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Memory cards can be complicated to get right, how many photos will this SD card write? How much video can I record to the GH6? This article will cut through the fog and show you which are the best memory cards for the Panasonic Lumix GH6.
If you don’t have time to read the full article to tailor your card choice then for general use the best memory card for the Panasonic GH6 is the SanDisk Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B; this card will cover all recording modes available.
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
But to get a card that’s tailored to your specific camera use we need to dig into the details and find out how many photos and how much video you can write to the Panasonic GH6.
- Higher Resolution and Bit Rates than Ever Before: 25MP Sensor and Venus Engine with 100MP Hand-Held High Resolution Shot; 5.7K 60p, 4K 120p 10-bit video and all recording modes are no time limit
- Incredible Image Quality and Versatility: Internal recording in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 422 to deliver high image quality at low compression; Pre-installed V-Log/V-Gamut and plus13-stops of dynamic range with Dynamic Range Boost
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Table of Contents
What Memory Card Does the Panasonic GH6 Use?
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 has two memory card slots that supports two types of memory card. One slot supports CFexpress Type B memory cards and the other supports the more ubiquitous UHS-II SD cards.
The CFexpress Type B card has been included to support the high bit rate video capability that the GH6 is capable of, at 800MBps which includes the ProRes 4:2:2 5.7K at 30p and All-I C4K at 60p.
How Much 4K Can the Panasonic Lumix GH6 Record?
The GH6 supports two recording file formats:
- MOV: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC, Apple ProRes
- MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, H.265/HEVC
Panasonic have stated in their documentation that all recording formats can be recorded to a CFexpress Type B card.
The only recording format that can ONLY write to a CFexpress Type B card is video at 800Mbp or more, variable frame rate with ALL-Intra, or Apple ProRes.
And here are the record times possible on the GH6:
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do bear in mind these are approximations for the storage capacities. Your actual record times can vary due to other factors like weather conditions, battery condition etc.
Fortunately Panasonic have disclosed the recordable times with battery power:
Continuous recordable time with CFexpress Card – MP4 [4K/60p]: Approx. 80 min with H-ES12060 / H-FS12060 and MP4 [FHD/60p]: Approx. 90 min with H-ES12060 / H-FS12060
Continuous recordable time with SD Card – MP4 [4K/60p]: Approx. 90 min with H-ES12060 / H-FS12060 and MP4 [FHD/60p]: Approx. 100 min with H-ES12060 / H-FS12060
How Many Images Can The GH6 Write?
When using CFexpress Card – Approx. 330 images, 750 images (Power Save LVF mode*) with H-ES12060 / DMW-BLK22. Approx. 350 images, 800 images (Power Save LVF mode*) with H-FS12060 / DMW-BLK22.
Panasonic used a Lexar CFexpress Card for their tests:
- Superior performance with transfer speeds of up to 1750MB/s read and 1000MB/s write
- Shoot more high-quality images and RAW 4K video
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
When using SD memory card – Approx. 360 images, 850 images (Power Save LVF mode*) with H-ES12060 / DMW-BLK22. Approx. 380 images, 900 images (Power Save LVF mode*) with H-FS12060 / DMW-BLK22
Panasonic used a Panasonic SDXC SD card.
The Other Best Memory Cards for the Panasonic Lumix GH6
The SanDisk Extreme Pro range is one of my preferred brands for SD cards and they have yet to fail me in my (just over) 10 years as a professional wedding photographer.
But there are other brands producing SD cards that are just as good, if not better.
Sony for example and the Tough series are cards that should last many years of use.
The build quality is of particular note, built with what seems like one plastic case instead of two. The design looks like it will help it to take a good bit of use.
Below is an (automatically updated) list of the bestselling UHS-II cards on Amazon to also consider:
- For prosumers and professionals shooting with MIL and cinema cameras
- Record cinema-quality 6K and 4K UHD with Video Speed Class 60 rating (Full HD (1920x1080), 4K UHD (3840x2160), and 6K (6144x3160) video support may vary based upon host device, file attributes and other factors. See HD page on official SanDisk website. Video Speed Class 60 (V60), sustained video capture rate of 60MB/s, designates a performance option designed to support real-time video recording with UHS enabled host devices. See the SD Association’s official website for additional details.)
- Tap into pro performance designed for professional and advanced photographers and videographers.
- Super-fast write speeds of up to 260MB/s help rapidly clear buffer time to support continuous burst mode shooting and cinema-quality video recording(2). Requires compatible devices capable of reaching such speeds.
- Get high-speed performance with UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 250MB/s (1667x)
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of stunning 1080P full-HD, 3D, and 4K video with a DSLR camera, HD camcorder, or 3D camera
- Speeds up to 280MB/s read, up to 120MB/s write
- Shoot stunning videos in 1080p Full-HD, and 4K
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed up to 300MB/s
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K video
Last update on 2023-11-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Panasonic GH6 FAQ
What type of memory card does the Panasonic GH6 take?
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 has two memory card slots that supports two types of memory card. One slot supports CFexpress Type B memory cards and the other supports UHS-II SD cards.
Is the Panasonic GH6 compatible with UHS-II SD cards?
Yes, the GH6 is compatible with UHS-II SD cards.
How many memory card slots does the Canon Panasonic GH6 have?
The GH6 has two memory card slots.
Lastly
No GH6 owner should have to get the incorrect choice of memory card when all the information is here in this article; by either spending more than is needed on too large a capacity memory card, or just as bad, getting a card that’s too small for your needs.
Making the mistake of getting too small capacity cards will mean having to make workarounds for the inevitable bottlenecks you will encounter. Too large capacity SD cards for your needs means extra money spent that could be spent on other essential gear you need.
Get the right memory card the first time.
When you have picked the correct card for your needs you will then need an SD card reader to get your data off quickly and efficiently:
- Simultaneously read and write on two cards to save yourself the effort of constant unplugging and re-plugging.
- USB 3.0 enables data transfer rates of up to 5Gbps for faster Sync times, backward compatible with USB 2.0/ 1.1.
Last update on 2023-11-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
More Links
If you’re using the Panasonic GH6 to build a business, then you need to check out my complete guide on How to Start a Creative Business. All the right info you need to know about starting to build a business is there; and links out to even more related articles that go into further detail.
And check me out on YouTube for even more video content.
Artist / Photographer / Videographer