Panasonic proudly introduces the DMC-G6 digital mirrorless camera, the latest addition to the LUMIX G family of stylish and compact cameras.

The new 16MP Live MOS sensor delivers superior image quality, while the Venus Engine combines high-speed signal processing with effective noise reduction. Of course, the DMC-G6 offers video recording at 1920 x 1080 at 60p / 50p. And with Wi-Fi and NFC support, you can connect the camera to your smartphone or tablet with one touch, using the screen to control the camera. The new 1,440,000-dot OLED Live Viewfinder features superb color performance and the highest contrast ratio (10,000: 1), and a 3? is based on In-Cell Touch technology for excellent viewing angles.

Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor

The DMC-G6 is equipped with a 16 megapixel Live MOS sensor, which achieves the highest resolution and high sensitivity (ISO 3200 and max. ISO 25600), with minimal noise. And the updated image processor Venus Engine offers new noise reduction technology, which effectively removes large areas of noise, resulting in excellent image quality when shooting at night. Moreover, due to the application of a new filtering algorithm, it was possible to increase the contrast of the light areas of the image by 5%.

Fast response speed and fast autofocus system

All cameras in the LUMIX G family are equipped with a contrast AF system. Compared to phase-detection autofocus, contrast detection provides greater accuracy, especially when using fast lenses. In addition, the touch screen greatly simplifies the choice of the focus point - you just need to touch any object in the frame, and the camera will instantly point at it.

Superior video quality

All cameras in the LUMIX G family, especially the DMC-GH3, are renowned for their excellent video shooting capabilities. The DMC-G6 also supports video recording, allowing you to shoot at 1920 x 1080 60p / 50p and AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264). In addition, a 3.5 mm jack is provided on the camera body for connecting an external microphone.

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi and NFC

The DMC-G6 is equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC modules, allowing you to realize new possibilities for shooting and publishing photos or videos - simply placing the camera next to each other to connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet. With your smartphone or tablet, you can take not only photos, but also movies, as well as full control of the shutter release button, zoom, focus, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation.

Switching from the display to the viewfinder is possible in two ways - automatically, using a sensor that reacts when the face approaches the viewfinder; using the dedicated Fn5 button for manual switching. The 1.44 million-dot OLED viewfinder sensor feels noticeably inferior to higher-resolution matrices. The viewfinder in the Sony NEX-6, for example, produces a much more realistic picture. In the Lumix G6, however, there is a lack of color rendering and contrast.

The focus point can be set over the entire screen area or viewfinder. However, when using the viewfinder, you cannot select the focus point using the touch panel display. Firstly, the display turns off completely, and secondly, it would be corny inconvenient. In the camera settings, you can only allow the joystick to be used for this purpose. In this case, the additional functions of the joystick buttons are blocked. The same thing, by the way, is offered by SLR cameras.

The display and viewfinder are extremely informative, while the information does not clutter up the working area and does not distract from the process of sighting the shooting.

The menu is made in a yellow-gray color scheme, however, the background color can be adjusted to your liking. There are a lot of camera settings - there are 35 options for the photography mode alone. By this indicator, the Lumix G6 is practically not inferior to entry-level DSLRs. The younger Panasonic Lumix GF6 has fewer settings available.

The menu is conveniently organized, most of the settings are immediately clear even in Russified form. All settings are divided into 5 sections - photo recording settings, video recording, user settings, general camera settings and playback settings. In addition to a set of five programmable keys, there are also two virtual buttons displayed on the screen. One of them by default displays the electronic horizon, and the other is responsible for locking autofocus and autoexposure.

Functionality

The Panasonic Lumix G6 has adopted the sensor from its predecessor unchanged. The 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor still has a lower limit for sensitivity adjustment at ISO 160. The upper limit has been increased by one stop to 25,600.

There is no need to wait for changes in image quality, and the upper limit of ISO is already of little use for shooting anyway. The lower limit of ISO 160, which remains unchanged, causes bewilderment. When using high-aperture optics in the bright sun, even with a minimum shutter speed of 1/4000 s, the problem of overexposure will be quite acute.

The main innovation of the camera is the latest generation Venus Engine FHD processor with improved noise reduction system. The chip is also more energy efficient and can achieve a burst rate of 7 frames per second - versus 6 for the Lumix G5. This frequency is achieved when the autofocus is fixed on the first frame.

