Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 is a scheduled update. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6K: evolution cannot be stopped Which lenses fit the panasonic g6

What did not like

terrible whale flash, expensive interchangeable optics, "proprietary" cable for connecting to a computer - I would like mini or micro USB. The impossibility of charging from USB is unpleasant when the camera cuts out halfway through the video uploaded to the computer) The matrix starts to make noise from 800 iso, a weak battery (I have enough "pampering" for half a day), I need to take a spare. Incomprehensibly high minimum sensitivity - 160 ISO (my former ancient dinosaur Canon S3 IS could even do 80 ISO). The absence of an image stabilizer in the matrix, like in the same Olympus, which increases the cost of interchangeable lenses. I would like ideally 1.5 crop factor of the matrix. Weak aperture of the whale lens (I have POWER IOS 3.5-5.6 with an electronic zoom drive). Inconvenient lens cap without lanyard - easy to lose. What was done after a week of use ((

What did you like

Lightweight, comfortable, build quality, non-soapy form factor, amazing video with tracking autofocus, gorgeous swivel display, flash hot shoe and tripod mount, super viewfinder, easy to use and intuitive interface, decent jpeg shots, great shots RAW. Excellent autofocus, sorry not hybrid, but it would have affected its speed for the worse) High burst speed. Assignable control buttons. A popular bayonet mount - optics from Olympus are perfect. Good noise reduction when recording sound while shooting a video. Improved Live MOS sensor and fast Venus Engine image processor with new filtering algorithm.

What did not like

Whale lens 14042 is noisy in the photo, Not moisture and dust protected. Price for native lenses.

What did you like

Easy, tablet control, video quality!! Plus, you can experiment with any lens through adapters. Picking is very convenient on the manual.

What did not like

The multifunction wheel is very tight.
To turn it, you have to hold the camera with your other hand. But it is so tight that sometimes you overestimate your strength and skip a couple of "clicks". KITOVSK plastic lens. Not sure if the lenses are glass. Most likely high quality acrylic. In my configuration, there was no zoom servo in the lens. You need to "approach" with handles. But since the lens is made of plastic (maybe of high quality and durable), it is not possible to do this smoothly. There is no loudness, as on normal lenses. I don’t know what the zoom seals are made of, but to move it by rotating the ring, you have to make considerable efforts. Before the "zoom" area moves, the initial "jump" occurs. But when recording a video, "manual zoom" is pretty audible on the audio ... There is no stereo base . supports image stabilization.Only autofocus.If you decide to replace a Panasonic lens with a lens from another company, forget about stabilization.By the way, there are very few of them in stores.You will hit your knees until you find at least something.If you only order on the Internet.I want to buy it eventually pancake PANASONIC LUMIX GX VARIO PZ 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 OIS or PANASONIC LUMIX GX VARIO PZ 45-175mm F4-5.6 POWER ZOOM OIS The first impresses with its compactness and wide angle, but there is no focus ring (there is a lever), the second telephoto with ample opportunities for video... Both are quite budgetary.
And another important disadvantage. The display and viewfinder do not show what you get after you press the shutter button. That is, in manual mode, if you "do not hit "With the exposure settings, the picture can be either underexposed or overexposed ... in short ... nonsense will turn out. The principle is the same as if you are shooting on film. Keep it in mind

What did you like

You will read everything in reviews about body

What did not like

Haven't revealed yet.

What did you like

Fast, light, relatively compact, Wi-Fi, easy to set up and manage.

What did not like

Body feels like a plastic toy

What did you like

Precise metering, swivel screen, small size

What did not like

Unsuccessful (traditionally) location of the tripod socket - not with every platform it will be possible to change a dead battery. No video output during recording.

The compartment for the battery and memory card is located below the side of the handle, and the thread of the camera mount on the tripod coincides with the axis of the lens.

Display, viewfinder

The design and size of the display remained unchanged. The 3-inch TFT touch panel has a swivel design. The focus point can be set from the entire display, and this function is available even when using the viewfinder.

The built-in electronic viewfinder is based on organic light emitting diodes (OLED), while its predecessor was equipped with a traditional LCD viewfinder. The new version is more economical and brighter, which is a definite plus, but the colors in it look a bit unnatural - this is inevitable in all cases of using OLED matrices. It is worth noting that the viewfinder is equipped with a proximity sensor and a diopter adjustment wheel.

