Panasonic G9 II Review - Does It Stack Up For Wildlife Photography?

[@LukeBrownFigmentoFilms]

Super happy that you're covering this camera. I currently shoot with a S5II and R7. My favourite shooting experiences over the years have been with M43 camera. Highly capable, massively versatile and comparatively lightweight. I wish people would look beyond sensor size alone as the market is better with M43 in it imo.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Duade, really detailed and fair review from an expert in wildlife photography. I learned quite a few things already after watching this video. And thanks for the shout-out as well!

[@EvanSchurr]

That shot of the swans passing in front of the sun is absolutely beyond killer. Every shot I have seen from that 100-400 lens is unreal. Thank you for showing so many images from this camera. You've sold me to stay in my m43 ecosystem. I think the G9ii is the way to go from my G7.

[@geoff_pring]

Hi Duade, I regularly follow your channel but I've been particularly waiting for your detailed reviewed on this camera and as wildlife photographer it's great to have a review that is focussed on the areas that are important to us. I'm a current Lumix G9 user and have been holding out for this camera for some time but at the same time reflecting on a switch to the OM1. You really have answered all my questions and this has allowed me to make an informed decision ahead of the actual camera being available. My past experience with Panasonic over a good number of years and multiple camera models, has been that they will address highlighted performance issues with firmware updates were technically possible and I have no doubt that this practice will continue with the G9II. I rate the OM1 highly but you have given me enough positive real life examples in this video to reassure that my only frustration with the current G9 (AFC performance) has been successfully addressed in the G9II and thank you for that - I can pre-order with confidence. Thanks again for this and all of your videos.

[@SpruceUp612]

My G9 was feeling a bit old so I ended up switching to an Olympus Em1mkiii. I will probably get the G9ii when there are used bodies on the market. There are things I love about both bodies and it's so hard to have to choose just one. The perks of the Olympus for me have been the better autofocus, live ND, starry sky autofocus, size, live bulb mode, live composite mode, handheld hi-res. The things I miss about the G9 are video functions, time lapse features, top body LED info screen, rear dial for scrolling the ISO easily, and when doing long exposures the LCD would show a countdown of seconds remaining. Panasonic seems to have lower noise when doing long exposures of 30s or more. Actually I'm just going to buy the G9ii AND the OM1 hahaha

[@walrusgumboot]

@@SpruceUp612You may be interest to know that the G9II also has live composite mode and handheld high-res mode. In fact the high res mode is even more flexible, the resolution is higher (100mp).

[@mi9se253]

What were your frustrations with the current G9?

[@prjct72]

M4/3 deserves appreciation, thanks Duade!

[@Parroting_Australia234]

It's nice to see brands like Panasonic coming out and making cameras like these. Will be interesting to see how they evolve

[@MrImOriginal]

What? Panasonic invented micro four thirds... They've been "making cameras like these" for decades

[@johnclark9499]

Thanks again Duade for another great video. It's good to know that when I'm too old and weak to carry full frame kit around there will be a good choice of Micro Four Thirds equipment to choose from. And well done to Panasonic for delivering such a great product. Thanks again

[@Duade]

Thanks John, yes, it was a lot of fun and nice to have such a light package. Cheers, Duade

[@mateuszzdun9061]

My first ever camera was a Panasonic Lumix GX7 - got it 9 years ago as a gift together with a Panasonic 100-300 mm lens. I have to say that it was a wonderful beginner combo and taught me a lot about photography! Looking at the G9II, I must say that it is a beast of a camera comparing to my old GX7. AF, general speed, and lens availability for micro4/3 is so much better than 9 years ago, it seems like the low light / high ISO performance has also improved dramatically. While I decided to switch to Nikon Z6, I must say that you can still capture some amazing wildlife shots using the micro 4/3 sensor and be successful at wildlife photography. For me the major issue with GX7 was a poor high ISO performance, but as I wrote above - it has definitely improved throughout the years looking at the G9II files. Thank you for a comprehensive test Duade. Well done as always! Mateusz :)

[@letni9506]

Dxo is a big help in using a higher iso. Ofc it helps full frame too but along with cameras like the G9ii you definitely feel a big difference over using m43 kit from 9 or 10 years ago.