The focusing method has remained unchanged for Panasonic cameras and is based on contrast discrimination. Objectively, there is no urgent need to change anything. Focusing is brilliant even in low light conditions. According to the manufacturer, focusing is possible at illumination down to -3 EV. Competitors can envy such focusing speed. The Panasonic Lumix G5 coped with the task of focusing at a value of at least 0 EV. The new focusing system includes 1,728 metering points. This is an absolute record. The system even got its own name - Low Light AF. However, in fact, for confident focusing, it is better to use the built-in illumination.

Focusing with increased precision is also available. This mode is most useful for macro photography and allows you to set the focus point, for example, on a single flower petal. There is also a focus peaking function, but its implementation is far from ideal. Focus areas are illuminated with flickering dots that are barely visible in bright daylight. The implementation of this function in Sony NEX cameras is an order of magnitude better.

The camera turns on in a second, no more. After turning on the display, the device is immediately ready to take the first frame, both when using the screen and the viewfinder. It takes about 2 seconds for the camera to turn off.

Having updated the top-end Lumix GH series of cameras with the excellent flagship model GH3, Panasonic did not hesitate to pull up the next oldest line of G. The new G6 at first glance does not differ that much from the previous G5, but on closer acquaintance you understand that it is a completely different camera.

Specifications

Appearance, ergonomics, management

The first thing you notice when you pick up the G6 after the G5 is that the front of the novelty is almost completely pasted over with a rubber-like material with a leather finish. It's cute and damn comfortable, and the camera fits even better in the hand. But, remembering the age-old problem with peelable rubber bands on cameras and lenses, you start to doubt - is it really that good? In the test chamber, the coating is already slightly behind in two places, but what will happen in a year?

The shape of the case has changed a little - the right "shoulder" of the case has become inclined, however, apart from the appearance, this has not affected anything. The controls on the right all remained in their places, but the recess in which the shutter button was located has disappeared. It is now flush with the bulge of the body and is often accidentally pressed when viewing pictures, returning the camera to shooting mode. The only control wheel for the exposure couple, which switches between the parameters by pressing, remained in its place - on the corner of the case. It is taut both for scrolling and for pressing, and even the protrusion under it interferes with how to make an effort, and at first, out of habit, my finger often slipped along the wheel. In general, as it was inconvenient, it remained, but you can get used to it in a couple of weeks. The role of the second wheel, as in the G5, is performed by a 3-position lever, unless it is used to control the motorized zoom, which is available in Panasonic lenses marked PZ - Power Zoom. The shooting mode dial is also tight, but you will definitely not be able to accidentally switch it. The video recording button is flat and flush-mounted; finding it blindly when looking through the viewfinder is still a problem. You can get used to it, or you can use the "video" mode that appeared in the G6 on the selector dial - in this case, the main shutter button is responsible for the start / stop of recording, which is much more convenient. However, you cannot take pictures during video recording. Back in the G6, panoramic shooting is a separate item on the selector, it's much easier than looking for it in the menu.

The rear panel buttons have changed little - they, including the five-way navigation key, still have the same soft indistinct movement without a clear click, but now they are all plastic in the color of the case, unlike the silvery ones in the G5. But there are more programmable buttons - one new one has appeared, which is responsible for Wi-Fi by default, and one more old one (Q.MENU) can now also be redefined. It turned out five hardware and two on-screen Fn, a total of seven, just like the GH3. Any of them can be assigned to any function from a large list, even two - separately for shooting mode and playback mode.

The swivel display has the same design as the G5 - no need to improve on the already good stuff. But the 3-inch TFT matrix itself has been updated, it has a slightly higher resolution and boasts excellent color reproduction and brightness sufficient for sunny weather.

The electronic viewfinder (LVF) has an updated OLED matrix with the same 1.4 megapixel resolution, which is quite enough for comfortable sighting, and good color reproduction. Since the image from the display is completely duplicated in the LVF, the latter can be turned off altogether, if desired, or switched to a view with shooting parameters - an analogue of the "info" screen for SLR cameras. The G5 did not have this kind, this feature is also taken from GH3.

