Panasonic Lumix GF6 Review (hands on)

Panasonic Lumix GF6 Review (hands on)

The Panasonic Lumix GF6 is the latest snapper to join the brand's entry-level range of  Compact System Cameras.

Panasonic is aiming to fine-tune the main features of each level of its Lumix G Series CSCs to suit their target users more clearly, with the GF6 being aimed at smartphone users who want to share their images instantly.

Panasonic will also be including both Wi-Fi and NFC on the new camera - it argues that NFC vital as an increasing number of smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S3, already have it - with the number expected to treble in 2013.

Earlier in 2013, the maker launched the NFC and Wi-Fi-toting Panasonic TZ40 compact camera. The GF6 will take over from the Panasonic GF5 which will be discontinued.

Panasonic GF6: Size and build

At first glance, the GF6 looks slightly on the chunky side, mainly due to the new, fold-out screen, however, after taking a look at the GF5 again, Panasonic has actually managed to add thd improved screen without adding too much bulk to the camera chassis at all.

The GF6 will be available in black or white.

Panasonic GF6: Features

The GF6 sports an a new 16MP sensor Live MOS sensor (compared to the 12.1MP sensor on GF5), along with a slightly extended ISO range (up to 25600).

The GF6 also includes a expanded range of filter effects, bringing the total to 19, and some of the more basic effects (such as monochrome and sepia) can now be used when shooting in panoramic mode.

People who like taking pictures of their dinner to post on Instagram (you know who you are) will be pleased to hear that the new camera includes a Food Recognition mode. This may sound like a wind-up, but it's actually just an extra shooting mode that will automatically apply the most suitable settings for you to capture an image of your latest snack.

The camera also includes an improved burst mode along with a new function lever for one-handed control and a full-area autofocus on the touchscreen - which enables you set the focus on any point on the screen.

Panasonic GF6: Screen

Unlike it predecessor, the GF6 sports a screen that can be folded out from the camera body and tilted at an angle of 180 degrees - very handy for self portratis and shooting in awkward posistions.

The new screen packs a 1040k-dot resolution.There's also a dedicated video button for recording full-HD video at a resolution of 1920x1080 in AVCHD.

Panasonic GF6 release date: May 2013