After watching a bunch of reviews, this personal and human commentary was a breath of fresh air. Thank you! By the way, I have mine a few weeks and I’m still going through it. But overall I think I’ll be quite happy.
I have a new GH6 with the latest firmware and I have to say, I’m very satisfied with the autofocus. I have only shot two gigs but it has performed well. I shoot in theatres , primarily.
That's true... but then the FX9 has phase detect and I can't seem to shoot anything that demonstrates the issue. I'd love to be able to record the static pattern they say we'll be able to spot?
@@extrashot Well, Sony stated (RE: Venice 2) that the PD-grid could become noticeable under certain circumstances... Maybe those circumstances aren't entirely dissimilar from the circumstances that caused Panasonic to be cautious or reluctant about employing PD-AF on their cameras...
I always enjoy hearing your perspective. And, yes - as a former GH5 user, I absolutely know what you mean about how it feels to use the GH series cameras. After moving to Sony, I sold my Panasonic MFT system, but I've often missed the connection I had with the GH5 whenever shooting with it. Thanks for this excellent "not-a-review!"
@@extrashot I was thinking for a couple of weeks I may return it. I almost returned it and went full frame with a canon r5 or r6. I studied everything for days and hours. At the end of it all I decided I had the right camera for me with with the GH6. I am keeping my GH5 too. "Love the one your with" right. LOL. Really it is going to force me into being a pro manual focuser. Other than that I am thrilled with it. I am also going to study all the ins and outs of Auto Focus on GH6. I'm sure if I did, I could use it often effectively. A lot of people think its very useable. I did not use it on my GH5 so it's all new to me. But I'm sold and really really love it. Full Frame someday. I have some great Lecia Lenses for the GH6. Looking forward. Thank you.
@@sutv6754 That's good to hear, it's definitely worth keeping especially if you already have some nice lenses. I maybe over stated my frustration with the AF, and you're right, manual focus is a skill worth learning (it's still better than the best AF in many situations). Having said all of that... you'll find that the AF on the GH6 is probably the best version Panasonic have put into any of their mirrorless cameras. Still useful for many subjects. Hope it works well for you.
@@extrashot it's funny because your first AF test on GH6 at 10:34 to about 10:52 is I would guess 50% soft, I'd like to load your clip and annotate it frame by frame to count how many of those frames your eyes/face is slightly soft vs "OK" and I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere close to 50% of the frames are soft! Your face is pulsating in and out of focus, ever so slightly throughout that whole first AF test clip 😆😆 the background lights that pulsate are just an "easy" way to see that the Panasonic AF is messed up (very clear to see in this GH6 "not a review" by Potato Jet th-cam.com/video/_oqKk53MiCo/w-d-xo.htmlm26s actually what happens is a constant movement in and slightly out of focus on the face, object that are being AF tracked. Especially when watching videos on a 4K TV, it's so sad and messed up. I've posted thousands of videos using Panasonic where this is always happening. This is so sad. 😪 (and I really can't be doing all my handheld interviews with MF) I've been waiting 10 years since my GH3, then GH5/G9 for Panasonic to please please fix their AF once and for good. They still won't! They're basically making fun of us, they're completely ignoring us or something like that. Yes this would be the world's most perfect camera if only they would have PDAF! 🤯🤯
@@charbax Nailed it.... I don't think they're making fun of us and they are obviously capable of making a good PD system... but their priorities are clearly more important than their customers repeated requests... which is why I'm so sad. So close to being perfect !!!
@@charbax yes!! It’s not just the pulsing in the background, like you said. If you look at the eyes of a person while they are shot with Panasonic autofocus, you can see them drift slightly in and out of focus over and over. It makes it completely unusable.
Great video as always! You're right about how the GH5 was fun to use. I loved how you could just pick up that camera and without any rigging or external power etc get really nice results. It just sat in your hand really nicely, I'm glad you think the GH6 is the same. I just wonder if Panasonic trying to encourage customers to invest in m43 systems is a tough sell in 2022 outside of those with alot of m43 lenses already.
Well,.. it depends on the set of lenses you want to use. If you use cinema or any specific lenses, you wont be able to use autofocus anyway on SONY a7sIII or A7IV cameras. More to that, you will be stuck with non prores formats unless you shoot with atomos. Of course, as a previeous owner of gh5, and S1, i am just considering all pros- and cons- of gh6 and importance of autofocus and its benefits. I am not sure about what is possible in terms of tweaking autofocus in post firmware updates, but maybe we could be surprised what can be done with its faster procesor. In case there would be a little chance of its improving, i would give it a shot and stick with one autofocus lens and metabones for full-frame lenses. I have loved the look with metabones on my gh5, but i havnt used slowmotion much(even on S1), due to its degraded fullHD unsharp image inconsistent with 4K 10 bit. This could be a huge stepup for people shooting sports or any fast movement. Last years i was also considering a weight of camera which i carry on whole day at high mountain tracks. To be honest, S1H or S1 it were a little more unconvenient than i would like to. SONY A7S III could be an option if it wasnt that much more expensive + all the those autofocus lenses. I just dont know, we are currently testing gh6, but i guess it has a nice potencial for all those outdoor filmmakers. In the end and with all being said, main thing what matters is how you use the equipment you have and how seriously you take colorgrading and editing. I have seen poor films shot with great cameras and great films shot on poor cameras. For someone GH6 could be a dissapointment, for someone fulfilled dream about perfect run and gun camera from the times of gh4.
I loved the Gh4, its when I dipped my toes into the series. Skip to the gh5 - Holy crap what a breath of fresh air and can relate to your point on the metabones adaptor and some epic glass such as the sigma 18-35 Coug cough pulling a F1.8 to f1.2, let the buttery shots begin! I ended up forking out and last week got the GH6 and did a bit of testing with it. I enjoy it in my hand however I was a little gutted with the quality and noise in the shots. After spending heaps of time upgrading firmware and playing around with the native lenses in this case the 12-35 f2.8 there was just something a little off about the quality. Perhaps I need some more time with it to just ensure im not doing something stupid like Underexposing shots and pulling them up too much in post but the shots are outside in the sun, with the DR turned off and shooting at iso250, some cases 125. Little mistery but i'm looking to unfortunately move over to sony. I don't want to because my love for the GH series has always been nothing but a romantic relationship between Camera and owner. but GH6 felt a little lacking...I may be wrong here and hope that im making a dumb mistake in the way I shoot so I get to keep it.
