Panasonic Announce the GH5M2 and GH6
In a strong indication of their commitment to micro four thirds, Panasonic have made two huge announcements today. The release of the GH5M2 and development of the GH6.
GH5M2
Pre-order the GH5M2 kit with 12-60 LUMIX lens
Pre-order the GH5M2 kit with 12-60 LEICA lens
Introducing the LUMIX GH5M2, a new Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that boasts outstanding video performance evolved from the renowned GH5.
In an update to the well loved GH5, a mirrorless camera revered and used by thousands of film makers, vloggers, photographers, producers across the world, Panasonic have taken its video capabilities to the max with the GH5M2. Featuring monster 4K video specs, including C4K/4K 60p 4:2:0 10-bit unlimited video recording with simultaneously output 4K 4:2:2 10-bit over HDMI.
The LUMIX GH5M2 is also capable of wireless live streaming in FHD/60p via the LUMIX Sync smartphone app, or by connecting directly to a Wi-Fi router. In addition, it will receive a future firmware update to add RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming.
The 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor has had a slight glow-up with AR (Anti-Reflective) coating capturing details cleanly and driving excellent lens performance. The image processor has also been updated to use the latest high-speed and high-performance Venus Engine.
For run and gun shooters and photographers using long-lenses looking for stable shooting, the Body I.S. (Image Stabiliser) in the LUMIX GH5M2 is now even more advanced, making it possible to use a 6.5-stop slower shutter speed. With the adoption of the latest algorithm developed for the S1H, video recording is smooth and stable even when the camera is in motion.
A 3.0-inch free-angle LCD with a 3:2 aspect ratio and high resolution of 1840K dots provides touch control. Compared to the GH5, the LCD features higher luminosity and superior colour reproduction to ensure high visibility outdoors.
The LUMIX GH5M2 will be available from the end June at £1,499 for body only, £1,699 for GH5M2 M Kit with 12-60 LUMIX lens, and £1,999 for GH5M2 L Kit with LEICA 12-60mm lens.
From today until the 31st July, Panasonic LUMIX UK are also running a pre-order launch offer of a free 25mm F1.7 lens (H-H025) and battery (DMW-BLK22) by redemption.
Wireless live streaming with minimal equipment
High-quality live streaming is possible both indoors and outdoors with minimal equipment: just the LUMIX GH5M2 and a smartphone with the LUMIX Sync app. In compliance with the RTMP/RTMPS protocol using the H.264 codec, a maximum resolution/framerate of FHD/60p at 16Mbps is supported.
For wired live streaming, the dedicated LUMIX Webcam Software is available for free download.
High quality video performance
The LUMIX GH Series features outstanding video performance for professional videography and the LUMIX GH5M2 is no exception, capable of unlimited video recording in a variety of settings. When shooting video, the GH5M2’s entire sensor area is used, enabling the user to record uncropped video from the original viewing angle of the lens. Video recording options are vast, offering internal recording up to 4K 60p and 4:2:2 10-bit 30p, or 4K/6K Anamorphic modes.
To deliver high dynamic range and a broad colour spectrum, V-Log L is pre-installed in the camera, making it easy to match the colour tone with footage recorded in the S1H/S1’s V-Log and the GH5/GH5S’s V-Log L. V-Log L renders a very flat image while retaining all its colour information, which is a great benefit in post-production processing. For users who prefer to have a starting point for post-processing, there are 35 compatible conversion LUTs for VariCam cinema cameras available for free download. Practical tools like a Waveform Monitor and V-Log View Assist are also part of the GH5M2’s on-board video toolkit.
Like the S1H video flagship camera of the S Series, the LUMIX GH5M2 provides two types of Cinelike gamma presets in the Photo Style menu. These modes create impressive looks with warm skin tones or delicate nuances of light and shadow even without colour grading over V-Log footage. The Cinelike D2 preset gives priority to dynamic range, while Cinelike V2 prioritizes contrast. L.Monochrome S and L.Classic Neo have also been added. All these presets are also available in Anamorphic mode.
In VFR (Variable Frame Rate) recording, C4K/4K 60fps, Anamorphic 50fps and FHD 180fps are available. AF can be set before starting VFR recording.
