Panasonic Lumix GH6 Digital Camera Body

Panasonic Lumix GH6 MFT Mirrorless Camera Summary

Following many months of development the wait is over for the Panasonic Lumix GH6 Mirrorless Camera Body, arriving as Panasonic’s flagship Micro Four Thirds camera. It is packed with new and upgraded technology to cement its position as the go-to choice for content creation, with a hybrid camera which specialises in professional video capture.

To this end it includes a brand new 25.2 megapixel Live MOS Sensor developed by Panasonic, which powers through the perceived 20MP MFT barrier. The new sensor works in tandem with a new high speed Venus Engine, which render incredibly fast readout speeds, reduce rolling shutter and provide an incredible 75fps full resolution high speed shooting. The sensor offers a lower base ISO 100, wide dynamic range up to 13+ stops using boost and cutting-edge video specifications, all from a robust and compact Lumix camera body.

Moviemakers now get true unlimited internal record times at up to 5.7K/30p in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 for the first time. 5x slow motion can be captured in 4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p and 4:2:2 10bit FHD 240p HFR with audio recording. The audio capabilities are also substantially improved offering 4 channel 48kHz or 96kHz 24-bit recording with an XLR microphone adaptor. A new fully articulating control LCD screen, OLED electronic viewfinder and handheld 100 megapixel high res mode add the veritable shopping list of upgrades for content creators.

Panasonic GH6 V2.0 firmware update available

Released in July 2022, the GH6 V2.0 firmware update lets you record Apple ProRes RAW and 4K DCI or Full HD up to 60p in ProRes 422 HQ or ProRes 422, via HDMI to an Atomos Ninja V or V+ recorder. Panasonic has also provided a Ninja Lookup Table (LUT), available here from Panasonic directly, to make the same colour grading as V-Log/V-Gamut.

The firmware update also enables internal recording in 4K DCI or Full HD up to 60p using ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422. Download the Panasonic GH6 firmware update V2.0 here.

Key GH6 Camera Features

• 5.7K 30p internal video recording in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422
• New 25.2 megapixel Live MOS Sensor without a low pass filter and base ISO 100
• New Venus Engine
• Fully articulating 3.0-inch touch-control monitor and 3,680k-dot OLED EVF
• Up to 75fps in Electronic shutter at full resolution
• magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame with durst and weather sealing
• 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit 60p/50p and 5.8K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit anamorphic 4:3 modes utilising the full sensor
• 4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p (equivalent to 5x slow motion) and 4:2:2 10bit FHD 240p HFR (High Frame Rate) video recording with audio
• True Unlimited video recording time in all modes
• New high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with 7.5 stops of Body I.S. and Dual I.S.2
• Handheld 100 megapixel high-resolution images (RAW + Jpeg)
• Wide 12+ stops dynamic range with Boost Mode to 13+ stops
• V-Log/V-Gamut for the first time (wider than BT.2020)
• V709 LUT (Look Up Table) with Rec.709 standard
• Improved audio with 4 channel 48kHz or 96kHz 24-bit recording with an XLR microphone adaptor
• Video features include Waveform Monitor, Zebra Pattern, Luminance Spot Meter, Frame Marker, Anamorphic Desqueeze Display, Red REC Frame Indicator and Tally lamps
• New Safety Zone Marker
• In-camera 4K 60p timelapse videos
• Live MF assist during video recording
• Dual card slots with CFexpress Type B card and SD card
• Full size HDMI Type A

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 MFT Digital Camera Body in More Detail

Professional Video Performance

Panasonic’s Lumix GH Series meet professional quality levels and standards of video recording. The new Lumix GH6 continues this with 5.7K 30p internal video recording available in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 for the first time in the Lumix series, using a CFexpress Type B card, which enables non-linear editing without transcoding. With 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit 60p/50p and 5.8K 30p/25p/24p 4:2:0 10-bit anamorphic 4:3 modes recorded utilising the full area of the sensor, the Lumix GH6 offers higher resolution and higher bit rates than ever before, while delivering the latest in high image quality, versatility, and range needed for film, TV, and all types of video production.

The Lumix GH6 also captures 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 to an external recorder.

5x slow motion 4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p and 4:2:2 10bit FHD 240p HFR (High Frame Rate) video recording with audio is available to enable creativity such as speed ramping. FHD maximum 300fps (equivalent to 12.5x slow motion) VFR (Variable Frame Rate) enables dynamic motion of a subject.

Overheating can be a fatal issuer videographers who shoot continuous video recording, especially when the resolution and the frame rates are increased. The Lumix GH6 achieves unlimited video recording time in all modes by optimising the heat-dissipating path with a forced-cooling fan mechanism.

