Yesterday I gave you some bits about the new Panasonic LF1. Today I can share some bits about the upcoming G6 camera. Both, the LF1 and the G6 will be announced end of next week!
I have been told that the G6:
– has a 16 Megapixel sensor
– New Venus Engine
– mic input
– looks sexy and size is similar to current G5
– Same Gh2 video quality.
I hope to get more details about the cam soon. But this could become a reborn and updated Panasonic GH2 and that alone sounds great 🙂
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Rumors classification explained (FT= FourThirds):
FT1=1-20% chance the rumor is correct
FT2=21-40% chance the rumor is correct
FT3=41-60% chance the rumor is correct
FT4=61-80% chance the rumor is correct
FT5=81-99% chance the rumor is correct
96 Responses
Has a 16 MP sensor, like ALL current MFT cameras? What a big surprise… 😛
There are (at least) three different 16 MP sensors: GX1, G5 and GH3.
And the one from GH2, that’s four :).
The G5 uses the same sensor as the GH2 did, only without the extra megapixels for multi-aspect.
Just to quibble a bit… 😉
The GH2 has an 18MP sensor, but only uses 16MP max for 4:3 aspect ratio photos.
Yes, and which of these sensors will be critical. If it’s the GH3 sensor, I very well may purchase. If it’s the GX1 or G5 sensor, I see no reason to switch from my GH2.
Nice… but what price?! that will make the difference. Shall we say roughly the same than current G5? Then good, but what about the Sony competition then..
If it has the best of the G5 and the GH2 then I NEED this camera. This sounds very interesting to me!
Not enough, in my opinion. The GH3 sensor is a must-have.
I am not sure if the 16MP sensor is the one form the GX or from the GH3…
The G5 sensor is not the GX1 sensor, no? Its score is vastly better than the GX1’s on dxomark. Why would Panasonic go back to the inferior GX sensor? An outrage would follow in enthusiast circles.
i guess it still has no multi-aspect because of 16mpx ,
if it has 18.6 mpx i will too exciting .
But wouldn’t gx sensor mean that they drop the silent shutter function they introduced in the previous model?
I believe unlike the GF6, the GX1 has the silent/electronic shutter.
No it doesn’t
What really matters is whether or not it will get the current GH3/OM-D Sony Sensor or will have to make due with the old GH2 sensor like the GF6/GX1…
The GH2 sensor is not the same as the GX1 – DR is much superior in GH2.
Other than that – this is a real surprise! I mean, a 16 MP sensor? I’ll believe it when I see it….
The G5 already has a different sensor than the GX1. It sits in the middle between that one and the one in GH3 / EM-5
Looks like it is really the GH2.5 that G5 was suppose to be, but lack of manual movie mode is a killer in G5
I wonder would more people buy this instead of GH3?
In other words same G5 sensor with improved video controls and other spec updates like wifi and NFCs…
This is a mic input = presence of manual video mode.
G5 lack of manual video mode is a killer of this product
But still no headphone jack? 🙁
Looks sexy LOL
Can we expect it to be a bit rangefinder-ish? Seriously think they should bring back the Digilux 3 design albeit a smaller design
Sounds perfect for those who must wear designer jeans 🙂
The possibility of the new Sony sensor in the G6 had me all wired up yesterday. Planned to sell my e-m5 while prices are still high, buying the G6 for my main cam until the top of the line Oly comes in the fall, making G6 backup at that time.
The lack of the “new” Sony sensor makes it a no buy for me. Still hoping, though …
Interesting, but I think I’ll wait for the Black magic pocket camera.
1″ sensor small and absence of photo features and video formats very difficult to manage
Trouble with Black Magic camera is that it is NOT consumer video(i.e. production video). It needs a very powerful computer with lots of memory to PP/edit/compress/convert to common formats/codec before it can be viewed by the masses.
That’s not true if you’re shooting in the ProRes mode (rather than RAW)
I have to tediously transcode all my AVCHD to ProRes before I can do anything with it in FCPX… one big attraction of the Black Magic is to be able to skip that step
Unlike distribution oriented formats like H.264, ProRes is a line of intermediate codecs, which means they are intended for use during video editing, and not for practical end-user viewing. ProRes is also lossy video compression format so why use it when you can have H.264?
Well yes, but unless you are somehow able to shoot videos that don’t need editing you probably will end up transcoding your h.264 to ProRes and then rendering out a new h.264
And the ProRes is less lossy than the h.264, so a better place to start from
I use VirtualDub(on the PC) to PP/edit both AVCHD(mts) and MP4 directly without any conversion needed so there is no need to do it in ProRes(Apple?) and convert it back. There is also a non-lossy profile/flavour(?) for H.264 although the compression savings isn’t much but you can use as an intermediate step(I don’t think most people would bother with this). Working only with H.264 is very fast even on my 5 year old PC.
