Panasonic Lumix GH6 vs GH4: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Having tested both the Panasonic GH4 and, more recently, its successor, the GH6, over many years in varied shooting conditions and genres, I’m excited to share a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison. This article is written to empower photographers and videographers - from seasoned pros to passionate enthusiasts - to understand how these two Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras measure up across crucial metrics and real-world applications.

The Lumix GH4, introduced back in 2014, set a new benchmark for hybrid photo/video cameras and became a beloved tool for many creatives. The GH6, released in 2022, is a powerhouse successor promising hefty refinements in sensor tech, autofocus, video, and usability. But how do these claims pan out in practice? Let’s dissect.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

If you’ve ever held a GH4, its compactness and relatively lightweight body make it a great travel companion and street shooter. The GH6, while bigger and heavier, feels decidedly more robust and professional in hand. Panasonic has maintained a classic SLR-style mirrorless silhouette but added heft for durability and additional features.

Dimensions & Weight

• GH6: 139 x 100 x 100 mm, 823 g
• GH4: 133 x 93 x 84 mm, 560 g

While the GH6 gains roughly 260 grams over the GH4, this mass supports a beefier magnesium alloy chassis and improved environmental sealing (although not fully weatherproof). This gives photographers more confidence shooting in challenging weather or dusty outdoor scenarios - an often overlooked boon for landscape and wildlife photographers alike.

Grip & Button Layout

Both cameras sport large, comfortable grips, but the GH6’s grip is more contoured and offers better purchase, particularly with larger lenses. The GH6 also includes additional customizable buttons and a joystick, making it easier to navigate the extensive menus and custom settings on the fly. In contrast, the GH4’s button layout is simpler but less flexible.

The improved control scheme on the GH6 speeds up real-world shooting. For example, quickly assigning custom ISO settings or switching focus modes becomes intuitive, which is a measurable upgrade during fast-paced portrait sessions or sports coverage.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the System

Both cameras share the tried-and-true Four Thirds sensor size (17.3 x 13 mm) with a 2.1x crop factor, but sensor resolution and underlying technology differ significantly.

• GH6: 25 MP CMOS sensor, no anti-aliasing filter
• GH4: 16 MP CMOS sensor, with anti-aliasing filter

Resolution and Detail

The GH6’s 25MP sensor produces images with roughly 50% more pixels than the GH4, resulting in sharper details and improved cropping flexibility. The absence of an anti-aliasing (AA) filter in the GH6 elevates perceived sharpness further, although it occasionally risks mild moiré in fine repeating patterns - rarely a dealbreaker.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

While the GH4’s sensor was impressive for its era, delivering 12.8 stops of dynamic range per DxOMark testing, the GH6 pushes this boundary further (though DxO hasn’t tested it officially yet). Panasonic’s latest sensor architecture, supplemented by advanced image processing, yields cleaner high-ISO shots and richer shadow recovery.

Native ISO ranges:

• GH6: 100-25600 (with extended 50 ISO low)
• GH4: 200-25600

Practically, the GH6’s lower base ISO improves highlight retention in bright scenes, and its noise control excels at ISO 3200 and beyond - critical for low-light event photography or night/astro work.

Color Reproduction

Both cameras render natural color tones pleasing for portraits, but the GH6’s upgraded processing pipeline offers more accurate skin tones and color gradations, especially when paired with Panasonic’s V-Log L or the newer V-Log profiles introduced in recent firmware.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing and Reviewing Images

Both use fully articulated 3.0-inch LCD screens that can swivel for high or low-angle work and selfie mode.

• GH6: 1840k-dot touch screen
• GH4: 1036k-dot OLED touch screen

Surprisingly, the GH4’s OLED screen delivers deeper blacks and better contrast at extreme viewing angles, while the GH6’s LCD offers higher resolution for sharper previews. The GH6’s touchscreen is faster and more responsive, essential when navigating menus or setting autofocus points via touch.

Moving to the electronic viewfinder (EVF):

• GH6: 3680k-dot, 100% coverage, 0.76x magnification
• GH4: 2359k-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 0.67x magnification

The GH6 EVF delivers a visibly sharper and brighter view with a more natural color balance. This advantage significantly improves manual focusing and composition precision - valuable for portrait and macro photographers alike.

