Sixth element. Review of the Panasonic Lumix G6 system camera. System camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6H Kit Black Lenses for panasonic g6

The LUMIX G6 is the next generation of digital mirrorless cameras with incredible portability for even higher-quality photos and videos.

April 24, 2013: Panasonic company proudly announced the release of the new DMC-G6 digital mirrorless camera, which allows you to create high-quality photos and videos. The digital Live MOS sensor provides high-resolution image recording at high sensitivity. The new Venus Engine processor has an advanced noise reduction system and is capable of high-performance signal processing. Combined with the sensor's high performance, it minimizes noise and even allows shooting at a maximum of ISO 25600 (expanded).

DMC-G6 boasts fast response and high continuous shooting speed up to 7 frames per second at full resolution. The camera is ready to shoot in just 0.5 seconds. after launch, that is, with it you will not miss the opportunity to capture fleeting scenes. Especially considering the high speed and accuracy of Light Speed ​​AF. The new AF illuminator ensures precise focusing on the subject, even in low-light conditions.

The DMC-G6 also offers high-quality Full HD video recording at 1920x1080, 60p (60Hz) / 50p (50Hz); AVCHD Progressive and MP4 format with stereo sound. Autofocus tracking is also available during video shooting. Cinematic 24 fps video recording at 24 Mbps bitrate produces exceptional images. During video shooting, exposure control is available in P / A / S / M modes.

WITH technology Wi-Fi and NFC (Near Field Communication) allow users to connect the camera to a smartphone or tablet anywhere with one touch. This makes transferring images as easy as possible. In addition, compatible mobile device Can be used for remote shutter release. With the Instant Transfer function, photos are automatically sent to your smartphone/tablet immediately after shooting. On the other hand, both photos and videos can be archived on a registered digital equipment such as a PC through a wireless access point (router) at home.

The DMC-G6 is not only an interchangeable lens camera, but also an advanced digital photography instrument packed with attractive features to achieve even more attractive results within the camera. It includes Features: Creative Panorama, Time Lapse, Stop Motion Animation and Clear Retouch in addition to popular creative modes. There are a total of 19 exciting artistic effects. Stop Motion Animation allows you to produce unique stop-motion videos, and with Clear Retouch, you can remove unwanted parts of the image after shooting. Both operations are easily carried out in the chamber.

New, bright OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) viewfinder LV (Live View Finder) with a resolution of 1440 thousand dots boasts excellent color reproduction and high contrast. The advanced large 3-inch tilt-and-tilt monitor with touch technology can fold inward.

It is known that the DMC-G6 camera will come in 3 stylish colors: black, white and silver. It offers you the ability to create high-quality photos and videos that are easy to share.

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16.05MP Live MOS digital sensor and new Venus Engine image processor

The DMC-G6 combines a 16.05-megapixel sensor Live MOS, which boasts high resolution and high sensitivity image recording with minimal noise. Panasonic has updated existing technologies exclusively for the digital Live MOS sensor to minimize noise and maximize benefits. Photodiodes have a high aperture ratio, which results in high resolution and excellent signal-to-noise ratio.

Also recently developed CPU Venus Engine is designed to demonstrate its advanced noise reduction capabilities. Increased control over noise levels in specific areas, making it possible to remove large blocks of noise that were technically difficult to detect. This helps produce clear, smooth images, which is especially useful for night landscapes. In addition, Multi-process NR (Noise Reduction) works in two separate stages, allowing for even more careful control of noise. Regardless of the size of the noise, image texture is improved and results in the reproduction of smooth human skin even when recording at high sensitivity.

Every part of the image, from dark to bright, is accurately reproduced, with shadow suppression suppressed thanks to the advanced Intelligent D-range Control. Thus, the DMC-G6 offers a wider dynamic range.

The digital Live MOS sensor and Venus Engine work together to achieve ISO 3200 (Auto) and a maximum of ISO 25600 (expanded). Low Light AF in the DMC-G6 demonstrates better performance in shooting conditions such as moonlight even without an AF assist lamp to accurately focus on the subject.

Fast response speed with Advanced AF for fleeting photos

For all LUMIX G cameras, the manufacturer has provided contrast autofocus as a focusing system. Compared with phase difference AF, it is more accurate, especially when shooting with a bright lens at a small aperture (F).
The DMC-G6 features a high-speed Light Speed ​​AF system that allows you to capture even fast-moving subjects clearly. This system camera surpasses high-end DSLRs with phase detection autofocus not only in accuracy but also in speed.

