Panasonic GF6 vs Sony A6700: A Real-World Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

As someone who's spent the last decade-plus shoehorning countless cameras through demanding photo shoots - indoors and outdoors, party gigs to wildlife safaris - I’ve seen how two seemingly different cameras can suit wildly different users. Today, we're pitting the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 (an entry-level Micro Four Thirds mirrorless from 2013) against the much younger, high-performance Sony Alpha a6700 (an advanced APS-C mirrorless released mid-2023). They couldn’t be more distinct in generation, sensor size, and intended audience.

But is the GF6 still worth a look for the cheapskate enthusiast? And how much of a game-changer is the A6700 if you demand speed, detail, and versatility? Let’s walk through their key points, uncover strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which fits your photography ambitions and wallet best.

When Size and Handling Matter: Grip, Ergonomics, and Physical Design

If you shoot handheld a lot (which most of us do), camera size and ergonomics create either a cozy, nimble experience or one of cramped frustration. The Panasonic GF6 is a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless with barebones physical design typical of early 2010s models. The Sony A6700, meanwhile, is a chunky, modern APS-C mirrorless that prioritizes grip and command dials for pros and heavy users.

The GF6’s petite body measures about 111x65x38 mm and weighs around 323 grams - extremely travel-friendly and pocketable for those weekend jaunts or street shooting sprees. However, the downside is a lack of a dedicated viewfinder and a body too small for big hands or long telephoto lenses. It’s comfortable for casual shooting but less so over long sessions or with pro lenses.

The A6700 is larger - 122x69x75 mm - and heavier at nearly 500 grams. Its robust grip is molded for clubs-for-thumbs comfort, especially when paired with telephoto zooms. The heft aids stability but sacrifices pocket portability.

Ergonomics win: Sony A6700 for serious shooters seeking tactile controls and comfort; Panasonic GF6 for pocketable convenience or casual use.

Front and Center: Top Controls and User Interface

What about controls? We all know a camera’s design can make or break the shooting rhythm - no fiddly menus or frustrating buttons that interrupt your creative flow.

The GF6 adopts a minimalist top plate with essential dials and a pop-up flash. Sony’s A6700, however, comes loaded with multiple customizable dials, an electronic shutter switch, and even a top OLED info display (not present on the GF6).

From real-world use, the A6700’s cluster of buttons and dials lets you adapt quickly to shooting scenarios. Its touchscreen on the back is highly responsive and supports intuitive touch focus and menu navigation. The GF6 does have a touchscreen, too, but lacks illuminated buttons or a secondary display to view settings quickly.

If you’re stepping up from point-and-shoot cameras or even smartphones, the GF6’s controls are straightforward and less intimidating. But pros or enthusiasts will crave the A6700’s deep control layer.

The Heart of Image Quality: Sensor Size and Technology

Now let’s talk pixels. While megapixels can be overhyped, sensor size and technology fundamentally alter dynamic range, noise performance, and lens compatibility.

The Panasonic GF6 uses a 16MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, tucked inside a Micro Four Thirds mount system. This sensor is more than a decade old by now, and although it was respectable in 2013, it’s limited by smaller photosites. Its maximum native ISO tops out at 12,800 with usable results only up to about 1600-3200 in most scenarios.

On the other hand, the Sony A6700 sports a newer 26MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm - a significant boost in sensor area (about 63% larger surface). APS-C inherently captures more light, thus better dynamic range and cleaner high ISO performance. The A6700 extends native ISO to 32,000 and boosted ISO to 102,400 for low-light work.

Having worked hands-on with both sensors, the A6700’s images out-resolve the GF6 visibly. Fine landscape detail, shadow retention, and color rendering leap ahead on Sony’s model, thanks also to improved image processors and noise reduction algorithms.

The Rear Display and Viewing Experience

Both cameras have a 3-inch screen with roughly 1.04 million dots resolution, but their articulation and usability differ drastically.