Functionality

As you already know, the sensor resolution remains the same - 16 megapixels. The available ISO value has increased by one step, reaching the ISO 25600 mark (albeit in the extended ISO Boost mode). The lower limit of the range has not changed, which means that you still will not be able to set ISO 100 - only 160 units, no less.

The main changes lie in the processor - Panasonic Lumix G6 received a new generation Venus Engine chip. The manufacturer offers an improved noise reduction system and promises higher picture quality. The second major update is Low Light AF, which allows you to focus even faster and more accurately in low light conditions. However, Panasonic's mirrorless cameras have never had trouble focusing. She was and remains the best in the class. The frequency of continuous shooting has also increased. The new camera is capable of bursts of 7 frames per second at full resolution, while the Lumix G5 was capable of 6 frames per second.

The updated processor also played a role in expanding video capabilities. In this regard, the Lumix G6 is approximately on par with the Lumix GH2, which is advanced even by today's standards. The camera is capable of recording Full HD video at 60, 30 and 24 full frames per second with stereo sound and AVCHD and MPEG-4 output. In addition, it became possible to connect an external stereo microphone to the appropriate connector. However, there is still no headphone jack, and the built-in speaker does not allow you to fully appreciate the quality of the recording. By the way, during the official presentation, we managed to make a couple of examples of video recording - however, we should not draw far-reaching conclusions, the firmware on the G6 was still quite "raw".

24.04.2013 13893 Tests and reviews 0

Panasonic has released the Panasonic G6 system camera, stuffed to capacity with proprietary technologies. We managed to get a novelty at our disposal for a while during the official presentation in Moscow, so in this article we will talk about the main features of the Panasonic G6 and share our first impressions.

Panasonic G6 Presented by Panasonic CEO

Panasonic Lumix G6 vs Lumix G5 :

There are not so many changes in the technical characteristics Moreover, due to the use of a new filtering algorithm, it was possible to increase the contrast of light areas of the image by 5%. The device is equipped with a CMOS sensor with an effective resolution of 16.1 megapixels. The sensitivity level varies from ISO 160 to ISO 25600. The 1,440,000-dot OLED LVF electronic viewfinder with 1.4x magnification provides 100% frame coverage. The 1,036,000-dot LCD touchscreen flips and rotates and supports Live View. The DMC-G6 features the fast response time required for digital mirrorless cameras, with just 0.5 seconds to fire up the camera.

The camera allows you to take pictures in RAW or JPEG format with a maximum resolution of 4608x3456 pixels, as well as record video in MPEG-4 / AVCHD format with FullHD resolution of 1920x1080 pixels at 60/50/30/25 frames per second and with stereo sound. The footage is saved to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. At the disposal of the photographer there are 23 preset scene programs, 7 white balance settings (of which 2 are custom), as well as 5 pop-up flash modes. Among other things, the model is equipped with a built-in Wi-Fi module, support for NFC technology, USB 2.0 interface and a Mini HDMI port.

Panasonic approached the design of the G6 thoroughly: the device really looks great. The compact stylish and strict body fits nicely in the hand. True, for a person who is accustomed to much more bulky SLR cameras, holding the miniature and light Panasonic G6 in his hands for the first few minutes can be somewhat unusual. You should immediately pay attention to the comfortable handle for the right hand, the abundance of function keys, the built-in electronic viewfinder and the display of a rotary design. Differences from the exterior of the predecessor lie in the little things, barely noticeable at first glance, but extremely important in the work.

The front panel is almost completely covered with synthetic material under the skin. This allows you to hold the camera more securely. The AF-assist lamp has moved up slightly and is now in line with the shutter button. The lens lock has become a little larger, but remains in the same place on the right. Above it, an inconspicuous plug appeared, covering the input for an external stereo microphone.

The top bar contains all the old controls with minimal changes in layout. Only the flash lever moved to the rear panel and turned into a button. To the left of the built-in flash is the system speaker, and a massive grill covers the stereo microphone above the hot shoe.

On the display side, there are also a few changes in terms of buttons. A custom button has been added in the lower right corner, which by default is responsible for working with Wi-Fi. The button for calling the quick menu has also become programmable. All keys are made of plastic, matching the body color. In its place on the right are the settings wheel and the platform for resting the thumb.

Conclusion

The Panasonic G6 is a very successful, but rather restrained update to the long-established and well-established G5. Panasonic has created a camera that deserves the attention of both professionals and amateurs. The first ones can use it as an alternative to the bulky and not always convenient “DSLR”, while the second ones can use it for everyday shooting. Even in fully automatic mode, the camera takes bright, vivid and interesting pictures.

