Panasonic GH6 Initial Review

The Panasonic GH6 is a massive upgrade over the now-legendary GH5. 5.7K/60P, 4K/120P and 100MP Handheld HiRes still are the headline features, but there's a lot more for us to talk about. Find out if this will become the DPReview TV camera of choice!
Check out our Panasonic Lumix GH6 sample gallery from this episode:
www.dpreview.com/sample-galle...
0:00 - Intro
1:15 - The sensor
2:42 - Burst Shooting
3:23 - Design and build quality
4:54 - Media and buffering
6:02 - Displays
6:44 - High resolution mode
9:03 - Stills autofocus performance
9:52 - Video record modes
14:31 - Assist tools
15:56 - Audio
17:10 - DR Boost
17:54 - Stabilization
18:31 - Video autofocus performance
20:52 - Who is the GH6 for?
Music provided by BeatSuite.com
www.beatsuite.com
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
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[@cameralabs]

You win the prize for best slow motion examples!

[@onnonugteren2935]

mwah

[@alhOOO2O]

Great review as always, but also I would have gladly watched 22 mins of Jordan shouting for Chris to hurry up

[@TheMrawesomest]

@18:46 the contrast between the sky and subject while maintaining details look gorgeous.

[@DGBomber]

The thing I was not expecting is that handheld Hi-Res mode that has twice the pixels of the OM-1 and can even process moving subjects, this makes me very hyped for the G9 successor

[@willhouse]

GX8 successor!!!

[@needles_balloon]

One of the prettiest camera reviews I've ever watched, Jordan really flexed his grading muscles on with the V-Log

[@Rosyna]

19:12 When Chris was just standing there, looking good, you can see the pulsing on the conifer on the left pretty noticeably on the 1/96th second video.

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out.

[@Madkeen6]

Man what a cold opening, I felt the chills of that freezing opening 😂

[@joeaddison]

Just got 95 notifications, the gh6 must have just been announced

[@nsbhagwat]

Thanks again for giving us a realistic (as always) review. The footage at 18:33 was dope. We love you Jordan.

[@SirBisgaard]

Agree! Love the composition of the shot.

[@CarlosVS]

Absolutely loved this video! Can't wait to on my hands on one of these.

[@seantomlinson3320]

Fascinating that this is more MP but not stacked. Interesting difference in the two new flagships.

[@falloficarus0128]

As a stills action/nature photographer Im sticking with my om-1 order but glad for the video guys this is a great camera to boost 4/3 in the photo industry

[@kophotograph1803]

Both, the OM-1 and GH6 show how good the MFT System can be. The cameras are fantastic. Hopefully Panasonic will announce a Lumix g9 Mkii or g10 as I m not into videography but more in photography. I want Dual Iso and a bit more Dynamic Range.

[@tamasvarga9862]

Dual iso is a video feature though. you can barely see any effect on photos. check dpreview studio comparison betwen gh5s and any other m43 camera. And yes, m43 cameras can be good, the problem is that the camera body is bigger than most full frame mirrorless and also costs as much. so it's no surprise they can be good...

[@thatcherfreeman]

The fact that Panasonic is using the same dynamic range boosting system as the Canon C70/C300mk3 and Arri cameras is really cool. I don't have any reason to buy the GH6, but I do want that technology in more cameras, and it seems like that's a serious possibility if multiple manufacturers are allowed to use it.

[@bearbearingston7696]

Great shots, Chris & Jordan, really showing as usual the pro/showbiz potential the gear has

[@kurtisoblak]

I've now come to learn that these fellows are the best reviewers on KZbin & The Web. 5 STARS!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

So funny to see all my KZbinrs drop the GH6 the same day! A dozen. Yours is the first I'm watching!

[@OMMIAMSalvation]

Seeing Panasonic nerf the GH6's photo capabilities and features gives me hope that Panasonic plan on doing a G9 mkII or a G10 photo-centric body. All I could ever want out of my G9 is a BIT more dynamic range and BIT more resolution, which this new sensor seems like it would be able to deliver.

[@denisrandomtech5822]

Amen to that!

[@paulanderson24]

This. I was considering either gh6 or OM1 as an all round hybrid but the gh6 is just too video centric for me and large. A gx10 or (dare I say it) pen f 2 with either of these sensors would be wonderful. I still adore my GX80

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Nothing like this new stuff, congratulations Jordan Drake this will make your day

[@GaryHughesOfficial]

Great job as always fellas!

