Steven Lynch wrote a new Panasonic G6 review on Small Camera Big Picture (Click here): “The Panasonic Lumix G6 has not made great strides and leaps in it’s image quality in comparison to it’s predecessor, but the G5 is no slouch. As an entire package though, Panasonic has another hit here with a professional level camera that happens to fit nicely with the advanced enthusiasts as well.”
P.S.: Meantime Digitalcamerainfo (Click here) posted some G6 full size image samples. And the brand new 14-140mm lens is now shipping in Japan (at Amazon). A friendly Japanese readers sent me the link to his 14-140mm sample pics on Flickr.
—
Panasonic GF6 at Amazon (Click here), Adorama (Click here), BHphoto (Click here), Technikdirekt, Wex UK,
Panasonic G6 at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here), Adorama (Click here) and at Wex UK (Click here).
Panasonic 14-140mm lens at Amazon (Click here), BHphoto (Click here) and at Wex UK (Click here).
Canon PIXMA PRO-10 Professional Photo Inkjet Printer at Adorama (Click here).
71 Responses
Thanks admin for the coverage! We have a lot more coverage and projects in the works with the G6. Best EVF I’ve used and the NFC, if you use Android, is another welcome feature.
The Pano feature has the best stitching I’ve used and overall the quality of the G6 is very good. It’s hard for my eyes to tell the difference between the G6 and GH3 files to the point where I used the G6 for some shots while on an advertising shoot with it.
As a working pro that has a close relationship to Panasonic I can tell you they are super serious about advanced the enthusiast and pro market.
What you’re seeing with the GH3 and G6 is just the beginning. 😉
Thanks for the info Giulio! This will make a great 3rd cam addition to our two GH3’s.
@Giulio Sciorio
hi, what are the multiple exposure options in the G6?
Doh! That’s one thing I did not dig into much. I’m gonna try to visit HQ this week and if I can get my hands on one again I’ll check into that for you.
I have shot timelapse and stop motion mode which is awesome.
What impresses me is that Panasonic is reaching out to pros like me, that shoot with small cameras, for input on their designs. The G6 I got came right from Japan with .2 firmware so there’s going to be more goodies in it, speed wise I’m guessing, when it comes out.
Good review. I like the personal, real life approach. My only criticism? Perhaps it’s a bit over enthusiastic. A nice, fat disclaimer at the top would have been welcome.
Haha yeah Steven was so amped to shoot with the G6 for a couple weeks and I was happy to have him document my shoot in Austin. I gotta say though the one thing where the GH3 wins is speed. The GH3 is super fast in operation, the G6 is somewhere between the OMD and GH3 is operational speed. Probably not a big deal to most but I shoot super fast. Within 5 minutes I’ll shoot a portrait with three or four looks, aspect ratios and motion too.
I about was so happy to see focus peaking in the G6 and even the little things like the strap lugs not getting in the way was huge. The LCD is right from the GH3 as is the EVF but they did something to the optics of the G6 EVF that makes is soooo easy to see.
Hopefully I’ll get a production unit soon and will dig in deeper. Let me see if I can get a G6 gallery on Flickr or something soon.
““The Panasonic Lumix G6 has not made great strides and leaps in it’s image quality in comparison to it’s predecessor, but the G5 is no slouch.”
That said it all, about Steve Lynch’s review or its credibility. The G5 is no slouch? It has a 2-year-old sensor, left over by the GH2, and is demonstrably worse than any current technology sensors as evident in all credible tests. The G5 started being heavily discounted just 6 months after its release, and then replaced quickly by a new model, all because of its indequate inferior image quality. The G6 is however using this sensor, again, though tweaked in software to gain a little bit of improvement. No wonder there are no leaps and bounds in image quality over the G5. All other current mirrorless cameras (besides Panasonic’s) have better image quality, all the NEX cameras, all the Olympus ones, all the Fuji ones, and any new ones yet to be released like the NEX-7n, the E-P5, the X-Pro2. I fail to see how “Panasonic has another hit”. It is more likely to be dumped again 6 months later, just like the G5 although it has a few bells and whistles. In the most important spec, image quality, it is unfortunately simply not competitive. Anyone interested in it is advised to wait 6 more months and see if it can be picked up for $300 or so.
