Details
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6
The LUMIX GH6 not only complements the G series, but once again explores the limits of mirrorless cameras. As the latest flagship model of Micro FourThirds cameras, the LUMIX GH6 offers every content creator the highest quality, one hundred percent reliability, and mobility.
Professionals get their money's worth with the LUMIX GH6: the new 25 megapixel sensor and processor allow high-end video recording at 4K 120p or 5.7K 60p in 10-bit. High-speed Full HD recording is possible at up to 300p for impressive slow motion. For even more flexibility in post-production, even Apple ProRes 422 HQ at 5.7K 30p is available internally as a codec, and 4-channel audio can be recorded internally for the best sound. Thanks to active cooling, the GH6 delivers unlimited shooting time in any situation *1. In addition, dual image stabilization now enables blur-free photos with shutter speeds 7.5 stops slower and high-resolution 100MP freehand images. Rounding out the features are the large OLED viewfinder, tiltable monitor, dual memory card slots, and magnesium weather-resistant body.
*1 Under the guaranteed operating environment when using a battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and recording media.
Next-generation processor and sensor technology
Panasonic has developed a new 25.2-megapixel live MOS sensor without LPF (low-pass filter), featuring high-speed, high-resolution signal readout. This reduces rolling shutter effects and achieves a wide dynamic range.
The all-new Venus Engine in the GH6 enables advanced image processing technologies to calculate high-resolution images with natural noise texture and rich color reproduction - a hallmark of LUMIX cameras.
The new engine delivers approximately twice the processing power*, enabling high-speed processing of the new sensor's higher pixel count, as well as higher resolution, higher bit rate video.
With the new sensor's higher readout speed and the superior processing power of the new Venus Engine, the LUMIX GH6 also delivers AFS burst shooting via electronic shutter at 75 frames per second and 25.2-megapixel resolution. The sensor's faster readout speed also minimizes rolling shutter distortion and captures even images too fast for the naked eye to process.
*Compared to the DC-S1H.
Powerful and professional video performance
The Panasonic LUMIX GH series has made history. Not least thanks to its outstanding video recording that meets professional quality standards. The new LUMIX GH6 continues this, with 5.7K/30p video recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ available for the first time in LUMIX cameras. This enables nonlinear video editing without prior transcoding.
With 5.7K 4:2:0 10-bit 60p/50p and anamorphic 4:3 modes in 5.8K 30p/25p/24p (or 4.4K 60p) 4:2:0 10-bit, the LUMIX GH6 offers higher resolutions and higher bit rates. It thus delivers the image quality, versatility, and bandwidth required for film, television, and all types of video production.
The LUMIX GH6 also manages internal recording in 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p as well as parallel output in 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p via HDMI.
4:2:0 10-bit 4K/120p (equivalent to 5x slow motion (*1)) and 4:2:2 10-bit FHD/240p video recording with high frame rate audio (HFR/High Frame Rate) are also available to enable creative features such as speed ramping. At a maximum of 300fps (equivalent to 12.5x slow motion (*1)) with variable frame rate (VFR/Variable Frame Rate), it captures even the fastest dynamic movements of a subject in FHD resolution.
Although overheating is a serious concern in continuous video recording - especially when resolution and frame rates increase - the LUMIX GH6 ensures unlimited video recording time (*2) in all modes by optimizing heat dissipation with a fan mechanism.
(*1) In 24p
(*2) Under the guaranteed operating environment when using a battery. Recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and recording media.
Panasonic promises continuous development
Panasonic continues its commitment to improving its LUMIX lineup through performance-enhancing firmware updates. In a future firmware update, the GH6 will support the following features:
- Cinema 4K ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422
- Full HD ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422
- Direct recording to USB SSD
- 4K/120p HDMI video output during Live View
- Cinema 4K/120p HDMI RAW video data output to ATOMOS Ninja V+
Unrivaled image stabilization and 100MP handheld shooting
For fast handheld video shooting, the LUMIX GH6 uses a new, super-precise 5-axis gyro sensor with a new algorithm for 7.5 stops longer shutter speeds on the Body I.S. (*1) and Dual I.S. (*2) up to 280mm (KB) focal length.
