Newark, NJ—The new Panasonic Lumix GH6 is now the flagship model of the Lumix G series of digital mirrorless cameras. It is based on the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system.
In 2009, Panasonic introduced the DMC-GH1, the first Lumix GH series camera with a photo/video-hybrid concept. Since then, the series has evolved to include features demanded by users, such as performance, mobility and ruggedness. The Lumix GH6, the latest addition to the series, features various enhancements and upgrades.
Key Panasonic Lumix GH6 Specs
For instance, the mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (ILC) boasts a more than 20% increase in the effective pixel count over its predecessor. It employs a new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor sans a low-pass filter. The sensor features high-speed signal readout that reduces rolling shutter as well as increases dynamic range.
Moreover, a new Venus Engine with advanced image-processing technologies renders high-resolution images with natural noise texture and richer color reproduction. It integrates three key technologies: Intelligent Detail Processing, 2D Noise Reduction and High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video.
The first detects the edges and flat detailed parts in a frame more accurately, for realistic images. The second suppresses chromatic noise and improves the texture of luminance noise to make photos clearer, even at high sensitivity. Finally, High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video optimizes noise reduction while minimizing afterimages. In addition, Dual 3D Color Control tech enhances color reproduction by brightness, saturation and hue levels.
Due to these upgrades, the ILC offers extended sensitivity settings of ISO 50–25,600 for still photos and ISO 50–12,800 for video. In addition, the GH6 is capable of 14 (AFS)/8 (AFC) frames-per-sec bursts with a mechanical shutter and 75 fps with an electronic shutter.
To support its higher precision focusing, the GH6 provides options for manual focusing. Sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) is selectable from 90º to 360º by 30º to enable intended focus operation. Further, MF assist is now available while photo shooting and video recording.
Enhanced Image Stabilization
The GH6 also employs enhanced image stabilization (IS) for handheld shooting. In fact, it adopts a new super-high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with an algorithm that achieves 7.5 stops of Body IS with Dual IS 2 technology. This tech also works during video recording.
Furthermore, thanks to its IS system, the camera shoots 100MP images using its high-resolution mode without a tripod. Eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor using the Body IS mechanism and synthesized into a 100MP-equivalent (11,552×8,672) image.
Pro Video Features
What’s more, it is the first Lumix MFT camera to contain V-Log/V-Gamut. Consequently, it provides 12+ stops and even 13+ stops of wide dynamic range using its dynamic range boost mode (creative video mode).
Furthermore, the GH6 boasts 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p unlimited video recording time. That’s due to an optimized heat dissipating path with a forced-cooling mechanism. It also records internal video and simultaneously outputs in 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p over HDMI.
In addition, it provides 4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p (5x slow motion); 4:2:2 10-bit Full HD 240p HFR (high frame rate); and FHD 300-fps VFR (variable frame rate) video recording for extended times.
Moreover, in addition to 4:2:0 10-bit 5.7K 60p, it also records 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K 30p (4.4K 60p) anamorphic 4:3 video utilizing the full sensor area. It is also possible to display de-squeezed real-time footage on the monitor.
Plus, 5.7K 30p video is available in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 for the first time in Lumix cameras. Using a CFexpress Type-B card, this enables nonlinear editing without transcoding.
Another pro-level feature is the use of Panasonic VariCam cinema cameras’ colorimetry, V-Log picture profile and wider V-Gamut. For monitoring work and to see an image no longer in Log, the GH6 includes the V709 LUT (Look Up Table) with Rec.709 standard in-camera. Videographers can output the LUT over HDMI and to the camera’s monitor. It is also possible to install LUTs and access them from the V-Log view assist menu.
More Video Features
The GH6 also has a variety of settings in photo style mode, such as Cinelike gamma presets. Cinelike D2 and Cinelike V2 have similar gamma setting characteristics for film production. In addition, video-assist functions comprise waveform monitor, zebra pattern, luminance spot meter, frame marker, anamorphic de-squeeze display as well as a red rec frame indicator and tally lamps.
Another new feature is the ILC’s safety zone marker; it shows a guide of 95%, 90% or 80% recording area to secure safety zone for the composition and for subtitles. Center marker also now permits users to choose the type of the marker. In addition, with color temperature settings, the kelvin values are displayed on the recording screen.
What’s more, 4K 60p time-lapse videos are produced in-camera. Plus, by using both an XLR microphone connected via the XLR DMW-XLR1 (Ch1 Ch2) microphone adapter and built-in microphone (Ch3, Ch4), the ILC records 48/96KHz 24-bit high-res audio. A Φ3.5mm stereo jack is incorporated for an external mic.
Additional Features
The GH6 has a 3-inch, 1.84M-dot, free-angle touchscreen monitor in 3:2 aspect. As a result of the monitor’s tilt/rotation angle, it does not cause interference when both the HDMI cable and USB cable are connected. It’s joined by a 3.7M-dot OLED live viewfinder with a 1.52x/0.76x (equivalent) magnification ratio.
For heavy field use, the ILC is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front/rear frame. It is splash/dust resistance as well as freeze resistant down to 14º. The shutter unit also is durable for 200,000 cycles.
The camera also has double card slots. The CFexpress card (Type-B) slot supports internal recording of high bit-rate video at 800Mbps or more, including 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and C4K 60p ALL-I. The SD UHS II V90 slot supports internal recording of video up to 600Mbps.
Connectivity options include USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout. It also integrates Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz (IEEE802.11ac) for a secure connection with smart devices on location for remote control. Compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE, Bluetooth Low Energy) also enables a constant connection with a smart device with minimum power consumption.
Further, users can recharge the camera’s 2200mAh battery either via AC or USB. The ILC also complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) when a corresponding battery charger (sold separately) is used.
What’s more, to enhance the performance of the camera, Panasonic will make additional functions available with future firmware updates.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 will ship in mid-March. It will have suggested retail prices of $2,199.99 body only and $2,799.99 for the camera/L-kit package.