Continuous Improvement

Panasonic continues its commitment to continuous improvement of its Lumix range via performance-enhancing firmware updates. In the future, a firmware update for GH6 will be released to support:

• Cinema 4K ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422
• FHD ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422
• USB-SSD direct recording
• 4K 120p HDMI Video output during Live View
• Cinema 4K 120p HDMI RAW Video Data Output to ATOMOS Ninja V+

Class Leading Image Stabilisation

For agile handheld shooting the Lumix GH6 adopts a new high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with a new algorithm to achieve 7.5 stops of Body I.S. and Dual I.S.2.

The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 works seamlessly to record natural, shake-free video footage, by applying appropriate compensation according to the type of movement, regardless of whether it was generated by panning, tilting, or shake. The B.I.S. compensates for camera movement even when an interchangeable lens without O.I.S. such as a MFT cine lens is being used.

With this powerful image stabilisation 100-megapixel high-resolution images can be shot using the High Resolution mode without needing a tripod.

In High Resolution mode, eight consecutive images are automatically captured while shifting the sensor using the Body I.S. mechanism. The images are synthesised into a 100-megapixel equivalent (11552 x 8672-pixel) image, which faithfully reproduces precise details as beautiful, highly realistic images not only in RAW but also in JPEG.

Wide Dynamic Range

The Lumix GH6 captures 12+ stops of dynamic range with pre-installed V-Log recording, expanding to 13+ stops when using Dynamic Range Boost mode. With this new Boost mode, a highly saturated image is generated, resulting in a clear and smooth HDR video with rich gradation.

The Lumix GH6 also contains V-Log/V-Gamut for the first time in the Lumix G Series Micro Four Thirds camera line-up, which delivers a high dynamic range with broad colours. V-Log renders a very flat image while maintaining all colour information within the image, which allows for a greater level of flexibility during post-production. The GH6’s Live MOS sensor achieves a wide colour gamut known as V-Gamut, which is the GH6’s optimum colour space, and wider than BT.2020.

Users will enjoy the GH6’s accurate colour reproduction, with subtle gradations from dark areas to highlights, and precise control of colour data in post-production.

The camera imports colorimetry from Panasonic’s pro video camera VariCam line-up of cinema cameras, with V709 LUT (Look Up Table) with Rec.709 standard available in the camera by default. For the first time, V-Log View Assist (which can apply LUTs in real-time) supports the import of .CUBE as well as .VLT file formats.

New Audio Recording Capabilities

The Lumix GH6 delivers greatly improved audio performance, with 4ch 48kHz or 96kHz 24-bit recording possible when an XLR microphone adaptor is attached. This provides greater flexibility when shooting outdoors, where multiple audio sources are present, or when recording backup audio. 2ch 48kHz 24-bit recording is also supported with the built-in mic as well as 2ch 96kHz 24-bit high-resolution recording with an external microphone.

The channel to use for headphones can also be switched during video recording and audio menus can be directly accessed with the Fn1 button on the top of the camera to easily check sound levels during 4-channel audio recording.

Improved Workflows With A Host of New Features

The Lumix GH6 offers a host of practical features to enhance content creation workflows. There are a variety of settings in Photo Style including different Cinelike gamma presets such as ‘Cinelike D2’ and ‘Cinelike V2’, which have similar gamma setting characteristics for film production.

Video assist functions such as Waveform Monitor, Zebra Pattern, Luminance Spot Meter, Frame Marker, Anamorphic Desqueeze Display, Red REC Frame Indicator and Tally lamps are also available following requests from professional users.

A Safety Zone Marker has also been added, which shows a guide of 95%, 90% or 80% recording area, while the Centre Marker allows you to choose the type of the marker. In the Colour Temperature Setting, kelvin values can now be displayed on the recording screen. 4K 60p timelapse videos can also be produced in-camera. With the Exposure Levelling function, the exposure is automatically adjusted to prevent large changes in brightness between adjacent frames to produce equable timelapse footage. MF assist during video recording is now supported, enabling the user to enlarge the screen up to 6x to check the focus, culminating in a host of new advanced and practical features.

Next-Generation Sensor And Processor

Panasonic has developed a brand new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor without a Low-pass Filter, which boasts higher resolution and a high-speed signal readout, which reduces rolling shutter and achieves a wide dynamic range.

The new Venus Engine has also been upgraded with advanced image processing technologies to render high-resolution imagery with natural noise and rich colour reproduction, for which Lumix cameras are renowned.