“look sexy”
so you saw it? :p
comment from sources. Not mine 🙂
“announced end of next week” means the FT5 leaks will start end of this week?
image leak? If I can find them I will post them!
Sexy like the G5? okaaaay…
If not what GH2 are we talking about…
Panny, please wake ft up, because I’m more and more want BMD for videos and E-M5 for stills. If only GH3 had mar sensor… 😥
How can a G5/GH2-like camera look sexy?
…simple…you buy the white one! 🙂
That’s exactly my thought. G5 does not look “sexy” to me. It looks like a little normal DSLR, quite anonymous. But it’s my taste and I don’t want to start a fire (also because what’s important it’s its output).
Off Topic, but I’m too curious: I’d like to know what camera(s) people on m43rumors are using and how often.
I use a Lumix G3. For my purposes this camera is more than sufficient (dynamic range and jpgs could be better). The only thing I don´t like is the style and (felt) quality of the DSLR-like body. There is only one current mFT camera which is “non-sexier” than a G3/G5 – the GH2/GH3. I want a rangefinder-styled mFT camera!
I use an E-PL1, with the VF2. I live in the desert or the mountains, depending on the season, so the VF is a must. AF is a bit slow, would like more DR etc, but not enough to bother changing.
Looked closely at the E-M5, may still get one if Olly or Panny don’t produce what I want this year. But am also considering moving to a Fuji XE-1 with both kit zooms instead. Not a lot in it price wise, and they are nice lenses.
Most days, but not excessive. 16 images a day for the last three years according to the shutter count.
@Marco….a question of my own. You have an amazing image on your Flickr account, of a breaking wave in a lake, with snowy mountains in the background. Care to share how you took this image (filters, lens speed etc), and where is the lake? Grazie!
Don Tom, thanks first for appreciating that photo.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcosartoriphoto/8532272154/in/photostream
I took it in the northern shore of Garda Lake, Italy. Honestly, all shores of Garda Lake are nice: there are a lot of small villages, and during Summer it’s quite crowded. I remember it was around 12am, not the best time for a landscape photo in winter, with the sun just in front of you, low on the horizon.
So I put a Polarizing filter on Zuiko17mm (f1.8) because I wanted to capture the clouds even if the bright sun was “burning” them.
It’s one of my first shots with this lens, that day I used also Zuiko12mm, but being a new purchase I decided to keep it on the camera and test it.
Despite some bad reviews around, I have to say that I like how it performs.
Back to the photo: focal lenght 17mm, f22, ISO 200, 1/15th sec.
Thanks everyone for answering my curiosity 😉
@Don Tom http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcosartoriphoto/8532272154/in/photostream
Thank you for appreciating the photo!
I took it late this winter, around 12am, at Garda Lake in Italy. There are really nice places around it, as well as small cute towns, and the area is crowded in Summer.
That day I wanted to test my copy of new Zuiko17mm f1.8. I had also other primes but I like to “force” myself using a single lens: a good training to improve composition tecnique.
Back to the photo: ISO 200, 1/15 sec, f22, and a polarizing filter, since the sun was low on the horizon and it was “burning” the clouds.
Sorry but my previous answer got moderated (censored, I would say) without reason..
And Thanks to those who answered my curiousity! I’d like to add all who have a Flickr account, just to be inspired.
Thank you Marco, I was wondering if there was a polarizer involved. F22! Who says diffraction is such an issue, no sign at that resolution anyway. The clarity of the water is amazing, very nice image.
GH2 (almost daily). GX1 (occasional, casual stuff).
I use my GH3 bodies roughly 80% of the time with my GX1 +20mm doing maybe 5% the rest is FF Nikon D800.Once in a while I shoot some MF film { just for the fun of sniffing the chemicals in the darkroom/loft}
I use my E-M5 when I need the performance/flexibility of digital but I prefer using my Olympus film cameras as a hobbyist photographer. I occasionally get commissioned to do shoots in which case I use both. Printing in the darkroom is something I have just gotten into and find it very satisfying compared to getting a digital file printed at the shop. I started with m43 with the GF-1 and won’t consider upgrading from the E-M5 until I have all the great m43 lenses that I so desire!
I use an E-M5 most of the time and an E-5 for bad weather and the occasional telephoto shoot. I also own a Nikon F5 which sees the light of day only when I’m in the right mood. I am looking to trade that beast for a smaller, manual focus SLR.