[@3dtrip870]

Wow, the 800mm comparison really shows the quality of the Panasonic lens; the Canon looked slightly better, but it is a prime, on full frame, so wow, Panasonic is looking good!

[@ChargedPulsar]

I wouldn't call that "slightly". Colors are off, there is way too much noise.

[@3dtrip870]

The ISO was at 12000, of course the full frame looked better. In good light the MFT looks really close to full frame, I have both FF and MFT. I can tell you there are two major advantages to FF: better in low light (high ISO) and more dynamic range; but the MFT has a bunch of advantages over FF.

[@ChargedPulsar]

@@3dtrip870 Can you list some advantages? Because I want to understand MFT better. I have sony aps-c and canon full frame, but neither of them gives me the video stabilization I want. And I don't want to regret it in image quality when I buy lets say G9II. And I shoot low light a lot.

[@3dtrip870]

@ChargedPulsar I am not going to tell you MFT is as good in low light, that is, of course MFT’s biggest weakness. But 97% of my shooting is in decent light. MFT starts to really show its weaknesses around 6400 ISO and beyond. However the dynamic range boost works pretty good, and my GH6 has to be at ISO 2000 to use it (the G9ii is better about this) so I am happy with noise levels under 6400. The advantages to MFT: weight, size, cost of lenses; IBIS is amazing, best there is; computational functionality, OM better in this area, but Lumix is pretty good too. I am not sure exactly the use case for you, but if you are shooting in good light most of the time, MFT has a lot of advantages. I hike and do landscape, plus architecture, also I am a 3D artist/professor and use it for photogrammetry, so for me, the boost in DoF is actually an advantage. The video out of my GH6 is amazing, I have a Sony a7r3, and when I started using the GH6 for video with V-Log, and the better codecs and 10bit, made my Sony look like chump change. Also, I do have the very best Olympus pro lenses: 17mm f1.2 (freaking so sharp!), 25mm f1.2, 40-150mm f2.8 pro (gold for portraits), 12-100mm f4 (my hiking lens, razor sharp end to end), 8mm fisheye f1.8 (probably sharpest lens I have ever used but the 17mm is right up there too). I have the 60mm macro too, which is great too. I originally bought into MFT for some research purposes (wanted in camera focus stacking on Olympus), and after using it for awhile I realized it was really good, over time I kept using MFT more and more. I have an a6400 too, and it is good, but no IBIS. If you want to see a comparison between MFT and APS-C Richard Wong did a really thorough analysis. My take is go FF if you’re worried about low light, but otherwise, MFT has a major advantage in terms of cost of pro lenses compared to FF: I can buy 2 or 3 pro MFT lenses for the cost of one FF pro lens. If I was a pro wedding photographer/videographer I might emphasize low light high ISO and go with a Lumix S52X

[@3dtrip870]

@ i wrote a lengthy reply, but it errored out, not sure it sent it to you

[@ianlewisphotography]

Great video. I recently got a Lumix G100 (I'm a Canon FF shooter normally) for family/travel photography and have been blown away by it. Now seriously considering the G9 II as a wildlife setup as a I tend to do a lot on foot. Thanks for the very useful review.