Camera and lens exchange digital signal at a maximum speed of 240fps to minimize focusing time. The DMC-G6 boasts a high continuous shooting speed of 7 fps at full 16.05 megapixel resolution and max. 40fps when using electronic shutter. In addition, autofocus tracking allows you to shoot sequentially and keep a moving subject in focus while shooting at 5 frames per second.

Thanks to Full-area Touch AF, you can set focus to any point in the field of view. That is, quickly and intuitively focus and compose the shot via the touch screen. In addition, the newly introduced Touch AE (Auto Exposure) feature allows you to adjust focus and exposure with one touch of the subject on the monitor. For additional control over focusing, the DMC-G6 includes Focus Peaking.

DMC-G6 includes high response speed. It is ready to shoot in about 0.5 seconds. after launch. The DMC-G6 has conveniently located controls. The function lever allows you to directly adjust the selected functions - zoom, exposure or aperture.
The camera's compatibility with high-speed UHS-I, SDXC/SDHC memory cards allows for faster data recording even while shooting in RAW format files.

Excellent video recording performance inherited from the flagship LUMIX G series

All LUMIX G cameras, especially the DMC-GH3, are renowned for their outstanding capabilities in high-quality video recording. The DMC-G6 records stunningly smooth, high-definition Full-HD video at 1920 x 1080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) in AVCHD Progressive (MPEG-4 / H.264).
The camera also supports 1080/24p in native mode with 24Mbps in AVCHD format, resulting in brilliant afterimages. In addition, P/A/S/M modes allow you to enjoy expressive professional video recording.
Full-HD 1920 x 1080 60p (60 Hz) / 50p (50 Hz) video can be recorded in MP4 format at 28 Mbps for playback directly on a PC or other portable electronic devices without the need for file conversion.

In addition to continuous autofocus, touch autofocus is available during video shooting. You simply point at an object and the focus shifts to it. Tracking autofocus keeps your focus on even a moving subject.

High quality sound with Dolby Digital can be recorded. And to block out most of the noise from background wind, a wind noise reduction function is available. In addition to the built-in stereo microphone, the DMC-G6 is equipped with a 3.5mm jack for connecting an external microphone.
An optional Extra Tele Conversion feature extends the zoom range (max. 4.8x) without sacrificing image quality at lower resolutions.

Using Time Lapse Shot automatically starts taking photos at a specified time interval according to the number of shots you set. The Stop Motion Animation function stops the motion of an animation (freeze frame), allowing you to create a video with an effect that makes it seem as if the object is moving on its own.

Easy wireless connection to smartphones via Wi-Fi/NFC

The DMC-G6 camera combines Wi-Fi Connectivity (IEEE 802.11 B/G/N) with NFC technology(Near Field Communication). This gives you more flexibility to instantly share images and simple controls. Flexible shooting, viewing and sharing of images is made possible with the DMC-G6 and the dedicated Panasonic Image App for IOS/Android smartphones/tablets.

Users can connect the camera to a smartphone/tablet by simply holding them together. The innovation is that the connection is very simple and is carried out within a few seconds, skipping the procedure of entering authorization information.

Remote photo and video shooting can be done using a smartphone/tablet to release the shutter remotely. In addition, zoom, focus, shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation are also adjustable using a smartphone/tablet.

Instant data transfer function (Instant Transfer) allows the camera to automatically send files to a specified electronic device when the shutter is released. In playback mode, users can tap the image in the camera to transfer it directly to their smartphone/tablet on the spot. In addition, it is possible to add location information to the image using the GPS (Global Positioning System) log of the smartphone/tablet.

It became even easier archive Images. DMC-G6 transfers data to a computer or other compatible electronic devices automatically via a wireless access point (router) at home. In addition, with exclusive cloud service Panasonic Lumix The DMC-GF6 CLUB camera can automatically sync images over the Internet, such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter and YouTube.
Wi-Fi Direct function allows you to playback images on DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)-compatible VIERA HD TVs.

New OLED viewfinder with 1440k dots

The large, bright OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) LVF (Live View Finder) viewfinder has a resolution of 1440 thousand dots. It boasts 100% frame coverage in a 4:3 aspect ratio, excellent color reproduction and an amazingly high contrast ratio of 10,000:1. The display time delay is dramatically minimized compared to its predecessor DMC-G5. The image output between the LVF and the rear monitor is switched automatically thanks to the eye sensor on the LVF. Its sensitivity can be selected from high, low and off to reduce false alarms when touching the rear monitor.