A reliable tool for professionals
Tough enough to withstand heavy fielduse, the LUMIX GH5M2’s full die-cast front/rear frame is composed of a magnesium alloy and the body is splash, dust, and freeze resistant down to -10 degrees Celsius. The shutter unit is also durable for approximately 200,000 cycles.
To further support use outdoors, the camera boasts a new high-capacity 2200mAh battery (DMW-BLK22) that complies with USB PD (Power Delivery) and can be recharged via AC or USB. The LUMIX GH5M2 is equipped with a double SD memory card slot compatible with V90-classified, high-speed, high-capacity UHS-II cards for Relay, Backup and Allocation Recording.
With the advanced free-angle touch LCD, users can utilise the frame marker function to check the composition during recording in various common aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16. The red recording frame indicator on the screen and in the EVF clearly signals whether the camera is recording, while a new blue indicator shows when the camera is streaming.
Future firmware updates
Firmware update for GH5M2
The LUMIX GH5M2 will continue to evolve with a future firmware update scheduled by the end of 2021. The new firmware will include:
- RTP/RTSP wired IP streaming
- Live View Composite
- USB Tethering (linked to a smartphone via 4G/5G), Compatible Streaming Distribution
- Even more stable smartphone connection
Firmware update for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses
An upcoming firmware for LUMIX G / LEICA DG lenses will make their use with the GH5M2 more convenient, enabling users to choose a non-linear or linear setting for the focus ring. In the non-linear setting, the focus shifts variably according to the rotation speed of the focus ring. In the linear setting, the focus shifts at fixed intervals according to how far the lens is turned, mimicking a manual lens. The sensitivity in the linear setting can be set between 90 and 360 degrees at 30-degree intervals.
Compatible lenses: H-E08018, H-X1025, H-ES12060, H-ES50200, H-RS100400, H-XA025, H-ES200, H-HSA12035, H-FS12060, H-HSA35100, H-FSA45200 and H-FSA100300.
The firmware programs will be available at the LUMIX Global Customer Support website on 8th June 2021.
GH6
Panasonic is also proud to announce the development of the highly anticipated LUMIX GH6, reinforcing its long-term commitment to its Micro Four Thirds line up.
The new GH6 camera will be the flagship of the LUMIX GH Series, and will deliver the innovative video performance the GH line up is renowned for.
Equipped with a new high-speed sensor and a newly developed Venus engine image processer, the GH6 will offer 4:2:2 10-bit Cinema 4K/60p recording capability with truly unlimited recording time.
It will also feature 10-bit 4K 120p High Frame Rate (HFR) and Variable Frame Rate (VFR) recording for high-resolution slow/quick motion video. In addition, the GH6 will record 5.7K 60p video, taking full advantage of its newly developed sensor.
Accommodating a wide variety of recording modes and shooting assist functions, the LUMIX GH6 will deliver next-generation video performance built to satisfy a wide variety of creative requirements, redefining the possibilities for video recording in an interchangeable lens camera.
The LUMIX GH6 is currently in development, and will be available by the end of 2021. More information on the latest addition to the Panasonic LUMIX G Series line up will be announced in the coming months.
In addition to the GH6, a new interchangeable lens will be added to expand the G Series line-up: the LEICA DG 25-50mm F1.7 is also under development, further reinforcing Panasonic’s commitment to Micro Four Thirds.
Following the introduction of the LEICA DG VARIO-SUMMILUX 10-25mm F1.7 ASPH (H-X1025) in 2019, creators will soon be able to shoot 10 to 50mm – 20mm to 100mm in 35mm equivalent – with a F1.7 range, using LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds lenses.
After establishing the LUMIX brand in 2001, Panasonic introduced the world’s first digital single lens mirrorless camera in 2008*. Since then, it has produced a host of innovative cameras and interchangeable lenses in both Full Frame and Micro Four Thirds formats by taking advantage of the outstanding mobility and high video performance that is unique to the mirrorless camera system. As result of 20 years of contribution to the imaging culture, LUMIX cameras and lenses have gained a solid reputation from a wide range of users including professional filmmakers, videographers and photographers.
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Posted by Graham Fry
25th May 2021