[@Duade]

My pleasure, yes, these light small cameras are great for travel, Cheers, Duade

[@mikem922]

An excellent review in my view Duade. So thorough and you really put the G9II through its paces in many different shooting conditions/environments. An impressive camera with many expected features but also bonus features including the near and far autofocus that I would love to try. I really found the contrast against the canon, sony and olympus very informative. Fascinating that the buffer can be constrained in this way by the write speed of the SD cards. I really have enjoyed the way you have embraced zoom lenses as an alternative to the big prime that many of us don't own. Also the way you have developed your creative work like the sunrise where the two swans totally make this shot and the silhouette of the sulphur-crested cockatoos (for me these type of shots win awards as much as amazing bird portraits such as the eastern yellow robin and turquoise parrot). Finally I always enjoy how you include other wildlife as well as your amazing bird portraits (loved the bearded dragon and antechinus). Thanks again Duade.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, my pleasure, I too an glad I invested in zooms, they really have revolutionised my photography for the better. Yes, I would like to photograph more reptiles. Cheers, Duade

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

An excellent review, and I especially appreciated the practical comparison of alternatives. Personally, I like my R7 with the RF100-500, which is heavier but worth the difference, I think.

[@BrentODell]

I have the previous generation of this kit, the G9 and original 100-400mm. Although it only had contrast detect AF, it still does well, and has improved dramatically over the 5 years since release with firmware updates. I have high hopes and expectations for the future of the G9 mk ii.

[@mw-wc4vw]

I simply love your reviews. I always look forward to them. You do excellent job balancing information and demonstration of video clips/photos.

[@janwedek]

It’s incredibly promising how good their AF already is for their second PDAF body and with preproduction FW. One reason I would switch is beyond wildlife: the OM-1 has no human detection, just face/eye which IMO works a lot worse than Panasonic’s human detection (body/head/face/eye).

[@Sheeno101]

Amazing video Duade, thanks for making it. I'm glad you shouted out Richard Wong because between the two of you, almost every question I could ever have about this camera has been answered. Two of the very best reviewers out there!

[@peterfogarty1678]

Great job Duade

[@Democratiser]

I totally agree. This is an outstanding review. Well done Duade! The third reviewer I would add to your list is Kasey Stern at Camera Conspiracies. If only for his humour! But he is a fierce critic of all cameras and yet declared the G9II to be ‘nearly perfect’. If you follow his channel you will know that is high praise.

[@robert_may]

Oh that buffer issue is really weird - very odd that they're getting such slow write speeds. The OM-1 has a very similar issue to the G9II in that you can't swap between modes properly whilst it's still writing from the buffer. Buffer/write performance seems to be one of the biggest differentiators between this price range and the top-end wildlife cameras - I swapped to a Z9 and the buffer is effectively unlimited, with a fast enough CFExpress card. Also yes agree 100% - Panasonic colours out-of-camera are just fantastic. I have an S5IIX for video/travel and I just use the JPEGs from it for most shots. By far my favourite default colour performance of a camera. And I hadn't heard of that near/far AF feature before - that's awesome. I'm very used to racking focus back to stop cameras locking onto trees, but that seems like a really useful feature.

[@Rooster0529]

As an amateur and firmly invested in Canon I am not in the market for another camera or switching brands. That said, I love your reviews. I enjoy learning about what’s out there but mostly the images you use for demonstration purposes. Thank you.

[@SpruceUp612]

In the last 4 years I've switched from Canon to Nikon to Fuji to Panasonic to Olympus. The grass isn't greener but it's certainly fun to play with new toys. If I scroll through my image library I can't tell which brand took which picture. Just comes down to which camera you'll want to grab and head outdoors with. Though I will say my Leica rangefinder has been with me the whole time and it's certainly not going anywhere, there's nothing else in the market.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, yes, it took plenty of lovely images that is for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Great video mate, with some amazing photos. Looks like a very good combo. Maybe in the future we will see some f2.8 for this too. That i think would be great. With the form factor MFT have, i don"t think they would be neither too big or heavy, and probably a lot lower price than the competition. Wish you a great week. Cheers, Bjoern

[@georgebowden6748]

Hi Duade, thankyou for a great review that I've been patiently waiting for & it has certainly helped me make my choice in changing systems. As I've mentioned to you in earlier comments my current Canon system does most of what I do but it's the weight/size issues that affect me most & your valued opinions on this camera have really helped me decide. The buffer issues should never be a problem for me & it seems to do everything else I would possibly need. Your assessment of Panasonics genuine interest in making this the best they can is also very satisfying with the knowledge that firmware updates will be available. Cheers mate & thanks again.