The editorial staff on SCBP thinks of a leap in image quality as this – 4/3rds to Phase One system. That would be a jump in image quality and we’re not going to see a jump in image quality with any system period.
Camera companies focus on refinement from model to model. I’ve shot covers with a Pen Mini and had no complaints…I shot covers with a 5MP E1 in 2005 and had no complaints even now on the image quality.
If you’re not happy with the image quality of a camera the first place to look is within. Learning about photography and how to squeeze every last bit of quality out of any camera will make you a better photographer, a new sensor will not.
Thanks for the input.
LOL, Thanks for the drop of reality Giulio. I agree with you, and the reviewers statement. We are past the stage of seeing leaps in IQ at a given sensor size.
Personally, I think an average user who trades up with every generation should go a bar with that money, they’d have so much more fun.
I’ve passed the 20K click stage on my E-PL1, I reckon it’s still a better camera than I am a photographer. I’ve made large prints from it that friends just stand and gape at.
It’s very easy to get carried away with the “measurebation” side of cameras. Before you go and buy the latest model, choose carefully your very best image, process and print it with the help of a good store….and realise that that is what the camera is capable of, anything less is user error!
You are being too harsh. A camera is much, much more than its sensor. Professionals rarely rely on high ISO except in some well-defined genres and a stop or so of dynamic range doesn’t make much of a difference in most situations. The image gallery at the end of this report suggests a rather modest set of requirements for a modern camera. I trust the reviewer was happy with the results.
+1000 Matt. That’s just bullshit. Besides guilo siccori (and small camera big pic) is just a pana fanboy. He sucks
But ming tein and pekka poka are ok right?
OK for you Homer
As an owner of more than one Olympus camera in the past and at present I must protest. Mr. Sciorio is clearly an experienced and talented photographer who knows what he is talking about. I trust his integrity 100% despite the fact he has a work affiliation with Panasonic. Calling him a fanboy is ridiculous.
Giulio has an affiliation with Panasonic. I would never have guessed, even though I read posts from him defending Pansonic products many times. I feel so silly. Could this site and maybe dpreview too are full of people with some connection to and special interest in certain brands?
We all know that M43 is still struggling with some IQ issues for more serious photographic needs, which is why every little bit of additional IQ performance helps. So, it does not help to have GH2 sensor performance especially since better sensors are commonly available.
Don’t blame me for this, blame Panasonic. It keeps doing this, that is using old sensors. It is going to stuff up the LF1 with another underperforming sensor. Using the LX7 sensor, which is already not as good as competing models and causing a problem with LX7 sales, again in the LF1 is crazy. Again, with these little cameras, every bit of performance helps. Looks like Panasonic is, except for the GH3, going for the cheap camera market sector now.
The G6 seems to be a very useful camera. It’s responsive and loaded with photographic features, has a large and clear viewfinder, touch shooting interface and impressive video. I don’t particularly like its design, but that is personal in detracts nothing from its usefulness. IQ? Well, if you’re after the cutting edge of technical quality you may be in the wrong system.
M4/3 represents a compromise, just like any other system. No matter what you have, there are always going to be better sensors. The question is this: is your gear adequate to support your photography? If it is, look no further. If it isn’t, you will have to go larger. Much larger. The stop or so you gain or lose by moving between different propositions inside m4/3 is not significant enough to make a difference.
Sorry “Anonymous” but that comment reveals much more about you than about Mr. Sciorio. Just juvenile and unacceptable on your part. At least Matt had the guts to identify himself, though I couldn’t disagree more with his take on the G5.
Grow up and man up if you want anyone to take you seriously.
I usually stay out of the flame threads but this kind of anonymous cowardice vs. a cheerful, reasonable and informative reviewer really a annoys me.
Where comments like Matt’s happen in every Panasonic post.
I know; I just got particularly ticked off with the Anonymous idiocy. Matt’s comment was a bit harsh and quite incorrect IMHO, but at least he signed it and covered his disrespect with some kind of explanation. Anonymous is like the little creep who stands behind the shoulder of the neighborhood bully and runs out to kick the victim after the mugging is over.
