Panasonic GH6 announced -First reviews up

Announced today. 

https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dc-gh6-initial-review

25 MP,  IBIS, cooling fan, SD plus CFExpress type B cards, but still no phase detect AF.  USB recording to SSD to come in firmware.

IMHO When it comes to video and filmmaking their reviews are the most balanced and professional.

Leaving aside for a moment the AF issue which I think is absolutely overrated (at least in the terms in which youtubers keep arguing elsewhere), from some non-partisan reviews I think this camera is really a very solid option for underwater shooting.

• While the size of the body this time around isn't small, the body and M43 lens combination provides a compact travel friendly kit.
   
• Assortment of codecs and internal bitrates almost unique in the market even for much higher price ranges.
   
• IBIS recognized as one of the best on the market.
   
• First class dynamic range. For the first time Panasonic introduces this DR Boost that is able to combine the signals from two ISO values (800 and 2000) in a single exposure. From what I was reading, this feature has been a unique feature of ARRI cameras for years. It was then introduced by Canon calling it DGO (Double Gain Output) followed now by Panasonic. The concept seems to be the same but I don't know what the differences are in the implementation. Maybe in the next days we will know more.

https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-gh6-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/

 CineD concludes:

Quote

 

The new Panasonic LUMIX GH6 shows very strong results for an MFT sensor-based camera in the lab. The rolling shutter value at 5.7K is quite good at 12.7ms, in the middle ground compared to other MFT cameras (the Z CAM E2 shows 11.2ms for example). 

In terms of dynamic range and latitude the new dynamic range boost mode works very well and helps to achieve solid results: 11 stops at SNR = 2 and 7 stops of exposure latitude.

Combine that with internal ProRes HQ codec and V-Log, and you have another strong contender in the LUMIX GH line. Did I mention already that camera technology hasn’t been limiting us anymore for a very very long time?

 

6 minutes ago, Davide DB said:

Leaving aside for a moment the AF issue which I think is absolutely overrated (at least in the terms in which youtubers keep arguing elsewhere), from some non-partisan reviews I think this camera is really a very solid option for underwater shooting.

• While the size of the body this time around isn't small, the body and M43 lens combination provides a compact travel friendly kit.
   
• Assortment of codecs and internal bitrates almost unique in the market even for much higher price ranges.
   
• IBIS recognized as one of the best on the market.
   
• First class dynamic range. For the first time Panasonic introduces this DR Boost that is able to combine the signals from two ISO values (800 and 2000) in a single exposure. From what I was reading, this feature has been a unique feature of ARRI cameras for years. It was then introduced by Canon calling it DGO (Double Gain Output) followed now by Panasonic. The concept seems to be the same but I don't know what the differences are in the implementation. Maybe in the next days we will know more.

https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-gh6-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/

 CineD concludes:

 

 

Take into account that vlog remains noisy. If you used another photo style the noise will drop further

Either way my only concern is battery life when I get the camera I will shoot deer on land and let you know

6 minutes ago, Interceptor121 said:

Take into account that vlog remains noisy. If you used another photo style the noise will drop further

Given the dives I do I stopped worrying about noise right away, rather I worry about getting the images home and anyway 2000 ISO base is almost a limit even for my dives. When I shoot a deep reef with the WWL almost all wide and with the two Keldans at full power, I work F5.6 ISO 1000.
For those diving in shallow tropical waters (like 90% here) an ND filter seems almost mandatory.

P.S.

I'll take bets on a Nauticam housing release date 

Just now, Davide DB said:

Given the dives I do I stopped worrying about noise right away, rather I worry about getting the images home and anyway 2000 ISO base is almost a limit even for my dives. When I shoot a deep reef with the WWL almost all wide and with the two Keldans at full power, I work F5.6 ISO 1000.
For those diving in shallow tropical waters (like 90% here) an ND filter seems almost mandatory.

P.S.

I'll take bets on a Nauticam housing release date 

 

I am not going to take it underwater until I understand exactly what it does. Interestingly at least in VLOG the low ISO performance of the GH5M2 is better and this is the camera I have an housing for...

