The LUMIX GH6, a Mirrorless Camera for the Next Generation of Content Creators

Panasonic is proud to introduce the new LUMIX GH6 - the latest flagship model of the LUMIX G Series digital mirrorless camera based on the Micro Four Thirds system standard. 

In 2009, Panasonic introduced the DMC-GH1, the first model in the LUMIX GH series, with a photo/video-hybrid concept. Since then, the GH series has evolved with innovative features demanded by users. Now, it’s celebrated by creators worldwide as a trusted tool thanks to its performance, mobility and rugged design. The LUMIX GH6 is the latest addition to the series that once again breaks the boundaries of digital mirrorless cameras.

By increasing the effective pixel count by more than 20%*¹, the new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor boasts high-resolution, high-speed signal readout and wide dynamic range. The new Venus Engine has also been upgraded with advanced image processing technologies to render high resolution images with low noise quality and rich color reproduction, which is a hallmark of LUMIX cameras. 

The LUMIX GH6 contains V-Log/V-Gamut for the first time in LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds cameras and provides 12+ stops, and even 13+ stops, of wide dynamic range using Dynamic Range Boost mode.*²

The new LUMIX GH6 has again evolved to produce 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p unlimited video recording time*³, 4:2:0 10-bit 4K120p, 4:2:2 10bit FHD 240p HFR (High Frame Rate) and FHD maximum 300fps VFR (Variable Frame Rate) to reproduce dynamic motion of the subject. In addition to 4:2:0 10-bit 5.7K 60p, 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K 30p  anamorphic 4:3 video can be recorded utilizing the full area of the sensor. It’s now possible to display de-squeezed anamorphic footage on the monitor in real-time. 5.7K 30p video recording is available in Apple ProRes 422 HQ for the first time in LUMIX cameras, which enables non-linear editing without transcoding. Extended recording time is made possible with LUMIX’s heat management technology.

Boasting 7.5 stops of powerful image stabilization with its Dual I.S.2 for agile handheld shooting, the LUMIX GH6 has adopted a new super high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with a new algorithm to achieve 7.5 stops of Body I.S.*⁴ and Dual I.S.2*⁵. It also offers a wide variety of recording formats, resolutions and framerates to choose from - depending on the purpose.

With expertise drawn from firsthand opinions, the LUMIX GH6 has been designed and developed to realize high quality video expression and workflow efficiency from setup to delivery, in addition to excellent picture performance and mobility. Together with a wide array of lens options, Panasonic is committed to leading the industry with creators who are seeking a new way to go beyond the limitations of creativity.

*1 In comparison with the sensor of the LUMIX GH5.
*2 Available in Creative Video mode only, Minimum ISO 800 in standard mode/ISO2000 in V-Log/HLG. 
*3 Under the guaranteed operating environment. When using a battery. The recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the recording media.
*4 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=120mm), when H-ES12060 is used.
*5 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FS14140 is used.

1. State-of-the-art technologies further enhance video quality

Panasonic has developed a new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor without LPF (Low-pass Filter) that boasts high resolution, high-speed signal readout that reduces the rolling shutter problem and achieves wide dynamic range. The new Venus Engine delivers approximately twice the processing power*¹, enabling high-speed processing of the new sensor's higher pixel counts and higher-resolution, higher-bit-rate video. It has evolved with three key technologies – New Intelligent Detail Processing, New 2D Noise Reduction, and High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video. The new Intelligent Detail Processing detects the flat part, detailed part and edge part in a frame more accurately to realize a highly realistic image. The new 2D Noise Reduction suppresses chromatic noise and improves the texture of luminance noise to make photos clear and natural even when shot at high sensitivity. With the High Precision 3D Noise Reduction for video, the detection capability of still parts and moving parts has been advanced, which makes it possible to optimize noise reduction while minimizing afterimages. As a result, the image quality of video with dynamic motion is enhanced. In addition, high-precision Dual 3D Color Control enhances color reproduction by brightness level, saturation level and hue level for rich, faithful color expression.

The combination of the new advanced sensor with the enhanced saturation performance and engine makes it possible to render clearer images, even in 25.2-megapixel high resolution and lower minimum ISO sensitivity at ISO 100 [Photo: ISO 50(Extended) - 25600 / Video: ISO 50(Extended) -12800]. 