The camera has become more convenient to use thanks to a different body finish, an increased number of buttons, and an improved viewfinder. The new processor and noise reduction system made it possible to improve the picture quality at high ISO values. Video enthusiasts should pay close attention to the G6.

Key Features Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6

• Matrix: Live MOS, Micro Four Thirds standard, effective resolution 16.05 MP; physical size - 17.3 x 13.0 mm. Crop factor - 2
• Image resolution: up to 4608 x 3456
• Viewfinder: OLED, 1,440,000 dots; review 100%; magnification 1.4x/0.7x
• Display: 3-inch touchscreen, 1,036,000 dots, Live View; review 100%; turning
• Focus: single frame, flexible, face detection, tracking, spot, continuous; on the touch screen. Lightspeed autofocus.
• Operating Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, iA, Panorama, Video, Scene Modes, Creative Control, Custom Modes (x2)
• ISO: Auto, Intelligent ISO, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600 (Extended)
• White balance: auto, daylight, cloudy, shade, halogen, flash, 2 x manual, color temperature setting
• Continuous shooting: up to 7 fps
• Photo file format: JPEG (Exif 2.3), RAW, MPO
• Video File Format: QuickTime Motion JPEG, AVCHD
• Video: up to FullHD 1920 x 1080, 60 fps progressive
• Flash: built-in TTL, pop-up
• Memory: SD card slot, supports SDHC and SDXC cards
• Interfaces: USB, mini HDMI, audio / video output, remote control connector, external microphone connector
• WiFi, NFC support

Switching from the display to the viewfinder is possible in two ways - automatically, using a sensor that reacts to the approach of the face to the viewfinder; using the dedicated Fn5 button, which is responsible for manual switching. The OLED viewfinder matrix consists of 1.44 million dots and feels noticeably inferior to higher resolution matrices. The viewfinder in the Sony NEX-6, for example, produces a much more realistic picture. The Lumix G6, on the other hand, lacks color reproduction and contrast.

You can set the focus point across the entire field of the screen or viewfinder. However, when using the viewfinder, you cannot select the focus point using the touch screen. Firstly, the display is completely turned off, and secondly, it would be trite inconvenient. In the camera settings, you can only allow the joystick to be used for these purposes. In this case, additional functions of the joystick buttons are blocked. The same, by the way, is offered by SLR cameras.

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

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

The menu is organized conveniently, most of the settings are immediately clear even in Russified form. All settings are divided into 5 sections - photo recording settings, video recording settings, 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 displays the electronic horizon by default, and the other is responsible for locking autofocus and autoexposure.

Functionality

Panasonic Lumix G6 adopted the sensor from its predecessor without changes. The 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor still has a lower sensitivity limit of ISO 160. The upper limit has been increased by one stop and now stands at 25600 units.

There is no need to wait for changes in image quality, and the upper ISO limit is already of little use for shooting anyway. The remaining unchanged lower limit of ISO 160 causes bewilderment. When using fast optics in bright sunlight, 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 burst rates of 7fps versus 6fps on the Lumix G5. This frequency is achieved with autofocus 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 in lighting conditions down to -3 EV. Competitors can envy such speed of focusing. The Panasonic Lumix G5 was able to handle the task of focusing at a value of at least 0 EV. The new focusing system includes 1728 metering points. This is an absolute record. The system even got its own name - Low Light AF. However, in reality, for confident focusing, it is better to use the built-in backlight.

Focusing with increased accuracy is also available. This mode is most relevant 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 twinkling dots, barely visible in bright daylight. The implementation of this function in Sony NEX cameras is much better.

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

Panasonic's line of cameras without a mirror is divided into the simplest GF models, image GX, for enthusiasts - G and top-end GH.

If the first two are more deserving of the attention of novice photographers who are moving from compact devices, then the last two are designed for the high demands of advanced photographers, combined with simple modes for beginners. Even professional photographers look to the G and GH ranges to get a quality camera for travel and travel, where you don’t want to drag yourself with your big black “brick”.

In the review, we emphasized that it breaks many myths about such a class of cameras as mirrorless cameras in general. It's big, heavy, with a long battery life, fast autofocus, the most customization options, and some of the best video capabilities on the camera market. Even the predecessor of the GH2 has earned the acclaim of many professional videographers around the world.

