For budding filmmakers looking for a small camera with big creative potential, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the real main course. And what a feast it is: the new flagship of Panasonic’s Lumix G series of mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, based on the Micro Four Thirds bayonet, packs a dizzying array of film capabilities into its compact 25.2-megapixel body. It offers 5.7K video at 60 frames per second and Apple ProRes 422 HQ recording, 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, 4-channel XLR audio recording, and a monitor that can be tilted in almost any direction.
Given how popular full-frame cameras are with filmmakers right now, some might wonder if a Micro Four Thirds camera like the GH6 is still attractive. For us, the appeal is clear: while full-frame sensors perform better in low light, allow for shallow depth of field in shots, and offer a wider dynamic range, Micro Four Thirds cameras are generally smaller, lighter, and less expensive. And because the sensor is smaller, it’s easier to stabilize.
All of this is true of the GH6, and its thoughtful design, excellent handling, and wealth of video options make it a tool that will satisfy even the most demanding mirrorless filmmakers. The GH6 is no stranger to photography, either: the performance of the contrast-based autofocus seems to have improved significantly over the GH5 II, and even small details like the two indicator lights and shooting buttons make a difference.
The body shape of the GH6 looks immediately familiar: It’s the tried-and-true DSLR-inspired design used on most of Panasonic’s Lumix G series models. It may not be particularly original, but it works: There’s a large, textured grip that you can wrap your right hand around while your left supports the lens, and a nice, clear 3.68 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder for composing, previewing, and reviewing your shots no matter how bright the weather conditions.
Speaking of weather, the body is sealed against dust and water ingress and is made of a rugged magnesium alloy frame. It also works in temperatures as low as -10ºC/14ºF. The buttons, dials, and dials are thoughtfully arranged. Panasonic has placed a second video recording button on the front of the camera, which is useful for vlogging and other selfies. There are also indicator lights on both the front and back to make it clear when you are recording, which is not the case with the GH5 II.