Panasonic has announced two successors to its popular LUMIX GH5 camera. Between the new models, the LUMIX GH5 Mark II (GH5M2) serves as an improved version of the GH5 whereas the GH6 is more of a direct successor.
The LUMIX GH5 Mark II Features Wired and Wireless Live Streaming
While there have been a plethora of expected technical improvements over the GH5, one of the most interesting features in the GH5M2 is the ability to livestream, wired or wirelessly.
According to a report by Canon Rumors, the LUMIX GH5M2 supports unlimited wireless livestreaming using the LUMIX Sync mobile app. This minimizes the need of equipment because all you need is a smartphone and the camera.
For wired livestreaming, you will need to make use of Panasonic's "dedicated software program, LUMIX Webcam Software." Panasonic also plans on releasing a firmware update that will enable wired IP streaming (RTP/RTSP) as well.
The LUMIX GH5M2 can live stream full HD videos at 60p, while complying with H.264 in RTMP/RTMPS protocol.
In addition to this, the LUMIX GH5M2 comes with a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor complete with anti-reflective (A.R.) coating to capture more detailed images. The image processor has also been updated to use Panasonic's latest Venus engine.
Maximum video quality supported by the GH5M2 is 4k at 60fps and 6k at 30fps. The GH5M2 also comes with an improved In-body Image Stabilizer that should come in handy when shooting handheld videos.
Panasonic has included features to improve the reliability of the GH5M2:
Built to withstand heavy field use, the LUMIX GH5M2 is composed of a magnesium alloy full die-cast front / rear frame and is not only splash resistant[*1] and dust resistant, but also freeze resistant down to 14 degrees Fahrenheit.
The LUMIX GH6 Comes With a New Micro Four Thirds Sensor
While the LUMIX GH5M2 is already available for pre-order at $1697, the LUMIX GH6 is still in development and will launch by the end of 2021.
As of now, not much has been revealed about the LUMIX GH6 camera aside from the fact that it "combines the new Micro Four Thirds sensor and a new image processor." Using the new sensor and the Venus Engine, the camera will support 4:2:2 10-bit DCI 4K/60p recording.
Additionally, you can also opt to take advantage of the High-Frame Rate (HFR) mode to record 10-bit 4K 120p video, and Variable-Frame Rate (VFR) mode to record high-resolution slow motion videos.
The GH6 is expected to retail at approximately $2500.
