather than having to wait for the planned paid firmware upgrade from Panasonic later in the year.

As the company notes, as well as the usual external recording benefits of longer record times and drive flexibility, this is going to make HDR workflows in particular work out of the box when the camera is released on 4th April. Recording over HDMI to either its Ninja V or Inferno monitor/recorders will allow recording direct to Apple ProRes or Avid DNx codecs at up to 4Kp30 in the HLG HDR format.

Panasonic will add 10-bit 4:2:2 HDMI output in V-Log gamma via that firmware update at some point later this year. It will be full V-Log too, rather than the V-Log L variant found on the GH5 and GH5S. Atomos says it will record this and is currently working with Panasonic to fully support the additional, as yet undisclosed, options that the upcoming firmware will bring.