I totally agree with your thoughts. No doubt the GH6 will be a dream camera for many, especially if your style doesn't require AF. I suppose I was a little disappointed that Panasonic were so close to making the perfect camera for me... and then failed at the last point. I still love my GH5 especially with the Metabones booster. It's a great combo and still rivals the A7S3 today. Amazing how long they've been doing 4K 10bit ... way before we all started taking it for granted !!! Thanks for the comment, it's good read. 👍
I agree...this could be the perfect camera WITH phase AF. UNBELIEVABLE that panasonic is not giving us reliable AF. Hopefuly the Fuji X-H2 will be the better GH6.
The more I think about this the more confused I get.... how can Panasonic not consider PD AF when it's all their customers wanted? I didn't hear anyone saying "I'd buy a GH5 if only it did 300 fps in HD"
Theres no way their argument that phase detect compromises quality. The new OM1 is the worlds first quad bayer sensor and its quality and colour looks gorgeous.
Nice piece Paul. I concur. I have recently invested in a Z9 and five high end Zs lenses but the GH6 (which I have had on a preordered preorder 😂) is a no brainier to add to my MFT kit that I previously built up around the GH5. The only thing other than the camera I will have to buy is a new cage and add another CF Express card (which in some countries will be included in the package). Yes, it would have been perfect with phase detect AF but they seem to have vastly improved the contrast based to a level that seems quite useable in many circumstances and hopefully works with more reliability. That is what I have my Z9 for, just in case!😎🙏🏾
Hi Eugene, You'll definitely see a big improvement in AF from the GH5... I suppose it's just the 100% reliability that's the issue. They were just one pigeon away from the perfect camera so I'm sure you'll love it.
Preach brother! My sentiments exactly, "they were that close to producing the perfect camera!" Seriously, if they had PDAF and it worked "almost" as well as canon, Sony or Nikon z9...this would have been PERFECT!!!!! Yes, plus Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus all use PDAF and none of their cameras suffer quality problems from it, in fact its quite the opposite. Its just a stubborn executive and/or engineer that pushed DFD on us yet again.
If there are so many other options, including the vaunted Sony, why not just go that route and leave well enough alone, the GH6 and Blackmagic cameras, are just not your cup of tea. Even after this video basically said the AF was usable even though it’s DfD… Seems like Sony and the rest of those other cameras are not quite doing it for the people that continually hover around Lumix camera reviews whining about what it is not. It’s a bit like complaining a sport bike is not the same as an adventure bike. Both are built for purpose, just like the GH6, which again, not your cup of tea… …
@@Superz3ro Thank you for your opinion, just as I expressed mine. If I want to bitch, that's my choice to do so, as its your choice not to read it. Also these points are all valid, pretty much since the gh5 was released, we've been asking for PDAF, so either Panny doesn't listen to its users, or they had some other silly reason as their excuses for not implementing it are light given all the other companies, including Olympus, who were able to without any reduction in quality of the image. What could have been vs what we got is a big problem for the platform, because what we got in the gh6 isn't likely to swing anyone to the platform, it'll serve those of us who stuck around. For what could have been, if it had even close to the performance of Sony or canon with PDAF, it likely would have drawn more to the platform solidifying m4/3's future. I guess we'll find out if this is the last GHx camera...but my hopes aren't high because the one serious drawback to the platform was not fixed...
As someone who shot a feature film with the GH5, I can tell you I didn't rely on autofocus once. But, after owning a few Sony cameras, and now armed with the A7iv I can tell you that reliable autofocus is a huge plus. I think I can say with some confidence that most filmmakers today are of the indie/low budget variety. And for indie/low budget filmmakers like myself, autofocus is a great feature to have. On low budget productions, you often have little to no time to set up lights and cameras to shoot. It's not in the budget. But, I do think the day that Panasonic brings in PDAF to their GH cameras, their market share will shoot straight up. That being said, as someone who was very happy shooting with the GH5, I would love to get my hands on the GH6 to see what I can do with it. I bet I would surprise myself and others.
I agree totally with what you say... the trouble is, once you've used reliable AF it becomes just another useful tool you don't want to do without. The GH6 is almost perfect for many filmmakers!
Finally something for the niche market of those who hate reviews. Please tell Panasonic to release a box version (BGH2?) of this camera shortly. This is their first VR-worthy camera (as for resolutions and framerates) but the bigger grip will always be in the frame for super fisheye lenses (besides the GH6 being not as easy to mount side by side). It'd be a wasted or otherwise overdue opportunity, especially at the very low RND costs.
As a long time GHx user and someone who recently got a S5, the GH6 looks like a fantastic complementary cam. I have all the lenses necessary for the GH6, unlike the S5, and the colours should match really well. The GH6 can handle long form interviews while the S5 can manage the second angle or stills at the same time.
First I didn't see what Panasonic wanted with the autofocus either, like most of us. Now It's clear to me, they try to achieve humanlike autofocus, with every release they come closer to nailing it. This is acceptable to me (for some situations), that's a first. They should call it: "this-is-not-autofocus" though.
I think the GH6 uses the same batteries as the S5 so there are some dummy batteries available. If you want an external battery have you tried powering the camera through the USB-C ? I think that works on the GH6 which would allow you to use any USB power pack. That'll probably be the best solution and certainly the cheapest.
@@extrashotYes, a power bank works to power the GH6 all day. I use that feature very often without any hitches. The only problem is that it ties up the single USBC port, but on the other hand, it means there is a full battery inside which allows me to seamlessly switch power banks if one gets drained.
The S5 also looks amazing value now too. Panasonic have made it a tough call between the GH6 and the S5 ... especially with those lovely L-Mount lenses!
Great non-review. I really enjoyed it. I sense experience in actual using the camera over technical detail nerdiness. I still think this Camera is a great buy even for professional work. People just need to learn how to use their camera. I am also starting to firmly believe that for market classified global purposes, all camera companies cripple their cameras in one form or another. No one company is willing to deliver a perfect camera. It's like you would think all cars should have been electric and affordable by now but why aren't they?