1 minute ago, Interceptor121 said:

I am not going to take it underwater until I understand exactly what it does. Interestingly at least in VLOG the low ISO performance of the GH5M2 is better and this is the camera I have an housing for...

For my current budget the first option will be getting a used GH5II at good price

7 hours ago, Davide DB said:

Given the dives I do I stopped worrying about noise right away, rather I worry about getting the images home and anyway 2000 ISO base is almost a limit even for my dives. When I shoot a deep reef with the WWL almost all wide and with the two Keldans at full power, I work F5.6 ISO 1000.
For those diving in shallow tropical waters (like 90% here) an ND filter seems almost mandatory.

P.S.

I'll take bets on a Nauticam housing release date 

 

Same, except still photos for me. Priorities. 

http://wreckedinmyrevo.com/

- brett

A post explaining "dual output gain" in the new GH6 and how it is different to dual gain sensor designs where the sensor switches to new native ISO at a point decided by the manufacturers. 

https://www.dpreview.com/articles/1570070253/what-is-dual-gain-and-how-does-it-work

Short version is Dynamic range boost can be switched on and it becomes active at ISO800 and above or from  ISO2000 in Log video.   The reason for the different threshold with Log video is explained in the box at the bottom of the post.

6 hours ago, ChrisRoss said:

Short version is Dynamic range boost can be switched on and it becomes active at ISO800 and above or from  ISO2000 in Log video. 

It seems there is an error. base ISO not in Log mode should be 250. 

Several reviews stated 800 ISO (CineD tested it at 800 ISO) others stated 250 ISO and even Panasonic Official specs now states ISO 250. CineD wrote that is double checking it with Pana (otherwise their test should be repeated and probably the DR would be greater.)

EDIT: I made a mistake too! ISO 250 is the base ISO when DR Boost is OFF.

Thank you Chris, you are the only one who shows experience and interest in the video pixels. We feel a little less alone.

As M43 user I can't ignorate Andrew's review

Quote

 

Big strides have been made with the GH6, which has been an almost 5 year wait. A brand new sensor brings better low light performance, more dynamic range, and 4K/120fps which is a first for a mirrorless camera at the price of $1999.

Along with that we now have internal ProRes 422 recording at 1Gbps, really thick files and wonderful colour science. There’s also an improved 5 axis IBIS stabilisation system, which works wonders with my Panasonic 42.5mm F1.2 lens when combined with OIS. I have never shot such stable handheld footage at 85mm equivalent before.

Whilst there’s much to enjoy, there are also some pretty big mistakes which I have pointed out in the video. Hopefully one can be fixed in firmware. The other, I’m not too sure will be and that is autofocus!

 

Dinamic range test with correct ISO values:

Even with DR Boost OFF it seems to have a better DR than GH5 and GH5S

1 hour ago, Davide DB said:

It seems there is an error. base ISO not in Log mode should be 250. 

Several reviews stated 800 ISO (CineD tested it at 800 ISO) others stated 250 ISO and even Panasonic Official specs now states ISO 250. CineD wrote that is double checking it with Pana (otherwise their test should be repeated and probably the DR would be greater.)

 

EDIT: I made a mistake too! ISO 250 is the base ISO when DR Boost is OFF.

Thank you Chris, you are the only one who shows experience and interest in the video pixels. We feel a little less alone.

I know enough about video to be dangerous!  Sounds like a recruitment drive is needed for more video specialists to participate in the forum.

9 minutes ago, ChrisRoss said:

I know enough about video to be dangerous!  Sounds like a recruitment drive is needed for more video specialists to participate in the forum.

Warning, its' an ambush!

6 hours ago, Davide DB said:

Dinamic range test with correct ISO values:

Even with DR Boost OFF it seems to have a better DR than GH5 and GH5S

 

But not compared to the GH5M2 ---> 7 stops!!!

If there is a benefit is 0.5 Ev

I'm not an influencer nor an ambassador so I can only watch other people's reviews...  