3" rotatable touch monitor

The new large 3-inch 1036K-dot high-resolution monitor swivels 180° sideways and tilts 270° up/down for 100% field-of-view coverage. It effectively suppresses the reflection of external light. With a 13% increase in resolution, color reproduction is also improved by approximately 20%, so the DMC-G6 monitor offers greater visibility than ever before. In addition, engineers have achieved a wide viewing angle with this screen, and it now saves energy by 25%.

The free angle of the monitor and the touch screen allow for comfortable viewing in any physical position. Touch screen useful not only for shooting but also for reproducing images with excellent visibility. The Touch Pad allows you to use both the viewfinder and screen simultaneously for greater control and more intuitive shooting.

Creative Control / Creative Panorama functions

The popular Creative Control mode has been modernized. Now the number of filters included in it has been increased from 14 (for DMC-G5) to 19 (for DMC-G6). New filters include: Old Days, Sunshine, Bleach Bypass, Toy Pop, Fantasy. The following have become familiar: expressive, retro, high key, sepia, high dynamism, soft focus, dynamic monochrome, impressive artistic, color spot, cross process, low key, toy effect, Star filter and miniature effect. The parameters for each effect are also adjusted.
WITH new feature Creative Panorama allows you to shoot horizontal/vertical panoramic images and then combine them into one photo by overlaying the previous image.

Clear Retouch function

The Clear Retouch feature allows you to remove unwanted objects or elements from an image. To do this, just point your finger on the monitor. They disappear naturally without destroying the composition of the photo.

Advanced Intelligent Auto Mode (A+) and Scene Guide for Beginners

For novice photographers, there is a set of functions and intelligent automatic modes to create beautiful pictures. These include: AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Detection and Intelligent ISO Sensitivity Control.

Intelligent Scene Selector currently offers a Food Recognition mode. He discovers food on a platter and grabs it to make it look perfect. iA Plus mode allows you to adjust the out-of-focus area in background, perform exposure compensation and white balance for more flexible control.

Scene Guide offers 23 sample images taken by professional photographers. Users can select the one that best suits the shooting situation so that the camera automatically sets optimal settings. In addition, technical advice and recommendations regarding the desired use of an interchangeable lens for a particular scene can be obtained.

Compact and easy-to-use design plus a variety of colors

The DMC-G6 system camera has a compact format, easy-to-use design and a useful built-in flash (GN 10 ISO160m / GN 8 ISO100m). It goes against the stereotype of conventional bulky, heavy DSLRs. This camera is planned to be supplied in black, white and silver colors, that is, in accordance with user preferences.

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Key Features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6

The Lumix G6 is Panasonic's latest mid-priced mirrorless system camera, or DSLM as the company likes to call such cameras. Announced in April 2013, it came out less than a year after the Lumix G5, which will likely remain in the lineup at a lower price, and like all Lumix G models, it's a Micro 4/3 format, a system developed by Panasonic in collaboration with Olympus.

Like the G5 before it, the G6 is externally styled like a miniature DSLR camera with an impressively sized grip and viewfinder bump, although Panasonic designed new design body to make this model look different from the previous one. Inside the Lumix G6 is the same 16-megapixel sensor found on the G5 (which, by the way, was in turn developed based on the matrix of the earlier model, the GH2), but here it is complemented by the company's latest achievements in image processing. So now there is a 1080p 24p mode, in addition to 50p or 60p depending on the region.

The main improvement is in the electronic viewfinder with Live View mode: it now has a 1440k-dot OLED panel, providing a cleaner and more stable image. This camera is also the second G-series model to boast both Wi-Fi and NFC, meaning you can view, share, post or save photos wirelessly, as well as remotely control the camera using free applications for devices on iOS-based and Android. NFC (Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless high-frequency communication technology that makes it possible to exchange data between devices located at a distance of about 10 cm) will take care of pairing devices via Wi-Fi. The G6 also has a slightly increased frame rate during continuous shooting: up to 7 frames per second, a built-in microphone port and a focus-peaking assistant - a function that helps with manual focusing when shooting both photos and videos (on the GH3, the flagship model, this function No). And finally, the G6 is launching alongside a new 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 super-zoom lens, which is smaller, lighter and brighter than the current model, and will most likely be offered as a premium whale zoom. This camera promises to be one of the most feature-packed models. But how will all this work in practice? The answer is in my in-depth review of the Lumix G6, which compares it to the G5, GH3 and Canon's smallest DSLR, the EOS SL1/100D.