Dynamic range measures the luminance range that a digital camera can capture. The LUMIX GH6 provides 12+ stops of wide dynamic range for pre-installed V-Log recording capability. Even 13+ stops can be achieved using Dynamic Range Boost mode*². Using the new Dynamic Range Boost mode, a saturation-priority image generated from the low ISO circuit and a low noise image generated from the high ISO circuit are synthesized at each pixel. The composite image realizes both low noise and high saturation, resulting in a clear and smooth HDR video with rich gradation. 

For agile handheld shooting, the LUMIX GH6 has adopted a new super high-precision 5-axis gyro sensor with a new algorithm to achieve 7.5 stops of Body I.S.*³ and Dual I.S.2*⁴. Thanks to this powerful image stabilization, even 100-megapixel high resolution images can be shot using the High Resolution mode without a tripod. In High Resolution mode, eight consecutive images are automatically shot while shifting the sensor using the Body I.S. (Image Stabilizer) mechanism and then  composited into a 100-megapixel equivalent (11552 x 8672-pixel) image that faithfully reproduces precise details to produce  a beautiful, highly realistic result not only in RAW but also in JPEG. With its high mobility achieved by the compact, lightweight design and powerful Body I.S., this LUMIX G Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera makes shooting what was impossible in the past, such as handheld ultra telephoto shooting, possible. The 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 also works for video recording, including 4K video to record natural, video footage without the shakes. It applies the appropriate compensation according to the type of movement by precisely judging the cause – whether it was generated by panning, tilting or hand-shake. The B.I.S. compensates for camera movement even when an interchangeable lens without O.I.S. (e.g. a cine lens) is used.

*1 In comparison with DC-S1H
*2 Available in Creative Video mode only, minimum ISO2000 in V-Log/HLG. 
*3 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=120mm), when H-ES12060 is used.
*4 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FS14140 is used.

2. Professional-quality video performance for unlimited expression

The LUMIX GH Series has created an epoch industrial sensation by achieving outstanding video recording performance with advanced features that meet professional quality levels and standards. The new LUMIX GH6 has evolved to achieve 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p unlimited video recording time*¹. 4:2:0 10-bit 4K120p (Equivalent to 5x slow motion*²) and 4:2:2 10-bit FHD 240p HFR (High Frame Rate) video recording with audio is also available to enable creative expression such as speed ramping.  FHD maximum 300fps (Equivalent to 12.5x slow motion*²) VFR (Variable Frame Rate) allows the user to reproduce dynamic motion of the subject.

In addition to 4:2:0 10-bit 5.7K 60p, 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K 30p (4.4K 60p) anamorphic 4:3 video can be recorded utilizing the full area of the sensor. It is possible to display the de-squeezed footage on the monitor in real time. 5.7K 30p internal video recording is available in ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 for the first time in the LUMIX series using the CFexpress Type B card, which enables non-linear editing without transcoding. DCI4K and FHD ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 will also be supported with a future firmware update.
 
The LUMIX GH6 also achieves 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p internal recording as well as simultaneous output in 4:2:2 10-bit C4K 60p over HDMI. Since it is HDMI 2.1 compliant, it will support C4K 120p HDMI video output with a future firmware update. Moreover, capability of C4K 120p RAW output to Atomos Ninja V+ monitor recorder over HDMI 2.0, is under development, which will also be available with a future firmware update.

The LUMIX GH6 contains V-Log/V-Gamut capture to deliver a high dynamic range and broad color spectrum. V-Log renders a very flat image while maintaining all the color information within the image. This means that there is a greater level of play when the images are put through post-production processes. The Live MOS sensor of the LUMIX GH6 achieves a wide color gamut known as V-Gamut, which is the GH6’s optimum color space and achieves a color space that is wider than BT.2020. V-Log has log curve characteristics that are somewhat reminiscent of negative film and V-Gamut delivers a color space even larger than film. 

The LUMIX GH6 imports the renowned colorimetry of the VariCam lineup of cinema cameras. V709 LUT (Look Up Table) with Rec.709 standard is available in the camera by default. It’s possible to see the video footage with a LUT applied, not only in live view but also in playback with the V-Log View Assist function. In addition to the conventional .vlt,.cube 3D LUT can be also applied.

