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Flagship Panasonic Lumix GH6 Camera Explored

2022 is proving to be a fantastic year to be shooting with the micro four thirds system, so we thought what better time to explore the newly developed Flagship Panasonic Lumix GH6 Camera in Detail. We have a specs comparison as well as in-depth details including a video review.

Flagship Panasonic Lumix GH6 Camera Explored

Panasonic Lumix GH Series Cameras Background

Panasonic has been evolving the GH series since back in 2009, when the very first hybrid model DMC-GH1 was released. Technology has come on leaps and bounds since those early days, with mirrorless cameras going from zero to hero in a matter of just a few years.

Whilst the various iterations of GH cameras were adopted in varying degrees, it was the GH5 which became the video-centric hybrid camera of choice, for many users. It had the compact size, there were a large selection of micro four thirds lenses available and video capabilities were on-par for content creation at the time. That’s not to say there weren’t improvements which could be made, but we are talking about 2017 after all and once again a lot of technology has changed in just a few years. Whilst we have had the GH5 Mark II since 2021, all eyes were firmly fixed on the early announcement of the GH6.

GH6 Camera Video Rig

What’s New in The Lumix GH6

The GH6 feels like a combination of evolution and revolution. It is without question a video camera first and foremost, but there’s also no question that it is now a highly accomplished stills camera too, putting it somewhere in line with video-first or video-centric hybrids. There is plenty which is new and updated with some absolute firsts for the MFT system.

Whether you’re a seasoned GH shooter or new to Panasonic Lumix cameras there is a lot to digest, which is why we thought a comparison with the previous camera would make a useful starting point for specs and features.

Dual card slots with CFexpress card Type B added to the SD card

Some of the highlight technology includes:

  1. First ever 5.7K 30p internal video recording available in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 for a GH camera
  2. Brand new high resolution 25.2 megapixel LIVE MOS sensor developed by Panasonic
  3. Higher bit rates with 10-bit available throughout formats
  4. 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p internal recording as well as simultaneous output in 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p over HDMI
  5. HFR 4K 120p in 4:2:0 10-bit and FHD 240p HFR FHD 240p HFR
  6. Unlimited video recording time across all formats
  7. 100-megapixel high-resolution image handheld
  8. Coming soon via firmware Cinema 4K 120p HDMI RAW Video Data Output to ATOMOS Ninja V+
  9. 1+ stop IS with 7.5 stops of Body I.S. and Dual I.S.2 with compatible lenses
  10. 13+ Dynamic range with new Dynamic Range Boost mode
  11. V709 and Rec.709 standard is available in the camera by default
  12. Video assist functions such as Waveform Monitor, Safety Zone Marker and Tally lamps
  13. Timelapse 4K/60p
  14. MF assist during video recording up to 6x
  15. New processor includes New Intelligent Detail Processing, New 2D Noise Reduction, and High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video
  16. ISO 100 [Photo: ISO 50 (Extended) - 25600 / Video: ISO 50 (Extended) -12800]
  17. Linear and non-linear manual focusing settings
  18. One CFexpress card (Type B) added to the second SD card slot
  19. Latest USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C
  20. Time Code IN/OUT synchronisation through the flash synchro terminal and bundled BNC converter cable with BNC cable

Comprehensive weather sealing added to GH6

Panasonic Lumix GH6 Specs Vs GH5 Mark II

We’ve taken highlight specifications for the two latest models from the Lumix MFT line-up so you can compare which features are best for your type of creation. Prepare to be impressed by this flagship camera.

 

Lumix GH6 (DC-GH6)

Lumix GH5 II (DC-GH5M2)

Sensor

New Live MOS sensor (MFT) without Low-pass Filter

Live MOS sensor (MFT)

Processing Engine

New Venus Engine with approx. 2x processing speed

Previous Venus Engine

Megapixels

25.2 megapixel

20.3 megapixel

Memory card

CFexpress B And SD Memory Card

SD Memory Card x2

Max Video Formats

5.8K 5760x4320 (4:3) / 29.97p 5.7K 5728x3024 (17:9) / 59.94p

4K 3840x2160 / 119.88p

FHD 1920x1080 / 239.76p

C4K 4096x2160 / 59.94p

4K 3840x2160 / 59.94p

4K 3840x2160 / 59.94p

FHD 1920x1080 / 59.94p

Viewfinder

OLED Live View Finder 3.68-million dot

OLED Live View Finder 3.68-million dot

LCD

TFT LCD monitor with static touch control, Free angle 3.0-inch, 1.84 million dots

TFT LCD monitor with static touch control, Free angle 3.0-inch, 1.84 million dots

AF mode *Automatic Detection

Human / Face / Eye/ Animal + Human

Face, Eye, Body, Animal

Highest Burst Rates

Mechanical: 14 frames/sec (AFS/MF), 8 frames/sec (AFC) (with Live View)

 

Electronic: 75 frames/sec (AFS/MF) At full resolution

 

Mechanical: 12 frames/sec, M: 7 frames/sec (with Live View)

 

6K PHOTO: 30 frames/sec

4K PHOTO: 60 frames/sec

ISO Sensitivity

Auto / 50 (Extended ISO) / 100-25600

 

[V-Log]

Auto / 125 (Extended ISO) / 250-12800

Auto / 100 (Extended) / 200-25600

 

[Creative Video Mode]

Auto / 125 (Extended ISO) / 250-12800

Image Stabilisation

7.5-stop / Dual I.S. 2 compatible

6.5-stop / Dual I.S. 2 compatible

Unlimited recording time

Yes

Yes

Audio Format

4 Channel available via DMW-XLR1

2 Channel available via DMW-XLR1

High Res Mode

100 megapixel high-resolution image (handheld)

N/A

Dimensions

Approx. 138.4 x 100.3 x 99.6 mm

Approx. 138.5 x 98.1 x 87.4 mm

Weight

Approx. 739g Body only

Approx. 647g Body only

New cooling system explains some weight gain

There’s a lot to like here, with everything updated from the sensor and processor to video formats, high bit rates, stabilisation and AF subject detection. We’ve not listed every single spec as the camera packs so many options it’s not only comprehensive for stills and video capture but also eminently customisable. One thing you will notice though is the camera is a bit chunkier and slightly heavier to accommodate the new cooling system and hardwear.

GH6 Video

Who’s the GH6 For?

With such advanced video modes available in-camera there are plenty of users who will be excited to get their hands on the GH6 camera. Whether you vlog for your own Youtube channel, create documentaries and other HD TV shows we would expect this camera to perform on-location and on-set. We will be expecting to see it listed under the coveted Netflix approved camera list after launch along with the Box camera BGH1, which also sports a micro four thirds sensor.

Shooting on-location with the GH6

However with the new higher resolution sensor, 100 megapixel stitched high res mode, fast burst rates, timelapse and hybrid stabilisation we can also see this appealing to hybrid shooters as it’s extremely competent for photography.

Conclusion And Kit Options

It was a while coming but we think it was well worth the wait. If you’re considering this flagship model why not pop into one of our stores and try one out for yourself first-hand whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and chat with one of our Lumix specialists. If you’re already convinced head over to our GH6 body only page here and read more about this seriously impressive MFT body. If you’re interested in jumping in with a lens kit we have three options available to cater for different zoom capabilities with these available at launch:

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By Park Cameras on 22/02/2022

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