The Panasonic G9 – is a GH5 with few compromises

Panasonic G9
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Recently, Panasonic announced the newest Micro Four-Thirds, Mirrorless camera, the LUMIX DMC-G9. The G9 offers prosumers and enthusiasts a slightly cheaper alternative to the flagship GH5 camera with some compromises. The G9 boasts some substantial upgrades to the LUMIX DMC-G8 but is the newest in-between camera have the goods?

The Panasonic G9 Spec List

  • 20.3 MP Digital live Amos sensor no low-pass filter
  • 80-megapixel equivalent high resolution mode in RAW and JPEG
  • Dual I.S. 2.0 offers up to 6.5-stops of shake reduction with or without compatible LUMIX lenses.
  • Shutter speeds : 20fps Continuous AF /60fps Single-point AF
  • 6K/4K Photo burst mode
  • Magnesium alloy body and fully die-front plate offer weather-sealed construction that is splash-proof / dust-proof / freeze-proof down to-10°C.
  • EVF 1.66x 0.83x (35mm equiv.) magnification
  • Night mode
  • AF Point scope
  • No blackouts even in high-speed burst
  • 3.0-inch, free-angle LCD
  • 3.2 aspect ratio
  • 1,040k-dot high resolution
  • Dual SD card slots with support for high-speed, high-capacity UHS-11 card
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • WiFi connectivity

What we like

Panasonic LUMIX G9There was a time when shooting Micro Four-Thirds meant you would be laughed out of an online forum as “not being a real photographer;” jokes on them because the Micro Four-Thirds cameras have come a very long way since those days. In fact, the Panasonic G9 is yet another prosumer spec camera that can easily grab the attention of a pro that’s looking to lighten their load. We’re intrigued by the weather-sealed, magnesium alloy body, 20/60fps, blackout-free electronic viewfinder, dual SD card slot with UHS-II support, and the new gyroscopic Dual I.S. 2.0.

These are the kinds of features that pros and serious, enthusiasts are looking for in a modern camera. Weighing in at only 1.3lbs., the G9 offers many of the features of heavier, larger competitors in a package that can comfortably fit in a small sling or commuter backpack.

Not so hot

Though the Panasonic G9 does have the capability to shoot 4:2:0 4K videos directly onto an SD Card, expect this to be center cropped video without the LOG profiles of the more expensive GH5. Though the 80-megapixel equivalent high-res shooting mode sounds great, we don’t expect the G9 to pull this off without a tripod and the wind’s cooperation (much like in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II).

Accessories and a New Lens

Also announced for the G9 is a new battery grip for better handling, especially when shooting vertically (portrait orientation) and extending the shooting life of the camera. The battery grip will also include a joystick, so you nostalgic Canon fans can rejoice.

Leica DG Elmarit 200mm F28

The Leica DG ELMARIT 200mm F2.8 Power O.I.S lens – a bright, ultra-telephoto fixed lens with a 400mm 35mm equivalent focal length is a birders/wildlife photographers dream lens. It takes advantage of Panasonic’s Dual I.S. 2.0 to give photographers the ability shoot at a wider range of shutter speeds without needing a tripod (and is backwards compatible with all Dual IS cameras). This is Panasonic’s first large-diameter fixed lens in the Leica DG lens family and promises the sharpest corner-to-corner image quality of any lens in its class. As an added bonus, the Leica DG ELMARIT 20mm F2.8 is bundled with a 1.4x teleconverter with an optional 2x converter available to get you closer to the action.

Pricing and Availability

Both the Panasonic G9 and Leica DG ELMARIT 200mm F2.8 have been slated for an early January 2018 release. You can preorder the G9 for $1699 MSRP and the Leica DG ELMARIT 200mm F2.8 can be had for no less than $2999. The 2x teleconverter for your $3k lens will set you back another $600.

Via Panasonic