Panasonic GH6
Announced February 22, 2022
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
Panasonic GH6 is a powerful video-centric hybrid camera that offers extensive recording options and robust active cooling for long-form projects. Although it excels for filmmakers, the reliance on contrast-based autofocus and a smaller sensor makes it less ideal for those prioritizing stills or action photography.
Weighted from 34 reviewer scores
Pros
- Comprehensive professional video features including unlimited recording, high-quality ProRes, and extensive codec support
- Versatile articulating screen design
- Highly effective 5-axis image stabilization
- Robust build quality with integrated active cooling and weather sealing
- Excellent value for the feature set provided
Cons
- Contrast-based autofocus system that trails behind phase-detect competitors
- Underwhelming battery life compared to predecessors and rivals
- Higher noise levels and limited dynamic range at base ISO compared to larger sensors
- Bulky and heavy body design for the format
- Expensive and restrictive storage requirements for top-tier recording formats
- Launch price $2,199 (USD)
- Sensor 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 5.9K 60p UHD 120p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 7.5 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 75 fps electronic 14 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 34 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
While I don’t recommend it if you gravitate toward stills use, I heartily recommend it for video or hybrid shooters.
- DPReview 87/100
The GH6 is a flexible and dependable video camera that offers all its modes in a wide selection of codecs and bit-rates.
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If you’re after a hybrid camera focused towards video, especially high frame rate 4k, the Lumix GH6 becomes one of the most compelling models around.
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When it comes to Micro Four Thirds, it's the best Micro Four Thirds camera that there is, like easily, hands down.
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In regards to the Lumix GH6 itself I really like what Panasonic did here.
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If you want a hybrid camera with genuine cine camera capabilities and functionality, this camera is tough to beat within its price bracket.
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There is not a lot that anybody can really complain about when it comes to the GH6, except maybe the AF.
- WIRED 8/10
If having a lightweight rig that still gets smooth shots out in the field is more of a priority for you than tweaking your shutter speed on the fly, it's hard to do better than this.
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The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a powerhouse of an MFT format camera, delivering the highest quality possible for both stills and videography.
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The new Panasonic Lumix GH6 delivers virtually everything that an aspiring one-man/woman videographer could ever want from a hybrid camera.
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With excellent quality footage, a wide range of formats and resolutions and lots more, this is one of the best cameras for video around.
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Independent filmmakers and creatives would struggle to find a camera with a more comprehensive list of high quality recording options.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH6 isn't a class leader in terms of imaging prowess, but the camera should highly appeal to video-first creators thanks to its support for 5.7K ProRes capture.
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Small and lightweight but packed with a remarkable array of video options and excellent image quality, the GH6 also boasts superb handling and image stabilization and perhaps the best contrast-based autofocus yet seen on a Panasonic camera.
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You may find that you’re just going to get more bang for your buck using those cameras. But if you could use things like image stabilization for anamorphic, the extra dynamic range boost or the extra cooling that the camera has, then the upgrade can be justified.
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Panasonic's GH6 is a lot of camera for the money, offering an outstanding feature set for vloggers and creators that rivals many professional video cameras.
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The Panasonic GH6 is an amazing camera, the best Panasonic camera ever, I think the best Micro Four Thirds camera ever, but it is twenty two hundred dollars.
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It was almost one year ago when I first got my hands on the Panasonic GH6 and immediately began putting it through a series of tests and shoots all over the world.
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[T]he Panasonic GH6 definitely has its place in the market, and Panasonic have always done a fantastic job at making their cameras great to shoot with for video creators [...]
- Photo Review 8.8/10
Just like the GH4 and GH5 before it, the GH6 is the camera of choice for those who want the most professional video quality available at the time coupled with the ability to capture decent stills shots.
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If making great photographs is your true passion, then this probably is not the camera for you. If you love making movies as much as making photos though, then the GH6 is a great investment.
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All in all, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 stands alone without peer in this price category. It's a mighty impressive camera for videographers that was well worth the wait.
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For £2,000 there’s a heck of a lot of potential here, particularly in the hands of a skilled video enthusiast able to make the most of the GH6’s incredible range of movie modes.
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Bottom line: the GH6 is feature-rich and will undoubtedly change the landscape of small sensor, budget filmmaking and be a go-to camera option for the foreseeable future.
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I really enjoyed using the GH6. The image quality from it is superb with some great colour reproduction.
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At the end of the day, if you have any kind of investment in MFT glass, and you’re happy with the kind of footage you’ve been getting with it, then the GH6 is a solid upgrade or expansion to your kit.
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If you're looking for a great A and B camera for client work or YouTube in a situation like this, these cameras represent excellent value.
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So a lot to think about, but my take is that GH6 surprises me in a lot of ways, in good ways, and the efficiency of DFD, the sharpness from the sensor without low-pass filter, the button and dial layouts, all very positive.
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[...] Panasonic GH6 is definitely the most powerful Micro Four Thirds video-oriented camera yet. Micro Four Thirds users who are happy with the system and can take advantage of GH6 video specs will most likely like it.
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For me, I think that's why it's such an exceptional travel camera because actually I can use it as my main camera.
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So if you're a wedding videographer, I highly recommend the Panasonic GH6.
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[Y]ou’re better off getting a full-frame camera with longer battery life, a more sophisticated AF system, as well as 4k/6k shooting capabilities.
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After looking at that photo and video example, I will say that the Panasonic GH6 has a lot to offer, especially for that under fifteen hundred dollar price point.
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I had a wishlist before I went to the event, and this has ticked off everything I wanted and more.