Construction, design and workmanship

The Lumix G6, like all G-series cameras with one letter in the model name, is styled like a mini DSLR camera, but this latest one looks quite different from its predecessors; Panasonic has, indeed, introduced several stylistic improvements over the last three generations of cameras. Three years earlier, with the Lumix G3, they almost succeeded in reproducing the most compact system camera with a viewfinder. I myself was absolutely delighted with the miniature size of the G3, but perhaps next to the traditional DSLR cameras in store windows it looked a little toy-like. Therefore, the model that replaced it, Lumix G5, became more massive with a much more prominent grip. It has, of course, become much more comfortable to hold, but it has lost some of the unique charm of the G3.

The successor to the Lumix G6 continues this trend with a design that looks even more serious and, at first glance, radically different from what we are familiar with from the G5. The moderately sloping flanks at the top and the textured coating that extends to either side of the lens do give the camera a more professional appearance, as well as more than a passing resemblance to Leica S-series cameras.

It's interesting to note how the dimensions of the G6 have changed compared to the G5. I had the opportunity to place both cameras side by side, and I was very surprised that they were almost the same size and almost all the controls were located in the same places. Upon closer inspection, Panasonic essentially just drew lines from the top of the viewfinder bump to the top right and left corners, instead of making the corner with lines first down and then horizontally to the right and left. This means that the mode selection wheel is now located on a sloping surface, and the flash activation toggle switch that was previously located here has moved. That's all, actually. However, these small changes to the top of the camera, as well as the textured coating that extends to either side of the mount, have changed the appearance of the camera for the better. The very successful restyling of the lower camera section, which was introduced on the G5, remains almost unchanged.

The design of the G6 gives the impression of being a lightweight but well-made camera. Like many of the cheapest mid-priced system cameras, the G6's body is made of plastic rather than magnesium alloy, and naturally it doesn't have the solid, solid feel of higher-end models like the GH3. There is no protection from dust and moisture here, which the GH3 has, but this is normal for this price category, and its classmates also cannot boast of dust and moisture resistance. Can someone compare this model similar design to the Olympus OM-D E-M5, which is dust and moisture resistant, but remember that, like the GH3, it is significantly more expensive.

Although one thing is clear: G series cameras with one letter in the model name are gradually becoming larger, while Canon, on the contrary, is steadily cutting down the size of its DSLR cameras entry level. Will they meet in the middle of the journey? The Lumix G6 measures 122 x 85 x 71 mm and weighs 390 g with battery, while the Canon EOS SL1/100D, which claims to be the world's smallest DSLR camera, measures 117 x 91 x 69.4 mm. and the weight with battery is 407 g. In general, both cameras have approximately the same thickness and weight, the Panasonic is slightly larger in width, and the Canon is larger in height of the two. However, I should note that the thickness of the G6 is actually due to the protruding part of the viewfinder, the body itself is noticeably thinner than the EOS SL1/100D, and the lack of a mirror inside allows for a rotating display, whereas the Canon model has a fixed one stationary.

Naturally, case dimensions are only half the story. The lens also plays a big role, and this is important to take into account when assessing portability. Canon has introduced a new kit lens for the EOS SL1/100D, the EF-S 18-55 mm IS STM (FF equivalent - 29-88 mm), which has a diameter of 69 mm, a length of 75 mm, and a weight of 205 g. Thus, The thickness of the EOS SL1/100D kit becomes 144.4 mm, and the weight is 612 g. The Lumix G6 kit with a 14-42 mm kit lens (FF equivalent - 28-84 mm) is 120 mm thick and weighs 500 g. That is, while the EOS SL1/100D camera body is undoubtedly very compact for a DSLR camera, almost any mirrorless camera will still be smaller when viewed together with a lens. The difference is obvious in the photo below:

As I've already noted, most of this camera's controls are identical to those on the earlier G5. So on the right side top panel there is a mode selection wheel, a shutter button, buttons for recording video and switching to Intelligent Auto mode, as well as a spring lever switch. This lever is a rather interesting control tool, first introduced on the G5: it serves to control the motorized zoom on lenses such as the Panasonic 14-42mm Power Zoom and the Olympus 12-50mm kit zoom; however, if a non-motorized zoom or prime lens is attached to the camera, it automatically turns into an aperture setting or exposure compensation tool. Since there's also a traditional thumb wheel on the back of the camera, the G6 has an effective two-part exposure control system, which is typically distinctive feature only the highest quality models.

Unlike most control dials on DSLR cameras, the thumb wheel on the G6 has two functions, selecting between which is done by clicking on the wheel: in A - Aperture Priority and S - Shutter Priority modes, the wheel serves to select the f-number and shutter speed values, respectively, but if you click on it, you can use them to select exposure compensation. When selecting full manual mode on the PASM rotary dial, this wheel is used to set the required shutter speed or, after clicking, to set the aperture. In P mode - automatic, the wheel is used to set the exposure, and after pressing - to adjust the exposure compensation. This dual-function thumb wheel pairs with a lever switch to quickly and easily set the desired exposure.

