Panasonic has confirmed details of its latest flagship in the LUMIX G Series digital mirrorless camera range, the LUMIX GH6, which claims to push the boundaries of what is possible from a Micro Four Thirds system camera.
In a Micro Four Thirds category first, the GH6 sports a newly developed 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor. In addition to high resolution imaging and high-speed signal readout, the sensor’s single exposure HDR technology is a significant leap forward in dynamic range performance.
The next-generation Venus Engine – which delivers around twice the processing power of the previous generation – powers not only advanced image processing and computational photography but unlocks a new video codec options and framerates. It has evolved with key technologies including Intelligent Detail Processing, 2D Noise Reduction, High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video, and High Precision 3D Colour Control.
Taking advantage of the new sensor and image processing engine, the auto focus performance of the LUMIX GH6 has been improved. With higher speed signal processing and an improved AF algorithm, subject detection performance has been dramatically enhanced to achieve higher precision AF. A new inclusion is AF Focus Limiter enables users to set a near and far range that the camera’s autofocus will stay within.
Streamlining workflow for creators, the GH6 now includes Apple ProRes 422 HQ, 5.7K 30p internal video recording to save time in the editing stage of production by avoiding transcoding media from common compressed codecs into ProRes or proxy formats.
Creators are also demanding high framerate recording options in higher resolutions. The GH6 delivers on this with C4K 120p in 10-bit 4:2:0 without a crop or compromising image quality often encountered in the hybrid camera segment. The GH6 also achieves 7.5 stops of powerful image stabilisation in both wide and telephoto focal lengths. Dual I.S.2 gives users the freedom to choose between using tripods, gimbals or totally handheld.
The GH6 boasts a rugged field-ready design that is splash and dust-resistant and also freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius. The camera supports Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 5GHz (IEEE802.11ac)/ 2.4GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n), for easy content sharing with smartphones. With an always-on Bluetooth connection, a smartphone can act as the camera’s remote control via the LUMIX Sync mobile app.
To coincide with the GH6 launch, Panasonic is introducing LUMIX Professional Services (LPS), a dedicated support service designed to provide an even greater level of service and support for professionals who rely on LUMIX equipment.
Panasonic Australia product marketing manager for imaging, Aaron Waters said, “This program provides peace of mind so creators can spend more time focusing on their creative projects. The LPS program delivers a range of benefits including fast turnaround for repairs, complimentary access to loan equipment and dedicated support services. Members get exclusive access to extra perks such as free sensor cleans and the ability to trial some of the latest product releases.”
The LUMIX GH6 will be available in April 2022 from leading photographic specialists from RRP $3,699 (body only).