In fact, this is another option for the "quick menu" in which you can adjust the main parameters in two taps. In general, the G6 is a kind of GH3 in the G5 case, with the exception of some particularly advanced settings and equipment. So, for example, videographers will be upset by the lack of sound output to headphones, but they will appreciate the appearance of a connector for an external microphone and a 19-step adjustment of the audio recording level. By the way, the microphone jack is located here more successfully than on the GH3, since the plug inserted into it does not block the screen rotation.

The functionality of the camera is rich, there is a great variety of settings, all the proprietary "chips" are present - autofocus AFF, "smart" sensitivity control Intellectual ISO, face recognition with priority focusing on faces stored in the camera's memory, precise focusing "+" with image enlargement. Focus-picking appeared in the G6, which really helps to focus more accurately, but it is not omnipotent either - if the picture is not very contrasty, then when magnified, the blue "backlight" breaks down into single flickering points, making it impossible to understand what exactly is in focus. Picking on and off can be assigned to any of the Fn buttons.

Placing a memory card in the same slot with a battery will not create problems when shooting with a tripod, well, except with a very large tripod pad. In addition, the built-in Wi-Fi module eliminates the need to remove the card for viewing on a computer.

As in the G5, a separate button on the top edge enables fully automatic iA mode without custom settings or advanced iA +, in which you can change the depth of field and color gamut, as well as adjust exposure. The selector contains modes of creative control (a set of 19 filters-effects) and scene selection from 23 standard blanks, there are no innovations here.

Thanks to the updated processor of the Venus Engine series, the camera works briskly, without slowing down either in the menu or when switching modes. After turning on the device is ready for shooting in less than a second, and the first picture can be obtained in no more than one and a half (if the scene does not contain any elements difficult for autofocus). The maximum burst speed has increased from 6 to 7 frames per second with a fixed focus on the first frame, at 5 fps, focusing is already working for each frame, and at 4 and 2 frames per second, the movement of the subject can be tracked in Live View mode. The burst buffer holds up to 8 photos in the "heaviest" version - RAW + JPG with the maximum size and quality (or 9 frames without JPG), followed by a pause of about 8 seconds, and then every 2.8 seconds there is space for one shot ... It takes about 18 seconds to clear the buffer completely (when using a standard grade 10 SDHC card). The JPG series can be endless. 4MP ultra-fast burst mode is accelerated from 20 to 40 frames per second. The autofocus speed subjectively also increased (unfortunately, when testing the G5, such measurements were not carried out), and the shutter lag is clearly less - in favorable conditions, it takes about 0.6 seconds from half-pressing the shutter to the shutter release (see screenshot).

It's a sin to complain about focusing accuracy, even in low light, autofocus works perfectly, failing only on homogeneous and monophonic objects without contrasting details. The focus area of ​​Panasonic cameras is adjusted to a very small one, which practically eliminates misses, and DMF with zoom and peaking help control the operation of the automation. As a result, among almost a thousand test photos, we have a few units of focus defects. Still, when shooting with aperture priority and AutoISO, you cannot manually set the maximum shutter speed, so it is better to turn on the Intellectual ISO function, which automatically increases the sensitivity to reduce the shutter speed by half.

There are different opinions on the Internet about what kind of matrix is ​​installed in the G6 - either from the GH3, or the same as in the G5 (that is, "improved from the GH2 with the multi-format disabled"). Judging by the pictures, the last option is the most similar to the truth. Another ISO notch on top, added by a more powerful processor, is a dubious advantage. At ISO 25600, the picture turns into a mess of grains and colored spots. It is worth increasing the sensitivity to 6400 units and above only if the plot is more important than quality, but up to 3200 inclusive it is quite possible to shoot if you do not plan to print pictures in large size. But still, in low light, even at ISO 400, the RAW picture is already noticeably noisy.

Examples of camera behavior at different ISO values ​​(gallery):

Sample images with ISO 3200 and 6400 (gallery):

High contrast scenes in low light levels are poorly achieved by the camera, but RAW files allow you to extract both details and colors from deep, completely black shadows. Small overexposures are also fixable, but it is better to slightly underexpose the picture, focusing on the light areas. Or use the HDR function, for which it is convenient to program one of the Fn buttons.

The in-camera JPG of the G6 is noticeably better than that of the G5, besides, in the photo style settings, contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction are adjusted more flexibly (± 5 steps versus ± 2). In general, even in rather difficult conditions, it is quite possible to get a high-quality picture without converters and editors.

