(Pocket-lint) – Relating to video-centric interchangeable lens cameras, there may be arguably not anything higher than Panasonic’s Lumix GH sequence. And for 2022 it has got a brand new champion on the peak of its line-up: the GH6.
Factor is, the GH6 arrives just a handful of months after the former GH5 Mark II type, so how precisely do the 2 fluctuate and which makes easiest sense to shop for on your explicit workflow?
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Design
- Each cameras: 3.68m-dot OLED viewfinder
- Each: 3.0-inch 1.84m-dot vari-angle LCD display screen
- Each: Mud & splash resistant magnesium alloy design
- GH5 M2: 89.1 x 138.5 x 87.4mm / 727g
- GH6: 100.3 x 138.4 x 99.6mm / 823g
- GH5 M2: 2x SD card slots
- GH6: 1x CFExpress (Sort B), 1x SD
As each cameras are constructed across the Micro 4 Thirds machine, nor is in particular massive. The similar will also be mentioned of the lenses, too, particularly when in comparison to rival larger-scale techniques from Sony and Canon.
That mentioned, the GH6 is the most important of the sequence to this point, increasing past the GH5 M2’s dimensions so as to accommodate an in-body fan for cooling. The GH6’s fan and visual vents are essential to facilitate its limitless recording and make sure the sensor may not overheat (a subject matter that Sony cameras had been identified to undergo). The GH5 M2 does additionally be offering limitless recording, however its recording choices are not as high-end.
As opposed to the physique dimensions differing, the 2 cameras’ controls are in a different way somewhat equivalent. Then again, the GH6 provides a secondary film report button to the entrance of the digicam, plus a lock transfer up peak to keep away from any unintentional changes.
Each our bodies are splash- and dust-resistant, characteristic the exact same 3-inch vari-angle LCD display screen and integrated OLED viewfinder, so there is not any soar up in the case of decision or measurement on this regard.
Pop open the hid card drawer and the GH6 has every other large level of distinction: it hosts one SD slot and one CFExpress (Sort B) slot, while the GH5 M2 has two SD card slots as a substitute. That is the most important distinction, as handiest CFE can report the top-end compression formats and bitrates on be offering from the GH6 (one thing that is no such factor for the GH5 M2, even if you’ll be able to want a first rate UHS SD card).
Sensor
- GH5 M2: 20-megapixel Are living MOS, 12 stops dynamic vary in V-Log L
- GH6: 25MP Are living MOS, 13 stops w/ Dynamic Vary Spice up in V-Log L
- Each cameras: Micro 4 Thirds sensor measurement & lens mount machine
The GH6 additionally brings a brand spanking new sensor to the desk, upping the decision via round 25 in line with cent over the sooner GH5 M2. This, after all, way higher-resolution nonetheless pictures in case you are the use of this digicam predominantly for that objective (even if, for tax causes, the neither of those GH fashions is classified as a stills digicam, the limitless recording capability sees to that).
The all-new sensor brings with it higher dynamic vary doable, with a brand new Dynamic Vary Spice up possibility offering as much as a claimed 13 stops (yet another than the 12 of the GH5 M2). That’ll give quite a lot of headroom within the edit. V-Log L could also be put in as usual, simply as it’s within the GH5 M2, however it is price pointing this out because it lacked within the unique GH5 from years sooner than (the place it was once a pay-for tool replace).
With Dynamic Vary Spice up on, the GH6 makes use of the higher portion of ISO sensitivity in a twin achieve readout (it isn’t the similar as twin local ISO, regardless that). That is from ISO 800 in commonplace capturing, or from ISO 2000 in HLG and V-Log seize, permitting composite imaging for larger vary at prime quality.
