Is the Panasonic G9 still a good camera in 2023??
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Is the Panasonic G9 still my ideal camera? Or is it time for an upgrade? If so, to which camera? Or, does that Panasonic camera exist yet?
Also after watching the video, you may wonder why I didn't mention the GH5 mark 2. Again, this has to do with sensor resolution and burst speeds.
The G9 has always been looked at as the photo-centric camera, as opposed to the GH line, which is more video-focused. So to have higher burst speeds in both mechanical and electronic would be great!
Josh Cameron's video:
• 3 Firmware Update Must...
POST playlist:
• Post.
COLOR playlist:
• Color.
GEAR playlist:
• Gear.
________
Music from Artlist - Get 2 months for free on top of your yearly subscription!
geni.us/LDq0KAh
Artgrid - unlimited stock footage - Get 2 extra months free here:
geni.us/PpRe
Motion Array - great place to get templates!
geni.us/Motion...
---------------------------------------------
Gear links
---------------------------------------------
Lumix S5: geni.us/IztQce
Panasonic G9 - get yours!: geni.us/Dltux5
One of my favorite lenses: geni.us/TSNX
Another great lens: geni.us/JBYd
My editor: geni.us/aa1E6My desk: geni.us/Cocg
light stands: geni.us/Wo3oJNv
Smaller BenQ monitor: geni.us/Oogs43
Larger BenQ monitor: geni.us/lv3sz3
tablet: geni.us/GZeJJx3
my speakers: geni.us/Yc9AaA
Elgato Steam Deck: geni.us/LpVU98
Davinci Resolve Speed Editor: geni.us/wB9pmS
Arteck keyboard: geni.us/qn6BBhY
Zoom H6: geni.us/mMLqL7
Godox ES45 lights: geni.us/AEA9
Laptop (mine is discontinued, but this is a newer model): geni.us/VHstojQ
Large contender microphone: geni.us/ER9w
Shotgun mic: geni.us/RNxxN1
Rode boom arm: geni.us/dAnbQHq
Aputure light: geni.us/MWHAZ
My mouse: geni.us/6cMAeO
Godox tube lights: geni.us/WqF6
headphones (newer model): geni.us/DHHA
BenQ screenbar: geni.us/BUSUX
Chair: geni.us/8Sh9ayL
Godox on-camera mic: geni.us/C6KT6EN
Slider: geni.us/ikM9
---------------------------------------------
Social channels
----------------------------------------------------
geni.us/4tun - Instagram
geni.us/f4jaJS - Twitter
geni.us/OnrAEkQ - Facebook group (ask questions, and provide answers)
NOTE: I am part of the Amazon affiliate program. As a buyer, this has NO impact on you. I do get a small percentage from Amazon for what you purchase, and this contributes to me being able to upload more often, fund the channel, and do this full time. Thank you for your support!
The great thing about the G9 is that it has always been improved via software updates. It was way ahead of its competition in 2017, so this is still a good camera even in 2022. That's pretty unique.
I 100% agree!
Is the autofocus thing resolved with the latest firmware updates?
I'm a 70-year-old man, been shooting with a Nikon, Hasselblad, Contax film and Digital cameras.
Now my main carry is a G9, 90 percent of the time and a Nikon D800 10 percent.
I wish Panasonic would put all its time and energy into a dedicated stills camera. I'm sure this is not a one person wish.
Panasonic Lumix G9s. S, for stills.
I agree. I ALMOST considered the GH6, but with the way it's configured, I can't commit to purchasing one. I think the G9 is mostly a perfect camera for my needs, but just needs a few updates. Thank you for the comment!
Do you think the dedicated photo camera should be FF or MFT? I have a G9 and a 5D III - the Canon equivalent to your Nikon D800. I think AF is the main area where both are weaker than the best available today. Sure there are a few software tricks available here and there on some other models, but all things considered the Panasonics are pretty good. How about you?
Top of my wish list is a small, rangefinder style Panasonic with phase detect AF and 10bit video codecs: that is, a GX10 or similar. Failing that, a Canon equivalent to the a7C.