On the rear panel, the dominant position among the control tools is occupied by a four-arrow joystick, which provides quick navigation to the main settings: the arrows directly lead to setting ISO sensitivity, White Balance, Drive mode and selecting an autofocus area. In the center of the joystick is the Menu/SET button. Around the joystick there are buttons for playback, calling up the display (display view), as well as at least five Fn buttons, which you can program at your discretion, but by default they work as switching between the display and EVI, output to the display quick menu(Q-menu), locking exposure or focus (AFL/AEL), deleting pictures in playback and displaying a menu for working with Wi-Fi.

Again, I emphasize that such an abundance of physical control tools is very atypical for a camera of this class, but what is even more impressive is that the camera can be fully controlled without them, using only the ‘touch-screen’ display interface. By pressing the Q-menu button, you can use the display to select a photo style, flash mode, video and photo quality, focus mode, focus area, exposure metering, exposure compensation, sensitivity and white balance; You can even adjust the aperture and shutter speed by tapping your finger on the display. As with all other Panasonic G series cameras, it is possible to set the focus to any point in the frame by touching the screen with your finger, and select the size of the focus area from four possible ones. You can also set the camera to focus and shoot with one touch and use the touch-screen icons on the display to control the motorized zoom when shooting with compatible lenses. There are also two icons on the display, the functions of which can be selected at your discretion. And thus, the total number of programmable buttons on this camera reaches seven.

In general, it is clear that Panasonic really thought out the camera control system well, and offered a whole range of options for how you can set certain settings: from traditional physical buttons, rotary dials and toggle switches, presented in abundance, to a very modern 'touch-screen' interface '. This camera is an absolute pleasure to use.

On the right side of the camera, under a small cover, you will find a combined USB/AV connector, a mini HDMI port and a 2.5 mm jack for connecting an optional wired remote control system. I note that with the G6 camera you have the ability to control it remotely and wirelessly via Wi-Fi using iOS applications or Android. I will write about this in more detail below.

A nice improvement over its predecessor, the G6 now has a 3.5mm port for an external microphone, a rarity in the world of mirrorless cameras, but an important step in moving towards a wider audience, as both Canon and Nikon equip even DSLRs with such ports. entry-level cameras. The microphone port is located in the upper right corner (when looking at the camera from the front) of the G6's front panel, behind a small flap. As you might expect with a camera in this class, there is no headphone jack; if you need it, you should turn to the flagship model, the GH3.

At the top of the camera there is a small flip-up flash with a guide number of 10.5 at base ISO 160. This is roughly equivalent to the flash on the Canon EOS SL1/100D, which has a guide number of 9.4 at ISO 100. Additionally, the camera has a hot shoe that supports external flashes FL220, FL360, FL500 with TTL auto-metering; however, there is no built-in wireless flash control. The maximum possible flash sync speed is 1/160.

The battery compartment under the camera houses the same DMW-BLC12E lithium-ion battery found on the G5, providing approximately 340 shots per CIPA standard (Camera & Imaging Products Association; a standard adopted in 2003 describes how to measure operating time of the camera from one power supply). The G5 provided up to 320 shots. This value is comparable to what Canon claims for its EOS SL 1/100D (380 shots), and is a very good result considering that the G6 is a system that works in Live View 100% of the time. The G6 camera's battery is recharged the traditional way from an external power source, so there is no USB charger for this camera yet. There is also no option to add a battery grip (this is an accessory for higher-end cameras).

As with the rest of the G-series cameras, the memory card slot is located next to the battery compartment, which means that if the camera is mounted on a tripod, access to the card may be blocked, but do not forget that you can copy photos from the G6 via Wi-Fi, so this problem is less serious here than on cameras without Wi-Fi.

Lenses

The Lumix G6, like the rest of Panasonic's G-series cameras, is Micro 4/3 standard, which means you can use any lens designed for the system. The sensor in Micro 4/3 cameras reduces the field of view of the lens by half, so the 14-42mm and 14-140mm kit lenses provide the same field of view on the G6 as the 28-82mm and 28-280 lenses provide on full-frame cameras mm, respectively. Below you can see the frame overlap capabilities of a 14-42mm lens.

