Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 review: Metering
The Lumix DMC-G6 has a fairly conventional metering arrangement, with a 144-segment matrix mode, centreweighted area and spot area modes. The spot-metering mode is linked to the AF position if a single AF point is in operation. One of the benefits of a live-view camera like the G6 is that changes in exposure can be seen through the electronic viewfinder or on the external LCD, which is especially useful when using spot metering.
In general use, the G6 metered scenes accurately and without fuss. I found little need to adjust brightness in post-processing. Landscapes with some white clouds against mainly blue skies were exposed neutrally, balancing the sky and foreground. When faced with more white cloud than blue sky and a shaded foreground, the matrix metering on the G6 chose to avoid blown highlights, resulting in darker shadows.
No unusual exposure issues were experienced in dull and overcast conditions. Metering also worked commendably in night-time scenes, dealing well with bright shots, such as illuminated shop window displays, and very low-light scenes using high ISO sensitivity. Metering indoors under dim artificial light was also reliable.
It’s worth mentioning iAuto on the G6, which will invoke scene modes that it calculates will match the scene being photographed. It is pretty standard fare these days, but there are advanced options. For example, image-motion detection will work out if a higher ISO setting is needed for a faster shutter speed to more effectively freeze a moving subject.
Image: In bright sunlight the evaluative metering worked well, retaining detail in highlight areas
