Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 Preview: Digital Photography Review

Design & Operation

The GF6 looks a lot like its recent predecessors, with the (presumably faux-retro) flourish of a silver top-plate. The main changes are the addition of a conventional exposure mode dial on the top plate, along with a compact camera-style zoom lever surrounding the shutter button. The screen now tilts, both downwards and up, and can be set to face forwards for shooting self portraits. The tilting screen means the body is a little thicker than the GF5's.

An additional button on the back is used to set up Wi-Fi (using NFC with suitable devices), or alternatively can serve as a second customisable function button during shooting (Fn2). A built-in flash pops up out of the top plate, but in keeping with the GF-series' low-end positioning there's neither a hot shoe for a more powerful flash unit, nor a port for an accessory viewfinder. The standard package is rounded-off by Panasonic's latest, very compact Lumix G Vario 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 II ASPH Mega OIS kit zoom.

The overall result is a camera that ends up looking extremely similar to the Sony NEX-3N in terms of both control layout and features. It's also remarkably like its closest Micro Four Thirds competitor from Olympus, the PEN E-PL5; this lacks a built-in flash, but has a hot shoe and accessory port instead.

Top of camera

The top of the camera gains both a conventional mode dial, and a lever around the shutter button. This controls exposure compensation or zoom, depending on whether you have a power zoom fitted. On the left side are the built-in stereo microphones for movie recording and tiny speaker for playback, with the pop-up flash in line with the lens.

In your hand

The GF6 is a small camera, but the contoured and textured front grip makes it feel reasonably secure in your hand. There's a decent thumbgrip too, and the slightly thicker body will probably feel more comfortable than its slimline predecessors for many users.

Flip-up screen

The GF6's screen is not just higher-resolution, it's also articulated. Flipping it into the 'up' position gives a mirrored live view, for easier self-portraits, and adds touchscreen icons for several of the camera's face processing modes. A clever extending armature mechanism lifts it higher up than a simple hinge could, meaning that unlike on the NEX-6, barely any of the screen is blocked by the camera body.

The screen can also tilt downwards for overhead shooting, or of course be set to any point between the two extremes.

Body elements

	The GF6 gains an extra physical function button, in addition to two added to the pull-out tab on its touchscreen. By default this enables Wi-Fi.
	Once Wi-Fi is engaged, tapping the hotspot of an NFC-compatible device on this symbol on the side of the camera will start the process of establising a connection (your aim has to be pretty precise, as the 'N' in NFC really does mean near). If your smartphone doesn't support NFC you can copy a password from the screen of the camera into your Wi-Fi settings, which isn't that much slower.
	The GF6's 1025mAh battery offers up to 7.4Wh of power, leaving the camera good for 340 shots per charge, according to CIPA standard testing.
	The GF6 retains the build-in pop-up flash that sits directly above the lens mount.
	The GF6 hides an HDMI and USB socket behind a little hatch on the side of the camera.

Function Buttons

In keeping with its aim of allowing some camera control, the GF6 adds a selection of Customizable function buttons over the solitary example offered by its predecessor. The two physical buttons and the pair of on-screen buttons can be set to control the following functions. This additional control comes in addition to the customizable Q.Menu interface.

Options that can be applied to the Fn buttons:
• Wi-Fi • Q.Menu • AF/AE Lock • One Push AE • DoF Preview • PhotoStyle • Aspect Ratio • Picture Size • Quality • Focus Mode • Metering Mode • HDR • Flash Mode • Flash Adjust	• i.Resolution • i.Dynamic • Ex Tele Conv. • Digital Zoom • Stabilizer • Sensitivity • Restore to Default • Motion Pic Set • Picture Mode • Histogram • Guide Line • Step Zoom • Zoom Speed • REC Area

Comments

Total comments: 93

Does either GF6 or G5 have manual kelvin settings for difficult lighting situations when needed?

0 upvotes

Thankyou for the review, good read, shame it seems to have no option for an add on viewfinder, guess you can't have everything though.[considering size and price etc]
Bet it shoots a nice image none the less, it's just that bright daylight that kills viewing the rear screen i find.

