Panasonic LUMIX G6 Review – First Look

Panasonic has refreshed its G-series lineup by announcing the Panasonic Lumix G6 – a compact system camera that arrives two weeks after the announcement of the Panasonic Lumix GF6.

Not out to replace the popular Panasonic Lumix G5, Panasonic say the Lumix G6 is a new addition to the G-Series, not a direct replacement. Featuring a 16.05MP Live MOS sensor that’s similar to that found within the Panasonic Lumix G5, developments to the chip and the inclusion of a new powerful Venus Engine have allowed it to offer a broader ISO range. Set to its base sensitivity, the Panasonic Lumix G6 shoots at ISO 160. At the high end it’s possible to shoot at a setting that’s equivalent to ISO 25,600 – a 1EV gain over the Panasonic Lumix G5’s 160-12,800 ISO sensitivity.

Boasting Panasonic’s high-speed AF system, the Lumix G6 shoots 1fps faster than the Lumix G5 and is capable of recording a 7fps continuous burst when the camera is set to its rapid burst-shooting mode.

Other improvements include a new 24p video mode that enables users to capture moving images and play them back with a dedicated ‘film like’ appearance. The sensor and Venus Engine enable the camera to record in Full HD 1080/50p, with stereo sound, producing professional movie quality with minimal noise. With outputs in both AVCHD progressive and MP4, the Lumix G6 provides wide compression and compatibility options.

Unlike the LCD viewfinder that was featured on the Panasonic Lumix G5, the Panasonic Lumix G6 features an OLED viewfinder that’s claimed to be brighter and offer better visibility outdoors when the camera is used in bright sunlight. Featuring a 1.44million dot resolution, the key advantage of the OLED viewfinder is that it’s designed to increase battery life with a much lower power consumption.

Beneath the OLED viewfinder lies a 3in, 1036k-dot touch screen that supports full-area touch focusing. The focus point can be set immediately to the subject, or to the background, by just one touch of the large monitor even when using the EVF.

Much like the recently announced Panasonic Lumix GF6, the Panasonic Lumix G6 benefits from Wifi and NFC connectivity. Offering more flexibility when it comes to sharing images, the Panasonic Lumix G6 will also be compatible with smartphones and tablets that have the Panasonic Image App installed – available as a free download from iTunes and Google Play for iOS and Android mobile devices.

The Panasonic Lumix G6 will be available at the end of May in four combinations. Body only, the Lumix G6 will cost £549. Partnered with the 14-42mm lens it’ll cost £629, whereas with the 14-140mm lens it’ll cost £949. Panasonic will also sell the Lumix G6 as part of a twin kit with the 14-42 and 45-150mm for £799.