Panasonic GH6 News

Panasonic GH6 and GH5 Mark II announced today

After all the rumours and yells of "where is the Panasonic GH6!!!", we finally have an answer. And I must say, it is a huge upgrade over the Panasonic GH5 which I still have, still use and was using today.

Panasonic GH6 Specs we know so far...

I have just watched the announcement video and have to say I was impressed. Not only does the Panasonic GH6 have everything I'd hoped for, it has more.

I was out this morning with the Panasonic GH5 and Panasonic S1H as I was comparing the 4K, 10-bit, 4:2:2, 400Mbps video from both cameras. Does the full frame of the S1H make enough of a difference over M43 to justify the extra cost?

I also compared the stills image quality of the S1H to the Canon 5D Mark IV with surprising results. Panasonic S1H review coming soon including all these tests.

For now, these are two of my favourite specs in the upcoming Panasonic GH6. Ones that I will no doubt use the most because let's face it, I have already bought this camera in my mind.

4K @ 120fps

This is huge and very exciting! Being able to slow down 4K footage 5 times in a camera at this level is outstanding. I cannot believe that many other recent releases didn't have this feature. A winner for me. Being able to choose between the standard High Frame Rate (HFR) and VFR is very cool.

VFR is the option to shoot at variable frame rates (2, 12, 21, 23, 25, 27, 30, 37 and 60fps on the GH5 in 4K). In 1080p, the GH5 gives you VFR of 2, 25, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 75, 100, 150 and 180fps.

Using this feature generally means no sound is recorded but it does record the clip in slow motion for you. I use the 180fps VFR a fair bit in the GH5 and the quality is superb. I expect great things and I am hoping that the VFR for 1080p is 240fps on the GH6!

5.7K 10-bit shooting up to 60p

This again, is amazing and a very welcome addition to the GH6 specs. Why would I need to shoot in 5.7K? I hear you ask. This is also something I am illustrating in the forthcoming review and comparisons of the Panasonic S1H. 

In my opinion, even if you still watch a 1080p HD TV, use a 1080p computer monitor and output client footage to 1080p, 5.7K offers so much creativity. You are able to zoom, pan and create multiple clips from a single, static clip which for one is great for shooting weddings. Doing this enable you to set up the camera on a tripod filming a static scene but giving you the option of tons of funky editing in post.

Panasonic GH5 Mark II Specs

Rather than do a whole new blog post, I thought I'd add the Panasonic GH5 Mk II specs here. Whilst it is certainly no slouch, I wonder if many Panasonic GH5 owners like myself will bypass this "upgrade" and wait for the GH6?

With an estimated launch price of $1,499.95, a grand cheaper than the GH6, I think it will sell. Panasonic have priced it wisely and it will appeal to anyone just getting into the mirrorless camera world.

Whilst the specs are not quite up to that of the Panasonic GH6, I think they are certainly more than enough for most budding filmmakers and photographers. The body is apparently very similar to that of the GH5 which I think is ergonomically spot on for a camera in this bracket. Even for my relatively large hands. It's light too.

Live Streaming

Video Performance

Professional Basic Performance

My Thoughts on the Panasonic GH6/GH5 II

All in all, the Panasonic GH6 is a winner already in my books. If the performance is anything like the GH5, and it looks to blow it out of the water, I'm in. As someone coming from a GH5, the GH6 is a very worthy upgrade.

For anyone just starting out in video or mirrorless video/photography, the GH5 Mark II is a great choice. If you are a blogger and need live streaming, it is a no brainer. The image quality from the live feed of the GH5 II will be incredible and clear.

Either way, take it from a Panasonic fan, both cameras will deliver the goods in style.

Highly recommended!