I recently purchased a new G9 with the 2.4 software, a 100-400mm lens and the 8-18mm zoom and I'm impressed with the camera which I purchased mainly to photograph birds. The ergonomics of the grip is fantastic. I don't shoot much video but I think the video button would be easier to find quickly if it was switched with where the white balance button is now. Usually, I don't need to quickly find the white balance button. Any upgrades for me would always involve improvements in the EVF and the sensor itself. Currently, I have no problem with either but better is, well, better. Maybe a back-illuminated 20-24meg sensor. Lumix did an amazing job with the 2.4 software upgrade and I hope more photographers will give the G9 and MFT a closer look when they go shopping. The G9 offers excellent sophistication at a price far more reasonable than most competing systems.
I also am a long time G9 user. It is interesting how we almost universally, love the way the camera feels in the hands. They got it 'right' with this one. I don't have sales figures on this, but I get the impression that the G9 is different to most cameras in that its sales numbers seems to be higher years later than at launch. If correct, I suspect that is due to long term users talking about how much we love this camera.
For me, my first love is photography, but I also get serious about video and animation. The stop motion animation in this camera is second to none, and there are no other cameras in this price range that offer so many useable video codecs, including 10 bit. There are some cameras that are better, but they are more expensive. Bang for buck, the G9 is a standout camera choice for those who want a photography/video hybrid that does both well.
G9 users love their camera for good reason. I love mine, and expect to keep using it for many years to come.
I have a gx9, but I do most my work in the rainforest. I'm wondering if you'd recommend the g9 first out of all others? Is there anything better for the price? Is it too old now, will it be an upgrade soon?
@@mathish1477 Still a fantastic camera. If you get caught up in the nonsense of waiting for the next upgrade you will never buy anything. In dim light a bigger sensor is good, but then the lenses are bigger and more expensive, especially at the tele end. You can pick up a used G9 for very little money considering it has the sort of features that come on cameras costing a couple of grand or more but you can buy used for less than a grand.
@@artistjoh cheers, thank you!
Agree with you about the ergonomics of the G9. Can carry around easily.
Love my G9! Hope we get a successor sometime soon
Me too!!
In my opinion the only time to upgrade your camera is if it's faulty or there is something specific you want to photograph/video that your current camera doesn't do. I currently have the G9 along with an E-m1 mk II. They are both more than enough camera for anything I need to shoot. Unless one of them breaks down, I'll be sticking with them for the foreseeable future. I also have a few film cameras I still shoot now and then :)
I bought my G9 back in August 2019. It’s still holding strong to this day. In my opinion, it has the most comfortable grip on a camera I could find.
Agreed!
Other than the inherent relative weaknesses of the sensor size, the only persistent complaints about the G9 I observe are video related: the AF and 30min record limit.
Great perspectives on the Lumix lineup. I really enjoy the Lumix G9 for video and photo. Nevertheless, It's been many years since Lumix/Leica produced a supertele like the 100-400. And the latest high end optic from Leica for the MFT was the 50-200 Elmarit, 5 years ago. Thus, If MFT is not dead, a new MFT flagship G9 with new super-teles to match the new Lumix cameras' new functions would be my next linvestment. As well as a computer and software that can process the HLG 10 bit formats.
I agree! It definitely time.
Unfortunately if that's not the plan, I am willing to go full frame, with a new Lumix S line camera, but they need something with better specs for wildlife.
Of course the G9 is still relevant and a great buy at the moment. First of all, MFT (even my 16MP GX85) is more than capable of delivering more than enough IQ for large prints--larger/higher-res sensors are simply overkill. That said, the G9 is my go-to platform and it does have the best ergo of any camera I've used. My five lenses covering 16-800mm eq FL, plus G9 with battery grip, batteries, flash, softbox, filters, etc., easily fit into a tiny 5-kg/11-lb. No other format comes close. I'm a photographer who only occasionally shoots video, so the G9 gives me more than enough in that regard. The GH6 is very impressive, but it's too video-centric (and therefore compromised in that direction). The fact that it can't even accommodate a battery grip and is missing several photo-oriented features from the G9 makes me think/hope that they're working on a direct G9 replacement. It's not that the G9 needs a replacement (as it's already more than enough camera for just about anyone at any level for any purpose), but that new sensor and Venus engine will make it even better, and many people aren't satisfied with "more than good enough"--they want edge-of-the-art tech. Panny must know this, and I hope they're not cocky enough to think that photographers won't eschew the GH6 and jump ship to the OM-1 if a G9 mk ii doesn't appear relatively soon. That's where I'm at (although I have multiple Lumix cameras and lenses).
Super camera, specially in combination with the leica 8-18, 12-60 and 50-200. The best ergonomics, weather sealing and super image quality. Just everything you need for your photography and also very light and compact compared to other systems.
