Lumix G6 - User Manual

Copyright © 2015-19 Clive Dyson Version 4.5 1
Stills Photography with the Lumix G6
Modern digital cameras are marvellous pieces of technology that are capable of capturing wonderful
images. However, most are needlessly complex. We typically face four exposure modes, three metering
modes, at least three focus modes and several auto-focus modes. And that is before considering ISO
(sensitivity), white balance, exposure compensation, drive mode and a host of other settings!
Lumix G cameras are highly configurable, have a relatively user-friendly interface and (most) have a
number of programmable buttons and other controls. However, this adds yet another level of complexity.
It has taken me years of use to find effective ways of using and configuring Lumix G cameras. Having
done so, I find them a delight to use. Features and capabilities hidden in the menus and documentation
can be programmed onto buttons and the QUICK MENU (Q.MENU) and made directly accessible and
highly usable.
This manual attempts to distil this experience into a relatively short document. It is directed at stills
photographers who mainly use RAW format. It does not cover many JPEG-only features, intelligent auto
mode or taking video. Don’t let this put you off using intelligent auto mode: it does work well. However,
the techniques in this manual let you make full use of your camera’s capabilities and are no harder, once
mastered.
Please refer to the official Panasonic manuals, which can be downloaded from Panasonic’s web site, for
the basic details of camera operation.
The manual is organised as follows:
• The first chapter gives an overview of the controls, so you can follow the rest of the manual.
• The second chapter covers taking photos, using recommended custom modes. The setup of the
custom modes in described in chapter 4.
• The third chapter summarises the technical capabilities of the camera. It provides details of additional
capabilities for you to refer to as needed.
• Chapter four summarises the functions and settings of the cameras and describes how to set up
(program) your camera. This should be the first thing you do.
I hope you enjoy using your camera.
1. Controls on the G6
This chapter provides a brief overview of the controls: see the photographs on page 2. Note the name or
function of each control. Some buttons have the function embossed on or by them. The functions
programmed on other buttons, which only have an icon or Fn number on them, are shown on the
photographs.
Insert a charged battery and memory card, following the instructions in the camera manual. Turn on your
camera using the ON / OFF switch. It’s obvious how to turn it off again.
Before proceeding further with this manual, please set up your camera as instructed in chapter 4, which
also describes the functions in the menu system. The setup makes the frequently-used features of your
camera readily accessible. The functions used most frequently are allocated to the dials, programmable
function buttons and screen function icons
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. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button lets you enable
use of the touch screen and cursor keys to position the AF (auto-focus) area. The use of the other buttons
and dials is discussed below.
The next most frequently-used functions are allocated to the Q.MENU, where they can be quickly
accessed. You have to access other functions through the full MENU system.
Use the dioptre adjustment, beside the viewfinder, to focus the viewfinder image.
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The screen function icons are accessed (and hidden) by touching the small tabs to the right of the screen. They
are not available using the viewfinder.

Summary

Controls on the G6

Taking stills photographs

Custom Modes

Configure and use custom camera settings for specific shooting scenarios.

Summary of camera controls and capabilities

Exposure modes

Explains PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) and custom modes.

ISO value

Details how to set and adjust ISO sensitivity for different lighting conditions.

Metering modes

Describes methods for measuring light exposure (Multi, Centre-weighted, Spot).

Focusing Controls

Focus modes

Explains AFS, AFF, and AFC auto-focus modes for different subject types.

Auto-Focus modes and specifying where to focus

Details FACE DETECTION, TRACKING, 23-AREA, 1-AREA, and PINPOINT focus areas.

Other controls and settings

JPEG; RAW formats and image resolution

Options for image quality, file format (RAW/JPEG), and resolution settings.

Drive mode

Configures single shot, burst, auto bracket, and self-timer shooting modes.

Image Stabilisation

Explains optical image stabilisation (OIS) for lenses.

Electronic shutter

Controls the electronic shutter for silent shooting, potential distortion.

Touch shutter

Enables firing the shutter by touching the screen for focus and capture.

Configuring your camera

Configure the Menu Settings

Guide to setting up various camera menus and options for optimal use.

The REC (still photography) menu

Configure the Q.MENU

Configure the CUSTOM modes

Appendix 1: TRACKING AF mode

Appendix 2: Accessing shutter count

Appendix 3: Change notes

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Lumix G6 is a modern digital camera designed for stills photography, offering a balance of advanced features and user-friendly controls. It aims to simplify the complex world of digital photography by allowing extensive customization and quick access to frequently used settings.

Function Description:

The Lumix G6 is primarily a stills camera, optimized for photographers who prefer to shoot in RAW format for maximum post-processing flexibility. While it does not extensively cover JPEG-only features, intelligent auto mode, or video recording, it provides robust capabilities for capturing high-quality still images. The camera supports various exposure modes, including Program (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter speed priority (S), and Manual (M), allowing photographers to control exposure based on their creative needs. It also offers four customizable modes (C1, C2-1, C2-2, C2-3) where users can store specific camera settings for different shooting scenarios.

