Hard Decision ...

Following the sale of our DSLR equipment (Canon 600D with kit lens and Super-Zoom) I have studied several weeks, researched and tested - and pretty much everything in mirrorless system cameras in the price range up to 1500, -. (Including kit lens ) comes into question.

Ultimately we chose the Panasonic Lumix G6 with the 14-140 II super-zoom lens. In terms of our requirements (photo + video viewfinder, compactness, handling) this combination is in our view an ideal all-rounder with a good price-performance ratio. So a little budget for supplementary lenses is like a bright fixed focal length.

The camera fits easily to us. It is very light and is safe and enjoyable due to the molded handle in his hand. She still remains compact. Viewfinder display and are a blast. Also, the operating concept convinced. With some background knowledge (and Lumix experience) we were able to work out our many functions themselves. Sure you can learn many tips and tricks after intensive reading the manual (or an alternate introduction).

The image quality up to our expectations substantially. ME is to get the camera in a position similar or even better results than the EOS 600D. Potential for improvement of course there are always (dynamic range, low light performance). The autofocus works pretty fast and pretty reliable, similar to the USM super zoom on the Canon. The video quality is excellent and satisfies fully our claims

The lens is in the light of the focal length range incredibly light and compact. Of course, there is a "fair-weather lens". In an autumn walk in the woods one falls quickly into higher ISO ranges. The OIS seems to work reliably (especially for video), even if I have now produced some committee (in the forest). We must halt even better to know.

Since I came across a number of critical articles on the Internet, I have subjected the combination under "domestic laboratory conditions" a more detailed examination. Here I noticed (besides acceptable distortion at wide angle) quite a pronounced loss of sharpness in the upper left corner, which occurs over all focal lengths. I find it difficult to judge whether this is "normal" or whether we caught an inferior copy. Because it does not really stand interfere with most of our designs, we decided to accept the.

More difficult is the matter with a different conspicuous behavior. After several attempts, I am in favor of us present Kombi convinced that the mechanical shutter of the camera, under certain conditions by no means unusual visible less sharp pictures produced as the electronic shutter. I have been doing with each constant parameters (location, light, focal length, ISO, aperture, shutter speed) with tripod (OIS off) and manual focus compare images with mechanical and electronic shutter made. Of course, I then varied several parameters and also different motives (incl. Portrait) used (as well as artificial and natural light).

For certain shutter speeds (at the telephoto end) recognized the differences particularly pronounced and not just in the 100% screen view. Mechanical shutter: fonts are harder to read, fine patterns blur details (eg eyelashes) act as pixelated or blurry. Electronic shutter: "razor sharp". Only with the electronic shutter is recognizable for me to what the camera is capable of incredible images. For subsequent magnification of image details or for large prints to the mechanical shutter mE may be adversely affected.

As we have come to ponder whether we really keep the camera (with this lens). Because the electronic shutter is due to the "rolling shutter effect" and other restrictions no adequate substitute for the mechanical (even if my children keep quiet times they move ...).

Therefore, the heading "difficult decision". On one hand, we love this camera and can be combined with the variable 10x zoom (nearly) our photo dreams come true. On the other hand we do not want to spend so much money in order to then deal with "Shutter-Shock" avoidance strategies need. As disappointing I feel especially the unconstructive attitude of Panasonic on the subject ("incomprehensible" was the response to my request to the support).

Currently the pendulum flips "reserve" in direction. Even with the 14-140 are sharp images possible. In addition, it will not remain our only objective. The G6 gave it favorable to it and eventually get the same G7 without "shutter shock". Correct large prints we do anyway rarely. And so on. Somehow I would not send them back (also alternative vans have again its drawbacks).

100% secure, however we are not annoying and the thing in any case. Since I (my present) Rate combination Body plus 14-140 lens, I can not help but deduct 2 points. The combination remains below its potential, because the components m. E. are not perfectly matched.

UPDATE 29.12.2014

We kept the camera and complemented by some lenses with fixed focal length. After about 5000 pictures I made the decision so far no regrets. It is important to choose the right situation and the right lens to use with the zoom lens as possible the electronic shutter. I have certainly learned to arrange myself with the "Shutter Shock" problem (although of course I could well do without it).

With the highly compact and high-intensity fixed focal lengths very atmospheric and sharp images are, we succeeded in low light without flash. This has, however, some exercise equipment and also the committee was initially high. The problem is that the autofocus in automatic mode often not precisely "targeted" takes the desired area. With an aperture of 1.7, for example, the depth of field is very small and a picture fails quickly if the focus is not just right "sitting". Here I have learned to appreciate the "AF + MF", where you can manually check and correct the focus. The "AF / AE Lock" key is it helpful. When shooting with powerful lens in low light I have the hang of not out. There constantly disturbing blurring.

These small primes possess unlike the kit lenses like the 14-140mm usually no image stabilization, which is why you have to keep the camera very quiet (even this I had to again only raise awareness and practice). A stabilizer in the camera can help of course. Unfortunately, the G6 does not.

Based on my results so far, I have set the maximum ISO value to 1600. Then the images deteriorate disproportionately. With luck 3200 still sizable photos can succeed even at ISO. I go here but too many details are lost and depending on the subject, the noise can be very noticeable.

Unfortunately, it happened to me again and again that I inadvertently disguise some settings when taking pictures. Particularly disturbing this is in the case of white balance, as it significantly affects the (JPEG) result. The keys should offer a little more resistance. Meanwhile I check the setting on a regular basis, but I have noticed it today again only after several photos.

As before, I am thrilled with the compactness of the MFT system. The camera and now 4 lenses, microphone and other accessories fit in a really handy pocket.

Although I certainly have a tendency to increase my rating to 4 points, but I will stay with my old review. The best (and most!) Pictures I made with the fixed focal lengths. The kit lens is only under certain conditions to use. This is instrumental in the described "Shutter-Shock" issue.

UPDATE 13.2.15

Now that we have the camera for some time in use, it's time for another update. Very pleased I am with the 14-140 lens when we are traveling out there in good weather and with shutter speeds
I still see room for improvement in terms of the performance of the camera in artificial light. With a lack of exercise or incorrect settings, the problems are in my opinion no longer be explained. Color saturation, tone and white balance vary too much, for example, depending on the ISO setting (completely different presentation with an identical motif). Although we photographed almost exclusively in the same rooms with always the same light, I get no attitude towards that (ie, a series of images with identical desired color representation) leads to reliable results. Even the (internal) flash I find difficult to handle in terms of brightness, white balance and color tone / saturation. A strength of the flash is the small shadows. It certainly succeed very good photos and, on the whole I am satisfied with the camera. However, one must say that the camera is more demanding than our old EOS 600D. The color representation and brightness indoors, the Canon whole done better. Even the automatic mode was better and overall the Committee less why my wife with the G6 has not yet become really hot and sometimes the Canon mourns (while recognizing the benefits). The G6 makes great photos - if you dealt with it and selects the right settings, in particular in less than optimal conditions.