To test the image stabilization of the 14-42mm kit lens, I zoomed it to 42mm, providing a field of view equivalent to an 84mm FF, and took several shots with the image stabilization system on and off, gradually increasing the shutter speed. There is an opinion among experienced photographers that it is not recommended to set shutter speeds higher than 1/x, where x is the effective field of view, in order to avoid movement when shooting without image stabilization. Thus, the maximum shutter speed for shooting with a given focal length should be considered a shutter speed of approximately 1/80 sec. In this test, with image stabilization turned on, I easily got sharp shots handheld at shutter speeds of 1/10 sec and sometimes 1/5 sec, which means three to four stops more stabilization than recommended. traditional wisdom. Under the same shooting conditions without image stabilization, I was able to get sharp shots when shooting without a tripod up to a maximum of 1/40th of a second, which means that the image stabilization system actually provides two to three stops of compensation.

Viewfinder and display

Like its predecessors, the Lumix G6 features both an electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated 3-inch display for composition purposes, but the new model takes advantage of both in an improved form.

The biggest change concerns the electronic viewfinder, or as Panasonic prefers to call it, the Live View Finder (LVF). According to the specifications, the G6 camera's LVF has the same 1.44 million dot resolution (800 x 6000 pixels) as the G5's viewfinder, the same 1.4 x magnification and 100% field of view. What has changed is the technology behind the display: the G5 used 'Field Sequential' technology, while the G6 used OLED, and when comparing the two pictures directly, the difference is quite significant.

Displays built on 'Field Sequential' technology often suffer from the appearance of specific artifacts: some photographers see rainbow-colored image breaks when glancing over the image (translation may not be accurate enough - translator's note) or move the camera relative to objects with an abundance of smallest details. As far as I know, some people see more of these artifacts, some less, but for me personally this was a serious problem with both the G5 and other cameras that use this technology: I saw the gaps quite clearly. With the new LVF viewfinder OLED panel, the image is more stable, not to mention brighter, more vibrant and more complete. Before the G6, I shot on the G5 and G3, and the difference between the two is quite obvious.

If we compare the technical data of the G6 with other similar cameras, we see that both Sony and Fujifilm have electronic viewfinders with a resolution of 2.4 million dots (1024 x 768 pixels). This is slightly higher resolution than the G6 offers, but in my opinion the G6's viewfinder is slightly brighter. However, when comparing these cameras, the key difference will certainly not be the viewfinder. Having said all that, it is clear that the G6's viewfinder has undergone major changes for the better compared to the viewfinders of the G5 and G3.

Compared to the optical viewfinders of DSLR cameras in the same price range, we find the usual PROS and CONS for this comparison. Purely optical viewfinders provide a cleaner, more reliable picture of the scene, which becomes especially valuable in conditions of insufficient or, conversely, very strong lighting, as well as when the camera moves in a horizontal or vertical plane. However, with them there is no way to display overlay information about the shooting, there is no way to enlarge the image, there is no way to see what you are shooting when recording a video or during playback. But for me, the main difference between electronic and optical viewfinders, at least on inexpensive DSLR cameras, is the apparent image size. On an entry-level DSLR, such as the Canin EOS SL1/100D, the image in the optical viewfinder is noticeably smaller than the EVF of the Lumix G6, and this difference is very critical when composing images. (for all DSLRs, the viewfinder overlap is less than the frame area, especially for cheap ones - translator's note).

As on the G5 earlier, there is a special eye sensor next to the viewfinder, which automatically switches the image from the viewfinder to the screen when composing the frame, and on the G6 this process Quite fast, unlike a number of other cameras. Switching is so fast that you never have to wait. Definitely, this mechanism is much faster shifting, which activates and deactivates Live View mode on DSLR cameras. But if you want, you can turn off this sensor and switch between the EVI and the display manually using a special button. I've done this a couple of times when atypical palm positioning on the camera for certain camera angles could cause the sensor to react to my fingers and turn off the display.

Now let's move on to the display. It is still a tilt-to-the-side, fully rotatable monitor with a three-inch (3:2 aspect ratio) touch panel. Like the G5, you can shoot with this display from any angle, including facing the display forward towards your subject, or inside the camera for protection. What's new is a slight increase in resolution from 920 thousand dots to 1030 thousand dots, which, as I was told, is a consequence of the increase in resolution, and not the number of color dots per pixel. It's quite interesting to compare the G6's display to that of the previous model: it looks much richer and sharper than such a small increase in resolution would provide. I asked Panasonic representatives about this, to which I received the answer that the G6 camera eliminated the gap between the touch part of the display and the panel itself. This, indeed, has a noticeable effect on the quality of the image, and coupled with the new viewfinder makes the process of composing shots on the G6 much more enjoyable than on the G5 previously.