E-M5 x 2 (approx 90% of the time)
G2 (most of the remaining 10%, mostly for short videos)
E-P1 (the tiny bit that remains)
This G6 might be an interesting upgrade for my G2, provided that it delivers on the IQ side (video but also for stills), has the microphone port built in, and the price isn’t totally insane.
I agree with Marco about the ‘anonymous’ look of this camera, but thats part of why I’d want it, I have enough ‘non anonymous looking’ cameras as it is 😉
oh, thats just my m4/3 cameras. I also have an E-420 and E-3, which see very little use nowadays. For serious shoots I often also borrow a D700.
Additionally I have a nice collection of film cameras (SLR, RF and others) of various brands. Of those, the petite Dynax (Maxxum for you people in the USA) 5 gets the most use.
Iam only using daily an epl1 (i have a canon and a Rollei RF like one year in a box) i will buy a new one a pana or an oly… in dont know if i will wait for a RF or i will buy a g6. My average is 21 for day.
maybe they make the viewfinder smaller and put it in the corner. then it would be alike a nex 6, which is at least a bit “sexy”
Can anyone tell me if any Panasonic camera has an equivalent of the “Lens Reset: No” option from Olympus cameras?
The GH2 or GH3 maybe?
Having the focus of the lens reset when you power off really spoils the manual use of the nice AF lenses…
Old sensor with new engine, GH2 video quality and G5 size…
Other words – the same GH2 but smaller and cheaper.
Not so bad… You have choice in micro43:
– good IQ of photos – Olympus bodies (average level of APS sensors)
– very good video possibilites and mediocare IQ of photos – Panasonic bodies (maybe not mediocare, but below APS competition)
– professional video possibilities – Blackmagic
out of topic but interesting
FUJI just announced Fujinon XF 55-200mm F3.5-4.8 R LM OIS
F 4.8 at 200mm is pretty nice
It seems so, and it is faster, but ultimately not something to write home about. Its only about 1/3 of a stop from f5.6. Like going from iso 320 to 400
So Olympus trickles down their top sensor to both its mid and entry-level models while Panasonic keeps rehashing old componentry to its new units. While the GF3 is aimed at a market with little concern for the parts inside their electronic equipment, the G6 is likely to be purchased by a higher-end user, a consumer with probably some knowledge about the technology that goes into their cameras. I can hardly understand why Panasonic is not trying to AT LEAST maintain some competitiveness with their nearest rival, especially since the last PENs were released almost a full generation ago by now. I am sorry, but this looks like Panasonic is playing catch up and spells poorly for the future.
Maybe for YOUR Future, but his camera is sounding very interesting… It’s sounding like Panasonic has something interesting up it’s sleeve…Time will tell.
Oh! I´m very suprised about the specs. Who thought it would be that exceptional!!! 😉
Who says it’s the GH2 sensor? It could be the GH3 16mp sensor just as easily. They could also advertise it as “GH2 video quality” so it #1 doesn’t compete with their GH3 and #2 so people don’t expect all the video modes like all-I, or even .mov at all… Sounds to me like it’s a GH3 sensor but very similar to the GH2 for capture modes.
Thank you. I just love all these people who jump to conclusions based on a *rumor* that doesn’t even specify what sensor it has.
Offerings are becoming increasingly boring. All recent and not-so-recent cameras produce essentially the same images and offer the same processing. Soon they will all share the same mobile gadgetry as well. So what is the point in iterating them once a year?
I wish Panasonic and Olympus concentrated on useful features rather than wasting their resources on meaningless upgrades. The GH2 and E-M5 demonstrate how an innovative, working product can maintain its perceived value over an extended period. I have no doubt it may apply to lower level gear too.
Interesting this urban legend about ‘the rangefinderished the camera, the sexiest the look’.
The NEX–7 is one of the ugliest camera I’ve ever seen, mainly because of its oversized grip.
The Fuji X-pro can be called sexy, but has a terrible fit in hand due to its small, unconfortable grip.
Still begging for rangefinder-style? 😀
Oh come on. It’s a matter of taste, that’s all. There are two historical paradigms about how a camera should be operated with no clear winner. I suspect most humanity follows the “SLR” way, but there is nothing wrong with the “RF”. No need to be defensive about such subjective matters.
I think you will find that what is considered “ugly” is very much a matter of personal opinion, for me I just do not get the to me hideous fake retro look of the E-M5/Fuji but each to their own.The Sony handgrip makes it a far more useable tool than if it was lacking.