[@peterrose5260]

Petition to get Chris to present a video like in the videotest. It made me giggle so much! Nice video as always, cheers

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@stuartriley]

Amazing capability and features. I am a M43 User and mostly like the photography side, but becoming more in videography too. Thanks to Chris and Jordan to making another great video and a learning session.

[@dpreview]

We've published the numbers here: www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dc-gh6-initial-review

[@-grey]

The QoL usability bits have convinced me for the first time to consider Panasonic as an option. I wasn't sold back when the hype got the GH4 happened, but I think if I was starting today, this would be a great video production choice.

[@dirkschannel5817]

Great video :-) as always. Looking forward to get my hands on a GH6 when it’s available.

[@peternavanac9310]

A balanced review, not overly denigrating because of autofocus. THANK YOU!

[@PeteBreen]

Colors look incredible on the footage - first thing that jumped out to me.

[@AlexandraStarr1974]

I don't care what cameras you review, I just love the chemistry between Chris and Jordan, as a brit, I approve of your dry humour 😃

[@bunmeng007]

MFT is back! Cant wait for what Fuji has in store for apsc!

[@touie98052]

Another great review as usual guys. Thank you. One observation though, the both of you talk like you don't stop to take a breath. It's like non-stop. I sense it's a competition between you to see whos gonna pause first. LOL.

[@umbro1893]

Just bought Lumix G91/90/95. love it !!!

[@GlennVanderbeke]

Great review, thanks!

[@thefilmplane.7787]

Great review of the GH6. but guys, it is so sad to see how these days photographers and videographers rely so much on auto everything, all I hear is "auto focus" "face detection" and it goes on and on, when I see photographers from the film days like Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, David Bailey, Mario Testino, etc. etc. I wonder, if they relied on auto everything, they would've never had a chance to be as famous as many movie star and celebrities as they were, in those days, photographers had to know what they were doing and use their brains and knowledge to get the job done. Well, keep up the automated good job!!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

I am definitely interested in the full review when you have the final production version in your hands. The improvement in the colors coming from the GH6 is quite dramatic and impressive. I think once we start seeing videos using the final release version of the GH6 it will be easier to make a decision on whether or not to pick one up.

[@80-80.]

Everyone jumps straight to the AF test.

[@watchandproduce]

Once again MFT cameras deliver superior IBIS. Amazing stability. I look forward to a detailed review and hope you talk about the time code support ideally using Tentacle Sync Track E / Sync E to demonstrate drift and if the Sync E’s need to be connected all the time.

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

Love it. Thanks.

[@MrJapanforce]

THE camera. I m in love with Panny!

[@jmcmedia9971]

Appreciate your insight. You answered a question I had... it does let you punch in to check focus while recording! That alone might make it worth the price of admission.

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@pgulysse1]

Jordan, Chris, We like DPReview... reviews. Cameras today are so full of features and it's a big learning experience to fully master a camera. Sometimes I feel that a lot of YT users are kind of confused about so many tools available and what to chose (Use case vs the right tool for the job). If you have time to make a video to explain the difference and suggest the right tool for the right job... That would be appreciated. Filmmaker, Moviemaker, Videomaker, KZbinr, Vlogger... Videos are getting very important but ... Vlogger is still different than Filmmaker... I think. I feel bad seeing people (vloggers) criticizing the Z9 for example over the tilting screen, come on! the Z9, R1, R3 are top of the line gears... I think the a ZV-1 is enough and inexpensive for most vloggers out there. R3 has a fully articulated screen, but most pros mainly use the EVF/OVF. I recently saw a YTber + Photographer who shoots only models, complaining about the full size body of the R3 he bought while having a R5. Why buying a R3 to shoot static objects? The R5 is enough… Most people shooting in studio with multiple bodies have external screens/recording monitors + multi camera monitor like yolobox, the fully articulated screen "controversy" is irrelevant and tiny, and it's unprofessional if you are not looking at the lens thus the viewers (I have Canon gears). You cannot shoot in studio and have fully articulated screen …in your face. A lot of filmmakers love to manual focus, to control... who needs AF and when? I feel some gearheads are giving bad time to makers, great tools, and years of R&D… probably because they are misinformed. I feel GH6 is targeting Moviemakers, Filmmakers, … OM1 more photographers… but both have videos and stills capabilities. Return on investment / Use case and the right tool for the job…

[@largerthanlife.camera9031]

Love Pana, they support very long with great firmware updates!!