Autofocus: Tracking, Speed, and Accuracy

Autofocus has always been a focal strength of the GH series. Panasonic has steadily improved AF technology, with the GH6 receiving the most upgrades.

• Both use contrast-detection autofocus, no phase detection.
• GH4: 49 AF points
• GH6: Precise number unspecified, but vastly improved technology with In-Body Stabilization

The GH6 shines with:

• Real-time eye/face/animal eye detection autofocus
• More reliable continuous autofocus tracking at up to 14 fps burst shooting
• Enhanced low-light AF performance

This transforms use in wildlife and sports photography scenarios, where fast, accurate tracking of erratic subjects under variable lighting is a must.

The GH4’s autofocus is reliable but slower, tending to hunt in dimmer situations, particularly when paired with long telephoto lenses.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Capacity

Both cameras offer respectable continuous shooting for action coverage:

• GH6: 14 fps (mechanical shutter), buffer depth greatly increased with CFexpress cards
• GH4: 12 fps (mechanical shutter), more limited buffer and slower card options

For sports and wildlife photographers who rely on capturing key moments with precision, the GH6’s faster frame rate and improved buffer make it the better pick. The addition of dual card slots supporting CFexpress Type B on the GH6 also improves writing speeds and file security in the field.

Video Capabilities: The GH Series’ Renowned Hybrid Strength

Both models earned reputations for professional-grade video, but the GH6 extends capabilities considerably.

The GH4’s 4K video was revolutionary in 2014, but today’s filmmakers demand greater resolution, frame rates, and flexibility. The GH6 meets those demands with 6K video recording, high frame rate 4K up to 120p for slow-motion, advanced codecs including H.265, and in-body stabilization - a real boon for handheld shooting, run-and-gun documentary setups, or travel filmmaking.

Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

The presence of 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization (IBIS) in the GH6 is one of the most appreciated upgrades. It enables:

• Sharper images at slower shutter speeds without a tripod
• Smoother video footage handheld
• Reduced reliance on stabilized lenses (especially useful considering the Micro Four Thirds lens selection)

The GH4 lacks IBIS, placing the burden on stabilized lenses or external support rigs. For anyone shooting macro handheld or video without gimbals, this difference is day and night.

Combined with better high-ISO noise control, the GH6 pushes into low-light shooting territory that challenged the older GH4.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, giving access to Panasonic’s 118 lenses (GH6) and 107 lenses (GH4) from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party makers like Sigma and Tamron.

Lens options remain a highlight of the system - compact, affordable, and with good optical performance. The GH6 can take full advantage of newer, more advanced lenses with faster autofocus and electronic communication due to improved firmware protocols, whereas the GH4 may see slightly slower AF with some modern lenses.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

• GH6: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (10 Gbit/sec), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
• GH4: USB 2.0, Wi-Fi only, no Bluetooth

The GH6 supports faster tethered workflows and wireless transfer options that are crucial for studio professionals or remote shooters. Adding Bluetooth connectivity also expands remote control options via smartphone apps.

On storage, GH6 uses dual slots: 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II (V90); GH4 only has a single SD slot. For reliability and professional shooting, having dual slots with a fast format option is a substantial advantage.

Battery Life and Practical Usage

GH4 offers around 500 shots per charge compared to 360 for the GH6, partially due to the GH6’s higher-resolution EVF, IBIS, and more powerful processor.

In real-world use, carrying a backup battery is advisable for both, but GH6’s faster processing and video modes consume more energy. Luckily, GH6 supports USB power delivery charging, a modern convenience absent on the GH4.

Shooting Across Genres: How the Cameras Compare

Panasonic GH6 front Panasonic GH6 screen back Panasonic GH4 front Panasonic GH4 screen back

Here’s how I see the GH6 and GH4 stack up across common photographic disciplines, based on extensive field tests:

Portrait Photography

GH6’s sharper sensor and improved skin tone rendition from new processing give portraits a crisp yet natural look. Eye/animal eye autofocus locks fast and reliably, great for studio or environmental portraits. IBIS allows handholding with longer lenses at slower shutter speeds.