I'm totally agree with the ergonomics. Just bought one again since I sold my first one couple of years ago.
Great video! I am a late comer to the g9. It feels great in my hands, probably like no other camera I have held since the film camera days. There is so much packed into this camera that it will take me months to learn how to use it.
Enjoy it! It's an awesome camera. Still one of the best ones I've held in my hands to this day!
@@PostColorGear although it feels different it reminds me of the first time I picked up the Minolta 9xi- it just feels right.
i would love to see a lumix g9 mk2 or a g10.. it would be my perfect camera rn (like a mini gh5 with the perfect body and price range)
This is a great video Dave! Ha! The end. :)
Ha, thanks! Can never catch a break. It's either a dog or a loud car 😂
I also have the G9 and S5. I agree completely on ergonomics. The G9 is the best handling camera I've ever used. I wish they had just put the S5 sensor and electronics in the G9 body.
I agree. I can't get over the small HDMI port and the grip on the S5, as much as I like that camera too.
I like the G9 but whenever I hear someone say "The best ergonomics of any camera I've used", I know that they haven't used a Pentax dSLR.
I just bought mine after owning a GH5 a few years back and couldn’t be happier! It does have the same sensor as the GH5 but the G9 looks slightly better and the colors are better as well.
The only problem is the lack of codecs compared to the GH5 but UHD is good enough.
I agree. I don't miss the added codecs that are on the GH5 and not on the G9.
@@PostColorGear my GH5 is acting up, can't trust it. Still have it but cannot rely on it. Rough spot. Had to order a G9 today. Didn't want to spend the extra $800 CAD on the Gh5 II.
Excellent camera. The layout is one of the best I have ever used. The camera is a real joy to use!!
Couldn't agree more
Thanks for your video! Very interesting. I've been using a Panasonic Lumix G9 since 2019 and I'm very happy with it. The ergonomics and adaptability via the various function keys are very good. The video quality is also very good. However, the autofocus leaves a lot to be desired with videos and I usually set it to manual if this is possible. In photo mode, the autofocus has improved since the last update. It is still not ideal for bird photography with the 100-400mm lens in poor light. In terms of value for money, it is still a very good camera. I'll switch to full format anyway. The Lumix S1, meanwhile, is cheap to buy. But I'm also looking at the Nikon Z6.
Thank you for this review. I am 5'2" and have very small hands. I am getting rid of my old heavy SLR's looking for a lighter, easy to use camera. Many of the reviews don't mention size or weight. Would anyone be able to comment on this? I shoot wildlife, landscape nature and people/events...also in cold weather. Thank you
Nice review, i’m a bit of a Lumix fan boy but remain open minded for other brands, I’ve owned plenty of other brands over the years. A couple of things i’d like to see in the next iteration include: same or similar screen as the new GH6, rotating and flip up and down; the next G flagship will most likely get pdaf;, hope so; the G9 is their flagship M43, it’ll likely have a the GH6’s new 25mp sensor, although i’m not so sure that’s a good thing, might be that bit to cramped on the sensor for all of those pixels to perform to an optimum without fandango’d electronics which have the potential to deteriorate the imag; I’d like an updated battery, the GH6’s battery seems good; and improved evf and back screen, the current back screen is good but I struggle in bright light to compose at times; I’m on the bench with CF Express card but that will help with the improved burst and video which is likely, especially as the new processor will no doubt be central on the next iteration of the G9. Most of what id like to see are natural progressions using newer tech but when you consider that the current G9 is still very current when compared to other cameras, Panasonic did a great job of future proofing this great camera when it was released some 4-5 years ago, i’ve had mine for four years and she’s still my go to camera body. Great video btw. 👏
I agree, they definitely future proofed the G9! And thank you for saying so.
I have a GH5 ,GX85 and a G9. I have to say while the G9 is not a video 1st camera but I find autofocus and IBIS somewhat better then the GH5. Not sure why this is even when dialing in focus settings.
It's a great camera. I just wish Panasonic would remove the 30-minute recording limit.
They should have made it compatible with the XLR-1 adapter as well, that was a missed opportunity.
They also have a GH5\5s\ 5 II - cameras that doesn't have this limit, this and the EU customs duty rules is the reason of the limit.
in 2022, still bang for the buck. The 12-60 leica 2.8-4.0 cant beat it.