The camera features multiple metering modes—Multi-metering, Centre-weighted, and Spot metering—to accurately assess exposure in diverse lighting conditions. Auto-focus (AF) capabilities are extensive, including FACE DETECTION, AF TRACKING, 23-AREA, 1-AREA, and PINPOINT modes, allowing precise control over where the camera focuses. The AF/MF switch and AFS/AFF/AFC settings further refine focus behavior, with options for single, flexible, and continuous auto-focus.

For image stabilization, the G6 relies on optical image stabilization (OIS) provided by attached lenses, as it does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The electronic shutter can be activated to eliminate mechanical shutter noise and shock, although users should be aware of potential distortion with moving objects due to its sequential row exposure. The camera also supports flash photography, both with its built-in flash and external hot-shoe mounted flashes, offering various flash modes and synchronization options. Wireless flash is supported via infra-red communication.

Usage Features:

The Lumix G6 is designed for intuitive operation, with many functions accessible through dedicated buttons, dials, and a touch screen. The Mode dial allows quick selection of exposure modes, custom modes, intelligent auto, movie mode, and scene/filter modes. The Q.MENU (Quick Menu) provides fast access to frequently used settings like STABILIZER, AFS/AFF/AFC, METERING MODE, QUALITY, ELECT. SHUTTER, SELF TIMER, BURST RATE, FLASH MODE, and FLASH ADJUST, which can be customized by the user.

Programmable function (Fn) buttons and screen icons allow users to assign specific functions for immediate access, enhancing workflow efficiency. For example, the FOCUS AREA SET button can be programmed to enable touch screen and cursor key control for AF area positioning. The rear dial and function lever are crucial for adjusting settings, often without needing to change grip on the camera.

When using the viewfinder, the dioptre adjustment helps focus the image. The LVF button toggles between viewfinder and LCD screen displays, with an automatic switching option. The DISP button cycles through various display information on the screen or viewfinder, including a control screen for quick setting changes.

For stationary subjects, the camera's FACE DETECTION AF mode is highly flexible, automatically switching to 23-AREA AF if no faces are detected. Users can easily switch to 1-AREA AF mode by pressing the FOCUS AREA SET button to precisely control the focus area. Manual focus is aided by focus peaking, which highlights in-focus edges in blue, and an AF ASSIST area that can be enlarged and moved for critical focusing.

For moving subjects, the C2-3 custom mode is recommended, utilizing shutter-speed priority, 1-AREA AF, and SPOT metering. This mode is configured for "back button AF," where auto-focus is activated by pressing the AF/AE LOCK button, allowing the shutter button to be fully depressed for taking a burst of photos with focus locked or tracked. Burst rates can be adjusted, with higher rates potentially sacrificing live view.

The camera supports taking panoramas either by manual exposure and stitching in post-processing or by using the in-camera Panorama Shot scene mode. Astrophotography is also supported, recommending manual focus at infinity, wide apertures, and manual exposure in the C2-2 custom mode.

Maintenance Features:

The manual provides guidance on configuring menu settings, including the SETUP menu, which contains rarely changed settings like CLOCK SET, WORLD TIME, and USB MODE. It also covers the CUSTOM menu for more frequently accessed settings and the REC (still photography) menu for shooting-specific parameters. These settings can be reset to factory defaults if needed.

The ECONOMY function helps extend battery life by allowing the camera to switch off the display or enter standby after a period of inactivity. The FORMAT option in the SETUP menu allows users to format the memory card, deleting all contents, which is a common maintenance task for ensuring optimal card performance. PIXEL REFRESH and SENSOR CLEANING options are also available, with details referred to the official Panasonic manual.

The manual also includes instructions for accessing the shutter count, a useful piece of information for tracking camera usage and assessing its lifespan. This involves a specific sequence of button presses while turning the camera on, indicating a service mode access.

Lumix G6 Specifications

General

Sensor Type	Live MOS
Effective Pixels	16.05 megapixels
Autofocus System	Contrast Detect (sensor)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Viewfinder Type	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	1, 440, 000 dots
Camera Type	Mirrorless
Image Sensor Type	Live MOS
Lens Mount	Micro Four Thirds
Continuous Shooting	7 fps
Built-in Flash	Yes
Image Processor	Venus Engine
Autofocus Points	23
Sensor Size	17.3 x 13.0 mm
LCD Screen Size	3.0 inches
LCD Screen Resolution	1, 036, 000 dots
Video Frame Rate	60p, 30p, 24p
Battery Type	Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
Weight	390 g
Shutter Speed	60 - 1/4000 sec
Storage Media	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity	USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi
Battery Life	340 shots
Dimensions	122 x 85 x 71 mm