The GF6 offers a tilting TFT LCD with touchscreen capability. It is adequate for composing and navigating menus but limited in movement (tilts mainly upward), which makes low-angle or high-angle shots clumsy.

Conversely, the Sony A6700’s fully articulated LCD allows flips toward the front, ideal for vloggers or tricky compositions. Its screen technology tends to be brighter and better visible in sunlight, which is essential in outdoor work. I’ve lost count of times when the GF6’s screen reflected day highlights harshly, forcing guesswork about exposure.

On top of this, the A6700 has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 0.71x magnification. This is an invaluable tool for tracking fast action or framing in bright conditions. The GF6 lacks a viewfinder, pushing you to rely only on the rear screen - a notable limitation for many.

Autofocus and Burst Rates: Speed for Moving Subjects

Nothing frustrates photographers more than chasing a subject only to miss focus repeatedly or suffer laggy responsiveness. How do these two cameras stack up for action?

The Panasonic GF6 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection. It features touch-AF and continuous AF but lacks phase detection points or sophisticated subject tracking. Burst speed maxes out at about 4 frames per second. It can work for casual subjects like pets or kids but struggles with fast-moving wildlife or sports action.

The Sony A6700 leverages a hybrid AF system, combining on-sensor phase detection points (759 points!) with PDAF and CDAF for rapid, accurate locking. Add in advanced AI-powered Eye AF for both humans and animals, and you get significantly better focus tracking on erratic subjects. Burst shooting hits 11 fps - nearly triple the GF6 - with autofocus and exposure tracking.

This makes the A6700 a superior choice for wildlife, sports, or street photography where split-second accuracy is king. The GF6, meanwhile, is best reserved for static or slow-moving scenes.

Painting with Light: Portraits, Skin Tones, and Bokeh

Portrait shooters often focus on skin tone rendition, detail, and background separation. Lens choice matters, of course, but sensor quality and AF precision also play big roles.

The GF6 with its smaller sensor and older processing is adequate at rendering skin in natural light but tends toward flatter colors with less subtle gradation. The smaller sensor also leads to less creamy bokeh compared to larger sensors. Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lenses often stop down to f/1.7 or slower, limiting shallow depth-of-field control.

The Sony A6700’s larger sensor and newer color science produce more nuanced skin tones and better highlight roll-off - meaning the transition from skin to shadow areas is smoother. Thanks to Sony’s excellent fast primes (like the 50mm f/1.2 or 85mm f/1.8 equivalents) and APS-C size, background blur is richer.

Eye- and animal-eye autofocus on the A6700 ensures tack-sharp focus on critical points in a portrait - essential for professional headshots or creative personal work.

Landscapes and Low Light: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

Landscape photography demands rugged gear and sensors that handle wide dynamic ranges - preserving shadow and highlight detail in tricky lighting.

Panasonic GF6’s older sensor offers about 10.6 stops of dynamic range (DxO Mark), respectable for its time but outclassed nowadays. Plus, the GF6 lacks any kind of weather sealing, meaning exposure to dust or moisture calls for caution.

The Sony A6700 naturally enjoys broader dynamic range, improved ISO performance, and crucially, environmental sealing against dust and modest moisture ingress. That gives you confidence shooting in light rain or dusty trails - a big advantage on location.

With 26MP resolution, the A6700 captures fine leaf textures and cloud nuances with more clarity. Landscapers investing in this camera gain a versatile body that can tackle a wider range of conditions.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Frame Rates, and Lens Ecosystem

Shooting fast wildlife or sports requires not just speedy AF but also a broad telephoto lens collection and quick continuous shooting bursts.

The GF6’s Micro Four Thirds mount provides a solid lens lineup - including some amazing native telephotos like the Olympus 300mm f/4 IS - but the contrast-based AF limits tracking reliability. The 4 fps burst isn’t competitive. Plus, no in-body image stabilization means you rely on lens IS or tripods for sharp shots.