I was looking to ‘uprade’ from the G9 and GH5 to full frame so I borrowed the S5 for a couple of weeks, it didn’t help make my decision. The body is smaller than both micro 4/3 bodies but the lenses are much bigger, I ended up buying the S5 as well. So S5 for everything up to 100mm then micro 4/3 for telephoto work, it doesn’t always work out like that but it is a workable combination of cameras.
With the imminent arrival of a GH6 I will revisit my gear.
I have the same philosophy with the lenses and the different bodies. I primarily just use my micro four thirds with telephoto lenses.
If I didn't feel like it was time for a second G9, I'd seriously considered a GH6.
Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! What codec and bit rate do you render at? Such great quality!
just a h.264 mov 8 bit 100mbps file - it definitely looks great when uploading to CZcams.
I was about to grab one of these until Canon announced the R7 a few days ago. The G9 is arguably the best value on the market...at least until the R7 comes out next month. For an extra $500 you'll still get IBIS, 2 card slots, 4K60p etc...but you'll also get quite a few more megapixels on a bigger and better sensor, a much better AF system, 15 frames per second mechanical shutter/30 electronic and better colors. Easily worth the extra $500 IMO.
Yeah the R7 is compelling. They just need more lens options.
I agree that the closest competitor to the G9 (other than the OM-1) is the R7. I bought a G9 about 8 months ago because I had become convinced that Canon had abandoned enthusiast photographers. I probably would have bought the R7 if it had been out earlier. But now I will keep the G9.
The price delta is a lot more than $500. I bought a G9 new for the equivalent of US$800. The R7 sells for twice that. I was able to buy three lenses for less than the difference: the 14-140mm II, used (amazing what this can do while being only 7.5cm long), a used PL 25mm F1.4 and a cheap MF 10mm F5.6 semi fisheye.
I would like to add something jacketable in the future: maybe a GX10 if it arrives or a Canon equivalent of the a7c (because I have EF lenses).
How about G95 for photography in 2024?
Panasonic g9ii is out now.
I have a G9 and the nokticon lens. Looking at the 12mm for photos. What I would like is an easier to use digital zoom, such as 10 or 20 as steps instead of just 2x and 4x.
Great video!
At the moment, after tunneling though hugh amonts of hype distributed by Fuji, Olympus, Canon and Nikon, I finally decided to try to replace my two Canon 80Ds with a good used Lumix G9. I can get one for about $650 and used lenses for as little as $150. I don't care about video, just good still with some help from IBS
I wish there was a way to keep the level on the screen without pushing the display button non stop.
You can. Are you referring to video or photo mode? I never have an issue with keeping mine on. I'll have to play with the G9 in a few, but I never remembering to have to press the button to keep it on.
@@PostColorGear I mean to keep the level always on when in live view. If you change any camera setting you have to keep engaging it
you didnt put the link to the video up on the screen for us... (0:03)
It's there. It's in the card in the top right hand corner when on the website or in the app.
I am consodering to update my Nikon D7500 tp a G9 for still. What do you think about that?
I shoot mainly concerts in low light condition.
Shutter noise of DSLR is also a reason to switch to mirrorless.
G9 may not be the best for low light. I like my S5 for that. I was able to get decent photos up to ISO 16000 with the G9 but there will be a lot of noise. It wasn't until 20000 where the colors were affected and the image really became soft. Having said all that , as I said, an S5 would make more sense.
@@PostColorGear Well using RAW with modern programs aka DXO PRIME, Topaz Denoise or ON1 NoNoise let the camera go very HighIso (GH5 here). S5 is still better but not adequately for 4x bigger sensor. These denoisers are really miracle.😀
The features you want for g9 are in gh6, g9 is photo camera you wont see 4k 120 in there
Great vid! Love my G9 and S5. They compliment each other really well.
Couldn't agree more. Sometimes I am tempted to get another S5 to replace my G9 but then I'm reminded off all the benefits of having one!
I feel the same about mine as well.
perfect camera.
2:40 whats the trick?
I'm a G9 user from its day one. My first thoughts, Okay maybe the GH6, would be nice, then I notice "no battery grip" is available. What the heck is that all about? That's a big ass mistake in my opinion. Grins
I just saved $2,000. Thanks Panasonic.
No, I have the G9 as well and it feels like a great tool in hand. I want a Lumix G9R that has a backside illuminated sensor, 24MP, and The DEATH OF DFD Focus crap. Please Panasonic give in and Please Listen to your Clients, for future locking of loyal people who love Panasonic Camera's
It might just be me because I own a G9 (but also Canon FF and APSC) but do others agree the G9 attract disproportionately more love from its owners than any other camera?