What kind of camera is sexy in your eyes? SLR-like cameras are ergonomically designed, form follows function. Because 99% of DSLR cameras have the same design since several years they look ordinary (and bulky), but not sexy.
By example the G5 looks really nice.
“”What kind of camera is sexy in your eyes?”
None really , unless it is sexy by association ie being held in the hands of a beautiful naked woman lol
i do not think any camera looks sexy the are tools designed to do a job and hence form should follow function, designing a camera which has style over usability is plain daft in my book.
-Most of the stuff Olympus puts out.
Cameras with prominent grips as a requisite for good handling and ergonomics is quite overemphasised, IMO. While it is certainly beneficial, it is not a life or death situation. One can adjust to a variety of cameras (if you use several cameras, that is) just as one would with any hardware, tools or devices. This proclaimed necessity for a largish camera with big grips by D/SLR body proponents in order to have a proper handling camera is a furphy. People handled smallish SLRs with minimal grips with little problem in times past and it did not hinder their photography. Granted, the D/SLR body is a universal design because it works well for a variety of situations. The larger, thicker body can handle the rough and tumble of outdoor use and is better suited for the use of larger, heavier lenses.
Before I got into m4/3, I was more into DSLRs. But those of the smaller, more compact variety. I used a lowly Pentax K-r for a while, but I could not see myself buying many Pentax lenses, so I returned the camera. My favourite DSLR bodies were the Pentax K-7/5 and K200D. The Pentax K5 proved that a professional level camera need not be massive, heavy and disproportioned, as many designs are. I have full confidence also in the weathersealing of Pentax DSLRs, which I don’t have for other brands. It’s a shame that Pentax was not more serious about the mirrorless ILC market, as I think they, more than most of the other brands, could provide a serious alternative with a retro SLR styled camera after one of their own classic designs, weathersealed of course, and with a lineup of compact, fastish primes.
What attracted me to m4/3 in the first place were the E-P1 and the GF1. I never really thought much of the DSLR styled m4/3 bodies and still don’t, however, I did like the G2 enough to almost buy one on clearout when the G3 was announced. I bought a cheap E-PL1 one instead, which I still use. But I am looking to move on from that in due course.
So, it’s not about what is “better” or “best”. It’s about what works for you in a particular situation or in most situations. My personal preference in camera design is the rectangular boxed shaped—or “rangefinder” style, if you must. The rectangular shape is also a universal design for many everyday products, as it allows the possibility to fit into pockets and bags without awkward protrusions. Portable devices like phones and radios take on this shape for that reason. Easy stowage in small compartments within pockets and bags.
Again, this is all down to personal preferences and requirements. People lauding their design choices and disparaging others for their choices is rather ignorant and arrogant, IMO. For instance, I’m not a fan of touchscreen devices (including on cameras) but I use them anyway, since market trends and usage adoption by the economy at large necessitates it. But I always prefer products with tactile controls, easily visible and switchable.
This idea that “retro” means “shallow” and only about outward appearances is another furphy. When I was shopping for a digital radio, I chose one with a retro design, as it had large dials and switches, just like old radios from ca.1950s; making it a lot easier and enjoyable to use. It also has a sense of character and old time charm, something that’s missing from so much of today’s dreary, monotonous, technology for technology’s sake, economonically rationalised product designs and implementations.
By putting the best of two worlds together, Sony had created a beast… An ugly one.
Leica looks nice though… And so were the badge-engineered digilux 1-3…
So, what is changed compared to G5? It already had new Venus VII.
“looks sexy”
R U so minimally endowed that you can f..k a camera?
The only thing I really missed on the G5 was focus peaking. Would be nice if the G6 had it.
The mic input sounds great too.
I’m guessing the G6 will list for $799 and use the GH3 sensor. Lack of headphone jack, weather sealing and high bit rates (but still hackable) will differentiate it from big brother. Should make a lot of enthusiasts happy. I doubt a battery grip will be available, but the wireless flash will probably work with it.
I am waiting for a difference between the G5 and the G6 for stills. Sounds like the same sensor in a similar body (which I liked except for the zoom switch and the feel). Maybe a few tweeks. In a world of planned obsolescence, the GH2 is now ancient history, as nice a camera as it might be. Panasonic is simply a conservative company for its basic offerings. The GX2 is likely to come with the same sensor as the G6. It is the new camera in a few months that might be the interesting one.
It needs to have 24p though. Then it will be interesting.
Admin, didn’t you say in the comments around the time when the GF6 was announced that you were going to post some new info on the GX2?
Err, never mind, it wasn’t about the GX2, but about a ‘rangefinder-style camera’:
http://www.43rumors.com/hot-suprise-blackmagic-announces-a-pocket-mft-camera/#comment-297603
GX2? or new RF MFT,i don’t hear about it but admin said best MFT on a few month .