The 'touch-screen' interface remains comfortable and pleasant to use, and, as I wrote earlier, it allows you to set all settings by touch, without the use of physical buttons, rotary dials and switches; You can, on the contrary, forget about it and use physical tools - at your discretion. As for me personally, now I can hardly imagine shooting without a touch-screen, I always select the desired focus area by touching the corresponding point on the display, and, as on the G5 earlier, the Touch Pad function allows you to do this, even if you are composing the frame using the viewfinder. And if you tilt the display to the side in advance, your nose won't become an accidental nuisance.

Also, on this camera, as on the previous one, I really like the option to change the focus area by touching the screen with your finger when shooting video. In addition, I find it very useful to be able to display on the display, in addition to the image itself, also auxiliary tools that contribute to a more correct composition of the frame, not to mention the function of viewing captured frames in playback and zooming by pinching your fingers on the display.

Panasonic also offers you to navigate through a fairly extensive menu by touching the screen and enter text using the on-screen keyboard interface, similar to that what is used in mobile phones, which the super zoom of the ZS30/TZ40 does not allow. Suffice it to say that you can scroll through pictures in the playback, zoom with the appropriate movement on the screen, or tap an icon to get a thumbnail-sized thumbnail-sized image. In short, virtually all of the G6's functions can be controlled from the display, although, again, if you prefer, you can skip the display and instead work with the physical buttons, rotary dials and switches presented in abundance.

Unfortunately, LiveJournal does not allow you to publish too long texts, so you have to break them into several parts, so...
to be continued...

The compartment for the battery and memory card is located on the bottom side of the handle, and the thread for mounting the camera on a tripod coincides with the axis of the lens.

Display, viewfinder

The design and size of the display remain unchanged. Three-inch TFT matrix with touch control has a rotating design. Setting the focus point is possible across the entire display, and this function is also available when using the viewfinder.

The built-in electronic viewfinder is based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), while its predecessor was equipped with a traditional LCD viewfinder. The new version is more economical and brighter, which is a definite plus, but the colors in it look slightly unnatural - this is inevitable in all cases of using matrices based on organic LEDs. It is worth noting that the viewfinder is equipped with a proximity sensor and a diopter adjustment wheel.

Functionality

As you already know, the sensor resolution remains the same - 16 megapixels. The available light sensitivity has increased by one step, reaching ISO 25600 (though in ISO Boost extended range mode). The lower limit of the range has not changed, which means you still won't be able to set ISO 100 - only 160 units, no less.

The main changes lie in the processor - Panasonic Lumix G6 received a new generation Venus Engine chip. The manufacturer offers an improved noise reduction system and promises higher picture quality. The second significant update is Low Light AF, which allows you to focus even faster and more accurately in low-light conditions. However, Panasonic mirrorless cameras have never had problems with focusing. She was and remains the best in the class. The frequency of burst shooting has also increased. The new camera is capable of taking bursts of 7 frames per second in full resolution, while the Lumix G5 produced 6 frames per second.

The updated processor also played a role in expanding video capabilities. In this regard, the Lumix G6 is approximately on par with the Lumix GH2, which is advanced even by today's standards. The camera is capable of recording video in Full HD resolution at 60, 30 and 24 full frames per second with stereo sound and output in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. In addition, it became possible to connect an external stereo microphone to the corresponding connector. However, there is still no headphone jack, and the built-in speaker does not allow you to fully evaluate the recording quality. By the way, during the official presentation we managed to make a couple of video recording examples - however, we should not draw far-reaching conclusions, the firmware on the G6 was still quite “raw”.

The compartment for the battery and memory card is located on the bottom side of the handle, and the thread for mounting the camera on a tripod coincides with the axis of the lens.

Display, viewfinder

The design and size of the display remain unchanged. The three-inch TFT matrix with touch control has a rotating design. Setting the focus point is possible across the entire display, and this function is also available when using the viewfinder.

The built-in electronic viewfinder is based on organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), while its predecessor was equipped with a traditional LCD viewfinder. The new version is more economical and brighter, which is a definite plus, but the colors in it look slightly unnatural - this is inevitable in all cases of using matrices based on organic LEDs. It is worth noting that the viewfinder is equipped with a proximity sensor and a diopter adjustment wheel.

Functionality

As you already know, the sensor resolution remains the same - 16 megapixels. The available light sensitivity has increased by one step, reaching ISO 25600 (though in ISO Boost extended range mode). The lower limit of the range has not changed, which means you still won't be able to set ISO 100 - only 160 units, no less.