Panasonic said that they started developing the sensor at the time GH4 was out, and the main critique then was dynamic range and low light performance. For one I agree, whether or not it's a made up excuse.
Great to have you back and not reviewing but I miss the fact that you are not wearing a baseball cap backwards and starting the video with the salutation “what’s up guys?!!!!”
Clear and non-emotional discussion of this new LUMIX GH6. As you said all their customers where asking is good phase detect AF. Let see how this camera will sell. As you said, after 30 years perfectioning manual, once you have good AF you will miss it.
Great review. I've been a GH5 user since it was released. I use a speedbooster and also light most of our scenes, so the MFT shortcomings never have been an issue. One thing I'm seeing on TH-cam is that nobody is acknowledging that Panasonic is actually putting more cinema features in their bodies than Sony and Canon at lower price points. The GH5 back in 2017 had shutter angle, waveform, and many other nice features upon released. In 2022, the Sony A7SIII, FX3, A7IV and the Canon R6, R5, R3, do not have the option to have shutter angle. I always thought that this was a shame, as this is purely a software fix with barely any complex code involved. I have had an FX6 on order since December, but part of is looking at canceling it and just ordering a GH6 for now. We'll see.
I'm just an amateur, owning a GH5 and always fascinated about its video & photo quality and technical aspects. The only downside I saw on GH5 was autofocus and I was expecting very much the GH 6 would eliminate that problem. It's a pity that it's not done !!! Furthermore, I was wondering since the first GH, why don't I see PANASONIC on the camera ??? (Just imagine a camera on the market with a label "Alpha 7" - with out Sony Logo .... Will it receive the due attention of potential buyers ...? I believe, Panasonic should definitely consider this fact too, immediately !!
Hello my Friend, and I am a filmmaker using GH5 & GH5s, I can't wait to get my hands on the GH6. Great not a review. :) But one of the best GH6 reviews. :)
So Nice, seeing you doing “ Non-review “ with a lot of Good informations for this new Panasonic camera. I was thinking, form your Professional View: if you can make video of update “ 4k Projector “ LCD & DPL technology compare & True 4k Projector compare to 4K E-shift Projector. This will be a lot of friends want to know… Wish you like this idea. Keep Going…💪 2022.22.2 Good Time Coming. ☀️
The S5 II and IIX are good models for a GH6 II or a GH7. I share all your observations and frustrations about the GH6. YES there is a place for Micro 4/3. I don't want big, heavy, bulky, full frame lenses in my bag! I don't want to start over with a new system. I don't care if the camera is bigger and heavier to accommodate a fan and a heat sink. I do want hybrid PDAF and all the goodies in the S5 IIX - and the GH6. Hopefully, Panasonic is listening and will update the G9 and the GH6 with more modern technology that includes PDAF as the #1 feature. They got hit over the head big time with the let down of NO PDAF in the GH6.
It's definitely much improved over the GH5 for video... amazing what they've managed to achieve with what we have to admit is a fundamentally inferior system.
It will be interesting to see if they update the BGH1 sensor. I don't think there will be a GH7. Panasonic knew there was a market for the GH6 because of the huge popularity of the GH5. I don't think there will be an overwhelming number of NEW M4/3 buyers. Maybe some. I doubted a new AF. If Panasonic wanted to change, they would have done it with the FF cameras. However, I do think a new system is on the way. Maybe with the changes to the FF lineup.
I love this not so review video. You have said it all. I am a GH5 user, and I have squished every capabilities it has and still using it for a living. I go back and fort wether to buy GH6. I love the form factor it has REALLY. But this one thing PDAF or make it hybrid DFD. There’s this scenario you needed that feature and have said “ugh” your perfect if you have that PDAF into the system. Well for now I’m investing on PanaLei lenses, hoping updated hybrid AF will be added into the mft system on a GH6 body. Love the screen tilt/swivel (clever). A bit scared of Dynamic Boost, as I haven’t tested one. I sub for more mft content.
Man, you gave them a pretty good deal for a simple loan. Maybe when they realise you didn't review it, they'll give it to you. 11k views is a good return for them. The GH6 is beyond my pay grade but I really liked the camerawork and want to know what camera you used to record this. I didn't see it listed in your video kit.😵💫
I agree 100% on your thoughts with Lumix AF system, if they would change their af system the GH6 would have ruled the world lol. I use the G9 and Sony A7III. So like you said, once you have used great af it's hard to trust the af on Lumix camera's. Well I guess we'll just have to wait for GH6 MKII lol, hope it's not another 5 year wait :).
If this was a review, it would be a really good one, as you almost say in conclusion, you came that close to a perfect review... Still very enjoyable though...like Lumix cameras.
Seems like a review to me! Imo, this cam seems good enough in the af and iq departments that system choice will come down to preferred lenses. In that regard, mft is now matched with the fuji crons and Sigma i-series for small primes, where they used to be ahead. Still the best bet for telephoto and macro.
Panasonic shld just call the camera the Lumix B Camera and drop the gh# all together. The sensor size statement makes so much sense. Hell I wldnt doubt many viewers have a B camera by elimination. It happens when you use them or abuse them for fun or profit.
A little bit confused… After your own testing you essentially claim the AF is very good, and demonstrate it’s usability, while still decrying the choice to stay with DfD, and lamenting the lack of PDAF… If it works, does it really matter what system it uses to achieve it. I share the view that PDAF has a potential quality hit. Lumix cameras had 10-bit before Sony and the rest, and their mbps were and still are typically higher as well. GH6 up to 800 mbps, and maybe 600 for the others… Lets not also forget, the GH5 as far back as 2017 technically could record in 6K… …
It works.... just not as well, or reliably as it could do. One problem, is the fact that results are rarely repeatable, which is why I think so many reviewers can't agree!