0 upvotes

I have some concerns about the tilt mechanism also. The exposed ribbon cable is an issue too. It's larger and heavier which I don't like either. The good news is that the GF5 is available at a huge discount and represents a terrific value.

0 upvotes

The comparable Sony is only 9.5 ounces. I haven't check lens weight. The NEX are somewhat popualr to use on muti-rotrs ("drones").

I found elsewhere a picture of the LCD. The arms are scary - will they break too easily? And I surmise the wiring runs inside the arms, so the wiring might fail even if the arms don't...

Comment edited 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

So Panny got rid of the awkward rear dial, good news!

0 upvotes

This camera gives M4/3 fans another option where the Olympus E-PL5 may turn off some buyers with the lack of built-in flash and smaller effective screen size. However, my experience with the E-PM1 and the clip on flash is a very minor compromise and I just carry the flash around in my pocket if I may need it.

A big step forward from the GF5 especially with the 16Mp sensor.

P.S. When will Olympus step up and produce a pancake power zoom - may be even smaller than the Panasonic as it does not need OIS on Oly cameras.

Cheers

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

A decently written introduction, as usual you can't judge a camera on specs, you have to wait for a hands on full review with test shots. I don't see the need for the words "presumably faux-retro". Didn't you take any writing courses in university? "Presumably" is unnecessary and pretentious, and please define "faux-retro". Is that retro styling that really isn't? I agree that the silver top plate is a retro touch. That's all it is.

0 upvotes

First you compliment the article, then pick it apart for utilizing the phrase "presumably faux-retro" which makes perfect sense used in the context of the camera market. Presumably is accurate since Panasonic haven't (to my knowledge) defined why they have altered their design language to include a silver top panel. As the rest of the camera is not retro, this can be "presumed" to follow the recent popularity of true retro designs from Olympus and Fujifilm. So fake or false or faux-retro is accurate and relevant.

The statement "I don't see the need..." could do with more work. Using the first person can create the impression of arrogance or superiority, which can be off-putting and distracting; was that your intention? Try "However the need for the phrase "presumably faux-retro" is debatable" or similar, you might get a more positive reaction from your audience.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Lastly the inclusion of the word "pretentious", and the university reference, is a rather rude and thinly-veiled slur on the author, and only results in the destruction of the credibility you tried so hard to attain.

2 upvotes

I prefer the G cameras over the GF series. I don't see the point in losing the EVF or having to buy an clip-on one later.

0 upvotes

> having to buy an clip-on one later.

you don't buy a clip-on with each camera. you just get one and use it with all new cameras you buy later.

0 upvotes

You don't se the pont? here is a simple one: the clip-on comes with the camera & try puting a G camera even with the 20mm 1.7 in your jacket pocket, difficult is it not? That is why the GF line is there for, for those who want to be able to slip it in they're pocket. For example if your worried about some shady charachters, slip it quckly in your pocket or if your in the bad part of town & are trying to get to the "good" part, it stays hidden if robbers are nearby

0 upvotes

I like the looks of the GX better. As long as the sensor is the same, why the new design? I don't like roundish humps on the top plate of any camera.

0 upvotes

besides personal tastes, I think it's a good thing that Pana and Sony choose modern industral design over retro ones like Fuji or Oly. they feel confident that they have good cameras (to me, retro design means diffident minor player).

personally I like Pana m4/3" ones more but the image quality.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

well it is not a new design per say, the GF series have since the GF2 i believe had an even bigger hump but I agree even though I use the olympus M43rds I really like the shape of the GX1.

0 upvotes

Yawn. talk about a giant step backward. Where's the viewfinder port? Isn't that a mistake Olympus made way back with the E-P1 and never again.

0 upvotes

You're mixing the ranges up - GX has a viewfinder, GF doesn't.

