Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 is a compact mirrorless camera from 2013 built around the Micro 4/3 lens mount. Measuring 122 x 85 x 71 mm and weighing 390 g, it is light enough to carry all day in a small bag.

An electronic viewfinder and a flip-out, touch-sensitive screen give you two comfortable ways to frame shots. Wi-Fi is also built in.

This combination suits casual photographers and learners who want interchangeable lenses without bulk, with the practical trade-offs covered in the sections below.

The optics score of 47 is modest, and the G6 sits in the bottom 19% of cameras in our database for Optics. A 16-megapixel Micro 4/3 CMOS sensor explains much of that: the resolution suits everyday prints and web sharing, with little room for heavy cropping or very large output.

The maximum burst rate of 7 fps is enough for relaxed action such as children playing, though it is a maximum figure rather than a sustained-speed promise. A 1/4000 s top shutter speed handles most daylight situations.

Sensitivity spans ISO 160 to 12800. That 160 base figure is slightly high for shooting wide open in bright sun, where a neutral-density filter can help. Processing is handled by the Venus Engine IX.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so steady results at slower shutter speeds rely on technique, a stabilised lens or a support. The 1,440,000-dot electronic viewfinder gives a detailed view for composing and checking settings before you shoot.

Video tops out at Full HD resolution, which is enough for web sharing and casual viewing. The highest frame rate is 60 fps, a separate limit from the resolution figure, so smooth playback or gentle slow motion depends on the mode offered.

Recordings save in AVCHD or MP4, with two-channel AAC audio in the MP4 option. MP4 files are convenient for quick sharing, while AVCHD is the longer-established camcorder format.

There is no built-in timelapse function, so anyone wanting interval shooting needs an external timer or to trigger frames by hand.

A video score of 56 is modest. The frame rate fared well, while Full HD resolution and the absent built-in timelapse cost points here.

The 3-inch LCD carries 1,036,000 dots, giving a sharp view for framing and focus checks. It responds to touch, and it flips out from the body, which helps when shooting low to the ground or holding the camera overhead. Live view runs on this screen.

Wi-Fi is built in for wireless connection. There is no Bluetooth and no built-in GPS, so the camera cannot tag photos with location data on its own.

A built-in flash is useful for a touch of fill light indoors, and an external flash is supported when you want more power. The body has no weather sealing, so it should stay sheltered from rain and dust.

The features score of 57 is modest: the core handling tools are solid, with a few modern extras missing.

The G6 accepts SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, so high-capacity memory is easy to find. There is only one slot, so overflow or duplicate recording is not part of the design.

The DMW-BLC12 battery carries a 340-shot rating per charge. That figure is not a promise of real-world endurance, and a heavy day of shooting may call for a spare battery.

USB charging is not supported, so the battery cannot be recharged over a USB cable. The storage and battery score of 21 is limited: the single card slot, the modest battery-life rating and the absence of USB charging each cost points here.