GH4 provides good color at a lower resolution - still capable but less flexible for retouching or tight crops.

Landscape Photography

Both deliver solid dynamic range, but GH6’s extended range and 25MP resolution let you capture more expansive detail and tonal subtleties in shadows/highlights. Weather sealing improvements help for outdoor adventures.

Wildlife Photography

GH6 wins on autofocus tracking speed and precision, faster burst rates, and buffer size, critical for busy action sequences. IBIS improves handholding with large lenses. GH4 is serviceable for beginners but less competitive.

Sports Photography

GH6’s higher frame rates, eye tracking, and advanced AF make it much better suited here. GH4’s 12 fps is respectable but buffering and AF lag hold it back.

Street Photography

GH4’s smaller size and lighter weight make it more discreet and easier to carry stealthily. GH6 is larger and heavier but faster in operation. For urban roamers prioritizing minimalism, GH4 still holds appeal.

Macro Photography

GH6’s focus stacking and focus bracketing features are thoughtfully improved. IBIS aids sharp handheld macro photography. GH4 offers post-focus but lacks stacking/bracketing.

Night/Astro Photography

GH6’s better high ISO control, cleaner sensor output, and exposure controls give it a clear edge for astrophotography or long exposure night scenes.

Video

The GH6’s advanced video specs (6K, 4K 120p, 10-bit internal recording) decisively outperform GH4’s 4K 30p (8-bit) limit. IBIS and audio features are also vast improvements.

Travel Photography

GH4 weighs less and has longer battery life, but GH6’s versatility, durability, and superior image quality compensate for extra bulk.

Professional Work

GH6 supports dual card backup, faster workflows, and more file format options, which professionals demand for reliable production workflows. GH4 is aging but still can serve as a secondary or budget choice.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both bodies are SLR-styled magnesium alloy chassis with weather sealing, but GH6 offers more robust environmental sealing, resisting dust and splashes better. Neither is waterproof or shockproof, so rough handling still requires care.

Price and Value Analysis

The GH6 commands a significant premium - over 40% more than the GH4’s now mostly used/refurbished price. For photographers needing the latest video features, improved autofocus, better image quality, and longer-term support, this makes perfect sense.

Conversely, the GH4 offers excellent value for budget-conscious shooters prioritizing decent 4K video and solid photo performance, but with compromises in speed, stabilization, and high-ISO capabilities.

Summary Scores and Recommendations

This scoring breakdown synthesizes all factors I tested firsthand: image quality, speed, handling, video, and more. The GH6 ranks well ahead overall, particularly in video and autofocus-related disciplines.

Final Thoughts: Which Panasonic GH Fits Your Needs?

The GH6 is a worthy and substantial upgrade over the GH4 in almost every technical and practical metric. It’s designed to meet the demands of today’s hybrid shooters, professionals in video work, and adventurous photographers who push gear to extremes.

The GH4 still holds nostalgic and utilitarian value, especially for those entering the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem or photographers who prize smaller size, longer battery life, and want a competent 4K hybrid system at a lower price.

If you:

• Need professional 6K/4K 120p video with IBIS and dual card slots? GH6 is your only choice here.
• Prioritize burst speed, autofocus tracking, and reliable face/eye detection? GH6 wins comfortably.
• Shoot mostly stills, enjoy lighter gear, or have budget constraints? GH4 won’t disappoint.
• Value resolution, color fidelity, and low-light clean images for portraits and landscapes? GH6’s newer sensor and processing make a convincing case.
• Shoot travel or street but want a stealthier setup? GH4’s smaller size is an advantage.

Closing Remarks

I base these assessments not on glossy marketing claims but on years of side-by-side shooting, comparing raw files, real-world autofocus trials, video monitoring, and ergonomic tests. Both cameras bear the Panasonic pedigree of innovation in mirrorless systems, but the GH6's evolution is unmistakable.

When possible, try handling both in person, rent to test specific shooting conditions, and consider your long-term creative goals. Because ultimately, the best camera is the one that fits your style, workflow, and vision.

Happy shooting!