@@extrashot To be fair, “Not as well as it could,” can be said for anything. How good it actually is, is where the debate lays… Better than the GH5, is a given. The GH5II is considerably better than the original. Usable even I would say, and that is from my own perspective, as it works remarkable well, practically spot on… With three hundred fifteen Focal Points, which is ninety more than the two hundred twenty five of any previous generation Lumix camera, is markably improved. Also considering the new processor, much improved Venus processing engine, and algorithms, one would think there was a significant performance increase. Is it better than Sony, or Canon, maybe not, but is it relatively up to the criteria of being functional… That is the real question, and though I have not laid hands on one yet, I would think it might be. Again, related to the previous experience with the GH5II. In lower lighting it is challenging, but that is true of any system. To keep things in perspective, Sony and Canon both have at least four hundred twenty - five Contrast Detect Focus Points before the remaining six hundred or so Phase Detect Focus Points kick in. A Formula One car is still quick, even though it may not be quicker than a Tesla Model S Plaid off the line…
You really should have refuse Panasonic's offer and make a review instead. I know they insisted for a fan inside, but you just can't hear it. This is such a disillusionment for the pros who like to hear their fans. I'll come back for the rest, stay tuned.
Best presentation on the GH6cheers , i hope they have kept the Focus damping ability of the gh5 called locked on and speed , as i have found that turned to minus 2 speed and minus 3 to locked on reduces the pulsing to hardly visible for mostly static head shots even if i move 3 or to five inches back a forth , even with the 12/60mm 2.8 - 4 , and the focus only moves when the camera senses exstream movement , but its even better using the sigma 16mm 1.4 or most Olympus lenses as i don't think they are affected by the DFD in the camera so much if at all , hence much more filmic response , so if those settings are in the GH6 too , It could be even better , but yes in those settings the transitions will be a lot slower . , NOW do i go for variety of shot with the brilliant new OM-1 or just stick to the still great GH5 , the low light ability with stabilization is the GH6 best selling point to me , ALL THESE GREAT CAMERAS IN A MAD WORLD SYSTEM RUN BY the possessed and paranoid desperate to hang on to power , OH WELL , TEA BREAK over and out . ....................................and cheers for your great none review , 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Tony... it's slightly different to what they told me, but in a similar vein. Either way, they are effectively saying the image quality they wanted to achieve from the sensor was more important than the autofocus performance that pretty much all their customers wanted in the GH6. Ignoring so many of your customer feature requests is a brave move in todays camera market. It would be a different story if they were making the ultimate cinema grade product to compete with the Arri's, Red's or Venice... but this is a camera that many vloggers, hobbyists and amateur film makers would love to use.
It's not a review haha i love your video's. When i see al those specs i dont know what it means ik now 4k en 60 or 30 the rest is a abracadabra. And your calm voice. I always sit down take the time enjoy en love life thanks to you. This is Not a opinion just a mental thought hahaha
This may be the best non-review I've ever seen... Cheers!
After watching a bunch of reviews, this personal and human commentary was a breath of fresh air. Thank you! By the way, I have mine a few weeks and I’m still going through it. But overall I think I’ll be quite happy.
I have a new GH6 with the latest firmware and I have to say, I’m very satisfied with the autofocus. I have only shot two gigs but it has performed well. I shoot in theatres , primarily.
Sony also stated the exact same argument (static pattern from PD-pixels) as reason against implementing phase detect AF on their new Venice 2.
That's true... but then the FX9 has phase detect and I can't seem to shoot anything that demonstrates the issue. I'd love to be able to record the static pattern they say we'll be able to spot?
@@extrashot
Well, Sony stated (RE: Venice 2) that the PD-grid could become noticeable under certain circumstances... Maybe those circumstances aren't entirely dissimilar from the circumstances that caused Panasonic to be cautious or reluctant about employing PD-AF on their cameras...
Great to see you back Paul …. Keep the ‘non-reviews’ coming please 👍
Hi Paul... hope you're well and keeping busy?
Thank you for that "review" 🙂, totally enjoy your calm way of discussing details and tech aspects. Enjoyable to watch. Cheers from Germany.
Nice to hear you enjoyed it... thank you and cheers from Bournemouth!
Non reviews are always much better!
Great work thank you.
You’ve become my favorite place to come for camera info. Your deliver just plain makes me happy.
Oh, that's nice to hear... thank you!
I always enjoy hearing your perspective. And, yes - as a former GH5 user, I absolutely know what you mean about how it feels to use the GH series cameras. After moving to Sony, I sold my Panasonic MFT system, but I've often missed the connection I had with the GH5 whenever shooting with it. Thanks for this excellent "not-a-review!"
I'm glad to hear it's not just me... the GH5 was very nice to use and I think that's an underrated factor when shooting video.
I'd say the autofocus is definitely usable for video
Excellent clip, thanks for your imput!
You are welcome!
Thank you again. Always like to get your take on things. I got mine.
brilliant... what do you think of it?
@@extrashot I was thinking for a couple of weeks I may return it. I almost returned it and went full frame with a canon r5 or r6. I studied everything for days and hours. At the end of it all I decided I had the right camera for me with with the GH6. I am keeping my GH5 too. "Love the one your with" right. LOL. Really it is going to force me into being a pro manual focuser. Other than that I am thrilled with it. I am also going to study all the ins and outs of Auto Focus on GH6. I'm sure if I did, I could use it often effectively. A lot of people think its very useable. I did not use it on my GH5 so it's all new to me. But I'm sold and really really love it. Full Frame someday. I have some great Lecia Lenses for the GH6. Looking forward. Thank you.
@@sutv6754 That's good to hear, it's definitely worth keeping especially if you already have some nice lenses. I maybe over stated my frustration with the AF, and you're right, manual focus is a skill worth learning (it's still better than the best AF in many situations). Having said all of that... you'll find that the AF on the GH6 is probably the best version Panasonic have put into any of their mirrorless cameras. Still useful for many subjects. Hope it works well for you.
I have been waiting a very very long time for Panasonic to use PDAF. Still waiting...
true!
@@extrashot it's funny because your first AF test on GH6 at 10:34 to about 10:52 is I would guess 50% soft, I'd like to load your clip and annotate it frame by frame to count how many of those frames your eyes/face is slightly soft vs "OK" and I wouldn't be surprised if somewhere close to 50% of the frames are soft! Your face is pulsating in and out of focus, ever so slightly throughout that whole first AF test clip 😆😆 the background lights that pulsate are just an "easy" way to see that the Panasonic AF is messed up (very clear to see in this GH6 "not a review" by Potato Jet th-cam.com/video/_oqKk53MiCo/w-d-xo.htmlm26s actually what happens is a constant movement in and slightly out of focus on the face, object that are being AF tracked. Especially when watching videos on a 4K TV, it's so sad and messed up. I've posted thousands of videos using Panasonic where this is always happening. This is so sad. 😪 (and I really can't be doing all my handheld interviews with MF) I've been waiting 10 years since my GH3, then GH5/G9 for Panasonic to please please fix their AF once and for good. They still won't! They're basically making fun of us, they're completely ignoring us or something like that. Yes this would be the world's most perfect camera if only they would have PDAF! 🤯🤯
@@charbax Nailed it.... I don't think they're making fun of us and they are obviously capable of making a good PD system... but their priorities are clearly more important than their customers repeated requests... which is why I'm so sad. So close to being perfect !!!