[@Duade]

Thanks George, my pleasure, a very nice light kit that is for sure, have fun with the system. Cheers, Duade

[@thrallingFRglory]

Hey Duade! I've seen this video before and it's excellent as always. Just wanted to ask if you will be reviewing the newly released OM 1 mark ii and the OM 150-600 anytime soon? Would love it if you could get your hands on this setup and compare it with the G9II! Always appreciate how you're not beholden to any one manufacturer and tell us like it is.

[@crg705]

@Duade Paton - how well does the AF works with, say Olympus 300 f4 - particularly tracking BiF?

[@markwhitesell4491]

So glad you reviewed this camera/lens combo and especially glad you compared it to other similar setups. My daughter is in the market for a new birding camera so I'll have her watch this video before making a decision. Job well done... and I'm glad to be a continuing paid supporter of your channel.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the support Mark and great to hear your daughter is interested in a birding setup. Cheers, Duade

[@Newodat]

I’m late to the party here but I really can’t thank you enough for the comparisons of similar setups at the end, I’m going on some long term travelling and need a lightweight setup so that was incredibly valuable. If you had to choose between OM1 and 300mm f4 or G9ii with 100-400, what would you go for?

[@jonerikrolf2029]

An excellent review- I every much appreciated your providing evaluative comments based so your experience as a wildlife photographer. The direct comparisons with the OM-1 were very informative. As an OM-1 / 150-400mm 1.5x lens user, I am very happy that Panasonic has up’ed their game with the G9 II as it will push OM Systems to improve the OM-1 via firmware for making their Bird AI continuous focusing even better and add by adding more improvements for video.

[@stevemurnan1702]

Here here.

[@d-entrecasteaux]

Agreed.

[@davidgommeren7283]

Thanks for the excellent review! I've been a long time Panasonic m4/3 user and have always been very satisfied (using the cheaper bodies, currently the G90) due to financial constraints and frequent travel (so size and weight were an issue). Recently I've been investigating upgrading to full-frame and can't decide between Sony, Canon or Nikon (although I do like the Nikon Z8 180-600 combo, but at would be a huge investment). Maybe I will keep my existing lenses and just upgrade to this body, seems the most cost effective method to upgrade the quality of my photos considering it is "just" a hobby.

[@rreichar1]

Great review! (As always)! I’m glad OT hear that rolling shutter is not an issue. I still own the original G9 mainly because it would be an adequate backup to my OM-1 if it needed service. I still hate the lack of a 3rd dial on the OM-1 though I manage to work around it. I still use my original PL 100-400 which I love but mostly use the 300 F4. With the old G9 I never found a fast way to switch between CAF and single point. On the OM-1 I have to use the function switch. Is there an easy way on the G9ii? I might consider switching to the G9ii at some point because of Panasonic’s history of doing meaningful software updates for many years on their bodies. I don’t shoot a lot of video but the OM-1 is definitely a bit weak on that front. How much blackout is there with the EVF? I shoot mostly in SH2 on the OM-1 to avoid blackout and I love that feature. I will be sticking with M4/3 until Canon releases a better crop sensor body. I don’t really see that happening any time soon. It’s great I have two solid M4/3 choices now.