I’ll try to return to my policy of not responding to flames, Admin, I’d vote for a comment section that requires sign-in to post (I know you are aware of some of the sign-in and User-ID bugs as well. Perhaps a few years ago this was more of a hit-and-run commentary site, but I think it has grown into a real community with a greater proportion of regulars and enthusiasts. You won’t be missing much to filter out the anonymous posts.
I don’t know where you live but I live in a democratic country so I have the right to say that guilio sicocorio sucks! I much prefer guys like steve huff or Ming thein. This guy is a self proclaimed Award winning pro photographer and he acting like a stupid pana fanboy. Zero credibility
I don’t know where you live but I live in a democratic country so I have the right to say that guilio sicocorio sucks! I much prefer guys like steve huff or Ming thein. This guy is a self proclaimed Award winning pro photographer and he acting like a stupid pana fanboy. Zero credibility
In my country we also have the freedom to say any bulls#%t we want, even being a jerk doing so. And we can drink beer in the streets wihtout hiding it in a paper bag.
I agree with anonymous …Giulio Sciorio is a mildly talented, self-proclaimed-Panny-Associated fanboy. Don’t get me wrong…I think that the G6 is a very descent camera…but he is waaaaaaaaaay over-hyping it.
Ridiculous.
It makes a change from all the Olympus shills like Wong ,Thein et al
There is some truth in that!
” I much prefer guys like steve huff or Ming thein.”
One guy Sucks off anything Leica and the other is a Olympus lapdog, but GS is a Panasonic fanboy… Wow. ZERO CRED? HAHAHAHA!
We’re done here.
In his latest “escapade” Huff takes the usual bunch of “selfies” and snapshots of his girlfriend with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland (no…I am not making this up!), with $30,000 worth of Leica gear…where his outing deserved a iPhone AT BEST! Shave you head and you are an artist. LOL.
JHCCAZ
Let me just call you out on your own bullshit. Is JHCCAZ your name? Do you file your tax return with us under that name,???? How exactly is JHCCAZ any less anonymous than Anonymous???? You are hiding behind a pseudonym, no differently than anonymous….????????
I happen to agree with Anonymous…GS’s photography is mediocre at best…he IS self-proclaimed and he is over-hyping an enthusiast camera. There is sooooo much gushing going on there that there has to be a Panny smooze involved for some reason. We plan on checking in on GS’s “gifts” from Panasonic to see if he is listing them as income. 🙂
Actually I’m not given gear I get loaners and regrading awards…
http://www.spd.org/2012/01/the-top-10-alternative-newswee-1.php
http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2008-05-15/news/new-times-adds-17-arizona-press-club-awards-to-our-list/full/
Hope this clears this up a bit.
LOL are you kidding me ?? That’s what you called Awards ?! You make my day. Another wannabe pro geez
Well you have to admit…he emblazoned that “tasteful” badge on all of his images….doesn’t that make him a pro?
Are you as good as Giulio Sciorio?
When you are, feel free to complain.
The nikon d3s has an even older sensor, is it crap? Its so sad to see a post with the “if its not new its rubbish” attitude. Its a sad way to live
What a hypocrite comment ! panasonic sucks with the recycled sensor policy and we have to say it. If it was olympus I bet you would be the first to spit on them.
I’m so tired of people’s obsession with sensors. The G5 is a perfectly capable camera. You guys should spend more time shooting and less time online acting foolish.
Review is for people who actually use cameras, not for gear junkies who leave cameras gather dust on shelf and compare pixels and dxo stats on forums.
G6 is cheap and has amazing handling. As much as i would like to have new oly sensor (gh3 too expensive and over my size preference), but difference in IQ is not enough to give up far superior handling of pana dslr like bodies. Oly focusing too much on looks, ergonomics are plain horrible. Extra DR of new oly sensor over gh2 only can be visible in certain conditions with heavy post processing.
“No wonder there are no leaps and bounds in image quality over the G5. All other current mirrorless cameras (besides Panasonic’s) have better image quality, all the NEX cameras, all the Olympus ones, all the Fuji ones, and any new ones yet to be released like the NEX-7n, the E-P5, the X-Pro2”
Yup. And that’s the problem for me. I want a MFT/CSC camera that offers cutting edge image quality and this Panasonic seems to be aimed more at the bargain shelf which is where it can stay for me. A lazy mid to low end effort from Panasonic, IMVHO, left behind by the competition in terms of image quality.