@@charbax yes!! It’s not just the pulsing in the background, like you said. If you look at the eyes of a person while they are shot with Panasonic autofocus, you can see them drift slightly in and out of focus over and over. It makes it completely unusable.
Great video as always! You're right about how the GH5 was fun to use. I loved how you could just pick up that camera and without any rigging or external power etc get really nice results. It just sat in your hand really nicely, I'm glad you think the GH6 is the same.
I just wonder if Panasonic trying to encourage customers to invest in m43 systems is a tough sell in 2022 outside of those with alot of m43 lenses already.
I think you're right... but it would have been a much easier sell if they'd used phase detect !!!
Well,.. it depends on the set of lenses you want to use. If you use cinema or any specific lenses, you wont be able to use autofocus anyway on SONY a7sIII or A7IV cameras. More to that, you will be stuck with non prores formats unless you shoot with atomos. Of course, as a previeous owner of gh5, and S1, i am just considering all pros- and cons- of gh6 and importance of autofocus and its benefits. I am not sure about what is possible in terms of tweaking autofocus in post firmware updates, but maybe we could be surprised what can be done with its faster procesor. In case there would be a little chance of its improving, i would give it a shot and stick with one autofocus lens and metabones for full-frame lenses. I have loved the look with metabones on my gh5, but i havnt used slowmotion much(even on S1), due to its degraded fullHD unsharp image inconsistent with 4K 10 bit. This could be a huge stepup for people shooting sports or any fast movement. Last years i was also considering a weight of camera which i carry on whole day at high mountain tracks. To be honest, S1H or S1 it were a little more unconvenient than i would like to. SONY A7S III could be an option if it wasnt that much more expensive + all the those autofocus lenses. I just dont know, we are currently testing gh6, but i guess it has a nice potencial for all those outdoor filmmakers. In the end and with all being said, main thing what matters is how you use the equipment you have and how seriously you take colorgrading and editing. I have seen poor films shot with great cameras and great films shot on poor cameras. For someone GH6 could be a dissapointment, for someone fulfilled dream about perfect run and gun camera from the times of gh4.
I loved the Gh4, its when I dipped my toes into the series. Skip to the gh5 - Holy crap what a breath of fresh air and can relate to your point on the metabones adaptor and some epic glass such as the sigma 18-35 Coug cough pulling a F1.8 to f1.2, let the buttery shots begin!
I ended up forking out and last week got the GH6 and did a bit of testing with it. I enjoy it in my hand however I was a little gutted with the quality and noise in the shots. After spending heaps of time upgrading firmware and playing around with the native lenses in this case the 12-35 f2.8 there was just something a little off about the quality. Perhaps I need some more time with it to just ensure im not doing something stupid like Underexposing shots and pulling them up too much in post but the shots are outside in the sun, with the DR turned off and shooting at iso250, some cases 125. Little mistery but i'm looking to unfortunately move over to sony. I don't want to because my love for the GH series has always been nothing but a romantic relationship between Camera and owner. but GH6 felt a little lacking...I may be wrong here and hope that im making a dumb mistake in the way I shoot so I get to keep it.
I totally agree with your thoughts. No doubt the GH6 will be a dream camera for many, especially if your style doesn't require AF. I suppose I was a little disappointed that Panasonic were so close to making the perfect camera for me... and then failed at the last point. I still love my GH5 especially with the Metabones booster. It's a great combo and still rivals the A7S3 today. Amazing how long they've been doing 4K 10bit ... way before we all started taking it for granted !!! Thanks for the comment, it's good read. 👍
I agree...this could be the perfect camera WITH phase AF. UNBELIEVABLE that panasonic is not giving us reliable AF. Hopefuly the Fuji X-H2 will be the better GH6.
The more I think about this the more confused I get.... how can Panasonic not consider PD AF when it's all their customers wanted? I didn't hear anyone saying "I'd buy a GH5 if only it did 300 fps in HD"
Theres no way their argument that phase detect compromises quality. The new OM1 is the worlds first quad bayer sensor and its quality and colour looks gorgeous.
True!... and I've yet to see the compromised quality from PDAF on my FX9 ???
Totally agree. Lumix cameras are so great. But for video DFD it's quite a problem...
Question I'm now asking is what will replace the G9?
Good point... it'll be interesting to see. 50MP sensor?
Hi there. Have you heard about the streaking issue with this camera in high contrast scenarios? Thank you.
You never disappoint sir! Best review out there! BRAVO!
I really appreciate your comments... thank you!
Nice piece Paul. I concur. I have recently invested in a Z9 and five high end Zs lenses but the GH6 (which I have had on a preordered preorder 😂) is a no brainier to add to my MFT kit that I previously built up around the GH5. The only thing other than the camera I will have to buy is a new cage and add another CF Express card (which in some countries will be included in the package). Yes, it would have been perfect with phase detect AF but they seem to have vastly improved the contrast based to a level that seems quite useable in many circumstances and hopefully works with more reliability. That is what I have my Z9 for, just in case!😎🙏🏾
Hi Eugene, You'll definitely see a big improvement in AF from the GH5... I suppose it's just the 100% reliability that's the issue. They were just one pigeon away from the perfect camera so I'm sure you'll love it.
My experience..AF works good in good light
Preach brother! My sentiments exactly, "they were that close to producing the perfect camera!" Seriously, if they had PDAF and it worked "almost" as well as canon, Sony or Nikon z9...this would have been PERFECT!!!!! Yes, plus Sony, Canon, Nikon, Olympus all use PDAF and none of their cameras suffer quality problems from it, in fact its quite the opposite. Its just a stubborn executive and/or engineer that pushed DFD on us yet again.