The engine delivers approximately twice the processing power, enabling even higher-speed processing of the new sensor's higher pixel counts and higher-resolution together with higher-bit-rate video. This evolution includes three key technologies: New Intelligent Detail Processing, New 2D Noise Reduction, and High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video. The new Intelligent Detail Processing detects the flat, detailed, and edged elements in a frame more accurately to produce a highly realistic image. The new 2D Noise Reduction suppresses chromatic noise and improves the texture of luminance noise to achieve clear and natural images even when shot at high sensitivity. With the High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video, the detection capability of still and moving parts has been advanced, making it possible to optimise noise reduction while minimising afterimages. As a result, the image quality of video with dynamic motion is enhanced. In addition, high-precision Dual 3D Colour Control enhances colour reproduction by brightness level, saturation level and hue level for rich, faithful colour expression.

The combination of the new advanced sensor with enhanced saturation performance and the new engine makes it possible to render a clearer image even in 25.2-megapixel high resolution and lower minimum ISO sensitivity at ISO 100 [Photo: ISO 50 (Extended) - 25600 / Video: ISO 50 (Extended) -12800].

Intuitive User Experience

The Lumix GH6 has a 3.0-inch tilt and free-angle touch-control monitor with 3:2 aspect and 1,840K-dot resolution. The screen provides greater flexibility and convenient rotation, even with an HDMI cable and USB cable connected to the camera.

To support high precision focusing the camera now includes practical options for manual focusing, which includes linear and non-linear focusing. Sensitivity can be selected from 90 to 360 by 30 increments to customise the focus operation.

The 3,680k-dot 0.76x live viewfinder uses a highly responsive, bright OLED display to capture even fast-moving subjects in fine detail. In addition the high contrast display (approx. 10,000:1) presents the subject with fine gradations and high clarity throughout.

With the new sensor’s higher readout speed and the new Venus Engine’s superior processing power, the Lumix GH6 also delivers AFS burst shooting in electronic shutter at 75fps (frames per second) with full 25.2 megapixel resolution. The sensor’s higher readout speed also minimises rolling shutter distortion capable of capturing images which are too fast for the naked eye to process.

Professional Build Quality

The Lumix GH6 is robust enough to withstand heavy use with its magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame. The body is not only splash-resistant but dust-resistant and freeze-resistant down to -10 Celsius and the shutter unit is durable for approximately 200,000 actuations. The Rec button is located on both the top and front of the camera, which makes it easy to start and stop recording even when shooting at a low angle or with a shoulder rig.

The Lumix GH6 is equipped with two memory card slots. A CFexpress card (Type B) supports internal recording of high bitrate video at 800Mbps or more including 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and C4K 60p ALL-I.

The SD Memory Card UHS II V90 supports internal recording of video at 600Mbps or less and it is also possible to choose between Relay Recording, Backup Recording or Allocation Recording using both SD Memory Card and CFexpress Card.

A full size HDMI Type A has been added along with a cable lock holder for the HDMI/USB cable to prevent unplugging issues. The camera also supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout.

The 2200mAh high-capacity battery can be recharged either via AC or USB and complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) when the corresponding Battery Charger DMW-BTC15 is used. The Lumix GH6 is also compatible with Time Code IN/OUT synchronisation through the flash synchro terminal and bundled BNC converter cable with BNC cable. This makes non-linear editing of footage shot with multiple cameras easy.

Both Wi-Fi 5-GHz (IEEE802.11ac) and 2.4-GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n) are available as required. This provides a secure and stable connection with a smartphone/tablet and also with other devices on location for smooth remote control. Compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0 enables a constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption. Camera settings can be copied and transmitted wirelessly to other GH6 cameras when using multiple cameras on set. The Lumix Sync application for iOS/Android devices allows remote control of the camera using a smartphone or a tablet via easy wireless connection. In addition to wireless control via a Remote Shutter DMW-RS2 (available separately), application software Lumix Tether enables tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB, letting them view the image on a large PC screen while shooting.

Huge Lens Ecosystem

At launch, a huge range of 30 Micro Four Thirds lenses are available to choose from to suit any shooting situation. The latest LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH. and LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 25-50mm F1.7 ASPH. zoom lenses feature wide f/1.7 maximum apertures and are favoured by professional film creators, with plenty of fast F1.7 or F2.8 prime lenses available. In addition the Lumix GH6 memorises the name and focal length of analog lenses such as anamorphic lenses or older lenses to automatically apply suitable settings when those lenses are being used.

Panasonic has gone to the lengths of reviewing and updating lens firmware to optimise their use with the Lumix GH6. After upgrading firmware it is possible to control AF operation by pressing the shutter button halfway, or by pressing the AF-ON button with compatible lenses.

What’s in the box

• Panasonic Lumix GH6 Mirrorless MFT Camera Body
• Body Cap
• Hot Shoe Cover
• Eye Cup
• Flash Synchro Socket Cap
• Shoulder Strap
• Battery Pack BLK22
• Battery Charger
• AC Adaptor
• USB Connection Cable (A-C)
• Cable Holder
• BNC Converter Cable

Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera Body Specifications