The camera will no doubt have good points such as handling and the articulated screen but if I bought one I’d always know I’d bought something which although relatively cheap compared to the competition is towards the bottom of what’s available image quality wise.
@woof woof
I have some rather sad news for you and your desire for ” cutting edge image quality” you will never find it in mFT .Even the previous gen of APS cameras that used the Sony 16mp sensor such as the Pentax K5, Nikon D5100, D7000 and even some Sony cameras lol has not been matched by the best sensor in any mFT model. The current best APS sensors in the NIkon D5200/ D7100 are further ahead and well the best FF sensors are even further ahed. So arguing about fractions of a stop difference between mFT is frankly silly. In real life shooting the difference between the G6 and E-M5 will be invisible in almost all shooting situations and just maybe in certain situations be insignificant . Too many Olympus fans swallowed the happy tablets when the E-M5 came out and convinced themselves that some magic had arrived , when in fact it was less than a stop better than the 2010 GH2, a welcome improvement but no miracle.
Can you show us some examples? Or is it just your theory…? http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikon-d7100/20
try comparing RAW files not a theory a simple fact
Yes, I downloaded the RAW files and the Nikon’s have higher levels of detail along with lower levels of noise especially in the shadows even at base ISO.Though due to the number of inconsistencies in DPreviews methodology including not having consistent lighting ,a rather critical basic for fair comparisons, i would not take their results as gospel.As an example the D7100 3200ISO studio RAW shot is F8 and 1/800th whilst the Olympus is 1/800th at F6.3 !
This does not trouble me in the least as the real advantage of mFT is the size and weight of the gear which , makes me use it more and enjoy it much more all the bickering about this is rather pointless buy what you want and use what makes you happy.
Wow… I’m amazed. Almost no difference even in raw! Thanks for the tip Mr. Anonymous. 🙂
And be happy carrying your 2kg~4.5lb gear… after all, bigger is better!! No way a small system can compete with my so reliable nikon stuff, no way… amen…!!
“”Wow… I’m amazed. Almost no difference even in raw! Thanks for the tip Mr. Anonymous. :)”
The only difference is better detail, better DR , better colour depth , better high ISO along with far better C-AF/tracking who needs any of that lol.Are you perhaps disabled or incapacitated in some way that you consider 2kg heavy ? Perhaps you should lighten your load and opt for a Sony RX100 which while smaller is within spitting distance of the E-M5 yet weighs in at half that of the E-M5
man must have faith 🙂
“I have some rather sad news for you and your desire for ” cutting edge image quality” you will never find it in mFT .”
I meant cutting edge for a MFT camera.
“So arguing about fractions of a stop difference between mFT is frankly silly. In real life shooting the difference between the G6 and E-M5 will be invisible in almost all shooting situations and just maybe in certain situations be insignificant.”
Thanks for the lecture on the world according to you but I’ll decide what’s silly or not.
The good thing about the CSC market at the moment is there’s choice and if I choose to buy a camera will a little more DR, a little more colour depth, slightly better higher ISO performance and the option of shooting RAW at ISO 100 I can have all of those things but not in a camera made by Panasonic.
I can understand buying a G6 because you like shooting vid, you want an articulated screen or you just like the form and handing and of course it’s relatively cheap. But, you wouldn’t choose the G6 thinking you were getting the best image quality you can get in a small form package. What you’d get is a small DSLR form camera at a competitive price and that’s fine for people looking for that but what I was hoping for in the G6 was the best CSC for me and it isn’t it and simply isn’t what I’m looking for and as previously stated by someone else, this camera represents the base image quality of any of the new batch of current CSC’s. That’s not good enough for me and I wont be buying one but others are perfectly free to spend their money how and where they want.
And within a month or so whatever camera you buy will be “left behind” by the next models out the factory door. Except in practical terms of course it won’t be, because all these sensor differences that are being discussed are trivial.