0 upvotes

"It's taken a couple of generations of camera for manufacturers to really work out who wants to buy mirrorless cameras and, as a result, what features they should offer. "

Actually Panasonic got it pretty right first time around with the GF1 & has since taken about 5 steps backwards with the GF & GX series. The key to that cameras success was the combination of body & lens - the 20mm f1.7 was critical to the success of the camera - without it any of the GF cameras are really just so-so bodies with mediocre lenses.

They lack the Olympus rivals in-camera IS, so if you have to buy an extra lens for decent performance, the Olympus bodies are a better choice. For enthusiasts, there really hasn't been a decent compact Panasonic camera worth buying since the GF1. Attempt #6 doesn't really change anything.

If Panasonic really want to have some success in the GF series, its time to upgrade the 20mm 1.7 & include it as a kit lens again.

2 upvotes

How is the GX a step back? Name a single way it's a step backwards compared to the GF1.

1 upvote

Andy Crowe it does not have that hump ;3 (but yea i like the gx1's design more)

0 upvotes

Despite some criticisms here like always whatever camera is, consumer or pro, this Panasonic Lumix GF6 is a good improvement.

I think they could have not put much more in a real small camera, the built in EVF will be for the GX line, or whatever they are going to call it.

Well done Panasonic Lumix.

2 upvotes

bah full frame sensor is the minimum requirement now, heck put a medium format in there (is just making a terrible joke) But yea I am very happy where micro four thirds is going, now we just need Prime lenses that are 200mm and more instead of terribly unsharp telephotos.

0 upvotes

Micro 4/3 already has good long focal length zooms, and they are sharp. But a new Panasonic Lumix 150mm f/2.8 (300mm) is on the way.

1 upvote

It's a little fatter and weighs more? It might be a better picture taker but I want the same thing just smaller. plus second generation power zoom then I'll be heading off to the shops.

0 upvotes

The G6 is right around the corner, but still no sign of the promised G5 review on this site. I'd be happy just to see the RAW studio scene comparisons for the G5.

0 upvotes

See GH2 comparisons - the same sensor. Lack of the review is strange though.

0 upvotes

I don't believe that the G5 and GH2 have the same sensor. The GH2's sensor hasthe "variable aspect ratio" feature that was also present on the GH1, and the G5 does not.

0 upvotes

G5 is nice - lightweight, with good ergonomics.

0 upvotes

G5 does have the GH2 sensor, but it doesn't take advantage of its larger size to provide "true" multi-aspect ratios. The total number of photo sites on the G5 sensor is 18.3 MP, same as the GH2, which is a good indication that it's the same oversized sensor.

0 upvotes

cannot say "true" multi-aspect is a good thing. it is however an interesting that worths a try.

0 upvotes

Certainly not a replacement for the GX1- VRR

0 upvotes

No it's not, that's the point of having different lines. The GX2 will be a replacement for the GX1, the GF6 is a replacement for the GF5.

0 upvotes

I would like to see this in a pocket with the zoom - so small, but pretty expensive for the specs - they can't charge too much for 4/3rds cameras, but it seems they still want to keep them well above compacts....Seems like a pretty complete package overall for a hopefully pocket-able package.

1 upvote

I have Panasonic cameras in use. Sometimes, I am an early adopter. I would like true innovations from Panasonic not case transformations. Some Sony/Olympus tilt screen here and there. I would like a better sensor – more dynamic range and color sensitivity.

This camera is a horrible “me too” product low point. But I will stick with Pana because of their smooth design and ergonomic handling. And I still continue to put the hope into Panasonic which I lost with Olympus.

Otherwise – with little more bulk, but great pictures – the wonderful Nikon D5200 will do the job for me now.

Come on, Panasonic, get out, and make a better jump with your cameras to convince the markets.

1 upvote

Well, they have that new sensor technology to replace color filters, which should increase light sensitivity (sounds like they claim a whole stop). Hopefully that will start hitting m43 sensors by the next Gen.

1 upvote

If you look at the panasonic website and compare the older gf5 is increases the resolution from 12.1 to 16 mp so they are improving over older models of the same line.

0 upvotes

No built-in viewfinder and no provision for an add-on. Too bad. Will wait to see what the GX2 looks like.