The camera was presented for review with two lenses - the 25 / 1.4 "panaleyka" already familiar from the review of the G5 and a new version of the 14-42 / 3.5-5.6 camera. The upgraded kit zoom is much better than the old one that came with the G5 - it is sharp enough open and very sharp at f / 5.6-f / 8, in test shots with this aperture, detail is no worse than the Leica. Autofocus of this compact and lightweight "glass" works very quietly and almost silently.

This is how the Lumix G6 takes a photo with these lenses (gallery):

In terms of video, here the Lumix G6 is noticeably superior to the G5. In both AVCHD / 50p and MP4 / 24p, the camera records excellent video with vivid colors and smooth video sequences, and the number of settings in this area is almost the same as in the GH3. So video lovers on a small budget will definitely be interested in the G6.

Sample video:

Well, it would be unfair not to talk about the possibilities of Wi-Fi in this camera. There is almost a complete set of functions using wireless communication:

• sending photos / videos to a smartphone / tablet / computer or cloud storage from the camera menu;
• Uploading images to web services (requires Lumix Club registration)
• viewing, selecting and downloading images using the application on a smartphone / tablet;
• automatic transfer of captured frames to the connected device immediately after shooting;
• playback of photos / videos on TV via DLNA;
• seal;
• transferring location data to the camera and adding it to pictures;
• remote control of shooting.

The Panasonic Image App for Android still looks scary, especially in terms of settings, but it is much more functional than analogs for Samsung and Fujifilm cameras - almost all important shooting settings are available here, including touch focus control from the gadget screen. Moreover, you can connect to the camera both via a local network (using DLNA) and directly (Wi-Fi Direct) using different authentication methods.

For quick connection without entering passwords, the G6 has an NFC module, the location of which on the side free of connectors is indicated by an icon.

The autonomy of the camera is similar to that of the G5 - the same 350-450 shots per battery charge, if you don't get carried away with automatic modes and thoughtful examination of the footage.

In the dry residue

The Lumix G6 cannot boast of a metal body and a "premium" design, slicked to the smallest detail, but at the same time it is quite a convenient, relatively compact and well-equipped camera that captures both photos and videos well. Perhaps, for its price (about 6000 UAH in Ukrainian retail), this is currently a unique offer. Among mirrorless cameras in this price category, only the Sony NEX-6 and Samsung NX20 have a viewfinder, but the former has very controversial ergonomics, and the latter loses in terms of color rendition and autonomy. Of the DSLRs, the G6 can only be compared with the Canon 100D - an entry-level camera with similar dimensions, which is much inferior in functionality. All in all, the Lumix DMC-G6 is a great option for the passionate photo and video hobbyist, a handy and powerful tool for capturing quality photos and videos.

7 reasons to buy the Lumix DMC-G6:

• convenient form factor;
• high-quality viewfinder and swivel display;
• high performance;
• accurate and fast autofocus;
• wide customization possibilities;
• high-quality video recording with many settings;
• modern wireless communications (WI-Fi, NFC);

There are no good reasons not to buy the Lumix DMC-G6.

Panasonic is so advanced in the development of "mirrorless" that it becomes more difficult to change something in new models. Lumix DMC-G6 differs slightly from its ancestor - the appearance is similar, the viewfinders are the same, the image resolution is the same. But the display resolution became higher, the already accurate 144-segment metering module gave way to a 1728-zone metering module, the sensitivity range was expanded to 25,600 units in ISO equivalent, and the battery life was also slightly increased. But this is not the main innovation.

⇡ Specifications declared by the manufacturer

⇡ Scope of delivery

A trial sample was provided for testing, so I had to be content with only charging and a battery. The commercial kit also includes the following: body cap, lens cap, hood, rear lens cap, USB connection cable, shoulder strap, and CD with electronic version of the user's manual and additional software.

There are not many additional options, frankly, but they are all very useful and greatly expand the functionality of the camera. These are a variety of lens adapters, a 3D lens with two separate optical systems, various filters (neutral gray, protective and polarizing), charging, video cable, wired remote control and an external microphone.

⇡ Appearance and usability

If the older model, DMC-GH3, is positioned as a competitor to mid-range DSLRs, then the tested camera should make room for more affordable SLR cameras.

