The Lumix GH6 is the camera every Panasonic user interested in video has been waiting for, but beyond the announcement about its development, the truth is that the next big camera the manufacturer will launch is a familiar one. This is what the new Lumix GH5 Mark II has to offer.
A very familiar camera
The Lumix GH5 M2, or Mark II, is Panasonic's latest offering in its Micro Four Thirds camera lineup . And it's certainly surprising, because when everyone was expecting the new GH6, the brand only announced that it's still in development and that if you want a new Micro Four Thirds camera, this will have to be it.
And since you are surely wondering what all it has to offer, if it will be worth it or not, etc., let's talk about it and let's do the design first. Which, as you can imagine, is basically the same as what we already had in the original GH5 that launched in late 2016 and went on sale in early 2017.
This has a downside for users looking for something new and different. However, it also has a positive side, because the GH5's design was already good and, above all, very comfortable to use, with its various buttons and features. Furthermore, despite offerings like the Lumix S5, which is very compact and convenient for everyday use, the GH5, and logically the new GH5 M2, are much more pleasant to use.
Thus, together with the distribution of buttons and the rest of the dials, what continues to attract the most attention is the versatility offered by the folding screen. One of the things that is most valued when you are used to or "limited" to screens that are tiltable at most in other cameras.
Therefore, by looking at the images, you will surely get the idea of ​​what the camera is like and what it can offer you in your video productions and even when you use it as a camera. Because it's still that, although it's clear that Panasonic's approach to this range is video.
A GH5 with improved video quality
Shortly after the GH5 was launched, the GH5s was launched, a camera also with a clear focus on video and that was improving. So why is the GH5 M2 now a camera that improves in video quality? And regarding which model does it do?
Well, the GH5 M2 improves on video compared to both proposals, both the GH5 and GH5s. Although the GH5s will always remain something different, because what Panasonic did with said camera was to lower the resolution of the sensor to 12MP with the aim of introducing larger pixels capable of capturing more light and, therefore, performing better in low light conditions. .
With a 20,3 MP sensor , the new Lumix GH5 M2's improvements lie in its ability to record C4K and 4K 60p content with 10-bit color depth and a 4:2:0 aspect ratio. Furthermore, the camera can also output a 10-bit 4K 4:2:2 signal via HDMI to an external recorder. And, as if that weren't enough, when recording in 4K 60p, it utilizes the entire sensor area, preventing cropping of the actual field of view provided by the lens being used.
In addition, the camera can also record video in logarithmic format thanks to the V-Log L profile being pre-installed. There's no longer a need to purchase an additional license as was the case in the past. This is something that has also been happening with other recent models.
An AF system inherited from the Lumix S
The autofocus system of the Panasonic GH series has never been its greatest asset, generally in any camera when compared to competitors like Sony. However, it must be said that with the arrival of the Lumix S family with a Full Frame sensor, the AF changed slightly for the better.
Now the GH5 M2 inherits that system, capable of detecting eyes and faces much faster and more accurately. Don't get carried away thinking that everything will be perfectly in focus and it will be a reactive system because that won't happen, but it is true that you can rely on it more, and if it's not a complicated scene, the new AF works better.
Even so, until a test in the field it will not be possible to assess whether the use of a micro four thirds sensor with respect to a Full Frame one could provide some type of additional advantage.
The secret of the GH5 M2: a camera for streaming
With all this in mind, we arrive at what could be the main strength of this offering: video streaming . Panasonic has incorporated the ability to transmit content through current live video platforms, both via cable and wirelessly.
This makes it quite interesting for those who stream, as it could improve the quality and versatility of their live streams. The new GH5 M2 utilizes the company's computer software (Lumix Tether) and its mobile app for live streaming, which can take advantage of the RTMP/RTMPS protocol under the H.264 codec to transmit a Full HD image at up to 60p.
Lumix GH5 M2, is it worth it?
It is difficult to answer the question of whether or not a camera that improves is worth it, but does not come with those changes that many imagined could appear with a new version of the GH series. For example, there is no option to record content at 6K resolutions, which Blackmagic offers, nor is there a real quantum leap in video or the autofocus system.
Despite this, this seems to be a bit of a transitional camera until the Lumix GH6 finally hits the market and to meet the demand of certain creators who are very comfortable with the workflows that Panasonic offers.
It's certainly a great camera, with a stabilization system that works brilliantly and a host of additional features like timecode recording, logarithmic video, etc., which add value and appeal. But still, if you're going to invest, you're better off going for the Lumix S5 , or if you prefer Micro Four Thirds, waiting for the GH6.
Extra bonus: Lumix GH6
Panasonic announced the development of the Lumix GH6 and while some things may change or be added between now and its release at the end of the year, the truth is that the camera is what you should have already had in place of the GH5 M2.
The new Lumix GH6 boasts an improved processor, enabling it to capture video at higher frame rates and overall quality. For starters, it can record 4K video at 60p 4:2:2 DCI, as well as 10-bit HFR video in 4K at 120p. When utilizing the full sensor, it can record video at 5,7K resolution at 60p . All of this is complemented by logarithmic profiles, among other classic options like CineLike D.
So let's see how it progresses, what ends up coming onto the market and at what price. Because the rivals are not going to make it easy for them and Sony in particular has managed to carve out such an important niche that for many video creators it is practically the number one option today.