Matt – Giulio is being nice to you, But I am going to tell it like it is, First off, you are a jerk. Second, you don’t know a thing about these cameras. Do you own a G5? No, I didn’t think so. I have the G5 (and E-M5, and E-5, and GH2, and…get the picture?). I have been nothing short of amazed and pleased with the IQ of the G5. This camera is an absolute bargain and the best kept secret out there.
You are like many on this forum who think that the next sensor has to make leaps and bounds over anything earlier. That is basically ludicrous. Cameras and sensors that build on prior technology and add additonal nuances or features are very typical. And that is how it should be. Camera technology “evolves” for the benefit of all of us. An occasional jump in innovation is very welcomed, but for the most part it remains an evolution, and that is a good thing This is the “MO” of science and technology.
So, whatever the G6 brings to the table is great, and those of us who understand and appreciate camera technology, will embrace it. The rest of you can continue to badmouth it – and, of course, you will never buy any of them. Talk is cheap, and you are the king.
Matt – Giulio is being nice to you, But I am going to tell it like it is, First off, you are a jerk. Second, you don’t know a thing about these cameras. Do you own a G5? No, I didn’t think so. I have the G5 (and E-M5, and E-5, and GH2, and…get the picture?). I have been nothing short of amazed and pleased with the IQ of the G5. This camera is an absolute bargain and the best kept secret out there.
You are like many on this forum who think that the next sensor has to make leaps and bounds over anything earlier. That is basically ludicrous. Cameras and sensors that build on prior technology and add additonal nuances or features are very typical. And that is how it should be. Camera technology “evolves” for the benefit of all of us. An occasional jump in innovation is very welcomed, but for the most part it remains an evolution, and that is a good thing This is the “MO” of science and technology.
So, whatever the G6 brings to the table is great, and those of us who understand and appreciate camera technology, will embrace it. The rest of you can continue to badmouth it – and, of course, you will never buy any of them. Talk is cheap, and you are the king.
MY COMMENT IS FOCUSING ON FILM ORIENTED SHOOTERS:
Hmm. Again no word about the missing HDMI live view output in record (and idle) mode. That´s one of the major cons actually – Compared to the GH2 AND the GH3 for example. Especially for guys like me, which are still running around with an hacked GH2 and already have an external monitor. Maybe it´s possible over the AV out (like @ the G5) to get a live feed – But who want an analog signal TODAY?
My only hope is that:
1.) Panasonic will unlock it in a future firmware or
2.) At least a hack is unlocking it (and removing the 30 min. limit)
Actually the GH2 is STILL be best m4/3 option.
About the best picture quality through the hacks …
No 30 min. Limit. External MIC input. AND full live view output over the HDMI.
(Even external recorders are usable – Not perfectly. But it´s possible.)
If Panasonic is reading here:
PLEASE UNLOCK THE HDMI (!)
If you buy Hong Kong or Australia version of Panasonic cameras (which is also in PAL) there is no 30min limit.
Quality wise hacked GH2 may have edge on getting more bandwidth, but certainly can’t fix the banding especially with sky or the high noise on the shadow area even on low ISO.
Yes. The 30 min. limit isn´t THAT problematic. That´s true. But you have to think about: Shipment-costs, import fees, import vat and so on. And also the warranty is always a problem, because the camera isn´t an european version.
About the banding, moire and so on: The G6 is using the same sensor. Only the banding and shadow details are maybe a LITTLE BIT better. Yes. But the moire problem is still the same / present. And also the dynamic range is basically the same. And the problem of the missing live view output is actually the most annoying fact about the G6 (IF it´s the case with the final firmware).
NOT OFF at all!
http://www.technewsdaily.com/18220-graphene-imagining-sensor-takes-clear-pictures.html
If you like that, you’d like to read up on carbon nanotubes too. Welcome to the future!
first advantage of graphene is energy efficient than current silicon transistor or cmos ,
but light sensitive is Outgrowth!!!
and this swiz lab new efficient semiconductor better than graphene !!!
http://graphenetoday.wordpress.com/2011/02/04/new-two-dimensional-semiconductor-material-discovered/
Just uploaded a set of G6 pics here – http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsciorio/sets/72157633877020157/
looking good Giulio!
Any idea on real ship date? My local camera shop says they won’t get it until September. Also will the US get body only kit?
Nice shots. What lens(es) did you use?