0 upvotes

The body is going to be $200 in a year like all other GFs. This is pretty awesome for $200, don't you think?

On a side note: the flash sucks if pointed at your subject, but you can jam it in or hold it with your finger to point upwards for a nice bounce. Jamming trick worked for me on an old Oly PL1 and Panasonic GF2, it will probably work on others of the same line. I wish bounced flash was a FEATURE cause it makes a world of difference.

1 upvote

It is on the GX1(you can lock it in bounce position), so it's possible. I wouldn't know until I or someone else has it in hand.

1 upvote

This would be a mainstream design, but it looks ugly and cheap to me...

1 upvote

"The overall result is a camera that ends up looking extremely similar to the Sony NEX-3N in terms of both control layout and features. "

Actually it is closer to NEX-5r:
1) WiFi
2) Touch screen
3) Weight (although even 5r is lighter - not counting its big 18-55 kit lens, but 3n is lighter still).

0 upvotes

The Sony NEX-3n will definitely beat this Panny in photo quality, right? Bigger sensor for starters. The Sony is also smaller (the lens) and cheaper.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Perhaps Panasonic will soon announce a G6, and maybe even a GH4. Great: no need to complete full reviews for the GH3, G5, or GF5.

4 upvotes

By the way, launch price with the new 14-42 lens is 680$. Sony will have a big smile for this one then.

2 upvotes

Yeah, NEX-3N is $500, and that is with 16-50 PZ.

Although $680 - isn't it UK price converted to USD?

1 upvote

Yes, Amazon has it at $599 preorder.

0 upvotes

Why would Sony smile? Panasonic have produced a much better camera system for only a slightly premium on the price. M4/3 has a much better value and capability with lots of 3rd party support. With this type of camera as well as G, GH and OM-D "SLR style" Sony will be further seen as a niche product

1 upvote

The GF6 has WiFi, nicer menus, more and better controls, including a more useful touch screen. The NEX-3N & lens are smaller, lighter, cheaper, have more useful photography modes and features, have a better zoom range, a powered zoom, a bigger, better sensor, and costs a hundred dollars less. If this were the same price as the Sony the fight would be interesting. Buyers at this price point don't often buy a whole bunch of lenses, so that advantage of MFT doesn't matter much. In any case, a big upgrade for the previously pathetic GF line. Back to its glory days, even? Makes me wonder if there is any need for a GX1 replacement, unless they move it way upscale, with a built-in evf to compete better with the NEX-6. I hope so as I like MFT and we need a stronger lineup from Panasonic or it is doomed.

1 upvote

what is strange is that in the presentation report, you wrote, "The DMC-GF6 integrates new 16.00-megapixel Live MOS sensor", and here you claim it to be the old GX1 type. If it really has the GX1 sensor, there is no reason to make noise for this camera. If, on the other side it has the OMD sensor, it could be of interest, and, if it has that very new Pana sensor with special filtering system, then it get of very high interest. Old shoes with new tyres are out of fashion.

1 upvote

I could be wrong but I think the sensor is really newly made.

I have no doubt that OMD's sensor is made by Pana.

Comment edited 10 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Several sources have said that it's the GX1 sensor with an updated processing Engine. an updated engine can help some, but the GF series is supposed to be mostly entry level. While I'd have preferred for them to put in a new sensor, they probably tried to save money by using their own sensor. The GH3/OMD/EPL5/EPM2 have Sony sensors, which would probably cost more.

They instead seem to be trying to attract with:
Over Pen: Built in flash
Over GF: Articulated screen that can front face
Over both: Wifi and NFC connection to tablet/phone, video is probably better, has stereo input built on

For me, not enough incentive, but it might attract m43 newcomers.

1 upvote

It is not OM-D/E-PL5/E-PM2/GH3 sensor. Those have 17.2 megapixels on-sensor and crop to 4608 x 3456 effective in 4:3 max res. GF6, like GX1, has about 16.7 megapixels and crops to 4592 x 3448 effective.
Other characteristics are also sufficiently different, no way it is another Pana.