[@grdprojekt]

18:34 that footage is absolutely beautiful

[@no-trick-pony]

The lighting at 18:50 looks incredible xD

[@ryansulak]

what im most impressed by is your absolutely fluid sentence at 5:10. I mean, you managed to remember all of your findings and rattled off tongue twisting sentences without stopping for like a minute straight. what the hell

[@spritual_enlightenment]

Thanks for video.

[@davedillahunt1183]

Nice homage to Camera Conspiracies auto focus test.

[@angeloregina]

Great review video. So AF is usable vlogging, run/gun and documentary style video.

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@gfxcosmotesport1221]

Thank you!!!

[@LucaBono.Studio]

I really hope they will add the punch in magnification feature, while recording, on the Lumix S cameras...thanks for the review!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@theRk1300]

You guys are F**king awesome.... ❤

[@TITAOSTEIN]

Great Review! For vídeo work the GH6 looks fantastic! But right now, in my opinion, the OM1 is the best hybrid MFT Camera option. Anyway, the new 25mp sensor, the dual gain, the high resolution capabilities (capable to capture movement!!!) are very impressive and I think that Panasonic should bring a G10 for the photo enthusiasts. A GX10 would be also very welcome if they could make it small, weather sealed, and for hybrid use. I think that 2022 definitively shows us the vitality of the MFT system. Right now we have two fantastic new sensors: a 25mp and a 20mp BSI stacked one! I believe that we will see a lot of people returning from Smartphones to Cameras choosing MFT, because of the overall size, capabilities and price.

[@dominic-ryan]

This! I'm really tempted by both the GH6 and OM1, but I think the OM1 might be the more attractive package. Still a hard sell though as ultimately the OM1 and GH6 are still full size cameras with a price to match. Only M43 camera I still own is the GX85. I would love it if either OM Systems or Panasonic could do a decent refresh on the OM-D E-M5 MkIII or GX95 as a tiny camera coupled with tiny lenses is something Full Frame cannot better.

[@konotoasita]

Dream camera❤️❤️

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!!

[@agenericaccount3935]

Those post produced crop-in talking head shots looked pretty good. Impressive.

[@Windeath1969]

Jordan's face after the snowball. Priceless.

[@WeebJail]

woulda loved to see some autofocus shots w ith lights in the background. mostly seems good but not a situation thatd be distracting. hopefully the full review can show this!

[@redpillcanucklofi]

Great review...very indepth! This was like reading the manual but more fun :) Do people even read manuals anymore though...lol. Great job on your video :)

[@manosgeorgakopoulos4190]

That was a great review. The best for gh6 i've seen so far. Really detailed and you adressed all critical improvements changes and what not. But I need to ask, since you seem the ones that really know whats up. Is there an option for a battery grip? It seems that the connector for that is missing. Maybe a design that hooks up to the battery compartment? Do you know anything about it?

[@hikingsteven7665]

Thanx love it so interesting

[@vic_the_roman]

They broke the 20MP barrier 🚧!!! 😎

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

Ya era hora. 😌

[@SD_Alias]

remember it is a mft sensor not 35mm…

[@MattParson]

Wow I must add the GH6 to my vastly growing camera collection.

[@OAK_MTN]

They finally put the hi-res mode on the drive mode dial! Nice

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@inspirefpv2383]

Amazing test, all my questions are answered... Was really hoping we would have great AF... Especially at 4k120.. damned... What about in HD240? Anyway it'll be a nice upgrade. I will be using gh6 with zooms and primes, and S5 with the lumix 1.8 primes, for my productions for at least the next couple of years. They are very complementary. VLog or Raw output depending the projects... Hope AF improves through AF. Now my gh5S has a successor, it is going to fly fast :-D

[@hawkkim1974]

very good cinematic camera!

[@WalkingHeadPro]

thought you guys were going to talk about the rolling shutter

[@michaelclark2144]

Very nice

[@amipal24]

The GH6 looks to be a very impressive camera indeed. Now we just need that sensor in a more photography-centred G9MkII, pretty please Panasonic!