[@Duade]

G'day mate, thanks, the quickest way to go to spot is by hitting the Joystick once, which is fast. But to get back to whole area I have not found an easier way then hitting the middle button on the D-pad which is a little awkward to move my thumb down there. I must admit with near and far AF you don't need single point as much but I would much prefer just hitting the joystick once more to return to whole area. There is no blackout in 20/60fps electronic which is good. Only slight lag at the end of the burst which I hope they fix. I also struck a weird thing when shooting full manual that the EVF always goes to middle grey when you engage AF, so if you are purposely underexposing the EVF switches back and forward when hitting the AF. In the end I just used Auto ISO to overcome that and put exp comp on the rear dial. Cheers, Duade

[@rreichar1]

@@Duade Thanks for information. Weird issue with the EVF. I usually use Auto ISO and put Exp Comp on a dial so that wouldn’t bother me much. It works better on the OM-1 than Canon though. I had a weird delay with Exp Comp on my R6 and R7 so I didn’t put it on a dial. Not having an easy way to change focus area is definitely an issue. The original G9 is similar. I was hoping they fixed that. My favorite Canon feature is the 3 buttons on the same area on the back. I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t just copy that. I can come close on the OM-1 using the function lever for focus area and assigning the ISO button to turn subject detection off and on. I wish it had a 3rd dial rather than the multi selector but I can live with that.

[@Duade]

Thanks Rod, totally agree, being able to quickly change from wide area to spot is critical for me, I also don't know why all cameras dont have 2 or 3 back buttons for your thumb. Cheers, Duade@@rreichar1

[@BruceGraner-h1k]

I always enjoy your reviews and as a G9 and 100-400mm user I was especially interested in this one. I think you answered all my questions. Having come to the G9 through the Lumix/Leica 114 it might be worth mentioning that the "last image" lag you mentioned might have a simple correction. Both the 114 a the G9 have an image review option in the menu but auto reviewing the image can be turned off. However, that function is kind of hidden at the bottom of all the image review options if you keep scrolling down.

[@markpronger1009]

Great to see you comment and review micro 4/3, a lot of reviewers on KZbin think that unless you shoot Canon, Sony or Nikon that you don't take your photography seriously. I am retired so i get out with my OM1 and PL100400 series one, about 5 mornings a week. I have 2 national parks within 15mins of my place in Sydney's South and walk between 4-8 km each time so Micro 4/3 perfect for wildlife and travel. ( saving up for the olympus 150-400mm , hopefully they drop the price a bit)

[@Duade]

Thanks Mark, totally agree that M43 is excellent for walking and shooting, the weight really is fantastic. I miss the coast, especially the sound and sight of a flock of Yellow-tailed Blacks. Cheers, Duade

[@ericaceous1652]

Brilliant even handed review Duade, thank you. Really excited for this camera as an addition to my original G9 II. The Near and Far shift settings are an absolute lifesaver!

[@JeffBourke]

Putting theG9ii into the same body as S5ii is SMART!!!!! Hopefully the GH7 comes in the same body with the active cooling from S5ii.

[@billharrison8219]

Hi great review, just a few questions. Re the focusing you said that it initially takes a short while to lock on so is that a problem with shooting birds in flight and how does it compare with the canon r6ii for focusing. Cheers Bill

[@simonbouffard8427]

excellent review especially for wildlife photography. I have two quick questions...how do you find the stabilization of the G9mk2 with the Olympus 300mm f4? for example compared to dual stabilization with the Panasonic 100-400 mk2. Finally, according to your review it seems that the animal autofocus of the G9 mk2 in video mode is much more efficient than for photos? also in comparison with OM-1. THANKS

[@anthony-qm3pn]

Thank you for a good honest review of Panasonic G9II, hopefully next year we’ll see all new GH6II & OM-1 mark II with all new sensor technology with a higher megapixel count and all new image processor technology that would hopefully wow us all in the future Micro 4/3 cameras, If they’re only can be a real breakthrough in sensor, technology and image processor technology, I think that happens micro 4/3 has a bright future.

[@ericmenu5408]

Great video ! Thanks to have shared the buffer/card writing issue to Panasonic. I also love the Far/Near focus feature on my G9, very useful in macro also. So strange that Panasonic (compared to OM System) does not promote this G9II more for wildlife photography, and the lack of good telelenses in their lineup.