The 5-axis Dual I.S. ensures natural, unblurred shots and can replace the gimbal in many situations. The stabilizer compensates in each case depending on what type of shake it detects: whether it's from panning, tilting the camera, or hand shake. The Body I.S. reduces camera shake even when interchangeable lenses without an optical stabilizer (such as fully mechanical cine lenses) are used.
With this powerful image stabilization, a high-resolution photo can even be captured without a tripod in dedicated High Resolution mode. By automatically capturing and merging eight consecutive images as the 25-megapixel sensor shifts with the Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser), the GH6 produces an image equivalent to that of up to 100 megapixels (11,552 x 8,672 pixels). The trick is that moving portions of the image are kept sharp and free of double images at the original 25MP resolution, while static portions of the image receive the maximum resolution - not only in RAW, but also as JPEG. With its compact, lightweight design and powerful Body I.S., the LUMIX GH6 allows shooting that was previously considered impossible - such as handheld shooting at very high telephoto focal lengths.
(*1) Based on CIPA standard [Yaw/Tilt): Focusing distance f=60mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=120mm) when H-ES12060 is used.
(*2) Based on CIPA standard [Yaw/Tilt): Focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm) when H-FS14140 is used.
Wide dynamic range and flat profiles
The LUMIX GH6 offers a wide dynamic range of more than 12 stops for shooting with the pre-installed V-Log, which can be increased to more than 13 stops when using Dynamic Range Boost mode (*1). The new Dynamic Range Boost mode produces an image with high saturation by reading the sensor twice in parallel. A high-saturation image is read out from the low-ISO circuit and a low-noise image is read out from the high-ISO circuit, allowing the image processor to combine the pixels to generate an overall low-noise, high-saturation image. This allows the GH6 to store sharp, clear and smooth HDR video (*2) with high dynamic range.
The camera also incorporates full V-Log/V-Gamut for the first time in the LUMIX Micro FourThirds camera lineup to deliver high dynamic range with wide color reproduction. V-Log renders a very flat image while retaining all color information, allowing greater flexibility in post-production editing. The GH6's live MOS sensor achieves a wide color spectrum known as V-Gamut. This is the GH6's optimal color gamut, which is more comprehensive than BT.2020. In addition, the model imports the familiar colorimetry of the Panasonic VariCam range of cinema cameras. V709 LUT (Look Up Table) with Rec.709 is available as standard in the camera. Further convenience is provided by V-Log View Assist, which can apply LUTs in real time. In addition, import of both .CUBE and .VLT file formats is supported for the first time.
(*1) Available in Creative Video mode only, minimum ISO 800 in Standard mode/ISO2000 in V-Log/HLG.
(*2) MP4, MOV container and ProRes are all available with Dynamic Range Boost and can be shot in V-Log, HLG or other LUMIX Photo Style.
LUMIX first: 4-channel audio recording
The GH6 delivers significantly improved audio recording performance, with 4-channel/48kHz or 96kHz/24-bit recording* possible when the optional DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter is connected. This provides more flexibility when recording outdoors, such as with multiple audio sources or when recording backup audio. 2ch-48kHz/24-bit recording is also supported with the built-in microphone, as well as 2ch-96kHz/24-bit high-resolution recording* with an external microphone.
Which channels to monitor via headphones can be switched - even during video recording. Audio menus can be accessed directly with a smart function button on the top of the camera to quickly check sound levels and level control. A 3.5mm stereo jack is provided for connecting an external microphone.
*4-channel audio recording is available in ProRes and MOV.
Practical features for easier workflow
The camera also offers a variety of practical functions and settings such as Photo Style presets, including various Cinelike gamma presets such as "Cinelike D2" and "Cinelike V2" that provide specific gamma characteristics for film production.
