The Lumix GH series is a long-running favorite for video-first creators; the most recent GH5 Mark II is one of the top recommendations for video pros and vloggers looking for a 4K camera. Rivals have pushed video resolution further, and Panasonic is catching up with the Lumix GH6, a new model that co-exists with the GH5 II in the lineup, and one that delivers a substantially upgraded video toolkit, as well as some reasons for stills photographers to pay attention.

The GH6 is built for use in the studio and out in the field. The USB-C port and supplied power adapter will run the camera continuously for on-set use. For use outdoors, the magnesium alloy chassis with dust and splash protection comes in handy.

In the consumer mirrorless space, the GH series is the darling for videographers. And the GH6 has a pretty fantastic toolkit; it supports 5.7K at up to 60fps, and can record at 4K UHD or DCI at up to 120fps with sound. Continuous autofocus is supported while recording in most modes, but is dropped from the in-camera silent VFR slow-motion mode; despite significant upgrades to the image processor, that’s just a bit too much for it to handle.

Long-form recording is no problem. The GH6 doesn’t limit clip length and includes an in-camera fan to actively cool the processor and CFExpress memory card when recording the highest-quality footage, encoded using Apple ProRes 422 HQ at 10-bit 4:2:2 quality. A second memory card slot supports SDXC cards, and you can opt for more affordable V90-rated media for most formats, just not ProRes.

The attention-grabbing video specs are made possible by an updated image processor and a fresh 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. Panasonic tells us that it’s fast enough to read out 120 times a second, while relying on a traditional CMOS architecture. The surface area of Micro Four Thirds comes into play here: Full-frame chips are larger, so they need Stacked CMOS to read out quickly but the all-new design and processing power certainly factor in.

The GH6 doesn’t just offer more pixels, its sensor promises more dynamic range, up to 13 stops when recording with the V-Log profile. It leverages a special Dynamic Range Boost recording mode and a dual gain sensor design to get there.

Available at 60fps or less, DRB uses both low and high gain channels to expose a scene, and blends those exposures together. Panasonic tells us to expect more detail in shadows, with less noise. DRB works for the stills engine too, but it’s not a feature you’ll turn on or off. Instead, the image processing engine determines whether a metered scene would benefit from the effect, and applies it in the background.

The GH6 uses a new gyroscope and streamlined algorithms for up to 7.5 stops of correction with most lenses. The GH6 also uses the IBIS for a handheld multi-shot mode; it shifts the sensor and takes multiple exposures for 100MP output with truer color sampling.

Panasonic expects it to ship in March. It’s priced at US$2,199.99 as a body only, or US$2,799.99 in a kit with the Leica 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 zoom.

(SD-Agencies)