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@phill8712]

This was a great initial impression. my g85 has been showing its age and I think the gh6 is going to find a new home, at my house. lol. For video you cant beat it. For photos the 100 megapixel mode is exactly what I would want for landscapes on a tripod. The auto focus looks pretty good especially for talking hes stuff or scenes where the subject is static! If there is going to be alot of complex movement it makes sense to use manual on any camera just to make sure you nail it. This camera is no exception but autofocus looks much improved.

[@user-bc2os7ct9o]

I watched this video from start to finish even though I am not planning to buy this camera🤔 I lauged a lot when Jordan was shouting "hurry up" it was hilarious.

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Does the GH6 have the 4k live cropping seen on the GH5?

[@dgstudioone]

@9:20 when he was running towards the camera I started screaming and running 😂😂😂😂😳😳😳 He look insane

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@NeoManyon]

Thank goodness they changed the waveform display, i love the new audio screen and that you can punch in for focus while recording! Be great to see manufacturers give a more accurate readout of battery life remaining, is three bars the best you can do? lol.

[@cooloox]

That AF system (for video) is a massive improvement over previous models. It was near flawless for the talking head shots.

[@CameraCombo]

Notice that he didn't have any lights or speculars in the background.

[@subrotoxing8214]

still sucks... go sony

[@SD_Alias]

@@subrotoxing8214 I do not use af. So i stay with my GH5. Sony sucks in ergonomics…

[@cooloox]

@@CameraCombo Yes, true, but the GH5 seemed to pulse all the time, generally. The GH6 is definitely better.

[@CameraCombo]

@@subrotoxing8214 Where exactly did it "suck" in this video?

[@thedankatheist3466]

It’s a discount S1H and I love it

[@nakinaki7991]

19:13 Chris imitating Kasey the camera conspiracy guy made me laugh! 😄

[@blankcanvastveurope]

Fantastic review guys thank you. The only thing I'd love to hear more about is the differences you see in sensors between an MFT and a full frame like the S1. I've been using the GH5 for over 5 years and its an absolute workhorse as you say, but somehow I feel the sensor still falls short of a full frame when it comes to more 'serious' work like printing photos for exhibition or cinematography. When we say they've added another 5 megapixels to this new sensor, what's the equivalent 'conversion' on its full frame older brother? Is a megapixel on a full frame camera really the same as a mega pixel on an MFT? This is where my confusion begins as you can see and I'd love to know your thoughts. Thanks again and keep it up guys!

[@DW_Underwater]

The new M43 cameras looks interesting. Any idea if they will be offering new macro prime lenses?

[@US4Sam]

Hey guys, one comparison that might be interesting for this HiRes feature is, comparing it to a normal single shot that was AI upscaled by e.g. the Lightroom AI upscaler. Because looking at both the single shot and the HiRes Shot it seemed like an AI upscaled version could be close

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!

[@did4h2k]

that camera with ff sensor and phase detection af - and because of that 700-1k more expensive - and i am sold. full quality 240 fps with audio -dreams!

[@jaffarbh]

I bet Panasonic will release G10 for M43 photographers later this year

[@vinividivici5642]

Can't wait

[@Russellhawker]

It won't be a G10 as that camera came out ten years ago.

[@jaffarbh]

@@Russellhawker Huh! Perhaps G10 Mark ii then :,-)

[@KD-lb9bg]

This is pushing me toward the OM-1 as I am primarily a stills photographer, but I’d love to see an update to the Panasonic G95 and even an updated GX9, but I think that M4/3 is transitioning to the flagship only game like much of the industry due to smartphones. Great video as always, thanks very much.

[@weizenobstmusli8232]

New sensors get released in flagship cameras. So there is the normal product cycle.

[@KD-lb9bg]

@@weizenobstmusli8232I’m referring to how long it’s been since their non-flagship cameras have been updated (hint, it’s been years, and I question whether they ever will be).

[@Vinterloft]

This is basically what I want the Fuji X-H2 to be when it's announced in may, just add 8K and a stacked BSI APS-C sensor and you have my money

[@DeepteshLovesTECH]

Plus 10 times better AF.

[@trym2121]

@@DeepteshLovesTECH woah, hey now. You're asking too much with 10x. Best we can give you is 1.1x

[@Vinterloft]

@@trym2121 Considering the X-S10 already has five times better AF than this it would require Fuji to go backwards But I'm bored of AF taking so much room in KZbin discussions. Only KZbinrs give a shit about AF. Real videographers use manual lenses.

