Panasonic Lumix GH6 Underwater Housing by Nauticam

The Panasonic GH5 brought high-end video specs to the micro four thirds platform, setting the bar for what was possible in this compact form-factor. Since the GH5, the open-source MFT actor has grown, with a massive variety of lenses available and camera specifications that rival or exceed some of their larger siblings. The GH6 follows closely in the GH5's footsteps, adding incredible new video features and even some notable still image enhancements. The GH5, GH5s, and GH5II have been well represented in the underwater imaging space and the arrival of the GH6 is sure to be met with serious enthusiasm given the spec sheet and early reviews.

The Panasonic GH6 Camera

The GH6 is built around a brand-new 25MP CMOS sensor paired to Panasonic's Venus processor. The new sensor, assisted by the addition of a CFExpress B card slot and a built-in cooling fan, can capture up to 5.7K video in the edit-friendly ProRes codec. While ProRes is currently limited to the 17:9 full 5.7K at 29.97p frame-rate recording mode, future firmware updates promised expanding this to all 4K and HD modes as well. While not in ProRes, the GH6 can record 10-bit 4:2:0 DCI or UHD 4K at up to 120fps using LongGOP H.264 compression. Dropping that frame rate to 60p allows for 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, All-i recording at a heavy 800Mbps bitrate.

If 120fps is not slow enough, switching to HD opens up the possibility of 10-bit H.264 video at 240fps and even up to 300fps using Variable Frame Rate (VFR) mode which does not allow for audio recording. The menu for the various recording modes can be filtered to ease finding your desired mode and a personalized menu or 'My List' of selected modes can be created.

When shooting at 60fps or lower, the GH6's Dynamic Range Boost mode can be activated. This mode uses both a low-gain and high-gain simultaneous readout from the sensor to create a final image with up to 13-stops of dynamic range. The GH6 also features Panasonic's full V-log profile which maximizes dynamic range for post-processing. The GH5 model only had a limited version of this profile.

With a full-size HDMI port, the GH6 plays well with external monists and recorders, outputting a clean 4K/60p signal. Future firmware updates promise 4K/120P RAW output over HDMI.

Not just a video camera, the GH6 also has notable improvements for still imaging. A new handheld mode for the high-resolution 100MP imaging mode expands the situations in which this can be used as previous versions required a tripod.

For both stills and video, improvements in Autofocus and lower noise levels promise even better performance and image quality than was found in the GH5. Controls such as the prominent Record button remain similar aside from a button that gives direct access to the camera's audio settings and an additional custom function button on the front of the camera. The screen receives a refresh, as does the electronic viewfinder.

THE NAUTICAM NA-GH6 UNDERWATER HOUSING

The NA-GH6 builds on the pioneering NA-GH5 which supports the GH5, GH5S and GH5II camera models. Designed around the N85 Port System, the range of lens and port combinations for the NA-GH6 is unparalleled. Image quality can be improved even further with Nauticam's lineup of water-contact optics. These lenses, such as the WWL-1 and WWL-1B are designed to increase field-of-view, maximize corner sharpness and close-focus capability, all while maintaining zoom-through functionality. Using our unique bayonet mount system, these ultra-wide lenses can be switched for the powerful CMC-1 and CMC-2 macro optics underwater. This system makes the NA-GH6 the perfect underwater imaging system for both stills and video allowing for unparalleled wide and macro performance on the same dive without compromising image quality.

MISSION CONTROL

Designed with our Mission Control philosophy, the controls of the NA-GH6 are placed where they are needed most with essential controls for exposure and focus located within easy reach of the handles. A dual thumb lever near the right handle provides easy access to the 'REC' and 'AF-ON' buttons. A dual-action lever that triggers the 'Fn1' and 'Fn2' buttons is easily reached forward of the right handle as well.

HDMI VIDEO OUTPUT

With an M24 bulkhead and an M10 threaded mount, the NA-GH6 is easily paired with an external monitor or recorder over HDMI 2.0 or 1.4. With future firmware updates promising RAW video output at up to 4K/120p over HDMI, the NA-GH6 will be ready to meet that Need.

MANUAL OPTICAL STROBE TRIGGERING

Rapid fire manual triggering is available with the 26309 Mini Flash Trigger.  The Panasonic DMW FL-70 Flash Unit is not compatible with the GH6.  

VACUUM CHECK AND LEAK DETECTION SYSTEM

The NA-GH6 underwater housing by Nauticam comes with electronics pre-installed for Nauticam's Vacuum Check and Leak Detection system, requiring only the optional M14 Vacuum Valve (25624). This monitoring system provides constant updates on the water tight and safe-to-dive status of the housing. A simple color coded LED lighting system lets the user know that the vacuum is solid, or that the housing is losing vacuum. Leak detection is built into the same circuit, so if there is water intrusion, an audible and visual indication will occur. The Nauticam system is temperature compensated, eliminating false alarms caused by a change in outside temperature, or from a camera heating up on an action packed dive.