The LUMIX GH6 offers a host of practical features. There are a variety of settings in Photo Style including different Cinelike gamma presets. “Cinelike D2” and “Cinelike V2” have similar gamma setting characteristics for film production. In response to requests from professional users, video assist functions such as Waveform Monitor, Zebra Pattern, Luminance Spot Meter, Frame Marker, Anamorphic Desqueeze Display, Red REC Frame Indicator and Tally lamps are available. What’s new on the LUMIX GH6 is Safety Zone Marker, which shows a guide of 95%, 90% or 80% recording area to secure a safety zone for the composition and for the subtitles. Center Marker now allows you to choose the type of the marker. In Color Temperature Setting, the kelvin values can now be displayed on the recording screen. By using both a XLR microphone connected via the XLR Microphone Adaptor DMW-XLR1 (Ch1 Ch2) and built-in microphone (Ch3, Ch4), 48/96kHz 24-bit high-res audio can be recorded*³. Users can combine several types of external microphones that fit the recording situation such as outdoor interviews where the voice of the speakers and ambient sound need to be recorded. The channel to use for the headphone can be switched during video recording and audio menus can be directly accessed with the Fn1 button on the camera top for easy sound level check during 4-channel audio recording. For the external microphone, a Φ3.5mm stereo jack is provided.

4K 60p Time Lapse videos can also be produced inside the camera. With the Exposure Leveling function, the exposure is automatically adjusted to prevent large changes in brightness between adjacent frames to produce evenly exposed time lapse footage. 

USB host capability will be added with a future firmware update, making it possible to write the data directly to the SSD.

*1 Under the guaranteed operating environment. When using a battery. The recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the recording media.
*2 In 24p
*3 4-channel audio recording is available in ProRes and MOV.

3. Agile mobility and smart operation for professional use

With the new sensor and the new image processing engine, auto focus performance of the LUMIX GH6 has been improved. Due to higher speed signal processing by the new image processor and improved AF algorithm, subject detection performance has been dramatically enhanced to achieve higher precision AF. 

To support high precision focusing, the LUMIX GH6 provides practical options for manual focusing. While focus is shifted with variable amounts (according to the rotation speed of the focus ring for non-linear setting), it’s shifted with a designated amount according to the rotational quantum of the focus ring for linear setting. Sensitivity (amount of focus shift per rotational quantum) can be selected from 90 to 360 degrees by 30-degrees to enable intended focus operation. The MF Assist, which enables the focus point to be enlarged, is now available not only in photo shooting but also in video recording*¹.

The LUMIX GH6 is capable of high-speed burst shooting at 14 (AFS) / 8 (AFC) fps with a mechanical shutter and 75 fps with an electronic shutter.

The LUMIX GH6 adopts the 3.0-inch free-angle touch-control monitor in 3:2 aspect with 1,840K-dot high resolution. It does not cause interference even when both the HDMI cable and USB cable are connected by adjusting the tilt/rotation angle of the monitor. A large, 3,680K-dot OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder) features a high magnification ratio of approx. 1.52x / 0.76x (35mm camera equivalent).

*1 Up to 60p. Does not work in Variable Frame Rate mode.

4. Reliable quality and performance for professional use and connectivity

Overheating is a fatal issue to continuous video recording especially when the resolution and the frame rates are increased but the LUMIX GH6 achieves unlimited video recording time*¹ in C4K 60p 4:2:2 10-bit by optimizing the heat dissipating path with a forced-cooling mechanism and allows video recording of VFR/HFR, ProRes and high resolution footage exceeding 4K for an extended time.

In order to make the GH6 tough enough to withstand even heavy field use, it’s composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash-resistant*² but dust-resistant and freeze-resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius. The shutter unit is also durable for approx. 200,000 cycles. The Rec button is located on both the top and front of the camera, which makes it easy to start and stop recording even when shooting at a low angle or with a shoulder rig. 

The LUMIX GH6 is equipped with dual card slots. The CFexpress card (Type B) supports internal recording of high bitrate video at 800Mbps or more including 5.7K 30p ProRes 422 HQ and C4K 60p ALL-I. The SD Memory Card UHS II V90 supports internal recording of video at 600Mbps or less and it is also possible to choose the recording method from Relay Recording, Backup Recording, Allocation Recording using both SD Memory Card and CFexpress Card. 

For the terminal, HDMI Type A is provided. Plus, a cable lock holder for the HDMI/USB cable is bundled to prevent issues such as unplugging on location. The LUMIX GH6 supports USB 3.2 Gen 2 for high-speed writing and readout. The 2200mAh high-capacity battery, DMWBLK22, can be recharged either via AC or USB for the users’ convenience. It also complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) when the corresponding Battery Charger DMW-BTC15 (sold separately) is used. The LUMIX GH6 is also compatible with Time Code IN/OUT synchronization through the flash synchro terminal and bundled BNC converter cable with BNC cable. This makes the non-linear editing of footage shot with multiple cameras easy.

Wi-Fi 5 GHz (IEEE802.11ac)*³ is included, in addition to 2.4 GHz (IEEE802.11b/g/n). This provides a secure and stable connection not only with a smartphone/tablet but also with other devices on location for smooth remote control. The transmission speed of photo/video data is also increased by using the 5 GHz band. Compatibility with Bluetooth 5.0 (called BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy) enables constant connection with a smartphone or tablet with minimum power consumption. The settings of a LUMIX GH6 camera can also be copied and transmitted wirelessly to other GH6 cameras when using multiple GH6 cameras. The LUMIX Sync application for iOS/Android devices allows remote control of the camera using a smartphone or a tablet via easy wireless connection. In addition to wireless control via a Remote Shutter DMW-RS2 (sold separately), the free LUMIX Tether software enables tethered shooting via USB. Users can control the camera by connecting it to a PC via USB. It lets them view the image on a large PC screen while shooting.

*1 Under the guaranteed operating environment. When using a battery. The recording time depends on the capacity of the battery and the recording media.
*2 Splash Resistant is a term used to describe an extra level of protection this camera offers against exposure to a minimal amount of moisture, water or dust. Splash Resistant does not guarantee that damage will not occur if this camera is subjected to direct contact with water.
*3 5GHz Wi-Fi is not available in some countries.

5. A wide variety of LUMIX G lenses – Exclusively designed for Micro Four Thirds camera

The Panasonic LUMIX G Series boasts a total lineup of 30 Micro Four Thirds lenses to suit all types of needs. Among these lenses, the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm / F1.7 ASPH. (HX-1025) and the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 25-50mm / F1.7 ASPH. (H-X2550) zoom lenses features full-range F1.7 large aperture and are favored by professional film creators as well as other single-focal- length F1.7 or F2.8 lenses. In addition, the LUMIX GH6 memorizes the name and its focal length of analog lenses such as anamorphic lenses or old lenses to provide the suitable setting of the camera’s in-body image stabilizer automatically when those lenses are used.

In order to fully optimize all of the features of the LUMIX GH6, Panasonic has reviewed and updated the firmware of its lenses. It will be possible to control AF operation by pressing the shutter button halfway, or by pressing the AF-ON button, when [200.00p] is set in high frame rate video mode when H-E08018/H-X1025/H-X2550/H-ES12060/H-ES50200/H-RS100400/H-XA025/H-ES200/H-HSA12035/H-FS12060/H-HSA35100/H-FSA45200/H-FSA100300 lenses are used. The H-NS043/H-X012/H-X015 lenses will follow these updates and will also have Focus Ring Control and improved AF performance in in 24.00p/23.98p mode. The firmware update of the H-NS043/H-X012/H-X015 is scheduled on March 1st, 2022.

* For more information on the lens’ firmware update, please refer to
https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/download/index.html

6. Future firmware update

To enhance the performance of GH6, the functions below will be available with future firmware updates fulfilling the needs of our customers. 

• DCI4K ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes  422
• FHD ProRes 422 HQ / ProRes 422
• USB-SSD direct recording
• 4K 120p HDMI Video output during Live View
• DCI 4K 120p HDMI RAW Video Data Output to ATOMOS Ninja V+

 • Micro Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of OM Digital Solutions Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.
• Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
• ATOMOS / Ninja V are registered trademarks of ATOMOS Limited.
• Android and Google Play are trademarks or registered trademarks of Google Inc.
• iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.
• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth.
    SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license.
    Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
• ”Wi-Fi®” is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.
• The CFexpress Ver2.0 Type B is a trademark licensed by the CompactFlash Association.
• SDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
• The terms HDMI and HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing, LLC in the United States and other countries.
• The USB-IF Logos are trademarks of USB Implementers Forum, Inc.
• Other names, company names, product names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of the companies concerned.
• Specifications are subject to change without notice.

 About Panasonic Canada Inc.
Panasonic Canada Inc., a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America is committed to creating a better life and a better world by enabling its business-to-business customers through innovations in Sustainable Energy, Immersive Entertainment, Integrated Supply Chains and Mobility Solutions. One of Interbrand’s Top 100 Best Global Brands of 2021, Panasonic is a leading technology partner and integrator to businesses, government agencies and consumers across the region. Learn more about Panasonic’s ideas and innovations at http://www.panasonic.com/.

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