Panasonic GH6 vs Samsung NX1: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting a mirrorless camera that balances cutting-edge features, versatile performance, and ergonomic practicality can be daunting. The Panasonic Lumix GH6 and the Samsung NX1 represent two unique philosophies in pro-grade mirrorless systems from very different eras - yet both have passionate user bases. Having personally tested thousands of cameras over the years, I’m excited to dive deep into these two, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses across all major photography and videography disciplines. Whether you’re an enthusiast eyeing a step up or a seasoned pro looking for solid gear, this side-by-side analysis will give you the grounded insights you need.

Size and Ergonomics: How They Feel in Your Hands

Let’s start by putting size and handling under the lens. The GH6, released in 2022, feels noticeably more robust and substantial than the older NX1 from 2014, which was more compact and lightweight for its time.

The GH6 tips the scale at 823g with a boxy, SLR-style body, providing excellent grip security during prolonged shoots. In contrast, the NX1 weighs just 550g - significantly lighter - with a slimmer profile that many photographers will appreciate for portability. Still, the larger body of the GH6 houses enhanced weather sealing and physical controls that professional photographers crave in challenging environments.

You'll notice the GH6’s deeper grip and confident button placement suit hands that prefer tactile feedback and ergonomics geared toward heavy-duty shooting. The NX1’s layout favors a minimalist, travel-friendly design but slightly compromises on button accessibility under intensive use.

Control Layout and Interface: Rapid Access Meets Customizability

Looking across the top plates puts their design philosophies into perspective.

The GH6 spotlights fully dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, white balance, and exposure compensation - ideal for fast manual adjustments without diving into menus. Meanwhile, the NX1, while equipped with a solid complement of buttons, leans on a multifunction dial and some customizable controls to keep its streamlined profile.

Both cameras incorporate touchscreens for intuitive AF point selection and menu navigation, but the GH6’s fully articulating 3.0” screen, compared to the NX1’s tilting 3.0” screen, adds significant versatility when shooting video or difficult angles.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs APS-C Battle

Understanding sensor technology is critical, as it directly influences image quality, dynamic range, and ISO performance.

The GH6 features a 25MP Live MOS sensor sized at 17.3 x 13 mm (Four Thirds sensor), while the NX1 boasts a larger 28MP BSI-CMOS APS-C sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.7 mm. That’s a substantial difference in sensor area - about 65% more light-gathering capacity on the NX1. Naturally, this impacts low-light performance, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

Despite the GH6’s smaller sensor, Panasonic's advanced image processing and Dual Native ISO technology help minimize noise up to ISO 25600. The NX1’s backside-illuminated sensor architecture enhances light efficiency, resulting in excellent color depth (DxO Color Depth score: 24.2) and a wide dynamic range of 13.2 EV - remarkable for its time.

The NX1 supports ISO sensitivity up to 51200 (boosted), while the GH6 maxes at ISO 25600 natively, with a minimum expanded ISO 50 for bright conditions and long exposures. For photographers prioritizing raw image quality, especially in low light or for landscape horizons with subtle tonal gradations, the NX1's sensor holds a noticeable advantage.

Viewing and Monitoring: EVF and LCD Screen Usability

Critical to your shooting experience is how you compose and review shots.

The GH6 sports a stunning 3,680k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.76x magnification, delivering a crisp, detailed image with 100% coverage - ideal when precise framing is non-negotiable. Its 1,840k-dot fully articulating touchscreen LCD complements this, allowing effortless shooting from creative angles.

The NX1’s EVF, while competent with 2,360k-dot resolution and 0.7x magnification, is less bright and contrasty, and its tilting 1,036k-dot LCD limits dynamic angle freedom. However, for street or travel photographers valuing quick glances and practical touchscreen use, the NX1’s interface remains responsive and clear.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance often decides real-world usability.

The GH6 employs a contrast-detection AF system enhanced by deep learning AI to recognize faces, eyes, and even animals - offering robust face/eye detection and tracking capabilities. Its continuous shooting rate is 14 FPS, which helps in capturing fleeting moments in wildlife and sports photography.

On the other hand, the NX1 features an impressive hybrid AF system with 209 focus points - including 153 cross-type sensors - based on phase-detection, giving it a slight edge in autofocus speed and accuracy for tracking fast-moving subjects. Continuous shooting maxes out at 15 FPS, marginally faster than the GH6.

If your work involves wildlife or fast-paced sports, the NX1’s autofocus and burst specs are still very competitive nearly a decade after launch. However, Panasonic’s more modern contrast-based system benefits from AI improvements and exceptional face/animal detection, useful in portraiture and videography.

Build and Weather Resistance: Ready for Rugged Use?

For outdoor professionals, sealing and durability matter as much as image specs.

The GH6 features full weather sealing against dust and moisture, designed to function in challenging conditions - although it is not waterproof or shockproof. Its sturdy magnesium alloy body can handle rough handling and typical professional weather demands.

The NX1 also offers dust resistance and moderate weather sealing, but its older design is not as robust as the GH6. Additionally, the GH6’s deeper grip and weather-resistant buttons provide a more assured hold in inclement weather.

Lens Ecosystems: Micro Four Thirds vs Samsung NX Lens Selection

System extensibility can heavily influence investment in a camera.

The GH6, leveraging the Micro Four Thirds mount, benefits from over 118 compatible lenses - including legacy optics from Panasonic, Olympus, and reputable third parties like Sigma and Tamron. This broad ecosystem supports everything from ultra-wide landscape lenses to macro and fast portrait primes.