In response to requests from professional users, video assist features such as waveform monitor, zebra pattern, brightness spot metering, frame marker, anamorphic decompression indicator, red recording frame and tally recording indicators are also available on the front and rear panels.
New to the LUMIX GH6 is the Safety Zone Marker, which indicates a shooting area of 95%, 90% or 80% in the frame to save space for logos, overlays or subtitles. A Center Marker is also available in different versions. The Color Temperature setting can now display Kelvin values on the capture screen.
4K/60p timelapse videos can also be produced directly in the camera. Exposure compensation function automatically adjusts image settings to avoid large brightness changes between successive frames and produce evenly exposed timelapse footage.
MF Assist during video recording* is now also supported, allowing users to zoom in up to 6x to check focus. By using AF-ON or tapping the screen in MF Assist mode, the GH6 automatically focuses on the selected area. This is also possible during shooting.
*Up to 60p. Does not work in variable frame rate mode.
Intuitive operation and reliable processing
The LUMIX GH6 features a 3-inch touchscreen display and a high resolution of 1.84 million pixels. The rotating and swiveling screen can also be angled away from the body, allowing for more flexibility even when an HDMI cable and USB cable are connected to the camera.
The 0.76x live viewfinder with 3.68 million pixels relies on a responsive, easy-to-view OLED display that shows fast-moving subjects with extra detail and contrast.
For precise focusing, the LUMIX GH6 offers convenient manual focus options. While the focus is shifted variably according to the rotation speed of the focus ring in the non-linear setting, it is changed at fixed intervals per rotation step of the focus ring in the linear setting. The sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotation step) can be selected between 90 and 360 degrees in 30-degree increments (max. setting is 1080 degrees).
The LUMIX GH6 is rugged enough to withstand even tough outdoor use with its full die-cast magnesium alloy front/rear frame, and is not only splash-proof (*1), but also dust- and freeze-resistant to -10 degrees Celsius. The locking unit is durable and can withstand approximately 200,000 cycles.
Connections for professional use
The LUMIX GH6 is equipped with dual card slots. The CFexpress card (Type B) supports internal recording of high bit rate video at 800 Mbps or more, including 5.7K/30p ProRes 422 HQ and C4K/60p ALL-I. The UHS II V90 SD memory card supports internal recording of video at 600 Mbps or less. Moreover, recording modes such as relay recording, backup recording, and assigned recording can be selected for SD memory card and CFexpress card.
The large and robust HDMI (Type A) is used as the video port. Also, to prevent accidental unplugging on location, a cable lock for the HDMI/USB cable is included.
The LUMIX GH6 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and reading. The 2200mAh high-performance battery can be user-friendly charged either via AC power or USB. It also meets USB PD (Power Delivery) requirements when the corresponding DMW-BTC15 charger is used. In addition, the LUMIX GH6 is compatible with Time Code IN/OUT sync via the flash sync terminal and the supplied BNC converter cable. This facilitates nonlinear editing of footage shot with multiple cameras.
Wi-Fi 5 GHz (IEEE802.11ac) (*2) is enabled in addition to 2.4 GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n). This ensures a secure and stable connection not only with a smartphone/tablet, but also with other devices in the field for smooth remote control. The transfer speed of photo/video data is also increased by using the 5 GHz band. Bluetooth 5.0 (BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) compatibility enables constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimal power consumption.
Settings from one LUMIX GH6 camera can also be copied and wirelessly transferred to other GH6 cameras when multiple cameras are used together. The LUMIX Sync app for iOS/Android devices allows remote control of the camera with a smartphone or tablet via a simple wireless connection. Additionally, the LUMIX Tether software allows tethered shooting via USB. Users can use it to control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB, allowing the image to be displayed on a large PC screen while shooting.
(*1) Splashproof is a term used to describe an additional level of protection that this camera provides against a small amount of moisture, water, or dust. Splashproof does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is exposed to direct contact with water.
(*2) 5 GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.
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