The successor to last year’s popular Lumix G5 Micro Four Thirds system camera , the new Panasonic G6 comes with a 16-megapixel sensor, OLED viewfinder and 3″ free-angle LCD screen.
Inside beats a new-generation Venus processing engine, with the camera offering an improved sensitivity range of ISO 160 – ISO 25600 plus a new ultra-sensitive “night-shot AF” mode.
We have to say the new Panasonic Lumix G6 is not exactly what we’d call a looker, but there’s no shortage of top quality tech packed into its rather portly frame.
Capable of swiftly capturing multiple images with its 7fps burst shooting capability, the camera look set to excel when it comes to video, supporting Full HD 1080/50p recording, plus a new ‘cinematic’ 24p video mode.
Compared to the high-flying Olympus EM-5 OM-D, the new Lumix looks something of a bruiser, and we can’t say that we’re warming to its brutish appearance (comparison pic from DPReview).
However, unlike the OM-D, there’s onboard Wi-Fi/NFC offering wireless connectivity and extra control options, with the new SLR-like snapper being offered in four configurations from next month – and it’s noticeably cheaper than its rival:
- Body-only (£549)
- Body plus 14-42mm II lens (£629)
- Body plus double-zoom kit with 14-42mm II and 45-150mm lenses (£799)
- Body plus new 14-140mm superzoom lens (£949).
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 key specifications:
- Wi-Fi connectivity with NFC
- 16.05-megapixel Live MOS sensor
- New Venus Engine image processor
- 1,040k-dot, 3-inch articulating OLED screen
- ISO range between 100 and 25,600
- 7fps in burst mode
- 1080p full-HD video recording, 3.5mm audio jack
More info below in the Panasonic Press Release:
Panasonic Announce LUMIX G5 Successor with New Venus Engine for Even Better Picture Quality
DIS, Vienna 24th April 2013 – Panasonic has today launched its newest DSLM (Digital Single Lens Mirrorless) camera, the LUMIX DMC-G6, offering a 16.05M Live MOS Sensor, the advanced process noise reduction systems and a ‘Low Light AF’ function enabling serious photographers to take the quality of their pictures even further regardless of low-light situations.
Raising the bar in system camera image quality
The new powerful Venus Engine coupled with the LUMIX DMC-G6’s 16.05M Live MOS Sensor enable users to demonstrate the true image quality achievable with a DSLM camera. Furthermore the camera has an improved ISO range from 160 ISO all the way up to 25,600 ISO (extended) allowing photographs to be captured in spite of very little light in some environments.
Boasting a high speed AF system, ‘Accurate AF’ and ‘Low Light AF’ for shooting in low-light conditions, you’ll never miss the perfect moment with the LUMIX DMC-G6. A wide range of AF modes are available, including multiple-area AF, Face Detection, and AF Tracking resulting in the LUMIX DMC-G6 being able to lock onto any subject and keep it in focus even if it moves. Additionally, the LUMIX DMC-G6’s rapid burst shooting capability – at seven Frames per Second (FPS) in full resolution, can capture multiple shots of fast-moving subjects with stunning clarity.
The quality advances of the LUMIX DMC-G6 are not restricted to still images. A 24p video mode has been added enabling 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 DMC-G6 provides wide compression and compatibility options. The long recording times, instant access controls, advanced AF system and LUMIX G lenses specifically designed for movie shooting, means the LUMIX DMC-G6 is the perfect option for capturing beautiful movies with ease.
Giving photographers an enhanced view and faster operation
The LUMIX DMC-G6 benefits from an OLED viewfinder which is not only brighter than a traditional LCD viewfinder but is also faster to display images, offers better visibility outdoors in bright sunlight and increases battery life due to lower power consumption.
With a choice of using either the Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) with eye sensor, or the high resolution, 3.0-inch free-angle monitor to compose your shots and movies, you can capture the moment as the situation demands. Meanwhile, the revolutionary touch control shooting – including full-area touch focusing where the focus can be set immediately to the subject, or to the background, by just one touch of the large monitor even when using the EVF – gives you the control to compose and create stunning images.
Cablefree Connectivity with Wi-Fi and NFC
Introduced into the LUMIX G range with the LUMIX DMC-GF6, the LUMIX DMC-G6 also features integrated Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity offering a more flexible shooting experience and easy image sharing from an interchangeable lens camera. After the initial setup, tablets and smartphones for remote shooting can be connected with a simple touch without having to re-enter authorisation details every time.