If there are so many other options, including the vaunted Sony, why not just go that route and leave well enough alone, the GH6 and Blackmagic cameras, are just not your cup of tea. Even after this video basically said the AF was usable even though it’s DfD…
Seems like Sony and the rest of those other cameras are not quite doing it for the people that continually hover around Lumix camera reviews whining about what it is not. It’s a bit like complaining a sport bike is not the same as an adventure bike. Both are built for purpose, just like the GH6, which again, not your cup of tea…
…
@@Superz3ro Thank you for your opinion, just as I expressed mine. If I want to bitch, that's my choice to do so, as its your choice not to read it. Also these points are all valid, pretty much since the gh5 was released, we've been asking for PDAF, so either Panny doesn't listen to its users, or they had some other silly reason as their excuses for not implementing it are light given all the other companies, including Olympus, who were able to without any reduction in quality of the image. What could have been vs what we got is a big problem for the platform, because what we got in the gh6 isn't likely to swing anyone to the platform, it'll serve those of us who stuck around. For what could have been, if it had even close to the performance of Sony or canon with PDAF, it likely would have drawn more to the platform solidifying m4/3's future. I guess we'll find out if this is the last GHx camera...but my hopes aren't high because the one serious drawback to the platform was not fixed...
It's not that we don't love the Panny's... it's just we were hoping for perfect !!! 😂
@@extrashot Me too, what I would have been very excited about is now just now okay, I need a second GH, so this'll do...
Wow, that shot of duck looked really clean to me. Even for TH-cam. Was this uploaded in h.264?
Yes... as it come out of FCPX... nothing special.
As someone who shot a feature film with the GH5, I can tell you I didn't rely on autofocus once. But, after owning a few Sony cameras, and now armed with the A7iv I can tell you that reliable autofocus is a huge plus. I think I can say with some confidence that most filmmakers today are of the indie/low budget variety. And for indie/low budget filmmakers like myself, autofocus is a great feature to have. On low budget productions, you often have little to no time to set up lights and cameras to shoot. It's not in the budget.
But, I do think the day that Panasonic brings in PDAF to their GH cameras, their market share will shoot straight up. That being said, as someone who was very happy shooting with the GH5, I would love to get my hands on the GH6 to see what I can do with it. I bet I would surprise myself and others.
I agree totally with what you say... the trouble is, once you've used reliable AF it becomes just another useful tool you don't want to do without. The GH6 is almost perfect for many filmmakers!
@@extrashot Oh yea. Reliable autofocus is invaluable. But, I am seriously considering the GH6 as a second camera.
14:40 I felt that
Finally something for the niche market of those who hate reviews.
Please tell Panasonic to release a box version (BGH2?) of this camera shortly. This is their first VR-worthy camera (as for resolutions and framerates) but the bigger grip will always be in the frame for super fisheye lenses (besides the GH6 being not as easy to mount side by side). It'd be a wasted or otherwise overdue opportunity, especially at the very low RND costs.
That's a good point... or would it be the BGH6 ?
@@extrashot Ha, that's exactly what I thought when they released the boxed GH5S as the BGH1.
This is a similar layout to my G9 and it feels like home!
As a long time GHx user and someone who recently got a S5, the GH6 looks like a fantastic complementary cam. I have all the lenses necessary for the GH6, unlike the S5, and the colours should match really well. The GH6 can handle long form interviews while the S5 can manage the second angle or stills at the same time.
Brilliant second camera to the S5 or S1H... amazing really.
Hello, thanks for your non review. Simple question, could you break the GH6 AF system? Just like Pana asked you to try with the S5? Thank you, Frans
Agree. So close. Even Samsung NX1 had hybrid AF, years ago.... I want the BGH2 with variable ND...
both Hybrid AF and variable ND would be a dream... or is that the FX6 ?
First I didn't see what Panasonic wanted with the autofocus either, like most of us. Now It's clear to me, they try to achieve humanlike autofocus, with every release they come closer to nailing it. This is acceptable to me (for some situations), that's a first. They should call it: "this-is-not-autofocus" though.
Is this as good as DFD can ever get? I'm not sure... but why?
i really dont understand, why we cannot shot prores in HD or 4k... a bit annoying, that i have to shot in 5k to use prores :(
Update coming on 7th of July
I do have a question in your status as a non- reviewer, do you know if there is an external battery pack able to power the 6 safely?
I think the GH6 uses the same batteries as the S5 so there are some dummy batteries available. If you want an external battery have you tried powering the camera through the USB-C ? I think that works on the GH6 which would allow you to use any USB power pack. That'll probably be the best solution and certainly the cheapest.
@@extrashot Thank you I'll look into that.
@@extrashotYes, a power bank works to power the GH6 all day. I use that feature very often without any hitches. The only problem is that it ties up the single USBC port, but on the other hand, it means there is a full battery inside which allows me to seamlessly switch power banks if one gets drained.
I’m gonna stick to my S5 since low light is crucial to me since I film at night a lot. I wish they let video iso go higher than 12800.
as somebody else has said, a camera is only so good as the lens attached to it. I find the 20-60mm fantastic to go with my S5!
@@adhardino9781 the 20-60 is pretty darn good!
The S5 also looks amazing value now too. Panasonic have made it a tough call between the GH6 and the S5 ... especially with those lovely L-Mount lenses!
@@extrashot I just got the 35mm. Very nice quality lens!
Superb non review! Really enjoyed your delivery and humour.👍🎥
Good to hear... thank you!
We also need higher dynamic range and dual iso to get closer to a perfect camera.
You can never have too much dynamic range... variable ND would be nice though!
Best none review I've watched, 🤠
Thank you... I won't review more soon. 😂
Great review!
Such an amazing review, congrats!!
Thank you... very kind 👍
Excellent non-review. Thanks! Also, looking forwards to the GH5 prices dropping...
That's true... and it's still a great camera. Funny thing is, you can now get a new S5 for less money than the GH6. It's a tough call?
How is the HDMI lag compared to your FX9?
There must be some but I haven't compared it to the FX9. The GH6 has now gone back to Panasonic... sorry about that.
Incredible that we can use a Cine Lens with Speed booster getting more than what we get with a Super 35mm and more light! Almost a FF frame…
except you’re using a speedbooster and not actually getting the characteristics of the lens you’re using.
