Hello, guys, it’s Leo! As you guys know if you have been following my work at LensClear, this channel is not only about shooting but also learning about gear to make informed decisions that help push your limits. Today, we’re putting the spotlight on a camera that’s been a workhorse for many: the Panasonic Lumix GH6. Released in 2022, it’s been a popular choice for both video and still photography. Now that we’re in 2025, and with the GH7 having hit the market in 2024, it’s time to ask: Is the GH6 still relevant? And how does it stack up against the newer model? It’s not a specs battle but rather a look at how these cameras feel in your hands, what they can do for your creative vision. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Lumix GH6: A 2022 Marvel in 2025’s Landscape
The Panasonic Lumix GH6, upon its release in early 2022, came with quite a bit of fanfare-and for good reason. That said, it represented a significant leap for Panasonic with the Micro Four Thirds series, one packed with many features targeted right at the ambitious content creator. In 2025, the GH6 mightn’t be that new kid in town anymore, but it does retain a high level of allure because of what it brings in combination. Let’s look at those aspects that will make the GH6 a consideration still important in today’s world.
First off, let’s talk about video. The GH6 internal 5.7K Apple ProRes recording at up to 60p is quite an impressive specification and stands tall for its video capabilities. It’s hard to look past that level of in-camera codec that it eliminates the need for external recorders in most scenarios. Well, that itself should be the real factor speaking. Having shot quite a few projects with it, let me remind you, if your intention is for professional, then dynamic range videos with good production, here the video output justifies, this GH6 makes your dreams with 4K capture capabilities up to 120p an ultra-serious changer with motion and gives complete latitude in creation using this ALL-Intra option, basically making it obligatory in such an excellent quality-demanding project. And more importantly, the anamorphic shooting modes are a real dream if you’re into that cinematic-looking footage with wide aspect ratios, giving that special lens look while keeping everything manageable. Let’s also not forget that the focus performance is rather good in decent conditions, which counts for something, especially among videographers.
Speaking of stills, the GH6 does pack a 25.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor for high-resolution imagery, which, in my usage, did have great colors and detail. It even features a dynamic range, which helps greatly in doing landscape photography, as I do. The camera has a burst shooting rate of 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter and up to 75fps with the electronic shutter, so you are very unlikely to miss any critical moment and capture some amazing action. Its articulating screen allows you to shoot from many angles, plus the weather sealing, which is super important in real-world shooting. I’ve used it in heavy rain, and not once did the camera stop working; thus, it really can take the elements and make you capture the shots. I have to mention here that the built-in image stabilization helps to produce sharp photos but also very smooth footage when you are not using a gimbal. And last but not least, let’s not forget that the micro four-thirds system is great for size and availability of lenses and is one of the most strong reasons to stay in that format. In summary, the GH6 in 2025 still is a very viable option, either shooting stills or video with amazing specs, robust build, and tons of options. It is also still on the market, so you can still get one at a good price.
Lumix GH7: The Evolution and Its Advantages in 2025
The Panasonic Lumix GH7, released in 2024, takes over from its predecessor, the GH6, with a host of refinements and new features that try to address some of the concerns of the latter and move the boundaries of what is possible within the Micro Four Thirds format. In 2025, the GH7 is, without question, the more recent camera, and this fact alone gives it some key advantages. Let’s get into what makes it stand out.
But the most notable upgrade is, no doubt, a new sensor. The GH7 boasts a new 25.2-megapixel sensor with phase-detection autofocus, unlike the contrast-based autofocus system that was in the GH6. In my experience, PDAF permits much faster and more reliable tracking, and it’s super useful for video shooting. With the new autofocus system, it will be much more reliable for general situations that need precise and accurate focus. I was impressed by the low-light tracking of the GH7 in my real-world test. The video now also has an expanded codec option, such as Open Gate 5.7K recording. Another important feature that impresses me is the internal LUT recording, which allows you to personalize the colors of your video footage directly in the camera so that you can preview how it will look after editing, saving you considerable time in post-production. The GH7 also features improvements to the IBIS system, which was already quite good on the GH6, and the enhanced stabilization provides even smoother footage. Added to this is the support for real-time LUT and waveform monitoring, which is essential for professional users working in real-time environments.