0 upvotes

Why is the power zoom lens smaller than manual zoom lens?

0 upvotes

It's a collapsible pancake zoom, the whole point of it is to be small. It extends when powered up. This also creates a slight downside:
It takes longer to get the camera ready, and according to Dx0, it seems inferior optically to the new 14-42mm.

0 upvotes

"according to Dx0, it seems inferior optically to the new 14-42mm."

Except the Pana 14-42 II is f/5.3 at 25mm, vs f/4.9 for 14-42PZ. And this new lens sharper only in the center.

0 upvotes

These new kit lenses have been getting slower, the older 14-42mm is f/4.6 at 25mm...

0 upvotes

Sigh. Or maybe yawn. Or both really. For my money, Panasonic would have been better off to put a better sensor in the GF-1, which still is one of my favorite cameras in spite of the (today) lower sensor quality and poor Hi-ISO response. It's that camera that's always with me. Of course, Pan needs to sell a lot of cameras to the smart-phone crowd, but couldn't they pay just a bit of attention to the significant number of photographers that bought something really useful -- the GF-1.

BAB

3 upvotes

Now why they didn't complete the package by including gps too? I am still searching for a mirrorless camera with wifi and gps built in. Any one?

1 upvote

I actually think that GPS is a much more important feature to "a camera mostly for travel" market than WiFi and of course NFC. When I travel, why would I need to keep my iPad and camera with me and turned on all the time to immediately transfer pictures I take? When I return, USB3 card reader is much faster than WiFi and does not require keeping the camera on, while quickly discharging its battery. But a precise location of where each picture is interesting, especially if the camera can have some location database and add some comment into EXIF automatically so not to make me even use any software later.

4 upvotes

I also think GPS data would be much more useful for travelling. I wouldn't count too much on in-camera databases (since they would necessarily need to be limited in size and might get obsolete quickly anyway), but just the GPS coordinates can be massively useful... linking them to external maps and location names should technically be easy, and you could know the location of the photos within a few metres... that's an information that could be impossible to have (or at least very tedious) if you have lots of photos and need to find each of the various places you might have been travelling around... Without GPS data, with photos taken by yourself several years before, you might just barely know the city where they were taken, and possibly have no clue about what place it was exactly...

0 upvotes

YAWN. At the going price for the GF3/GF5, buying this camera makes absolutely no sense....great camera but not enough of a "step up" to warrant the very significant differece in price. Panasonic is amazing in the way they are late on delivery of new products and then quickly canabalize sales by having minor upgrades for the new models and significant discounting (dirt cheap) for the 6-9 month old model!

Thank you Panny....you make cameras affordable by your dysfunction!

Geekapoo

1 upvote

Well, this has a much better sensor than my GF5. Where I think Panasonic has messed up is that you can now get the GX1 substantially cheaper, with real camera features instead of gimmicks. And I don't think this is competitive against the E-PM2.

This just doesn't seem well thought out.

2 upvotes

What was wrong with G5 sensor? why Pany like using GX1 sensor? if not GH3's. No doubt controls, size, featureset and ergonomics are perfect!!

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

4 upvotes

The GX1 sensor is cheap. Plus they'd like to use the different sensors as a method of organizing the different model levels.

1 upvote

It doesn't make sense to put an expensive premium sensor in a cheap consumer oriented camera. Especially not the GH3's! Expect a better sensor in the GX2 instead.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

But that premium sensor sits inside the E-PM2 and E-PL5, and they aren't that expensive.
Not that it's anything wrong with the GX1 sensor, especially not in an entry-level body.

4 upvotes

Why would their use Sony's sensor in their lowest priced m43 when they need to keep their sensor department going? And they have a chance to discount it to half a price in a few months while keeping profit positive.

2 upvotes

revenant, thats what i call shooting one self in the foot. putting the same sensor in all the models like oly is a bad move. Youll see, theyll pay for it dearly when the ep4 comes

0 upvotes

I think Olympus use the same sensor for economic reasons. Buying a large volume of one sensor, rather than smaller volumes of different sensors, probably saves them some money.
And there are other ways to differentiate camera models besides the sensor. Canon put the same sensor in the 7D and 60D, as in the Rebels, but I don't think that has hurt the sales of the high-end models. Gearheads may choose a camera based on the sensor, but I think most people make their choice based on the feature set.

