PANASONIC LUMIX GH6 GE AR RE V I EW.
processor, which also speeds up the readout, keeping rolling shutter issues to a minimum. It’s not a superfast stacked sensor as found on the newest Sony, Canon, Nikon and now Olympus mirrorless flagships, but is very quick. This speed allows for an array of codec and bit rate choices, and is also claimed to improve the AF. Panasonic is the only major manufacturer to stick with its contrast detect AF system, rather than transitioning to on-sensor phase detection. Every iteration of Panasonic’s ‘Depth From Defocus’ AF system gets better. In the GH6, it’s actually usable and effective for most subjects, except fast-moving sports and wildlife. Customisable settings such as sensitivity, face detection and tracking modes are all decent, but it has to be said that they don’t compare to the best-in-class Sony and Canon offerings. Face/eye detection works well, but even when locked on to a subject, it can hunt slightly. Obvious out-of-focus point light sources will visibly move, as the DFD system does as much as it can to work things out. For some filmmakers, it won’t be an issue, as the AF is effective and manual focusing excellent. This is helped by focus peaking, and how you can adjust the feel and response of the fly-by-wire Panasonic lenses. It’s easy to see if you’ve nailed it on the rear screen,
which is a tilting, free-angle LED, just like the S1H flagship – it can be angled to avoid interference with any cables. One class-leading area is the improved, five-axis in-body image stabilisation. Combined with a compatible Panasonic Dual IS2 image-stabilised lens, it offers up to 7.5 stops of anti-shake, which has to be seen to be believed – it is that good! Especially impressive for ‘human tripod’ handholding and moving shots, where it doesn’t quite compare to a gimbal, but isn’t far off. Just stunning. In a nod to working pros, the GH6 sets new standards in terms of audio – as it can record four channels at once. Two are from the standard 3.5mm input jack, which could be stereo, or a mono channel and safety track for example. There’s another two from the optional XLR audio input module, allowing use of XLR mics, plus a ‘broadcast safe’ setting, featuring two levels of input gain. The camera has a new ‘audio info’
button on the top-plate, in order to quickly display all audio settings and levels. Every camera will have this one day. A new battery, as used in the S5, is included. Older GH5s will fit, but then you won’t be able to use all of the latest functions. It might get you out of a hole, though. A very nice touch is the BNC socket, which allows a timecode device to be plugged in for easy multicamera edits. There are tally lights on the front and rear, plus video control via tethering to a computer using Panasonic’s free software. Plus, you can now upload Cube LUTs. This will make a huge difference to the workflow of many creative moviemakers.
DETAIL DELIGHT The dedicated AF-ON button, audio info button and choice of Rec buttons are perfect additions to the Lumix
“It has a new ‘audio info’ button on the top-plate, in order to quickly display all audio settings and levels. Every camera will have this one day”
73. MAY 2022
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