The NX1 uses the Samsung NX mount, which sadly limits you to a much smaller selection - around 32 lenses, many of them discontinued. Given Samsung’s exit from the camera market, further lens development is unlikely, meaning users are limited to what's available or third-party adapters.

If lens variety - and future-proofing - matter to you, the GH6’s ecosystem is the clear winner, particularly as Micro Four Thirds lenses are often compact and provide excellent optical quality.

Image Stabilization and Steady Shooting

The GH6 includes sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, which is a boon for handheld shooting, especially in low light or macro work. This feature adds versatility in video shoot setups, where stabilization smoothness is vital.

Conversely, the NX1 lacks in-body image stabilization (IBIS), putting more pressure on stabilized lenses or tripods. This is an important consideration if you routinely handhold your camera for long exposures or macro work.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

The NX1 edges out the GH6 slightly in battery efficiency, rated for 500 shots per charge compared to the GH6’s 360, partly due to the GH6’s more power-demanding features.

Regarding storage, the GH6’s dual card slots (CFexpress Type B and SD) offer flexibility, speed, and redundancy crucial for professional workflows and large video files. The NX1 only supports a single SD card slot, creating a bottleneck for simultaneous backups or high-throughput recording.

Video Capabilities: Next-Level Content Creation with GH6

Here, the Panasonic GH6 truly flexes its muscles. It supports outstanding video specs: up to 5.7K resolution at 60p and 4K at 120p, using modern codecs like H.264 and H.265 in multiple recording formats. The GH6 is purpose-built for hybrid shooters wanting cinema-grade quality and extended recording times, complete with microphone and headphone ports for professional audio monitoring.

Meanwhile, the NX1 was cutting edge in its day - offering 4K UHD at 30p and 4.1K DCI at 24p with H.265 - but falls short against today’s standards, lacking 4K at higher frame rates and advanced codec support. Its video functions do include time-lapse and modest slow-motion options, but those needing robust video features will lean toward the GH6.

Real-World Usage Scenarios and Image Samples

It’s one thing to discuss specs, another to see how these cameras perform across genres.

Panasonic GH6 front Panasonic GH6 screen back Samsung NX1 front Samsung NX1 screen back

• Portraits: The GH6 produces smooth skin tones with natural color gradations, aided by its advanced AF face/eye detection and creamy MFT lenses creating beautiful bokeh. The NX1’s APS-C sensor lends itself better to subject isolation thanks to its shallower depth of field, but its older AF sometimes struggles with eye detection.

• Landscape: The NX1’s superior sensor resolution and dynamic range deliver more detailed, nuanced landscape images. The GH6’s smaller sensor is a compromise but its rugged body and wide lens choice compensate well.

• Wildlife: The NX1’s phase-detection AF and higher burst rate give a slight edge in tracking unpredictable subjects. The GH6’s AI-powered AF is reliable but may lag slightly in action intensity.

• Sports: Both cameras perform admirably, with the NX1’s burst rate and tracking favoring fast autofocus scenarios, while the GH6 benefits from enhanced video slow-motion modes.

• Street: The NX1’s compact size and quieter operation make it more discreet, ideal for candid shots. The GH6, while bulkier, offers more robust video options if you venture into street videography.

• Macro: GH6’s IBIS and superior focus bracketing/stacking modes provide significant advantages for macro work over the NX1.

• Night/Astro: Despite the smaller sensor, the GH6’s ISO performance and expanded sensitivity range managed better low-light control during my star photography tests, thanks to less noise at extreme settings using its Dual Native ISO.

Summary of Overall Performance Ratings

Let’s visualize how these cameras stack up overall.

While the NX1 was revolutionary at launch and still impresses for APS-C image quality, the GH6’s modern hardware, enhanced video prowess, and build quality skew the overall score in its favor.

How They Excel in Different Photography Styles

Here’s a breakdown of their strengths by genre:

• Portrait: GH6 leads due to improved AF and lens ecosystem.
• Landscape: NX1 takes slightly better image quality.
• Wildlife & Sports: NX1 edges with faster AF and burst.
• Street: NX1’s stealth and lighter body win.
• Macro: GH6 shines with IBIS and focus stacking.
• Night/Astro: GH6 benefits from modern sensor tech.
• Video: GH6 is far superior.
• Travel: NX1 for weight, GH6 for versatility.
• Professional use: GH6 preferred for workflow and reliability.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Deciding between the Panasonic GH6 and Samsung NX1 ultimately boils down to your priorities:

• If video quality, in-body image stabilization, weather sealing, and future-proofing lens options matter most, the Panasonic GH6 is undisputedly the better buy despite its larger size and slightly shorter battery life. It’s a powerhouse hybrid that excels in pro photo and video roles.

• If you prioritize a compact, lightweight body with excellent APS-C image quality, faster autofocus bursts, and longer battery life, especially for still photography, the Samsung NX1 remains a worthy contender, though you’ll need to accept a limited lens ecosystem and older video tech.

Personally, if you want a versatile rig that delivers impressive stills plus industry-leading video capabilities compact enough for travel and professional assignments, I gravitate toward the GH6. The incremental increase in weight and price is offset by modern features and Panasonic’s expanding MFT lens lineup.

Meanwhile, the NX1 can be an affordable, capable camera for photo-focused users and enthusiasts comfortable with legacy gear and who appreciate that APS-C sensor size advantage.

This comparison blends my direct experience, technical measurements, and real-world shooting trials to guide you confidently. Think about your shooting style, lenses you want to use, and whether video or stills dominate your workflow. Either way, these two are remarkable cameras within their context - and now you know exactly why.

Happy shooting!