Among the countless GH6 reviews I've been watching, this has real world examples and compares GH6 directly with Sony A7SIII which is considered by many the current milestone for video.

this guy tests and uses a bunch of gear but he is a Sony A7 guys. 

Well, I know I'm going to be beaten on this, but GH6 images are way better under most conditions. GH6 seems to surrender at ISO 12800. So my question is: who shoot at ISO 12800?

some bookmarks for GH6 Vs A7SIII:

9:05 resolution

15:20 ISO test

27:00 DR test

Of course he doesn't hide the AF mess but the IBIS is probably the best on the market. Functions and ergonomy are optimized for video. In one word: a video machine beast.

What I've understood from all these reviews?

Photo market is ruled by v-loggers!

https://youtu.be/_oqKk53MiCo

14 minutes ago, Davide DB said:

I'm not an influencer nor an ambassador so I can only watch other people's reviews...  

Among the countless GH6 reviews I've been watching, this has real world examples and compares GH6 directly with Sony A7SIII which is considered by many the current milestone for video.

this guy tests and uses a bunch of gear but he is a Sony A7 guys. 

Well, I know I'm going to be beaten on this, but GH6 images are way better under most conditions. GH6 seems to surrender at ISO 12800. So my question is: who shoot at ISO 12800?

some bookmarks for GH6 Vs A7SIII:

9:05 resolution

15:20 ISO test

27:00 DR test

Of course he doesn't hide the AF mess but the IBIS is probably the best on the market. Functions and ergonomy are optimized for video. In one word: a video machine beast.

What I've understood from all these reviews?

Photo market is ruled by v-loggers!

https://youtu.be/_oqKk53MiCo

 

 

 

As you know there is difference between a technical test and a use case.

Now the issue with Sony camera despite the incredible amount of progress is that they are overcooked.

With the A7S3 Sony tried all possible tricks with two objectives

1. Offer superior low light performance

2. offer low rolling shutter

This resulted in a low pixel count sensor. Sony wasn't happy with backilluminated cells they also added a quadbayer cell and as always they use noise reduction on sensor data before compression

On top Sony has the best autofocus on the market

The things that Sony cannot address yet

1. Image quality despite incredible progress is simply crass in terms of tones and colors compared to Panasonic and BMD to give an example.

2. IBIS is inferior

3. When you look at dynamic range naked without all the tricks is not amazing

4. The various manipulations do not help with latitude which is similar to the GH5M2 (you don't even need the GH6)

Ultimately the A7S3 due to the low rolling shutter and low light performance is a very good camera for underwater video however it remains pricey

In my opinion at present before I test myself the GH6 the current GH5M2 ticks almost all boxes except ALL I codecs at 60fps

With ISO 800 dynamic range boost and good performance probably to 6400 in normal mode this will make a GREAT UW video machine for 60fps in non log and even in log at 2000 it will be mostly ok

Look, from now on, every time someone here attacks with the low light litany I'll post that video.

The only one here allowed to talk about low light / high ISO would be @Benedika or BugDreamer

17 hours ago, Davide DB said:

Look, from now on, every time someone here attacks with the low light litany I'll post that video.

The only one here allowed to talk about low light / high ISO would be @Benedika or BugDreamer

I think low light capability is important for night photography this is one area where I am borderline with my set up

Underwater is mostly driven by the need for small apertures however when there is no light there is no color and unless you shoot monochrome you need lights full stop

Currently the only way to achieve a real benefit on larger cameras is to use WACP or similar to shoot at wide apertures. If you use traditional optics and operate at constrained depth of field there is no major benefit

We keep having this discussion on formats over and over but other than water contact optics nothing is really changing and when you look at video how the camera records is very important as bad codecs and style destroy the image before you can worry about noise

When you then use prores raw you find out the Sony cameras actually have massive noise reduction and when that is removed there is no longer a benefit and you need neat video

One of the benefits of Sony vs others is the autofocus but who needs autofocus exactly and for what in video has been the question. Wide angle you don't need it, supermacro it does not really work, some other intermediate scenarios perhaps but we are not doing cinema and blurred background here

There is no way to get the performance spend little and have no compromises