Want DSLR-like handling, but with less bulk than a real SLR? A camera like the Panasonic Lumix G6 is what you’re after. This micro-four-thirds compact system camera takes over from the well-regarded Panasonic Lumix G5, tweaking the formula for better performance and handling.
Read our hands-on preview for our first impressions ahead of our full review.
Panasonic Lumix G6 – Design and Build
The most significant bodywork change at work in the Panasonic Lumix G6 is that its hand grip has been enlarged for better handling. Although it is more compact than a DSLR, keeping slim is not this camera’s top priority. Handling is excellent, with greater in-hand comfort than its predecessor.
Here you can see the pop-up flash, stereo mic and hot shoe
In similar fashion, the zoom switch is larger for a more robust feel. The control layout remains familiar, though. Up top you’ll find a mode dial, dedicated video button and the iA button – this switches on Intelligent Auto mode, a beginner’s mode that automates white balance, aperture, ISO and so on.
The Panasonic Lumix G6 is on the cusp on being a camera where such easy access to a full auto mode feels out of place, but its predecessor has the button too, so it’s not a case of Panasonic dumbing down for 2013. 
Switching between the G5 and G6, the benefits of chunkier controls and a more curvaceous body are immediately apparent. The Panasonic Lumix G6 is an extremely comfy-to-hold camera.
To further aid shooting comfort, the camera’s 3-inch OLED display is articulated, letting you flip the screen out for awkward shots. Its resolution has been upped from the G5 days too, and like the previous two G-series generations it’s a touchscreen.
Panasonic Lumix G6 – Sensor and Lens
The sensor and lens selection hasn't changed much with this G-series model. The Panasonic Lumix G6 has a 16-megapixel MOS sensor from the micro-four-thirds family. As such, image quality will be roughly comparable with that of the G5.
However, the image processing engine has been changed. The new version of the Venus engine claims to offer improved performance, especially in low-light focusing. Panasonic’s focusing was already highly commendable in decent light, so it’s a case of the good getting even better.
In terms of pure speed, the Panasonic Lumix G6 shoots at seven frames per second without stepping down from full 16-megapixel resolution.
Panasonic Lumix G6 – Additional Features
Two of the features that bring the Lumix G6 in-line with this year’s top cameras aren’t ones that photo purists will necessarily care all that much about – NFC and Wi-Fi. These wireless connectivity standards will let you share and upload photos wireless, and even control the camera through a smartphone using an app.
One of the disappointments of the Lumix G5 was that it lacked Wi-Fi when several key rivals had it. It may not make your photos any better, but it makes transferring them a good deal easier.
First Impressions
The Panasonic Lumix G6 looks like a solid upgrade to the great G5, improving its handling and tweaking its performance to please enthusiasts and adding wireless connectivity to bring it technologically up-to-date. It may not be a must-have upgrade for owners of last year’s model, but it's solid competition for the Sony NEX-5R, perhaps its fiercest rival.
