The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II from the previous year was an appetizer: the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the simple main meal for aspiring filmmakers searching for a compact camera with enormous possibilities for creative expression.
And what a feast it is: the latest top of Panasonic’s Lumix G family of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras based on the Micro Four Thirds mount, the 25.2MP GH6 packs a bewildering array of movie talents into its tiny chassis. It also has a large number of still image capture capabilities.
7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization, 4-channel XLR audio recording, and a display that can be angled in nearly any direction are all included in this camera. Additionally, the camera can capture 5.7K footage at 60 frames per second and Apple ProRes 422 HQ.
Panasonic LUMIX GH6,Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera w/ 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Leica Lens...
- Higher Resolution and Bit Rates than Ever Before: 25MP Sensor and Venus Engine with 100MP Hand-Held High Resolution Shot; 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video and all recording modes are no time limit
- Incredible Image Quality and Versatility: Internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 to deliver high image quality at low compression; Pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut and +13-stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost
- Higher Resolution and Bit Rates than Ever Before: 25MP Sensor and Venus Engine with 100MP Hand-Held High Resolution Shot; 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video and all recording modes are no time limit
- Incredible Image Quality and Versatility: Internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 to deliver high image quality at low compression; Pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut and +13-stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost
- Unbelievably Stable, Even in Low Light: Powerful 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 provides up to 7.5-stops of correction; Full-HD High frame rate video at 300fps (12.5x) slow motion
- The category-defining camera?powerful, reliable, unlimited?now with higher resolution and bit rates than ever before, even more robust image stabilization, and other important upgrades for pro-level quality
Since full-frame cameras are already enjoying widespread adoption among filmmakers, some people may wonder whether or not a Micro Four-Thirds camera like the GH6 is still an appealing option.
Although full-frame sensors may perform better in low light, make it simpler to obtain a narrow depth of field in images, and give a broader dynamic range, Micro Four Thirds cameras are often smaller, lighter, and cheaper. This is one of the reasons why its attractiveness is evident to us. Additionally, the decreased sensor size makes it simpler and easier to stabilize the image.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Design
The GH6 retains the same tried-and-true, DSLR-influenced design as the majority of the other cameras in Panasonic’s Lumix G series, which makes its body form instantly recognizable.
There is a sizeable textured grip that you can wrap your right hand around. In contrast, your left hand supports the lens. There is an excellent transparent OLED electronic viewfinder with 3.68 million dots for composing, previewing, and reviewing your shots no matter how bright the weather conditions are. Although it may not be particularly original, it does work.
About the climatic conditions, the body of the camera has been hermetically sealed to prevent dust and water from entering (it does not appear to have an official IP rating, but Panasonic refers to it as “dust and splash resistant”), and it is constructed with a sturdy magnesium alloy frame for increased durability. It may also function at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit).
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Autofocus
There is a USB-C port with a transfer speed of 10Gbps that can also be used as a constant power supply, a battery charger, and (following a recent firmware update) for direct recording to a 2TB external SSD. There is also a full-size HDMI Type-A port that can output video up to C4K 4:2:2 10-bit at 60 frames per second, headphone and microphone ports, and XLR microphone compatibility (via the optional DMW-XLR1
There is one slot for standard SD cards and another for CFexpress Type B cards. There are two card slots (a first on a Lumix G camera, and vital for recording video in more demanding formats like ProRes). Because of their high cost, CFexpress cards should be considered while making financial plans.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Image Quality
The extent to which the film may be personalized in this instance is simply incredible and will blow your mind. We were blown away by the abundance of formats, resolutions, and frame rates available on the GH5 II, but the GH6 pushes everything to an even higher level.
To the average user, the extensive list of video options may seem like overkill; however, filmmakers will be licking their chops at the endless possibilities for creative expression presented by features such as Apple ProRes, 5.8K anamorphic and 5.7K resolutions, variable frame-rate recording, and the fact that almost all of the recording modes are 10-bit rather than 8-bit.
ProRes 422 and 422 HQ are only available for recording at 5.7K (at 60/50/24 frames per second) when the camera is first released; however, an upcoming firmware update should offer the ability to use it at lesser resolutions, such as Full HD and Cinema 4K ProRes.
At the moment, it is also possible to shoot in 4K at up to 120 frames per second and in Full HD at up to 240 frames per second (which is perfect for slow-motion playback and speed ramping), as well as in 10-bit Cinema 4K 4:2:2 at up to 60 frames per second.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5776 x 4336 |
| Other resolutions | 3:2 (5776 x 3848), 16:9 (5776 x 3248), 1:1 (4336 x 4336) |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 27 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Venus Engine |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | 100-25600 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, standard |
| File format | JPEGRaw |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2x-4x) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3? |
| Touch screen | Yes (Static touch control) |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.52× (0.76× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 3,686,400 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManualCreative VideoCustom (1, 2, 3, 4)Intelligent Auto |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (TTL External Flash (sold separately)) |
| Flash modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuous4K PhotoFocus StackingSelf-timer |
| Continuous drive | 14.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs w/3 images) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weightedSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264, H.265 |
| Modes | 5760 x 2880 @ 60p / 300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM5760 x 2880 @ 48p / 300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM5760 x 2880 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM5760 x 2880 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 120p / 300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 800 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 600 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 48p / 800 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4992 x 2496 @ 48p / 600 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4992 x 2496 @ 48p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 48p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM4096 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 300 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 800 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 600 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 48p / 800 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 48p / 600 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 48p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 48p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 240p / 800 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 240p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 400 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 150 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 48p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 48p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 48p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 200 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | CFexpress Type B, SD (UHS-II) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (Type-A) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 2.4GHz (802.11b/g/n), 5GHz (802.11a/n/ac) |
| Remote control | Yes (wired or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Li-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 2200mAh, 16Wh) |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 360 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 823 g (1.81 lb / 29.03 oz) |
| Dimensions | 138 x 100 x 100 mm (5.45 x 3.95 x 3.92?) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Verdict
Since the introduction of the GH Lumix series, the world of mirrorless filmmaking may have shifted its attention more toward full-frame cameras, but the Panasonic Lumix GH6 demonstrates that there is still potential in the Micro Four Thirds sensor format.
The GH6 is compact and lightweight, yet it packs a stunning array of video capabilities and exceptional image quality. In addition, the GH6 has excellent handling and image stabilization, and it may have the finest contrast-based focusing ever seen on a Panasonic camera. It is also a solid camera for taking still photographs.
Panasonic Lumix GH6 Price
Panasonic LUMIX GH6,Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Camera w/ 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 Leica Lens...
- Higher Resolution and Bit Rates than Ever Before: 25MP Sensor and Venus Engine with 100MP Hand-Held High Resolution Shot; 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video and all recording modes are no time limit
- Incredible Image Quality and Versatility: Internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 to deliver high image quality at low compression; Pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut and +13-stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost
- Higher Resolution and Bit Rates than Ever Before: 25MP Sensor and Venus Engine with 100MP Hand-Held High Resolution Shot; 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video and all recording modes are no time limit
- Incredible Image Quality and Versatility: Internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 to deliver high image quality at low compression; Pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut and +13-stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost
- Unbelievably Stable, Even in Low Light: Powerful 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 provides up to 7.5-stops of correction; Full-HD High frame rate video at 300fps (12.5x) slow motion
- The category-defining camera?powerful, reliable, unlimited?now with higher resolution and bit rates than ever before, even more robust image stabilization, and other important upgrades for pro-level quality
