Panasonic Lumix GF 6, the latest mirrorless
camera from Panasonic, features a 16 MP sensor, 3inch tilting touch screen and
built-in Wi-Fi as well as NFC. It is the owner of a new 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 lens
and Mega optical image stabilization.
The
Panasonic Lumix GF6
Features
The GF6 model of Panasonic Lumix is
replacing the Panasonic Lumix GF5. It is a new camera with a 16 MP sensor
instead of a 12MP one, as well as the high-resolution 3in touch screen at the
back side. The new Venus image processing engine, improved AF performance, with
a new low-light mode to improve the focusing can also be considered as notable
upgrades. The camera also has 19 filter effects and a new panoramic shooting
mode with an option to apply the filter to the panoramic shooting.
The built-in Wi-Fi together with the NFC
(Near-Field Communication) allows connecting the device with smartphones, and
then, that smartphone can be used as a remote, or an instant transfer that is
capable of transferring the capture photos directly to that smartphone
automatically. Another function of the built-in Wi-Fi is to setup auto backup
of photos and videos to the user’s computers.
The
Panasonic Lumix GF6 replaces the Panasonic Lumix GF5
Main features
·
16 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor
·
3inch tilting 1040k dot touch-screen
·
New Venus Engine
·
Improved AF performance, with new low-light mode
·
19 filter effects, Panoramic shooting
·
Full HD Video, stereo sound
·
ISO160 - 25600 (extended)
·
4.2fps continuous shooting
·
Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC
·
Retouch mode
·
Available in black or white
Handling
On the top of the camera, you will see the
re-introduction of the mode dial, which enables you to choose your interested
mode easier. You will also find the appearance of a sweep panoramic mode, a
mode that automatically stitches the capture pictures when you sweep the
camera. Around the shutter release is a zoom controller that is used to control
the powerful zoom lenses, or zooming the images in or out when playing them
back. On the front side, there is a texture grip which has rational resistance
as it is made out of rubber.
The
re-introduction of mode dial
There is a thumb grip lying on the back
side of the camera, where also contains the playback, display, scroll wheel,
menu/set, Q menu / Fn1 and Fn1 buttons and the tilting touch screen. This
screen is special as it has the resolution of 1040k dot and is able to tilts to
180 degrees. An improved AF performance feature is also provided with a new
low-light focusing mode, which is activated automatically under the low-light
conditions and enhances significantly the low-light performance of this camera,
although the focusing process becomes longer when this mode is activated.
The
battery and memory card
There is a usual metal tripod socket and
battery/memory compartment on the bottom side of the camera. The battery life
is estimated to be about 330 shots, according to Panasonic/ CIPA standards.
This duration is quite similar to the previous model, the Panasonic Lumix GF5,
which is not more in the production line. In the playback mode, an editing
feature allows you to edit the areas of the photo and eliminate unwanted
objects using the touch screen.
The
multi-feature Panasonic Lumix GF6
The built-in Wi-Fi brings many features to
the Panasonic Lumix GF6, including the ability to connect it to a smartphone or
a tablet whose operating system is Android of iOS. First of all, the
installation of Panasonic Image App from the application store is required, and
then you can connect your phone to the camera via Wi-Fi or by using NFC to
setup the connection if your phone has that feature. There are three main
operating modes provided in the application, first of which is the remote
control for the camera, allowing accessing many options and apps, including the
Q-menu, touch focus and shutter release as well as slow-motion movie record. The
second mode is playback which allows you to review your captured photos as well
as transferring them to your phone or deleting them. The third one is GPS
logging option, which allows you to report your destination and then add some
GPS location information into your photos.
Panasonic
Image App
Besides the Panasonic Image App, there are
also many other features developed based on the built-in Wi-Fi in the camera,
allowing you to transfer images to your phone after shooting, backup to your
computer or share to a social network site. It is required to create a Lumix gateway
account to share images to a social network, which then needs a PC to activate
the Facebook (or other website) connection.
We picked out some photos in order to check
the responsiveness of the camera, from switch on the first shot, shot to shot,
focusing speed… We also took some pictures, and then used the average to have
the most accurate and consistent results, making it easier to compare with
other cameras.
·
Shutter Response: <0.05
·
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response: 0.15
·
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response: 0.15
·
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo: 0.9
·
Shot to Shot without Flash: 0.35
·
Shot to Shot with Flash: 1.1
·
Continuous Shooting – JPEG (shots before slow
down): 4fps (30 shots)
·
Continuous Shooting – Flash: N/A
·
Continuous Shooting – RAW: 4fps (8 shots)
The continuous shooting mode performs quite
well with 4fps, and likely up to 30 shots before slowing down when capturing
the JPEG format pictures. The focusing responsiveness and aperture are
excellent shot-to-shot time is also significantly impressive.