Not surprised to hear will be similar body to G5 but why would they bother to speed up its release early if not to include the GH3 sensor? Note the GH2 cropped sensor used in G5 is larger than the new one used in GH3 ie 18.3mp versus 17.2 for effective 16.1 mp and reportedly expensive to produce. The upgraded video specs will be attractive as will the mic addition.
And I do mean “IF” it uses the GH2 cropped sensor, while retaining it’s compact size, then it will be a Beast of a camera!
However, I wish it had a more “flat” topside.
I can’t lie, I look more and more at my Canon DSLR and as much as I like the FF quality and grip, I don’t like the prism hump. I’m hoping Panasonic loses the hump on the G6.. Yeah, I want a “rounded” L1, with the substantial grip.
The L1, GX1 and hopefully the G6 with a similar L1/GX1 look will make a nice family and might deter me to sell my FF camera, as I’m not vested in lenses.. If Panasonic was to Update the L1 in the G6, I would jump on a 12-35/35-100 instantly.
if you read every available sorce of data including those from the horses mouth , the sensor size of the PANASONIC gh2 is the exact same as every other mFT sensor. I suspect that the gh2 has extra mp to accommodate the multi-aspect nature ( none of which use the full amount) rather than being any larger despite thousands of forum posts saying so. if this sems unlikely check out all the sources yourself not one be it Panasonic, DXO, Imatest,DPreview et al will show you anything different
The GH2 is a 18 megapixel sensor, cropped to 16. What are you talking about?
I will be happy to agree with you “if “you can give me one reliable source that actual states the GH2 has a larger than normal sized mFT sensor an quotes the actual sensor dimensions how hard can it be. Just as I mentioned above I have seen numerous posts saying that the GH2 has a “”larger multi aspect sensor” so it shouldn’t be too difficult to pin down the size of this “larger” sensor. In every single review spec sheet or description of the GH2 the sensor size is listed as exactly {to the fraction of a mm ] the same size. If the sensor is actually physically larger you think it wuld be listed somewhere with the exact dimensions.
Based on the statement and claims the GH2 sensor should be roughly 18.8mm wide in 16×9 mode { theoretic max used dimension} giving it a 1.91 crop factor compared to the 2.08 of the GH3 in 16×9 mode. Now , for those who think so what , that would make the 100-300mm at the long end on a GH2 give the same equiv AOV of a 573mm on FF .Meanwhile on the GH3 in 16×9 mode you would have the equiv AOV of a 624mm , now looking at these exact shots on both my GH2 and my GH3 , I am most certainly not seeing an 8.6% increase in equiv AOV which I should if the suggestions floating around about a physically larger sensor on the GH2, so what are the facts and what is the real dimensions of the GH2 sensor.
Spec sheet data for the GH2
Panasonic UK
http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_GB/Products/LUMIX+Digital+Cameras/LUMIX+G+Compact+System+Cameras/DMC-GH2/Specification/5979999/index.html
SENSOR SIZE 17.3 X 13mm
Panasonic USA
http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/DMC-GH2KK?t=specs
SENSOR SIZE 17.3 X 13mm
Panasonic .net Global site
http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh2/specifications.html
SENSOR SIZE 17.3 X 13mm
DXO
http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Cameras/Camera-Sensor-Database/Panasonic/Lumix-DMC-GH2
SENSOR SIZE 17.3 X 13mm
Can’t you read the pages that you link to?! It clearly says “Image Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm [u](in 4:3 aspect ratio)[/u]” on http://panasonic.net/avc/lumix/systemcamera/gms/gh2/specifications.html you stubborn bonehead. JFC are you trolling?!
I hope we all know that the GH2 has an 18mp sensor , but the suggestion by many is that the sensor is actually larger, despite all the various sites stating that the GH2 sensor has the same dimensions as the rest of mFT .I would also be interested in seeing a straight up source that lists the real sensor dimensions.
Microphone port and “GH2 video quality”?
SOLD. Its really all I wanted out of the G line.
Timelapse?
I love the spec: “looks sexy”…. Oh please be serious a bit.
Time put money on mouth is.
you giv $1 me pay if you rite
exmple bet possble get each $1
left evf $o.95
No evf $0.15
GH2 sensor $0.50
GH2 with multi aspect $ 0.55
GH3 sensor $0.65
waterprof $0.92
gps $0.99
movin screen $0.25
wifi $0.45
ibis $400.99
free 128G uhs1 sd $399.99
erectron shuter $0.65