For greater convenience, almost the entire front panel, as well as a significant part of the side surfaces, are covered with a rubber pad, which allows you to securely fix the camera in your hand. The case is completely plastic, but there are no comments on the quality of both the material itself and the assembly - everything is flawless.

On the front there is a lens mount, an autofocus lamp, and a rubber cap that hides the external microphone connector.

The back side is traditionally loaded for G series cameras. The most part is occupied by a rotary display. Above it is an electronic viewfinder, complemented by a proximity sensor, which allows you to automatically switch between the screen and the viewfinder. Also above the display are three soft keys (by default: Fn5 - toggle between the viewfinder and the screen, Fn1 - quick menu, Fn2 - AE / AF lock key) and a mechanical lift-off flash lock button. On the right side of the rear surface there is a familiar wheel, buttons for switching to the viewing mode and changing the display mode and a round 4-position navigation block with an enter / enter button in the main menu in the center. And at the very edge there are two more programmable keys (Fn3 - delete and go to the menu one level back, Fn4 - go to the mode of working with wireless networks).

Above all kinds of controls are also quite a few. In the center is a lifting flash with a "hot shoe" and a pair of microphones at the base. To the left of it there is only a system speaker, and to the right is a mode dial, supplemented by a power lever, a video recording key and a quick transition to an automatic intelligent shooting mode, as well as a spring-loaded lever. The latter acts as a front command dial, and at the same time is used to control the zoom when installing lenses with an electric zoom lens.

At the bottom there is a tripod connector, as well as a cover that hides the compartments for the battery and memory card. This placement of the memory card slot is not very convenient, especially when shooting with a tripod. Of course, in the presence of a Wi-Fi module with the ability to directly connect to a PC, this is no longer a problem, but it is still worth noting that among DSLRs with a similar cost, there is not a single camera without a side compartment for memory cards.

The left side surface is empty, and on the right, under the rubber cap, there are connectors for USB / AV-, HDMI-cable, as well as a port for connecting a wired remote control.

The DMC-G6 integrates 16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor with Venus Engine that features advanced noise reduction systems. Noise is removed in multiple steps according to the noise characteristics, realizing both smoothness and sharpness according to the part of the image. In addition, the limit resolution is enhanced thanks to precise detail reproduction and advanced Intelligent D-Range Control that ensures beautiful gradation with a wider dynamic range.

Low Light AF

The Low Light AF in DMC-G6 gains higher
performance in such as moonlight even
without AF assist lamp to set focus on the
subject more precisely. Combined with the
Full-area Touch AF, it is possible to set
focus on any point in the field of view
which realizes intuitive focusing operation
with free frame composition.

· Depending on the picture-taking conditions,
this function may not work.

Light Speed ​​AF
and Burst Shooting

The DMC-G6 features high-speed Light Speed ​​AF, making it possible to capture even the fast-moving
subject clearly. Not only the accuracy but also the speed of AF in DMC-G6 surpasses the high-end
DSLRs with Phase difference. The camera and the lens exchange the digital signal at max. 240 fps to
minimize the time to focus. The DMC-G6 realizes the high speed burst shooting at 7 fps in
16.05-megapixel full resolution and max. 40 fps using an electronic shutter. Also, AF Tracking enables
consecutive shooting to capture moving subject in sharp focus at 5 fps *.

* In 1-area-focusing AF mode

The large, bright 1,440K-dot OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder) with approx. 100% field of view in 4: 3 aspect boasts excellent color reproduction and astonishingly high contrast at 10,000: 1 for outstanding viewability. The display time lag is minimized dramatically compared with the predecessor DMC-G5. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically with the eye sensor on the LVF, which features options of sensitivity - high, low and off - to reduce false operation during touching on the rear monitor.

1920 x 1080p Full-HD
Video Recording
in AVCHD and MP4

The DMC-G6 records stunningly smooth, high-resolution full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p * ​​videos in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264) format. The DMC-G6 also supports 1080 / 24p native mode with 24 Mbps in AVCHD format bringing impressive afterimage to the footage. The full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p * ​​video can also be recorded in MP4 at 28 Mbps, to play it back directly on the PC or other portable electronic devices without a need of conversion.

* 50p for PAL areas