Recording
- GH5 M2 most decision: 4K 50/60p at 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP
- GH6 most decision: 5.7K 50/60p at 4:2:0 10-bit
- Most frame-rate at 4K: GH5 M2 60p / GH6 120p
- Max frame-rate at 1080p: GH5 M2 180fps / GH6 300fps
- Each cameras: Limitless recording time (any atmosphere)
- Each: MOV & MP4 / GH6 handiest: Apple ProRes
However the actual explanation why above all else that you’ll be able to need the GH6 as a substitute of the GH5 M2 is its higher capability for recording. It provides extra decision choices (as much as 5.7K), increased bitrate doable and extra compression sorts – together with, crucially, Apple ProRes (which is why that CFE card slot is an very important).
The GH5 M2 is not precisely deficient in regard to its choices, however you will not get 5.7K at 50/60fps and you will not get ProRes. You’re going to get limitless recording time whichever you pick out, regardless that, so in case you do not want the extra headroom for grading or expanded decision then the 4K of the GH5 M2 might be masses excellent on your wishes.
There are umpteen recording choices from each cameras, protecting a limiteless gamut of resolutions – from Anamorphic to Cinema 4K (C4K), and 4K to Complete HD (1080p) – with the GH6 at all times providing a bit extra in identical mode. In case you are capturing 4K, for instance, the GH5 M2’s 4:2:0 output to card is robust, however the GH6 will cater for 4:2:2 to card.
There may be additionally an HDMI output on each cameras, allowing simultaneous recording to each card and by means of HDMI. Then again, because the GH6 has the next interior bitrate (Panasonic tells us it peaks at 1903Mbps) you have got that top quality to be had for seize exterior to digicam. Once more, in case you do not want extremely high-end knowledge charges on your information then the GH5 M2 will do you simply wonderful.
In a long term replace the GH6 may even upload SSD recording by means of the USB-C output, Panasonic tells us. Certainly, the GH6 guarantees a number of long term updates, together with:
- DC1 4K Apple ProRes
- FHD Apple ProRes
- USB-SSD direct recording
- 4K 120p HDMI output (by means of HDMI 2.1 handiest)
- HDMI 4K 120p Uncooked video output to ATOMOS Ninja V+
How lengthy you will have to look forward to every of the ones to seem in a firmware replace we do not know regardless that. Disgrace they are now not there on day one, as we suspect sure execs might be particularly prepared for sure specifics amongst that listing.
Audio, tracking
- Each cameras: 3.5mm mic port, 3.5mm headphones out
- GH5 M2: 48kHz/16-bit // GH6: 96kHz/24-bit
- GH5 M2: 96kHz/24-bit by means of DMW-XLR1 XLR accent
- GH6: 4-channel audio 48kHz/24-bit (handiest by means of XLR1)
- Each cameras: HDMI out
Along with the HDMI output, there may be additionally a couple of three.5mm ports on each GH5 M2 and GH6. That gives headphones and mic tracking as you please, with the choice of the DMW-XLR1 accent for XLR output as a substitute.
You can need this accent with the GH6 if you want to employ its four-channel audio – one thing the GH5 M2 lacks, it is simply two channels – for recording a couple of mic streams, for instance.
High quality could also be rather other relying on whether or not you are recording two- or four-channels, whilst the GH6’s default 3.5mm output high quality is increased via default, in line with Panasonic’s legit spec pages.
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Conclusion
So the large query: which will have to you purchase, GH5 M2 or GH6? Smartly, it is down for your wishes and your finances. The GH6, whilst somewhat priced, is the pricier possibility as it is the extra in a position to the 2.
Each cameras be offering limitless recording, on the other hand, in order that’s no downside whichever takes your choice, as long as you are pleased with 4K 50/60p most at the GH5 M2. The GH6 ups the ante with 5.7K, provides Apple ProRes compression, increased bitrates and frame-rate choices all through its choices – all being key issues as to why you could want to purchase it.
In abstract: the GH6 is much less shopper and extra pro-level, with the type of knowledge charges that may make it B-camera succesful for productions; the GH5 M2, in the meantime, might be spot on for creators pleased with 4K for capturing from their at-home studios.
Writing via Mike Lowe.