But what if you do not want a completely healthy and rather heavy apparatus? For this there is Panasonic G6. For the most part, it retained the capabilities of the GH3, and even overtook it in some places. Those few shortcomings that the older model had were eliminated here.

Panasonic G6 video review:

What will please the outside?

In photos on the Internet, the Panasonic G6 is easy to confuse with some kind of DSLR. But, taking it in your hands, you understand that it is much smaller and lighter, although a significantly protruding rubberized handle with a notch for the middle finger has been preserved. Under the thumb, the plastic is also covered with a piece of rough material. The mirror image is complemented by a viewfinder protruding beyond the body, a standard hot shoe and a mechanically retractable built-in flash.

Despite the smaller dimensions than even the smallest DSLRs, the G6 turned out to be quite convenient to use. With one hand, it is easy to hold the camera with a complete lens, change settings and shoot without fear of accidentally dropping it.

Most of the rear panel is occupied by a 3-inch TFT LCD touchscreen display with a resolution of 720 x 480 pixels. Viewing angles are excellent, colors are just right. I am glad that in comparison with the GH3 they did not dare to cut one degree of freedom. It is with this design that it is most convenient to shoot videos, photos from the floor, a concert overhead, a self-portrait of yourself beloved against the backdrop of a tourist attraction.

In addition, touch capabilities are already a necessity for modern devices without a mirror. After all, choosing a focus point is so much more convenient. The G6 also has multi-touch, so with a pinch-to-zoom gesture, you can quickly change the area of ​​focus, or simply drag the histogram icon or picture-in-picture window when focusing manually to a convenient place for you. Naturally, the menu and, in particular, the quick menu is optimized for finger control. Having “talked” like this with the camera for a week or two, I no longer want to return to control in the old fashioned way. In addition, the captured photos can be scrolled through, as you are used to doing on a smartphone.

Instead of one of the wheels on top, a lever is used, as in soap dishes. The second wheel is located under the thumb. There is a separate button to start recording video in any of the modes, proprietary iA for quick shooting on the machine when there is no time to change lanes. To the right of the display is a standard group of control keys with a five-way joystick in the middle. It is used for navigation, and its extreme positions are for setting basic parameters.

But that is not all. On a small case, there was a place for as many as five (!) function keys, the value of which can be selected through the menu from a giant list. The sixth and seventh keys are hidden in the interface on the display itself. Such a number of external controls will satisfy even those who are used to two-kilogram professional DSLRs.

On the mode dial, in addition to the usual PASM and creative, there is also a separate item for recording video, quick access to panorama shooting, as well as 2 custom items, one of which hides another three software ones. In the sum of individual modes, there are as many as four!

The viewfinder pleases not only with excellent detail, but also with good responsiveness, even when it is dark.

What's under the hood?

At the heart of the G6 is a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor. It provides good detail under normal conditions even with a kit lens. ISO extremes are not the G6's best friends. A value of 6400 is best used only in RAW format, however, like 3200. In JPEG, good results are obtained up to ISO 1600.

But the speed performance of the G6 is off the charts. Continuous shooting - 7 frames per second, in tracking mode - 5. Ultra-fast mode provides shooting at 40 fps, but only in JPEG and with a reduced resolution.

The focusing speed is probably the best I've ever seen on a mirrorless camera, and can compete with entry-level DSLRs . In low light conditions, the G6 generally delivers fantastic focusing capabilities that I'm not used to expecting from a camera at all.

Video recording speeds are also impressive. The G6 records video with AVCHD or MP4 containers, various bitrates and frame rates up to 60 fps in Full HD and progressive scan. The video recording quality is one of the best in the class and falls short of the top-end GH3 quite a bit. By the way, the latter is generally considered the leader in video quality at the moment in the price range up to $3000 among cameras.

For manual aiming, you can use the “Focus peaking” function, which is not even in the GH3. The feature works quite correctly and greatly simplifies operational shooting without the need to increase the desired area each time. For calmer situations, there is a 5x or 10x zoom, as well as a Picture-in-picture mode, in which it is convenient to both crop and aim at the enlarged area of ​​​​the image. On the other hand, in practice it turned out to be quite convenient to use autofocus, which works adequately even with such a fast lens as 25mm f/1.4. Sound is recorded both on the built-in stereo and on an external microphone.

Street photographers should appreciate the silent shooting feature with the electronic shutter and mute sounds like focus confirmation. With this approach, you can manage to photograph people back to back, and they will not even suspect about it. And if you also use the remote viewfinder through your smartphone, then you can generally hang the camera around your neck and freely photograph everyone around.