Great non-review. I really enjoyed it. I sense experience in actual using the camera over technical detail nerdiness. I still think this Camera is a great buy even for professional work. People just need to learn how to use their camera. I am also starting to firmly believe that for market classified global purposes, all camera companies cripple their cameras in one form or another. No one company is willing to deliver a perfect camera. It's like you would think all cars should have been electric and affordable by now but why aren't they?
Hello Extra shot are you from Bournemouth or the video shot in Bournemouth.
Pretty close... it's Boscombe Pier!
@@extrashot we can meet I m in Bournemouth.
I like your honest opinion about GH6!
Thank you... very kind. 👍
Nicely done as usual.
Panasonic said that they started developing the sensor at the time GH4 was out, and the main critique then was dynamic range and low light performance. For one I agree, whether or not it's a made up excuse.
The dynamic range and low light is very impressive for M4/3... it's hard to criticise anything apart from the AF.
Great to have you back and not reviewing but I miss the fact that you are not wearing a baseball cap backwards and starting the video with the salutation “what’s up guys?!!!!”
Maybe I should... they get huge views? 😂
Clear and non-emotional discussion of this new LUMIX GH6. As you said all their customers where asking is good phase detect AF. Let see how this camera will sell. As you said, after 30 years perfectioning manual, once you have good AF you will miss it.
I hope it sells well... it's a very good camera, I was just disappointed they didn't give us what we wanted!
Does Panasonic GH6 has Autofocus in Slow Motion?
It does... I can't remember to what frame rate it goes up to?
@@extrashot I can attest it does not have AF at Prorez 4k 120fs
Also tested on the 150mb 4k 120fps option and also doesn't have AF
I love this camera
It is very close to being perfect!
Great review. I've been a GH5 user since it was released. I use a speedbooster and also light most of our scenes, so the MFT shortcomings never have been an issue. One thing I'm seeing on TH-cam is that nobody is acknowledging that Panasonic is actually putting more cinema features in their bodies than Sony and Canon at lower price points.
The GH5 back in 2017 had shutter angle, waveform, and many other nice features upon released. In 2022, the Sony A7SIII, FX3, A7IV and the Canon R6, R5, R3, do not have the option to have shutter angle. I always thought that this was a shame, as this is purely a software fix with barely any complex code involved.
I have had an FX6 on order since December, but part of is looking at canceling it and just ordering a GH6 for now. We'll see.
Very true.... Panasonic have been first with many cinema quality features.. and the GH6 continues in many ways.
I'm just an amateur, owning a GH5 and always fascinated about its video & photo quality and technical aspects.
The only downside I saw on GH5 was autofocus and I was expecting very much the GH 6 would eliminate that problem. It's a pity that it's not done !!!
Furthermore, I was wondering since the first GH, why don't I see PANASONIC on the camera ???
(Just imagine a camera on the market with a label "Alpha 7" - with out Sony Logo .... Will it receive the due attention of potential buyers ...?
I believe, Panasonic should definitely consider this fact too, immediately !!
I've wondered about that too.... Lumix is a good brand name though... especially if you might want to sell that part of the business later !!! 😂
Are you going to get it?
I still love my GH5... which still does 4K at 10bit. If it had PDAF then I would have for sure!
Hello my Friend, and I am a filmmaker using GH5 & GH5s, I can't wait to get my hands on the GH6. Great not a review. :) But one of the best GH6 reviews. :)
Thank you... that means a lot. It's a great camera.
@@extrashot Your sense of homour is also key to your videos. I'm sure I'd enjoy hanging out with you in Bournemouth with a pint!
LOL I really enjoyed your "NOT A REVIEW" OPINION. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
You nailed it, when you experience good AF you will miss it.
After 30 years of saying the opposite... I fear it's now true!
So Nice, seeing you doing “ Non-review “ with a lot of Good informations for this new Panasonic camera.
I was thinking, form your Professional View:
if you can make video of update “ 4k Projector “
LCD & DPL technology compare &
True 4k Projector compare to 4K E-shift Projector.
This will be a lot of friends want to know…
Wish you like this idea.
Keep Going…💪
2022.22.2
Good Time Coming. ☀️
The S5 II and IIX are good models for a GH6 II or a GH7. I share all your observations and frustrations about the GH6. YES there is a place for Micro 4/3. I don't want big, heavy, bulky, full frame lenses in my bag! I don't want to start over with a new system. I don't care if the camera is bigger and heavier to accommodate a fan and a heat sink. I do want hybrid PDAF and all the goodies in the S5 IIX - and the GH6. Hopefully, Panasonic is listening and will update the G9 and the GH6 with more modern technology that includes PDAF as the #1 feature. They got hit over the head big time with the let down of NO PDAF in the GH6.
How are you getting camera loans from Panasonic?
They email me and ask if I'd like to borrow a camera?
Thanks for this very useful "Not review" video. CHEERS FOR THE NEW GH6. Best Regards. NANO.
My pleasure!
Why are Panasonic Lumix so stubborn it's beyond me, thanks for the review.
...and me. I don't understand it at all.
Great video. Thank you
... and thank you!
I stand by your statement DFD AF being good for video on the LUMIX S5 as well. Perhaps I am being provocative?
It's definitely much improved over the GH5 for video... amazing what they've managed to achieve with what we have to admit is a fundamentally inferior system.
I have to say it is a great review video.
You don't have to... but it was kind of you!
It will be interesting to see if they update the BGH1 sensor. I don't think there will be a GH7. Panasonic knew there was a market for the GH6 because of the huge popularity of the GH5. I don't think there will be an overwhelming number of NEW M4/3 buyers. Maybe some. I doubted a new AF. If Panasonic wanted to change, they would have done it with the FF cameras. However, I do think a new system is on the way. Maybe with the changes to the FF lineup.
The message given to me was very clear... they definitely haven't ruled out using PDAF in future models. I think that's why I was so disappointed.
I love this not so review video. You have said it all. I am a GH5 user, and I have squished every capabilities it has and still using it for a living. I go back and fort wether to buy GH6. I love the form factor it has REALLY. But this one thing PDAF or make it hybrid DFD. There’s this scenario you needed that feature and have said “ugh” your perfect if you have that PDAF into the system. Well for now I’m investing on PanaLei lenses, hoping updated hybrid AF will be added into the mft system on a GH6 body. Love the screen tilt/swivel (clever). A bit scared of Dynamic Boost, as I haven’t tested one. I sub for more mft content.