Panasonic GF6 front Panasonic GF6 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back

Sony’s E-mount system dwarfs that with nearly 200 compatible lenses, including superb native tele zooms like the 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 and professional primes. The a6700’s sensor-shift 5-axis stabilization pairs brilliantly with optically stabilized lenses to clamp camera shake. Eleven fps shooting with accurate subject tracking takes the edge in sports arenas or quick wildlife encounters.

If you chase birds, athletes, or kids in motion, Sony is the clear winner.

Street and Travel Photography: Stealth, Portability, and Battery

Street and travel shooters prize discretion and battery life - heavy rigs are a no-go in crowded scenes or on long treks.

The Panasonic GF6, being light and small, is a dream for unobtrusive street photography. It fires silently (albeit with some mechanical noise) and slips easily into bags or larger pockets. Battery life is average (about 340 shots per charge), so pack a spare on longer trips.

The A6700 trades stealth for power and ergonomics. It weighs more and is larger but compensates with a much stronger 570-shot battery life rated by CIPA - almost double. Its silent electronic shutter mode enables quiet shooting and reduces camera shake - a big plus in quiet moments.

So, if you prize absolute compactness and a lower price tag, the GF6 fits the bill. For extended travel and street-savvy features, Sony offers a more complete travel companion.

Macro and Close-up: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

Close-up photography requires precise focusing and usually benefits from magnification or macro-specific lenses.

Neither camera has dedicated macro focus bracketing or stacking, but the lens mount ecosystems shine here. Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds has some excellent affordable macro lenses like the Panasonic 30mm f/2.8 or Olympus 60mm f/2.8 for sharp close-ups at reasonable magnifications.

Sony’s E-mount features a few potent macro primes as well, often paired with the 5-axis IBIS that helps mitigate hand movement for tack-sharp shots at close focus distances. The A6700’s autofocus system handles small subjects with better accuracy, particularly in live view.

Both cameras are capable for macro, but the Sony edges ahead for precision and shake reduction.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Shooting stars and nightscapes pushes cameras to their limits. High ISO noise performance and specialized exposure features separate keepers from junk.

The GF6’s sensor is limited at high ISO, with serious noise creeping above ISO 3200, making true night sky imaging difficult. It does have manual exposure modes but no bulb shooting for extended time exposures, plus no focus peaking or live histograms.

Sony A6700 shines here with a clean high ISO range - usable up to ISO 12,800 and beyond - and its fully manual modes plus bulb shooting. The articulated screen helps compose awkward angles, and the EVF is bright enough in dark scenes to help manual focus on stars. Its 4K video at 120p lets you explore time-lapse astrophotography with fine detail.

Video: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

Video capabilities are crucial for hybrid shooters or vloggers.

The Panasonic GF6 offers Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps (50/60i interlaced modes depending on region), encoded in AVCHD or MPEG-4. It lacks external microphone input, continuous autofocus tracking during video is basic, and no in-body stabilization means shakiness may creep in handheld footage.

The Sony A6700, in contrast, delivers true 4K UHD video at up to 120 fps, allowing slow-motion clips without external software interpolation. It supports advanced codecs like XAVC HS and features in-body 5-axis stabilization smoothing handheld shots. External microphone and headphone jacks provide sound control for professional workflows.

The A6700’s video tools make it a capable hybrid tool, while the GF6 is more snapshot-oriented.

Behind the Scenes: Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life and file management can sap or supercharge your shooting experience.

The GF6’s battery yields about 340 shots per charge, enough for casual days but challenging for all-day shoots. It accepts SD cards only, and connectivity includes USB 2.0, HDMI, and NFC for quick pairing.

Sony’s A6700 steps up with 570 shots battery life, faster USB 3.2 Gen 2, Micro HDMI, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth combo for tethering or remote control. It supports SDXC cards and even Sony’s Memory Stick format - a small mixed blessing for those invested in the ecosystem.

