Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Preview

Panasonic has announced its latest Wi-Fi capable, interchangeable lens LUMIX series camera for 2013. The DMC-G6 is an updated version of last year's well-reviewed G5. For starters, we've still got the 16.05 megapixel Live MOS images sensor with the VENUS image processor, the 3.0-inch free-angle touch screen LCD display capable of Touch AF (AutoFocus), a high quality LVF (Live Viewfinder), Creative Control Filters, and Full HD Video Recording.

But there are a lot of upgrades too. For instance, where the G5 included 14 Creative Filters, the G6 adds five more. And HD video recording has been improved with the ability to natively shoot not only in Full 1080/60p HD, but also the film-like 1080/24p. Then let's throw in new features like Creative Panorama (for capturing the widest vistas in one click), Time Lapse Shot (for recording fluid movement over extended periods of time), Stop Motion Animation (for creating movies one frame at a time), and Clear Retouch (for erasing "unwanted objects or figures in an image by tracing over them on the monitor with a fingertip").

Newbie Photographers will enjoy the updated Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode, which automatically pre-selects optimum camera settings for just about any shooting scenario, as well as Scene Guide, which allows photographers to select one of 23 professional photographs to help frame and set up your own shot.

Saving the best new feature for last, the biggest difference between the G5 and the G6 comes from built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. When combined with either the Panasonic Image app, or Panasonic's cloud service, LUMIX CLUB, users gain access to a whole new set of features and networking capabilities. First, on the Panasonic Image App (available for both iOS and Android devices), use your smartphone or tablet as A) a remote control to shoot both stills and video -- release the shutter, zoom, focus, and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or exposure compensation -- or B) an external monitor. The Instant Transfer function automatically sends photo data to designated electronic devices whenever the shutter releases (or feel free to pick individual images to transfer during playback mode). Also, Wi-Fi Direct uses Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology to display still images on DLNA-compliant Panasonic VIERA HDTVs. Finally, via LUMIX CLUB, G6 owners will be able to sync their cloud accounts with all their favorite social networking sites, such as Facebook, Flickr, Picasa, Twitter, or YouTube.

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 Features

    16.05-megapixel Digital Live MOS image sensor
    Venus Engine Image Processor
    3.0-inch Free-Angle Monitor with In-Cell Touch Technology
    1,440K-dot OLED Live View Finder
    Full 1920x1080/60p HD Video Recording in AVCHD Progressive
    1080/24p HD Video Recording
    P/A/S/M Manual Controls
    Full-Time AF (Auto Focus)
    7 frames per second High Speed Burst Shooting
    5fps with AF Tracking engaged
    Touch AF
    Advanced iA+ (Intelligent Auto Plus) Mode
    Scene Guide
    ISO up to 25,600
    Ready to shoot in 0.5 seconds after start up
    Creative Panorama
    Time Lapse Shot
    Stop Motion Animation
    Clear Retouch
    Creative Control Mode with 14 Classic and 5 New (*) Filters
        Old Days*
        Sunshine*
        Bleach Bypass*
        Toy Pop*
        Fantasy*
        Expressive
        Retro
        High Key
        Sepia
        High Dynamic
        Soft Focus
        Dynamic Monochrome
        Impressive Art
        One Point Color
        Cross Process
        Low Key
        Toy Effect
        Star Filter
        Miniature Effect
    Wi-Fi Connectivity
    NFC (Near Field Communication) Technology

Though the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G6 will be available sometime this year, pricing and the exact date are still unknown.