[@1fareast14]

15:27 punch-in while rolling is huge!

[@NBPT428]

If the Winter Olympics had a snowball in the face competition, you guys would both be wearing gold medals. GH-6 overall looks impressive and along with the new OM-1 puts M 4/3 back in the game.... BUT.. I am making a wish that they come out with a less video centric version with the new sensor that goes back to the smaller/lighter but rugged body sizes.

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out.

[@MgarrKid]

An entertaining video, well done! Any news about the sensor manufacturer, from the way Chris described it, it seems to work like the Fairchild sensors used in the first Blackmagic cameras? Did Panasonic buy or copy the dual readout tech? To my knowledge only Fairchild and ARRI use it, and is completely different from Dual Gain.... at first glance highlight roll off looks fantastic, but that is probably due to Jordan's insane grading skills.

[@ishfaq2634]

Finally.. GH6 is out :)

[@ryanvacation7319]

I went directly to the video autofocus performance, hehe.

[@d4heinz]

Is that video autofocus performance test a reference to camera conspiracies? Love it!

[@Zimvg]

I just got my Gh6 and tried some video. a normal .mov file and it will not play in Quicktime. There are so many settings for video modes. Any ideas?

[@sebastienchateauvieux7149]

Thank you for this test. Like many other people I would have liked to see a small comparison between the OM-1 and the GH6. In video, no doubt that the GH6 is better, but in photography, and especially wildlife photography, what is it? the AF, the ISO....? Finally, the GH6 has a ventilation system, does it have a big impact on the tropicalization? (another point that may be in favor of the OM-1.

[@TimsWildlife]

What a great camera! It still seems a bit digital, or videoish, as compared to my pocket 4k though. So I personally would not call it the best MFT camera out there. If you need MFT, IBIS, autofocus and/or very high frame rates, go with the GH6. If you have a more pro work flow and require MFT, I would still go for the pocket 4K. Thanks for the video guys!

[@watchandproduce]

I agree that the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K four years after its release is still better for video than the GH6 but since Blackmagic won’t give us IBIS and a built in battery that lasts more than like 5 minutes. And I think that’s where my Blackmagic could use a companion MFT camera called the GH6 :) Especially now that it seems to support proper time code. Looking forward to that GH6 review. Long live MFT!

[@tr4x1ymus]

i see you switched to the DJI mic system from the rode, what are your experiences with it ? the camera is a beast (GH4 owner) but what this gives me is hype for the S1h successor, if they don't screw it up that seems like it's going to be the benchmark for cameras.

[@gilgoncalves2304]

I will sell my fujifilm xt4 now haha great review guys!

[@mvhan911]

Now that the GH6 is so impressive and there is no G9 II anounced it would be great if Panasonic would update G9 with firmware once again.

[@JeanV1986]

There is just so much they can do with a given processing power.

[@rustyroy5385]

Good to see they got rid of that terrible background pulsing when using C-AF in video. Once you notice it you can't un-see it.

[@is3commander]

Thanks for review! That autofocus is pointing me into new Olympus direction - I like Olympus pro lenses more than Panasonic too..

[@luuliiquiinteroo3017]

Congratulations 🎉 You have been selected as the random winner of the Panasonic GH6 Send me a message on WhatsApp via the above number so we can sort this out!!

[@tcechowski]

I bought a gh6 and I have a strange problem. Well, the recording on the card starts 2 seconds after pressing the shutter. Is it normal?

[@UATapik]

Can someone please tell me what bag is used in this video? Thank you.

[@pheljiwildz5346]

We should be able to take multiple high resolution stills and wait for all to be completed in camera …so a burst mode….now it can account for movement….(I feel I’m getting one of these.)😌🥳📷

[@TedTremendous]

AT 10:07 there appears to be fan noise in the audio or preamp noise from the mic, can you verify what this is from please - if from GH6 fan - thanks PS - the video throughout looks stunning, absolutely superb! The color pop on the bench at 1:30 is wow! The Face wobble of Jordan 12:20 at 300p is well worth it, very impressive.

[@dpreview]

That’s the fan from my Aputure COB 300 light. I didn’t hear any fan noise, even when running silent controlled tests. Jordan @ DPReview TV

[@TedTremendous]

@@dpreview 😌 phew.

[@foxtowercommunications]

Thumbs up for that cold play off the top! (Sorry, Jordan).