Thanks! Glad you dig the shots. I used the stock lenses that came with the sample I had which are the new 14-45 and 45-150.
The G6 looks like a great deal 599 gbp for the body?
too big for m43 format
Compared to what? Perhaps you are confusing this with the GH3 size, which was deliberately enlarged by customer request. The G6 is not big at all:
http://j.mp/15WhJgJ
The grip is deeper than on OM-D or several other cameras, but that is for handling and is of no overall consequence to depth when any lens is mounted.
One thing I noticed was how good the skies looked. No banding at all.
Admin.. Is there any chance of extra battery grip for G6? I have an OMD but I do like to use the extra battery grips with mft
I saw the G6, along with the entire Lumix line, both CSC and PS, at the Panasonic Center in Osaka last week. It has a nicer feel than the G5. But, it still suffers from controls too close to the the thumb rest, causing the accidental changing of settings while shooting, especially WB.
I wish it was just a scoshe bigger, but not as big as the GH3, which is just a hair too big. I sold my G5 because I hated accidentally hitting the buttons with my thumb, and got a GH3. But, I do find the GH3 to be a tad too large. Plus, the buttons feel like crap for such a pricey camera. I may just drop “down” to the G6, and adjust my grip accordingly.
BTW, the LF1 is very nice. Excellent build quality. Truly pocketable. But, I don’t care for the power button, which is a push-hold to toggle on/off. I prefer a slider or lever, myself. If the PQ is as good as the LX7, I will jump on this at the first significant price drop. It will be much better for my wife than her current LX7. I can take the LX7 instead of my GX1 for those grab n go days.
There is another “review” by T3, though very brief as well.
http://www.t3.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g6-review
In japan g6 doesn’t make sense actually, it’s ~70.000yen for body only. About for same price can get e-m5
100,000 yen for G6 + 14-140II make it a very good combo though
All this bla-blah about the G6 makes me thing that it would be very wise to wait & see what the coming & scheduled GX2 has to offer prior to any buying decision …So when the 2 bodies will be on sale (sept??…), the G6 will have already a price drop as usual with Pana products !!
I love to see informed debate but I really can’t understand this downer on MFT and Panasonic in particular.
When I was a professional photographer I shot 5″X4″ Fujichrome transparency film. No one said that 35mm film (and I had OM2s and OM4s) was better resolution than medium or large format. But the tough old OMs accompanied me on many travels which the 5X4 with a 20kg tripod, multiple darkslides, etc. just couldn’t do. If I was lucky I could manage around 2 Polaroid test shots and 2 5X4 transparencies in 15 minutes. On 35 mm with an external battery pack I could run through 36 exposures in 15 seconds.
I didn’t see the point in 4/3 format, the sensor was around 1/4 of the size of full frame and the cameras were not much smaller. But with MFT, and the current and planned lenses, this size of camera really makes sense. Far more attention should be given to the glass than the sensor, IMHO, as long as the sensor is adequate. My G3 gives better photos than my OM2 with 50mm f1.4 and Kodachrome 64 – I suppose hardly anyone remembers 25 ISO film now.
I think that people who talk all day about sensor resolution and quality are missing the point. Go get yourself a medium format camera with a digital back and with this you only need a 10kg tripod so you are mobile! However you are 1,000s of dollars out of pocket and will it help you take a better picture?
If the answer is yes, go for it; if the answer is no stick a MFT in your coat pocket and take a thousand times the number of photos and you will have more pleasure and success than worrying about whether you have the latest toy. And stop going on about the camera bodies which are virtually worthless in a couple of years and concentrate on the lenses which hold their value.
I can confidently say that the Panasonic G6 is the perfect camera for my needs that isn’t a Digital Bolex. It was inexpensive, and is well suited to video. Because of the short flange distance, I have the luxury of using my old Konica AR lenses on it, and with a bit of adapting, I can run high quality audio through a recorder into it. That said, it’s a cheap camera. It’s very plastic-y, and the video I pull off of it any higher than 1600ISO is a bit questionable if even slightly underexposed. It lacks a lot in low-light if you don’t have at least an F2.8 lens in front of it.
If you`re buying for video, you can`t go wrong with this camera. If you`re buying for photography, you may be happier with something from the Olympus PEN line.