While neither camera offers GPS or environmental sealing beyond the A6700’s dust/splash resistance, the larger battery and faster data pipelines favor the Sony for pro work.

Who Wins in Each Photography Category? A Visual Summary

To wrap these comparisons into an easy reference, here’s a genre-focused performance breakdown reflecting hands-on testing:

• Portrait: Sony A6700 for richer skin tones and eye autofocus
• Landscape: Sony A6700 for dynamic range and weather sealing
• Wildlife: Sony A6700 for fast AF and telephoto lens options
• Sports: Sony A6700 clear leader with fast burst and tracking
• Street: Panasonic GF6 wins for stealth and size; Sony close behind with silent shutter
• Macro: Sony A6700 edges ahead with stabilization and AF precision
• Night / Astro: Sony A6700 with superior high ISO and exposure controls
• Video: Sony A6700 by a wide margin in 4K and audio options
• Travel: Panasonic GF6 for portability; Sony for power and flexibility
• Professional: Sony A6700 with ruggedness, workflow support, and modern connectivity

Overall Performance Ratings: The Final Scorecard

Synthesizing sensor specs, AF, ergonomics, and real-life photo/video testing, here is an overall camera performance scorecard:

• Panasonic GF6: Good entry-level value for beginners or casual shooters on a budget. Its limitations grow more obvious with demanding use.
• Sony A6700: An extremely capable advanced mirrorless best suited for enthusiasts and professionals wanting speed, image quality, and versatility.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which?

Buy Panasonic GF6 if:

• You’re a beginner or casual hobbyist on a budget (around $300 used)
• Portability and ease of use top your priorities over image quality or speed
• You like a straightforward touchscreen interface without overwhelming controls
• Your shooting centers on travel snapshots, street candids, or family events
• You’re content with 16MP images and don’t demand 4K video

Buy Sony A6700 if:

• You want excellent image quality and high-resolution files (26MP APS-C)
• Fast, accurate autofocus and high burst rates are essential (sports, wildlife)
• You’re a hybrid shooter valuing pro-grade 4K video and audio inputs
• Build quality, weather resistance, and real-world reliability matter
• You plan to invest in a wide, modern selection of native lenses
• You require robust connectivity, longer battery life, and a versatile interface

Practical Advice for Photographers

In testing over thousands of shots with both cameras, I’ve found the GF6 to be an ideal “second camera” or casual travel partner for photographers who value lightness and ease most. But don’t expect it to keep pace with modern autofocus speeds or low-light performance.

The A6700, on the other hand, behaves like the workhorse it is, aggressively bridging the gap between enthusiast and pro-grade mirrorless systems. It rewards the investment with vastly improved image clarity, reliable tracking, and creative flexibility.

If you’re upgrading from a DSLR or older mirrorless system, stepping up to the A6700 is a game-changer. For brand-new shooters experimenting with photography, the GF6 can still hold value as an affordable starting point - as long as you’re patient with its dated tech.

Closing Thoughts: Choosing the Right Tool for Your Vision

No camera fits all needs. The Panasonic GF6 and Sony A6700 live at opposite ends of the spectrum in generation, technology, and price. Your decision hinges on what you shoot, how often, and your budget constraints.

In sum, while the GF6 reminds us of the early mirrorless heyday with sufficient basics and modest image quality, the A6700 embodies 2020s mirrorless maturity with pro features, expansive system support, and the raw performance to keep pace with your creative ambitions.

Whatever path you choose, remember: your vision and skill ultimately shape the image more than gear. Cameras are tools; knowing their quirks, strengths, and limits is your first step toward making compelling photographs.

Happy shooting!

If you’d like a side-by-side look at sample images and the detailed lens compatibility for both cameras, check this out:

Panasonic GF6 front Panasonic GF6 screen back Sony A6700 front Sony A6700 screen back