0 upvotes

Great little cam for those who want neither an EVF nor a hot shoe. I'm hoping the the G6 will have what I want.

3 upvotes

Of course it will, that's why there are different models with different featuresets.

0 upvotes

There is a manual movie dial. That could be interesting. The flip screen is also good.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

2 upvotes

I want to see images of the red version. Black and white are kind of lame colors for a camera.

6 upvotes

Epic Comment!

2 upvotes

Black is ideal, as you avoid reflection issues near glass.

0 upvotes

Sorry I read the preview up to this line

" - 16MP Four Thirds sensor (as used in GX1)"

and lost interest.

12 upvotes

Me too, GX1's sensor, how exciting.

4 upvotes

...And I read both of these comments and thought, "Since this is a GF camera - which is very obviously Panasonic's entry-level upgrade enticement camera - at what point did you think you were possibly getting a new sensor?"

Why would Panasonic upend their current lineup by introducing a superior sensor in a camera that is at the bottom of their product stack? If anything, you should be glad this has the GX1 sensor, which means the replacements for the G5 and GX1 should have better sensors than they do right now.

0 upvotes

people are amazing...
the entry level model got a 4 mp boost, a 1 stop more if ISO, NFC, wifi, 4 fn buttons, the sharpest kit lens out there (compare it to canon and nikon in dxo mark), a flip screen, wireless flash control and people STILL complain

4 upvotes

Why this over the GF2?

0 upvotes

It takes better pictures and videos. It has more controls. It has wifi. It has an improved new kit lens. It has better battery life. It has better Auto modes. It allows higher ISOs with less noise. It looks better.

I could keep going but you get the point. It simply is a newer better camera.

12 upvotes

i think the GF2 still looks better, it is slimmer, more elegant and has a more classy look. this one looks like an olympus-clone!

0 upvotes

wtf about looks .. just don't compare it with gf2 otherwise you are only insulting yourself!!

0 upvotes

I agree...WTF about looks, the fasionistas of photography...gotta love 'em!

0 upvotes

The sensor would be the only compelling reason, however there'd be no reason to not go for the cheaper for feature-full GX1.

0 upvotes

"It has an improved new kit lens."

It is not really an improvement over 14-45, this 14-42 II darkens up very quickly (f/5.3@25mm, sheesh!), even quicker than Oly 12-50 which by itself was a champion (f/5.1@25, the worst "feature" of this lens). For comparison, the tiny Pana 14-42 PZ is f/4.9@25mm, Oly 14-42 II (same size as Pana 14-42 II) is f/4.4@25mm.

0 upvotes

4 more mp, much better noise control, nfc, wifi, wireless flash, 4 fn buttons, better jgp engine, and the kit lens is sharper than any other kit lens.
You really dont see this as a massive upgrade?

peevee between f4.9 and 5.3 the difference is negligible, what is that? less than a third of a stop? nitpicking at its finest! but the sharpness difference is actually noticeable on the other hand

0 upvotes

The spec list shows 1080 video at 60,50,30,25 fps but the "feature highlights" says 1080p30 in a 60i container. It would be nice to see some clarification...

0 upvotes

It is 1080i/30 psf. Also known as 1080p @ 30 FPS(Or 29.97 FPS to be more precise).

Comment edited 30 seconds after posting

1 upvote

If so, DP Review's list of specs needs to be corrected.

0 upvotes

Dpreview's specs were clarified within half-an-hour of this first comment being posted, to bring the specs page into line with the preview text.

1 upvote

What is the aspect ratio of the monitor? 4:3? 3:2? 16:9? I really wish you would include this in the specs list by default!

0 upvotes

Ah yes, I see the specs have been clarified. Glad to see they've been updated, less happy to see what they say...

Thanks!

0 upvotes

Total comments: 93