Panoramic shooting will allow you to put into the frame what does not fit at the widest zoom position of your lens. We choose the direction (in a horizontal or vertical position), clamp the descent and slowly lead to the side. The automation will do the rest for you.

There was also a place on the menu for shooting timelapses. We set the interval between frames, the desired number of shots, put the camera on a tripod, aim at an interesting scene and click “Shutter”. After that, we collect millions of views of a beautiful video on Youtube.

If the usual means of expanding the dynamic range are not enough, then shoot in HDR with a three-frame bracketing and automatic equalization. I liked the very adequate work of gluing photos with a processor.

The now-fashionable multiple-exposure mode has also been given to the G6. You can take from two to four photographs that are quite correctly superimposed on each other.

In the image processing menu, one interesting item should be canceled - Retouch tool. With it, you can, like in Photoshop, remove unwanted details, such as heads that fit into the frame and even wires in the sky.

Following the general trend, G6 is equipped with Wi-Fi and NFC modules. The latter will help to instantly legalize two devices after pressing the corresponding button on the camera body. Smartphones without NFC will have to suffer a bit with network search and connection. Then you can choose what exactly we need - just reset the pictures or use the smart as an electronic viewfinder with the ability to change many parameters, select a focus point and even use zoom with lenses equipped with the Power Zoom function. The work of Wi-Fi left only pleasant impressions (both in terms of capabilities and in terms of efficiency).

Snapshot gallery

(Click on the top right corner to view full screen)

What we liked:

• thoughtful ergonomics;
• 7 function keys;
• rotary touch display;
• focusing speed in both photo and video;
• the ability to shoot in RAW with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and 1:1;
• Focus peaking and Picture-in-picture mode with manual focus;
• video quality compared to competitors;
• recording AVCHD and MP4 clips with different bitrates, frame rates and resolutions;
• the ability to shoot video with a viewfinder;
• the presence of a port for an external microphone;
• burst speed and buffer;
• 4 custom shooting modes C (custom);
• electronic shutter and silent mode;
• Wi-Fi transmitter capabilities;
• NFC module;
• the ability to choose the position of the histogram on the display;
• multiple exposure;
• bracketing up to 7 frames;
• timelapse shooting.

But what about so-so?

• not the best work of the noise reduction system at high ISOs;
• a slot for a memory card next to the battery;
• no headphone output.

What lenses to take with the Panasonic G6?

14-42mm f/3.5-5.6G ASPH OIS

The base lens is pretty good for "kit" optics. It has good detailing across the entire field of the frame, the main optical defects are not very pronounced, and, moreover, it is well assembled. If you are just starting your photographic journey and are poorly versed in all these focal lengths and aperture ratios, then take the camera bundled with it.

14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 GX PZ

As you know, it is the complete optics that significantly increases the dimensions of mirrorless cameras in depth. Panasonic has developed an improved version of the "whale" with the same focal lengths and aperture, but much more compact in length (when folded). In addition, the optical stabilizer also has not gone anywhere. The only negative of this option of a complete zoom is a slightly longer delay between switching on and being ready to take the first shot than in the usual 14-42 mm. Yes, and the cost of the camera + lens increases by about $ 170. But if you want maximum compactness, then you simply have no choice.

20mm f/1.7

A versatile pancake lens for every day. In terms of full frame, it turns out 40 mm, which is just right for the most diverse shooting - architecture, landscapes, portraits, group photos, medium macro, night photosets and shooting indoors. With all this, the glass is very tiny and compact, has a fairly large luminosity and costs sane money.

12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH

The 35mm format produces the classic 24-70mm focal length range with a constant f/2.8 aperture. If you are looking for the most versatile and fastest zoom for the MFT system, then this is it. You will have to pay a lot, but it's worth it.

35-100mm f/2.8 Lumix GX Vario Power OIS

Another classic telephoto lens with a 70-200mm focal length Fast autofocus and aperture will allow you to shoot reports in almost any conditions without restrictions. The cost bites, but this is a fee for the professional capabilities of the lens.

Summary

The Panasonic G6 is one of the most balanced mirrorless cameras we've tested. It successfully combines relatively small dimensions and ease of use, many additional functions for growth, good quality photos and excellent video recordings. In addition, for the Micro 4/3 system, there are the largest number of offers in terms of optics on the market and you can choose for yourself what suits your needs and wallet.

Panasonic G6 video review: