Panasonic G6 Review: WiFi connectivity and enhanced video features

The mirrorless system camera G5 was replaced by a successor, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6, by Panasonic. It features WiFi communication and advanced video features. Panasonic has also been able to improve the efficiency of noise reduction, so that the 16-megapixel sensor now allows a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600. The continuous shooting rate has also been increased, and the autofocus should now focus even faster. They have also improved the electronic viewfinder, which now displays a contrast ratio of 10,000:1.

Brief assessment

Pros

• Very good manual focus (including focus peaking)
• Many possibilities for individualisation
• Ordinary image quality (up to ISO 3,200)
• Good OLED-based EVF

Cons

• Slightly limited flash functions
• Less effective HDR function
• Image quality collapses beyond ISO 3,200
• High risk of operating errors due to smooth-running, poorly arranged keys

 

The Panasonic Lumix G6 is a handy system camera weighing just under 400 grams (without lens). [Photo: Panasonic]

With the Lumix G6, Panasonic wants to refresh the middle class of its own system camera family without immediately revolutionizing it completely. Compared to its predecessor, details have been improved above all, but by no means too little. The 16-megapixel sensor, on the other hand, has remained the same, although Panasonic has now given it a higher maximum sensitivity. A completely new addition is the WiFi capability of the G6, including Near Field Communication (NFC) for fast networking of the camera with a partner device. The Lumix G6 had to prove in extensive practical use and with the testing software, how much the many small changes and innovations have actually improved the camera.

So as I was saying, Panasonic presents the Lumix DMC-G6, the successor model of the mirrorless system camera G5. Panasonic has improved and developed the G6 in many details. Although it remains at a sensor resolution of around 16 megapixels, the G6 allows a maximum sensitivity of ISO 25,600 thanks to an improved image processor. Thereby, a two-stage noise reduction is supposed to make sure that the finest image details are still reproduced naturally even at high ISO values. Panasonic also wants to improve the dynamic range as well as the processing of high-contrast images and thus avoid incoming shadows and burning out lights even more reliably. The autofocus evaluates the image with a frequency of 240 Hz and is supposed to focus even faster. As with the previous models, the focus can be placed on the desired part of the motif with a fingertip on the touch display. A new feature of the G6 is the possibility to specify the spot field for exposure metering at the same time – this makes it easy to adjust the exposure to the desired part of the subject. Those who focus manually will benefit from the fact that the G6 now also masters focus peaking (on the monitor or in the viewfinder, sharp contrast edges are highlighted).

Like the top model GH3, the Lumix G6 now records Full HD videos at 50 full frames per second (50p). In addition, it allows individual settings of the exposure time or aperture value in the P, A, S and M modes. If desired, the G6 can adjust the focus during video shooting, whereby the focus can be shifted to a different position at the touch of a finger on the display. The 4.8x digital zoom can replace an expensive telephoto lens when shooting video, with no visible deterioration in video image quality, according to Panasonic. In addition, the G6 can be used to record animated films using the stop-motion method, but the interval automatic function also works when taking photographs. The G6 records film sound in stereo; alternatively, it can be equipped with an external stereo microphone via a jack socket.

 

The new OLED viewfinder provides a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. [Photo: Panasonic]

Like the Lumix LF1, the G6 offers clever possibilities for WiFi communication. This includes support for “near-field communication”, which automatically connects two devices as soon as they are “tabbed” together. Once the G6 makes contact with a smartphone, tablet or WiFi router, it automatically streams its recordings to the connected device. In addition, the G6 can be remote controlled via the free “Panasonic Image App” (available for Android and iOS). Pansonic has also improved the viewfinder comfort: although the EVF resolution remains unchanged at around 1.4 million pixels, it can now display a contrast range of 10,000:1. Panasonic has also significantly increased the frame rate of the electronic viewfinder, so that the viewfinder image is now even smoother and less susceptible to smearing effects. The rear display has a resolution of 1,036,000 pixels, which is even higher than that of its predecessor and can be folded out and turned away from the camera without any changes. Thanks to a cover glass that sits directly on the LCD panel, the display should be much less susceptible to reflections. A new lever directly on the shutter release conveniently controls exposure or aperture and, in conjunction with a power zoom lens, can even adjust the focal length.

The Lumix G6 is packed with recording features, including 22 scene modes and 20 creative filters – most of which also work when recording video. No less than seven function keys can be freely programmed. The continuous shooting speed is a respectable 7 frames per second and is not limited to a certain number of shots when recorded in JPEG format. The Lumix G6 weighs just under 400 grams when ready for use but without the lens. One battery charge is sufficient for a maximum of 350 shots. The camera is available since June 2013 in black and titanium silver.

On the touch display not only the focus point can be set, but also the spot measuring field. [Photo: Panasonic]

Ergonomics and Workmanship

Panasonic’s G-Series mirrorless system cameras have always come in the guise of a DSLR – but they’re smaller and lighter. The new G6 weighs less than 400 grams when ready for use (but without lens) – no DSLR is that light. There, one generously overlooks that Panasonic has visibly and noticeably tailored a plastic dress to the camera. Especially as the G6 offers a secure grip thanks to its well-proportioned handle. However, one should not grip too tightly – not because the case would then protest crackling and creaking; no, it also survives a firm grip with stoic calm. Instead, the thumb and the ball of the thumb inevitably press one or more of the function buttons on the right side of the camera back. Especially the display button has been so miserably placed under the thumb by Panasonic that it’s almost always pressed unintentionally. This problem is certainly exacerbated by the fact that the tiny buttons react to even the slightest pressure. That’s a real pity, because Panasonic has equipped the G6 with five freely programmable function keys (for almost 40 functions!). Incidentally, Panasonic has solved the programming with the desired function very cleverly: The G6 displays a graphic in which legends show the current assignment of the Fn keys. A fingertip on a legend is sufficient to change the assignment of the respective function key. If the variety of Fn buttons is not enough, you can also save two different camera setups – they can be conveniently accessed via the generous mode dial.

The thumbwheel also left an ambivalent impression. It runs nice and tight and can also be pressed to change the function. But it also lies quite low on the camera back, so that the thumb has to be twisted quite a bit to reach it. Thanks to the clever double assignment, Panasonic saves a second dial for the index finger. It is replaced by a zoom rocker, which in fact adjusts the focal length as you would expect from a compact camera – but this requires a power zoom lens to be attached to the G6. If, on the other hand, the G6 is equipped with a conventional zoom lens without motor drive, the rocker controls the exposure compensation. As with the buttons on the back, it reacts much too sensitively – a series of incorrectly exposed images in the first few days of testing was the result. After all, the rocker can be permanently assigned to the zoom function, the exposure compensation is then reserved for the thumbwheel.

A new lever behind the shutter release controls either exposure, aperture or, with a power zoom lens, focal length. [Photo: Panasonic]

Panasonic has divided the main menu into five long lists in which you have to laboriously scroll through to find the desired command. Fortunately, a trip to this main menu is rarely necessary, as the G6 offers a quick menu for the most important settings. And this can be operated really quickly, as the Lumix G6, like its predecessors, has a touch screen – and now a capacitive touch screen. This technology already reacts to light touch and also allows gesture control. On the other hand, a capacitive touch screen cannot be operated with gloves – but this should usually be bearable. In any case, touch screen operation has proven itself in practice – even the focus point can be set with a fingertip. If you use the three-inch display for image control before or after the shot, it will convince you with its very high resolution of over a million pixels, natural color reproduction and a decent maximum brightness. The display is mounted on the left side of the case in a rotatable and tiltable way, as it has been common in the G-series for a long time. Alternatively, the G6 offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF), now based on OLED technology, which has been significantly improved. It also has a very fine resolution (1.44 million pixels) and displays movements smoothly – for example when the camera is panned. The latter, however, only applies under good lighting conditions. In dim light, the EVF reacts very sluggishly to movements that appear choppy. After all, the viewfinder hardly makes any noise even under adverse lighting conditions and always impresses with its neutral color rendition.

The connection terminal of the G6 is hidden under a plastic flap, which is only held by a plastic tab. It consists of an HDMI and analogue microphone connection as well as a multifunctional USB socket. Via the latter, the G6 also outputs conventional AV signals and makes contact with a wired remote control. Memory card and battery are fed from below, but their cover is so close to the tripod thread that the compartment is no longer accessible when the tripod plate is attached. The tripod thread lies in the optical axis, which makes the G6 ideal for panoramic photos. The capacity of the battery is sufficient for approximately 350 photographies (measured according to the CIPA standard), thus for longer photo tours it is better to have a fresh spare battery with one. By the way, it can be charged without any problems while the camera is on the move – Panasonic includes a proper charger with the Lumix G6.

 

The 16-megapixel sensor now allows a maximum ISO 25,600 thanks to improved image processing [Photo: Panasonic]

Equipment And Features

Panasonic has never been stingy with the features of the Lumix G series – the G6 remains true to this line. For those who simply want to shoot light-heartedly, the G6 has two intelligent fully automatic modes. The “Intelligent Auto” function relieves the photographer of any decision, while the “Intelligent Auto Plus” function allows exposure, white balance and depth of field to be adjusted. In addition, there are well over 20 scene mode programs, so that the G6 can also be adjusted to special wishes such as “Soft picture of a flower”, “Delicious dessert” or “Soft backlight” with just one movement of the hand. In addition, there are 18 alienation possibilities from “Retro” to “Impressive” to the inevitable “miniature” effect. There are also a few special programs for special shooting situations. These include a panorama mode in which the camera records a widescreen image while panning over the scene. Or an HDR automatic, which combines several differently exposed shots into one image with good dynamics in high-contrast scenes. However, the HDR function proved to be not quite as effective in the test as, for example, Sony cameras. Although Panasonic also improves the drawing in the highlights, the depths could be differentiated even more finely.

Those who prefer to configure the Lumix G6 themselves according to their own wishes will find practically every possible setting that they can imagine. It’s easier to list what she can’t do. If the G6 is a bit tight, then perhaps the flash functions. Here, the possibility to flash on the second curtain is missing, and the camera also does not understand the short sync.

What’s much more impressive is the new functions Panasonic has given the G6 on its way. WiFi connectivity stands out in particular. The G6 can connect to a wireless network and then send new recordings directly to another device on the network, such as a smartphone or a compatible TV. For this purpose, the free “Panasonic Image App” is required on the mobile device, which is available for Android and iOS. But the app can do even more: it allows the G6 to be remotely controlled, with ISO number or exposure correction, for example, being preset via mobile device. In addition, a G6 connected to the smartphone transfers the GPS data from the mobile phone to the recordings – Panasonic is happy to see that the camera does without its own energy-hungry GPS module. The WiFi function of the G6 is particularly practical because the camera can also handle “Near Field Communication” (NFC). If the partner device is also equipped with NFC, it is sufficient to hold both devices together to establish contact – the cumbersome entry of SSID and password in the camera is then no longer necessary.

But back to the photographic functions of the G6, which are, as I said, quite lavish. For example, the exposure correction: it has a very wide control range of +/- 5 EV. And with exposure series, the Lumix G6 records up to seven images with a maximum spread of 1 EV – which is also significantly more than usual. The G6 is very fast when it takes serial photos: it achieves 7.3 photos per second (fps) in JPEG shots, and 6.5 fps in RAW. However, it can only maintain this high speed for 13 JPEG and seven RAW shots, and then it continues at an extremely leisurely pace: in endurance mode the G6 only achieves a meager 1.4 fps (JPEG) and 0.7 fps (RAW). When shooting at the highest continuous shooting rate, the viewfinder briefly shows the last shot instead of the live image – if there are people dragging along, the subject easily moves out of the frame. At reduced continuous-advance, the live view image appears in the viewfinder, but with pronounced dark phases between exposures.

The video functions of the G6 are right up to date. It films in Full HD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) at a maximum rate of 50 full frames per second (50p). Storing is either in compressed AVCHD format or optionally as MP4. The G6 records the sound with its integrated stereo microphone, but it also offers a jack socket for connecting an external microphone. The camera tracks the focus during video recording, either fully automatically or on demand when the shutter release button is pressed. It is also nice that during the video shoot photos can still be taken, but only in reduced resolution. When shooting with a power zoom – such as the Vario PZ 14-42 mm F 3.5-5.6 ASPH or the PZ 45-175 mm / F 4.0-5.6 ASPH – the zoom lever of the G6 adjusts the focal length particularly sensitively.

Panasonic has added what appears at first glance to be a clever retouching function to the G6 in playback mode: In order to remove disturbing picture elements, it is basically sufficient to select them on the touch screen. In practice, however, retouching suffers from the fact that only very small image areas can be marked. Thus the power wires disappear from a landscape photograph, but not a tourist who has faked his way into the picture. Apart from that, the G6 offers a lot of playback and editing functions, but the possibility to develop RAW recordings is in vain.

Seven freely assignable buttons allow the Lumix G6 to be highly customizable. [Photo: Panasonic]

Lens

In practical use, we had the Lumix G6 with the zoom lenses Vario 14-42mm F 3.5-5.6 ASPH. O.I.S. and Vario 45-150mm 1:4.0-5.6 O.I.S. In terms of 35mm, this duo covers a focal length range from 28 to 300 millimetres without taking up much space in the photo bag (including the camera). With both lenses the G6 is offered in a double kit, but it is also available as a set with only the 14-42, which is the lens that the camera had to undergo the lab test of digitalkamera.de (more about this in the section “Image Quality”). The lens is stabilized, so it helps to avoid blurred images and provides a pleasantly steady viewfinder image. It is composed of twelve lens elements in nine groups and has seven aperture blades. The closest focusing distance is 30 centimetres.

Although the key data of the set lens do not promise any outstanding features, it cuts a fine figure in practice on the G6: the camera focuses and releases in around 0.3 seconds – and proves to be just as fast as a good DSLR. A little trick will certainly help her here: The AF is permanently in operation and adjusts the sharpness roughly. When the shutter-release button is touched or pressed all the way down, the G6 only needs to fine-tune the focus. If desired, the focus can also be adjusted manually, whereby the focus ring on the lens merely transmits control signals (focus by wire). Nevertheless, this works surprisingly well. Firstly, the G6 displays a distance scale on the display or viewfinder when focusing manually. There is also a focus magnifier which is very easy to set up. The enlarged image section can be easily moved with the four-way rocker switch, the magnification factor is controlled with the rear control dial. The crowning glory of all this is the focus peaking function: it marks contrast edges in the focal plane in cyan – in conjunction with the focus magnifier, the sharpness can be adjusted manually with pinpoint accuracy and, above all, quickly and easily to the desired part of the image.

If you prefer to leave the focusing to the camera, the Lumix G6 offers a wide range of options. This allows the focus to be placed on one of 23 zones in the image, and the touch display is particularly easy to operate with a fingertip. The camera also offers a tracking AF that works surprisingly well. In the short test, when the camera was panned from near to far at medium continuous shooting speed, only one of the shots in the distance was not quite in focus before the AF had found its target. If the ambient light is not sufficient, an orange auxiliary light assists the autofocus, which then takes noticeably longer. After all, AF is now much more sensitive to light than its predecessor, with a sensitivity range from -3 EV to 18 EV.

Image quality

As far as the sensor is concerned, Panasonic has left everything as it was with the G6. Thus, it remains with an image converter in the Four-Thirds format that has a resolution of 18 megapixels, but of which only approximately 16 megapixels are effectively used. Thus, the pixel density is already quite high, as the sensor only has a quarter of the area of a 35mm film (with APS-C it is still 44 percent). Nevertheless, Panasonic has increased ISO sensitivity by a whole aperture stop compared to its predecessor, and it now reaches up to ISO 25,600 on the G6.

It is hardly surprising that the price-optimized set lens Lumix G Vario 14-42 mm 3.5-5.6 Asph. OIS cannot fully exploit the potential of the high-resolution sensor. With a maximum of 43.2 line pairs per millimetre (lp/mm), it only displays moderately detailed images. The lens achieves its maximum resolution already at F5.6 in wide angle position, due to the relatively small sensor, diffraction effects at a smaller aperture let the resolution already decrease. In telescopic position it proves to be less detailed, with a maximum of 37 lp/mm at F8. Like almost all price-optimized zoom lenses, the resolution performance at the edge of the image is also significantly worse than in the center, in some cases the resolution drops by more than 20 percent. The edge dimming is also somewhat pronounced with an open aperture in the wide-angle range, but stopped down to F5.6 the vignetting is hardly noticeable over the entire focal length range. The distortion is also still fine, only at the outermost corners of the image straight lines are visibly bent in nature. Colour fringes on contrasting edges also remain within limits, and Panasonic has chromatic aberrations well under control.

The fact that the shots taken with the G6 do not appear quite as detailed as the sheer measured values would suggest is partly due to the somewhat researched image processing. The camera sharpens the image, which means that sharpness artifacts are somewhat pronounced. As long as the photos are to be printed without further processing, that’s fine – but if you want to optimize your photos, it’s better to record in RAW. The RAW format also offers the possibility to match noise reduction and detail even better than the internal image processing of the Lumix G6. This is because it comes at the price of an exemplary signal-to-noise ratio of more than 35 dB up to ISO 3,200, with a loss of texture sharpness that increases from ISO 200. After all, colour and luminance noise remain at a pleasingly low level up to ISO 3.200, but then they increase dramatically. But that’s not the only reason why you shouldn’t expect the G6 to have higher ISO values if you need to take pictures that are not just postcard-sized. This is because the input dynamic range is already somewhat limited at ISO 3.200 with 8.8 EV, and the images appear flat and low in contrast. The G6 isn’t a dynamic miracle at all, although it is quite impressive with an input dynamic of just under 10 EV up to ISO 800.

The G6 handles color reproduction in a particular way. Cyan tones shift it slightly towards magenta, orange becomes strongly saturated. Thus, the images appear rather warm than cool, which in itself is not a disadvantage. Overall, the measurement of the color deviation shows somewhat high values, but there are no perceptible color distortions. The white balance, on the other hand, works very accurately, and the actual color depth is very high up to ISO 3,200. The bottom line is that the image quality of the Panasonic Lumix G6 is very good up to ISO 3,200. But the ISO 25.600 that is now possible should really only be expected of it in an extreme emergency, as the camera is overstrained with the maximum sensitivity, both metrologically and in terms of looking at the photos.

Conclusion

With the Lumix G6, Panasonic presents a successor to the G5, which has been improved in many details and has received some new interesting functions. The OLED viewfinder made a good impression in practical use, and the now multitouch-capable display also made a good impression. Despite its wide range of functions, the G6 can be operated quickly, thanks to the touch screen and five freely configurable function keys. However, Panasonic has arranged some of the buttons on the camera’s back in such an unfortunate way that there were always unintentional operating errors – here, the next model should urgently be improved. Another new feature is the possibility of integrating the G6 into a local network via WiFi; thanks to NFC, contacting the partner device is particularly easy. The image quality of the G6 is up to date, its 18-megapixel sensor in Micro-Four-Thirds format delivers decent results up to ISO 3,200. Also the imaging performance of the set lens is ok, only its resolving power is a bit weak. The G6 is recommended as a small and lightweight alternative to a DSLR, which it is not inferior to in terms of AF speed, and even outstrips when shooting video.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 Datasheet