For stills, the GH7 still produces very sharp images, retaining the 25.2-megapixel sensor resolution, though there are not a lot of improvements in the stills mode, you get the advantage of the new AF system. It’s also an extremely fast burst shooting rate. I should notice that the rolling shutter effect is worse with this camera if you use the electronic shutter, so you have to pay more attention and use the mechanical one if necessary. Slightly better dynamic range and low light performance, slightly clearer and cleaner images. The new LCD screen has better visibility in direct sunlight, while the camera boasts better menu and customization, which is a very welcome addition. Overall, this is an updated user experience, and improvements upon the autofocus, video capabilities, and user experience make the GH7 one worthy successor to the GH6. The GH7 addresses some of the GH6 limitations and also adds a more robust system to make this camera a serious video camera.
Real-World Comparison and User Experience
Now that we have covered the technical aspects, let’s talk about real-world experience, as that’s where things often get interesting. Here are my thoughts after having spent considerable time with both cameras.
From the user’s perspective, the GH6 still holds up really well. The body is ergonomic, the button placements are quite intuitive, and it feels robust and durable when you hold it. The articulating screen is fantastic for odd shooting positions, and the menus are easy to navigate; the controls are customizable to fit any workflow. In my experience, the GH6 is a tool that is a joy to work with. For video shooting, I found the GH6’s internal ProRes recording capabilities to be a game-changer, which really speeds up your post-production workflow. The fact that you do not need external recorders and that you get broadcast quality codecs is important. On the other hand, the autofocus can be frustrating in fast-moving subjects, making it less reliable. The 25.2-megapixel sensor extracts a lot of detail in stills and is an excellent option if you need high-resolution photographs. I still enjoy shooting with the micro four-thirds system as it makes it much easier to carry many lenses on a day-to-day basis. The body image stabilization on the GH6 is very good, and shooting still images is definitely possible even at low shutter speeds. The colors are great, and you can really bring images to life while on the camera.
The GH7 feels like a definite step forward, though. The addition of PDAF is a transformative upgrade. I had zero issues tracking moving subjects, making it much more reliable when working in unpredictable scenarios. The improved stabilization also helps when using long lenses and low shutter speeds. New menus, the user experience feels and are more fluid and streamlined, making this camera far more approachable. And for those of you who constantly record in different conditions, the addition of LUT recording is a must-it will save you so much time in post-production. To me, the GH7 feels way more professional and can be used under many conditions without too many adjustments. The minor quirk is that electronic shutter rolling shutter is more evident on this camera, and extra precautions have to be taken to avoid such distortions. Video performance increased and became much more attractive for professionals. And now about the stills: the image quality is the same, and both cameras deliver amazing images. If you want to compare user experience, the GH7 is better because of the upgraded autofocus system, streamlined menu, improved ibis, and other small additions that enhance the overall experience.
The LensClear Perspective: Choosing the Right Gear for Your Needs
Running LensClear, I’m always thinking about what gear is actually essential and provides the most value. Even in 2025, the Lumix GH6 is a phenomenally capable camera and one of the best options for those invested in the Micro Four Thirds system; internal recording makes it a serious video camera. If your budget is tight, the GH6 represents a great way of saving some money without compromising on performance. The GH7 is definitely an upgrade, improving a few of the shortfalls of the GH6. Not least among those enhancements are probably the introduction of Phase detection autofocus for now-reliable tracking, better stabilization, internal LUT, and refinement in general on the user experience. You might consider the upgrades worthwhile if you are working with the GH6, since the GH7 could be an update that works for you when you shoot either style or within a workflow, enabling certain workflows and keeping others where they are in terms of style and performance.
From my professional but passionate point of view, and being one of the founders of lensclear.net, I would want you to base your decision upon your needs: if you need top-notch video features and you have a larger budget, the GH7 is the right choice; if not, if you don’t need the newest features, you will be totally fine with the GH6-plus, it’s budget-friendly. Both these cameras are good additions to your arsenal and can surely help you enhance your craft.
Key Takeaways
The Lumix GH6 was an excellent contender in 2025 for video and stills photography, boasting outstanding internal recording and solid all-around performance.
The Lumix GH7 supersedes the GH6, with PDAF autofocus, enhanced IBIS, LUT recording
The GH7 has a bit more streamlined way of operating compared to the GH6 and definitely improved autofocus.
Both cameras are part of the Micro Four Thirds system, which offers a large selection of lenses, making it more accessible.
That’s all for now, folks! Keep shooting, keep learning, and remember – the right gear is only as good as the creative vision behind it. If you’ve got more questions or want to share your experiences, connect with me on the socials or visit LensClear!