It seems it is not because it is ‘the best’ camera but the best ‘package’ for many, for the money.
I bought mine relatively recently (late 2021) in part because of the passionate fan club, including a couple of people from whom I bought a couple of Canon lenses who had moved from Canon FF DSLR to MFT and ‘never looked back’.
I’m not yet in the ‘until death do us part’ camp, but the G9 is pretty amazing (especially for the price: equivalent to US$800 new here at the time). I love the 14-140mm II lens: only 7.5mm long and gives 280mm equivalent; 392mm equivalent lossless with Ex Tele Converter 1.4x.
I fully believe, and others online have agreed from what I've seen, that they gave us "too much/a lot" wit the G9. Especially with the firmware updates. That's not a bad thing, at all. But I fully understand why people love the G9 so much. In reality, as I mentioned in the video, it's just the C-AF in video that causes the most bellyaches for people. Other than that, it's almost spot on perfect, for a micro four thirds camera.
@@PostColorGear I think you are right. Overall the G9 is an unbeatable value proposition it you are looking for higher (but not highest) end video specs (eg 10bit) and leading photography functionality (but not highest FF quality) and are happy with MFT.
When asked about PDAF, Panasonic execs have commented that the sensors are more expensive.
So a G10 with PDAF will be relatively more expensive. Taking into account inflation of late, it might be set around the current price of, say, the S5 (also a relative bargain in FF). Then a whole new set of options to consider arises if one is looking for a new camera body.
I hear rumors of a g9 II this year. you got any info on that? rsvp MARTY SENDER YOU TUBE
nope. I wish. I have gotten indications by watching some live streams and other videos, but nothing is confirmed.
great camera. fine video. MFT is here
Hello. Thank you for your video. I'm thinking about buying a camera under 1400$, and so far I didn't find anything better than G9. Could you please suggest me should I take the G9 or there's a better device? Thank you.
I may be a little bit bias, and it depends on what you're doing (just video? stills? both?) but I still think that the G9 is a great purchase!
@Post. Color. Gear. Thank you for your reply. I need a camera, mostly for shooting movies. I would probably get Lumix S5, but my budget is limited. So, shortly saying, in 90% of cases I will use it for movies, and short videos, and only in 1% cases for photography.
10%* and I have forgotten to mention that I need it to be good in low light scenes.
If you can suggest to me some better options for the around same price, I would love to hear them.
Is the autofocus thing resolved with the latest firmware updates?
The video autofocus? Not entirely. It's the best they're going to get with that kind of system (contrast) and sensor. I never really had issues but I still prefer the S5 video autofocus any day over the G9's. I really hope they rectify that with a second gen G9.
What lens would you all recommend on the wider end?
I do need something from 10mm-whatever
Thanks for any advice
Laowa has a great 10mm lens, but it's manual focus, if that matters to you. There's an 7-14mm, I believe from Olympus that is good and of course there's a 10-25mm that's great but those last two are very pricy.
@@PostColorGear Thanks for that
check out their new 9mm prime. F1.7 for a bargain price. A second hand 8-18mm suits the g9 also
@@martindemanable yea I thought about it, but here in New Zealand for NZD850 which is over 500 USD I think it is not a bargain
it still is even in 2024
Fluctuations? Fluctuations of what?
The camera will cause the focus plane to move by continuing to focus every so slightly, causing this jittery look, which is most obvious when viewing out of focus backgrounds.
I don't have an example here, but it's a common occurrence with the lumix cameras up until something like the S5.
@@PostColorGear oh that’s fine. I would never recommend continuous autofocus for video. Single shot autofocus during recording on the Panasonic GH4 and GH5 is superb. Better than the Blackmagic Pocket 4k.
@@michaelcroff7097 "I would never recommend continuous autofocus for video." -- Animal tracking. Sony does it easily, Panasonic falls apart.
Hang on... Going "down" to 16mp? On a M4/3 camera? You realise that's the full frame equivalent of 60mp, right? 20 is equal to FF 80mp... and 24 would be 96. In other words higher than basically any FF camera... 16mp is not "pushing" it at all. 8 would be fine for almost everything...
Also, talking about two Panasonic cameras... You don't have to say Panasonic every time my guy. You'll eat your memory card up.