The main changes lie in the processor - Panasonic Lumix G6 received a new generation Venus Engine chip. The manufacturer offers an improved noise reduction system and promises higher picture quality. The second significant update is Low Light AF, which allows you to focus even faster and more accurately in low-light conditions. However, Panasonic mirrorless cameras have never had problems with focusing. She was and remains the best in the class. The frequency of burst shooting has also increased. The new camera is capable of taking bursts of 7 frames per second in full resolution, while the Lumix G5 produced 6 frames per second.

The updated processor also played a role in expanding video capabilities. In this regard, the Lumix G6 is approximately on par with the Lumix GH2, which is advanced even by today's standards. The camera is capable of recording video in Full HD resolution at 60, 30 and 24 full frames per second with stereo sound and output in AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats. In addition, it became possible to connect an external stereo microphone to the corresponding connector. However, there is still no headphone jack, and the built-in speaker does not allow you to fully evaluate the recording quality. By the way, during the official presentation we managed to make a couple of video recording examples - however, we should not draw far-reaching conclusions, the firmware on the G6 was still quite “raw”.

2 years ago

It is very convenient to operate in M ​​“video” mode, which is why I bought it. With good optics the picture is wonderful, detailed and decent dynamic range. Autofocus is almost error-free.

2 years ago

High quality photos and more The best video. Lightweight and comfortable.

2 years ago

Rotating screen, viewfinder, dimensions, weight. Input for an external microphone (although the built-in one works fine in most situations). Works with non-original batteries.

2 years ago

Accurate exposure metering, rotating screen, small size of the device

2 years ago

Fast, lightweight, relatively compact, Wi-Fi available, easy to set up and manage.

2 years ago

Read everything in the reviews about body

2 years ago

Lightweight, tablet control, video quality!! Plus, you can experiment with any lens using adapters. Picking is very convenient on the manual.

2 years ago

lightweight, convenient, high-quality build, non-point-and-shoot form factor, amazing video with tracking autofocus, gorgeous rotating display, hot shoe for flash and tripod mount, super viewfinder, easy to use and intuitive interface, good jpeg shots, gorgeous pictures RAW. Excellent autofocus, it’s a pity not a hybrid one, but it would have an effect the worst side at his speed) High speed burst shooting. Assignable control buttons. Popular bayonet mount - optics from Olympus fit perfectly. Good noise reduction when recording sound while shooting video. Improved Live MOS sensor and fast processor Venus Engine images with a new filtering algorithm.

2 years ago

Original optics are very expensive; replacing a dead battery with a screwed-on tripod socket is inconvenient.

2 years ago

During shooting, the video output to the external monitor does not work, because... The camera is used for aerial photography, wifi cannot be used, although the output is needed to transmit the image.

2 years ago

Poor (traditional) location of the tripod socket - not every platform will allow you to change a dead battery. No video output during recording.

2 years ago

The body feels like a plastic toy

2 years ago

Haven't discovered it yet.

2 years ago

The multifunction wheel is very tight. To turn it you have to hold the camera with your other hand. But it is so tight that sometimes you overestimate your strength and miss a couple of “clicks”. KITOVSKY plastic lens. Not sure if the lenses are glass. Most likely high quality acrylic. My kit did not have a zoom servo in the lens. You need to “zoom in” using the handles. But since the lens is made of plastic (maybe high quality and durable), it is not possible to do this smoothly. There is no loudness compensation here, as on normal lenses. I don’t know what the “zoom” seals are made of, but in order to move it by rotating the ring, you have to make a significant effort. Before the zoom area moves, there is an initial jerk. Maybe over time and once

2 years ago

The kit lens 14042 is a little noisy in the photo, not waterproof and dustproof. Price for original lenses.

2 years ago

terrible whale flash, expensive replacement optics, a “proprietary” cable for connecting to a computer - I would like a mini or micro USB. The inability to charge from USB is unpleasant when the camera turns off halfway through a video downloaded to the computer) The matrix starts to make noise at 800 ISO, the battery is weak (it lasts me for half a day of “pampering”), I need to take a spare one. The incomprehensibly high minimum sensitivity is 160 ISO (my former ancient dinosaur Canon S3 IS was even capable of 80 ISO). The absence of an image stabilizer in the matrix, like in the same Olympus, which increases the cost of replacement optics. I would ideally like a 1.5 crop factor of the matrix. Weak aperture of the kit lens (I have POWER I.O.S. 3.5-5.6 with an electronic zoom drive). Inconvenient lens cap without lanyard - easy to lose. Which was done a week later and