Panasonic announces two successors to the GH5 in one fell swoop
25.5.2021
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Simultaneously with the Lumix GH5 II, Panasonic announces the GH6. What’s more, the Japanese company is promising the launch of a new video lens and firmware updates for some existing cameras.
The Panasonic GH5 is a photo-video hybrid camera with a focus on video. It’s considered a success. However, a lot has happened in terms of video in the four years since its release. Time for Panasonic to do a bit of catch up.
The way Panasonic is doing this is a bit odd. In early July 2021, the GH5 II will be released – a rather minor update. However, the GH6 is expected to follow at the end of 2021. This will be a completely new camera. Most likely, both models will be available after that: the GH5 II as a cheaper alternative and the GH6 as the flagship.
GH5 II
The new model features the latest version of Panasonic's image processing engine. This has an effect on the recording possibilities: The GH5 II now manages 4K and 60p with 10-bit colour depth. The autofocus’s face and eye recognition has received an update and image stabilisation has been improved from 5 to 6.5 steps. Live-streaming is possible wirelessly via the Lumix Sync smartphone app. A firmware update expected at the end of 2021 will also enable IP streaming via USB. In other words, the streaming of stable, high-quality pictures with sound. The V-Log L colour profile, an update on the GH5 you normally have to pay for, is included here. The sensor resolution is unchanged at 20 megapixels.
The recommended retail price from the manufacturer is 1999.40 francs.
GH6, new lens and firmware updates
The GH6 expected to be released at the end of 2021 will get a new sensor. The camera will be able to manage 5.7K in addition to 4K, which indicates a sensor with about 24 megapixels. But above all, the sensor should be able to be read out very quickly. At 5.7K, videos with 60 FPS will be possible. At 4K even 120 FPS – both with 10-bit colour depth. With 4K and 60 frames, there’s no limit to the recording time as long as «the camera is used at the certified operating temperature.» What that means in concrete terms is still unknown. Panasonic has yet to announce all other details, too. For example, regarding the viewfinder and screen.
A new 25-50mm focal length lens with f/1.7 speed that will serve as a complement to the existing 10-25mm lens is also on the horizon. In this case, Panasonic is not providing any further information.
And finally, there’s the new firmware update for the Lumix GH5S, the G9 and the G100/110. Read up on all the details at Panasonic Switzerland.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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