Panasonic within the Highlight—Saying the GH5 II and GH6

Fresh from the press! Take a look at the new GH5 II and GH6 from Panasonic, their technical data, additional functions and features.

Over the past two years we've seen Panasonic LUMIX put their new line of cameras, the S Series, and their new S Pro lens line equally at the center. With every other brand seemingly moving towards full mirrorless images, it only seemed natural for LUMIX to do the same. With four cameras produced in such a short time, it left many doubts as to whether there would be a continuation of the GH line. The GH5s, a slightly improved video-oriented version of the GH5, were released in 2018 and since then there has been no radio silence.

Recently there were rumors of a new GH model. And today two new GH cameras were announced. The GH5 II and the GH6.

GH5 II

Quick Specifications:

• Digital live MOS sensor with 20.3 megapixels and anti-reflective coating
• C4K / 4K 60p / 50p 10-bit internal / external simultaneous recording
• C4K / 4K 30p / 25p / 24p 4: 2: 2 10-bit video, V-Log L and unlimited recording time
• Live wireless streaming
• Enhanced AF with face / eye / body detection

It's important to note that this isn't a new iteration of the GH line – the GH6 will take that place – but an upgraded version of the GH5. And I think you could say the improvement is extremely small since even the body is practically the same as the GH5.

Like the GH5s, this was first developed as a video creation camera, then as a still camera. The GH5 II borrowed the updated Venus processing engine from the S1H so that it can capture 10-bit 4: 2: 0 60p 4K / C4K video without cropping. Or 10-bit 4: 2: 2 60p 4K / C4K to an external recorder. 10-bit 4K recording is also suitable for 50 or 60 frames per second.

GH5 II from Panasonic. Image via Panasonic.

However, if you want to jump to 180 fps it will only display 1080p.

Even with these new additions, it has the same 20.3 megapixel digital live MOS micro four thirds sensor at 20.3 megapixels as the GH5. However, as noted by Panasonic, it has an anti-reflective coating that promotes improved image quality. In connection with the new image processor, the dynamic range should also be slightly improved. However, we will have to wait for YouTube test videos to appear to investigate this claim.

A few years ago I covered a topic of whether the V-Log upgrade was worth it, since the GH5 made you pay for an upgrade license for $ 100. Well, the GH5 II comes with V-Log L pre-installed, Panasonic's preferred color profile to maximize dynamic range and retain all possible color correction options in post-production.

Another upgrade to the GH5 is the improved autofocus that comes with the new processor. I never liked the LUMIX autofocus. I felt it worked average at best. However, if it follows in the footsteps of the S1H and has facial, eye, body, and animal recognition skills, it should be pretty decent.

In addition to autofocus, there is also a new stabilization – 5-axis dual I.S. 2 combines the body I.S. and lens O.I.S. Control to offer corrections worth 6.5 stops.

The top corner of the Panasonic GH5 II. Image via Panasonic.

Perhaps one of the most notable additions is the ability to broadcast live streams straight from the camera without any additional hardware. While I'm not sure, it's not unlikely that this was due to the surge in live streaming from 2020 onwards.

Enjoy wireless live streaming indoors and outdoors with the simple operation of the LUMIX Sync app (Android / iOS). Stream live events anytime, anywhere with the quality that only a mirrorless digital camera can provide.

Live streaming to platforms that conform to RTMP / RTMPS is generally possible (compatibility with all platforms cannot be guaranteed). There may be cases where live streaming is not possible if the platform's service changes. For more information, see the platform's terms of use.

– Panasonic

The Panasonic GH5 II will be available body-only later this year for $ 1,699.99. But with the announcement of the GH6, we have to wonder who exactly is going to buy this camera. GH5 owners are likely to buy the GH6, and those looking to buy the GH5 are likely to sweep up the discharged GH5 models. Or, since the GH5 is a few years old (and now discounted) get a new model and still save money on the GH5 II.

Since we don't have a test device yet, I'll hold back my final thoughts, but the camera leaves me confused.

GH6

While the GH5 II is more of an announcement of release, the GH6 news is an announcement in development that is likely to put investors at ease. Therefore, the information is not that dense. You can read the full press release, but let's highlight a few key phrases.

Panasonic is proud to announce the development of the LUMIX GH6, which combines the new Micro Four Thirds sensor and a new image processor. This flagship LUMIX G series camera will be commercialized for its release in world markets by the end of 2021.

The new GH6 combines the high-speed sensor and image processor from Venus Engine and realizes next-generation video expressions. The LUMIX GH6 offers 4: 2: 2 10-bit DCI 4K / 60p recording capabilities and allows unlimited video recordings when the camera is used below the certified operating temperature. It is reliable enough to record continuous footage for the length of time you want.

It also offers a 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and a Variable Frame Rate (VFR) for high definition slow / fast motion video. The GH6 also records 10-bit 5.7K 60p video.

The GH6 will retail for approximately $ 2,500.

– PR Newswire

At its core we have a new sensor, 4: 2: 2 10bit 60fps, 10-bit 4K 120p and 10bit 5.7K 60fps. There are several new additions to the GH line. Hopefully, four-thirds of those who invest in micro get excited.

A major selling point for micro four-thirds is size, and this is why many stick with the over-frame format, as both the body and lenses remain relatively compact while providing decent performance. Depending on the size of the camera, you should definitely pay attention to 10 bit 5.7K 60 fps in an M43 housing.

As always, we will keep you updated with news about these two cameras.

For more information on Panasonic products, please refer to the following articles:

Cover photo via Panasonic.