Man, you gave them a pretty good deal for a simple loan. Maybe when they realise you didn't review it, they'll give it to you. 11k views is a good return for them. The GH6 is beyond my pay grade but I really liked the camerawork and want to know what camera you used to record this. I didn't see it listed in your video kit.😵💫
I agree !!! (normally I use the Sony A7Siii for my own shoots)
I agree 100% on your thoughts with Lumix AF system, if they would change their af system the GH6 would have ruled the world lol. I use the G9 and Sony A7III. So like you said, once you have used great af it's hard to trust the af on Lumix camera's. Well I guess we'll just have to wait for GH6 MKII lol, hope it's not another 5 year wait :).
So true... still waiting!
If this was a review, it would be a really good one, as you almost say in conclusion, you came that close to a perfect review... Still very enjoyable though...like Lumix cameras.
Seems like a review to me!
Imo, this cam seems good enough in the af and iq departments that system choice will come down to preferred lenses. In that regard, mft is now matched with the fuji crons and Sigma i-series for small primes, where they used to be ahead. Still the best bet for telephoto and macro.
There's definitely a market for the GH6... I know a lot of news guys who will love this.
Best not review I have seen, thank you. Close to perfect, but stubbornness defeated them. I will buy a GH6 because it checks so many other boxes.
Thank you... and good to hear I haven't put people off buying it. Great camera for video... almost perfect!
Panasonic shld just call the camera the Lumix B Camera and drop the gh# all together. The sensor size statement makes so much sense. Hell I wldnt doubt many viewers have a B camera by elimination. It happens when you use them or abuse them for fun or profit.
Yes. Very close to perfection ! Amazing non review ❤
almost! 😂
A little bit confused… After your own testing you essentially claim the AF is very good, and demonstrate it’s usability, while still decrying the choice to stay with DfD, and lamenting the lack of PDAF…
If it works, does it really matter what system it uses to achieve it. I share the view that PDAF has a potential quality hit. Lumix cameras had 10-bit before Sony and the rest, and their mbps were and still are typically higher as well. GH6 up to 800 mbps, and maybe 600 for the others…
Lets not also forget, the GH5 as far back as 2017 technically could record in 6K…
…
It works.... just not as well, or reliably as it could do. One problem, is the fact that results are rarely repeatable, which is why I think so many reviewers can't agree!
@@extrashot To be fair, “Not as well as it could,” can be said for anything. How good it actually is, is where the debate lays… Better than the GH5, is a given. The GH5II is considerably better than the original. Usable even I would say, and that is from my own perspective, as it works remarkable well, practically spot on…
With three hundred fifteen Focal Points, which is ninety more than the two hundred twenty five of any previous generation Lumix camera, is markably improved. Also considering the new processor, much improved Venus processing engine, and algorithms, one would think there was a significant performance increase.
Is it better than Sony, or Canon, maybe not, but is it relatively up to the criteria of being functional… That is the real question, and though I have not laid hands on one yet, I would think it might be. Again, related to the previous experience with the GH5II. In lower lighting it is challenging, but that is true of any system.
To keep things in perspective, Sony and Canon both have at least four hundred twenty - five Contrast Detect Focus Points before the remaining six hundred or so Phase Detect Focus Points kick in. A Formula One car is still quick, even though it may not be quicker than a Tesla Model S Plaid off the line…
For a non-review, you said a lot of important, informative stuff about this new camera that other actual reviews didn't...
Thank you
I have pre-ordered because.........just because.
because... it's a great camera?
Amen!!
your opinion is legit. like this one.
You really should have refuse Panasonic's offer and make a review instead.
I know they insisted for a fan inside, but you just can't hear it. This is such a disillusionment for the pros who like to hear their fans.
I'll come back for the rest, stay tuned.
Definitely can't hear the fan... just like the S1H 👍
Well, that’s me subscribed..
This is not a comment 😉
great not another review
Thank you! 👍
Loved this! Thanks for your non review.
welcome, glad you loved it.
Best presentation on the GH6cheers , i hope they have kept the Focus damping ability of the gh5 called locked on and speed , as i have found that turned to minus 2 speed and minus 3 to locked on reduces the pulsing to hardly visible for mostly static head shots even if i move 3 or to five inches back a forth , even with the 12/60mm 2.8 - 4 , and the focus only moves when the camera senses exstream movement , but its even better using the sigma 16mm 1.4 or most Olympus lenses as i don't think they are affected by the DFD in the camera so much if at all , hence much more filmic response , so if those settings are in the GH6 too , It could be even better , but yes in those settings the transitions will be a lot slower . , NOW do i go for variety of shot with the brilliant new OM-1 or just stick to the still great GH5 , the low light ability with stabilization is the GH6 best selling point to me , ALL THESE GREAT CAMERAS IN A MAD WORLD SYSTEM RUN BY the possessed and paranoid desperate to hang on to power , OH WELL , TEA BREAK over and out . ....................................and cheers for your great none review , 👍👍👍👍👍
The official excuse for not using PDAF is in this video th-cam.com/video/dWJSmJacCZI/w-d-xo.html at the 20 minute 5 second mark.
Thanks Tony... it's slightly different to what they told me, but in a similar vein. Either way, they are effectively saying the image quality they wanted to achieve from the sensor was more important than the autofocus performance that pretty much all their customers wanted in the GH6. Ignoring so many of your customer feature requests is a brave move in todays camera market. It would be a different story if they were making the ultimate cinema grade product to compete with the Arri's, Red's or Venice... but this is a camera that many vloggers, hobbyists and amateur film makers would love to use.
I'll stick to filming on my 5 x Panasonic G9 cameras each with it's own lens attached.
It's not a review haha i love your video's. When i see al those specs i dont know what it means ik now 4k en 60 or 30 the rest is a abracadabra. And your calm voice. I always sit down take the time enjoy en love life thanks to you. This is Not a opinion just a mental thought hahaha
Thank you... very kind!
Lovely non review, great voice.
Too kind... but thank you! 👍
...it is just another review...!
No it's not! 😂