The
G6 is the most recent but
as I write this probably discontinued version of the original 2008 MILC which
was the G1.
It is a nice little camera which in my view has never
been fully appreciated by the marketplace.
It delivers decent picture quality and performance
together with decent ergonomics, marred by some design errors. It was tested with the Lumix 14-140mm
f3.5-5.6 travel zoom lens.
Setup 10/15
The G6 uses the standard Panasonic menu system which
is clearly laid out with a good graphical interface. The main issue is that the
sheer number of options can make setup a somewhat daunting task particularly for a novice.
Prepare 10/15
The G6 suffers in comparison to the GH3/4 or FZ1000.
There are fewer direct access points for Prepare Phase settings, particularly
if [Direct Focus Area] is set.
Holding 14/20
The handle is nicely shaped but a bit small as is the
thumb support. The shutter button could to advantage be a bit further to the
left as viewed by the user.
Viewing 14/20
Most of the requirements are in place. The EVF is of
decent quality and is optimally located. The monitor is fully articulated.
The rubber eyecup is a bit uncomfortable being
rectangular unlike the eye socket which is rounded.
A much shorter EVF blackout time would be to
advantage.
Operating
14/25
Most of the requisite features are in place but not
all of them work optimally. The rear dial is awkward to operate. The cursor
buttons are not easy to locate by feel. The buttons on the right side of the
control panel are forever being pressed accidentally.
Review 3/5
With only one control dial the camera does not enable
scrolling from one image to the next at the same level of enlargement and same
location in the frame.
Total 65/100
This is a decent but not excellent result. The G6 is
large enough to support a camera with excellent ergonomics with a rethink of
the body design.
I have posted elsewhere on this blog
my vision of the camera which might result, in the form of a mockup incorporating
numerous design improvements.
Why the devotion to Direct Focus Area? Touchpad AF works much faster for me, and I really need the default functions of the 4-way controller buttons. Relocating those functions to other buttons is not an option, as the Function buttons are already spoken for.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right that the Play and Display buttons should be moved below the controller. I hit the Display button by accident all the time. Annoying!
Great site and thought-provoking writing. Thanks. I hope Panasonic is listening.