[@charbax]

I think you can halve your buffer clearing speed today if you use the USB type-c with an external SSD.. I wonder what is the maximum speed of that USB type-c port when it comes to buffer clearing speed. Considering max SSD speed can be as high as 2000MB/s or more, I guess maybe the port can record 500-600MB/s max to the SSD? And another question I have for people who would like faster recording speed for a faster buffer clearing mode as well as access to higher bitrate video recording modes, I wonder if Panasonic can add RAID SD card recording mode. if the dual SD card bus capable of sending SD UHS-2 v90 speed out to both SD cards, then perhaps if they enable a RAID SD recording mode, that might double buffer clearing speed, and high bitrate video record modes, though it would remove redundancy, I prefer to always use redundant mode, but I think some people might prefer faster buffer clearing or access to higher bitrate video mode. one might need to use the camera to backup the data back out or to get some kind of dual sd card reader that would support this RAID format reading mode. one solution out that I would like to see is to safely back up data from both SD cards to an external USB type-c SSD+HDD backup drive, that could work to both speed up redundant SD card backup as well as to assemble/backup out the files from RAID SD card record mode to the external SSD/HDD..

[@Duade]

G'day, I tried an external SSD and unfortunately no improvement in clearing times, still took 51 seconds with a 520MB/s possible SSD. It appears to be an issue with the camera at this stage and not the speed of the card. Hopefully something they can work on. Cheers, Duade

[@charbax]

@@DuadeMaybe it can do a bit faster with a 1000MB/s or 2000MB/s SSD? Also, worth it to check with Panasonic if their USB-C record speeds are optimised in the pre-production firmware yet.

[@108u9]

Hi to clarify, were the images shown all captured with electronic shutter only? Even the dragonfly shot? Any instances where you found there was some rolling shutter issues?

[@AliasJimWirth]

Fine review, Duade. Some really nice images came out of this as well. Thank you for your down to earth honesty and for posting videos.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, it is my pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@xanedan4565]

I'm pretty much already sold on the G9-II since I'm already heavily invested in Panasonic's system and am moving more towards wildlife video (currently utilizing an original G9 and 100-400). Biggest gripe has always been autofocus and it sounds like they've made huge improvements in that regard. My biggest question is, were you testing the Panasonic Leica 100-400 MKII? The original version is lovely but has a really annoying habit of getting switched to manual focus while being pulled out of my camera bag and I can't count how many shots I have missed because of it. No issues in that regard? Could just be because I tend to shoot strapless with my camera always in a waterproof bag, but I'm usually kayaking or messing around in marshes so I like knowing my camera is more protected.

[@nikkvideos]

I think there is a setting in the G9 that lets you disable that switch, or reassign it to something else. Make sure your body firmware is up to date, as I think that feature was added leter on.

[@Duade]

G'day it was the version II and no I did not have any issues putting into manual. I did a few times knock the focal length limiter switch though, but not a major. Cheers, Duade

[@bricoschmoo1897]

Hi Duade, thanks a lot for this video, you answered one critical question for me: the buffer. I really hope that Panasonic does something to use the full potential of UHS-II. Because 150MB/s is simply unacceptable. From what I understood, heat mitigation has been a real issue when developping this camera. So, limiting transfer rates for internal recording does make sense. Recording hughe bursts to SSD should be a viable option from what I gathered in Lumix's various live sessions. The specs indicate that the G9ii has USB 3.2 Gen compatibility: that would allow a theoretical 1.25 GBps maximum transfer rate, getting somewhat close to CFExpress type B cards, without all the heat being dumped inside the camera body. That said, that would mean having to rig an SSD onto the camera. Quite cumbersome! The near and far autofocus buttons are something I miss deeply since I moved from the original G9 to the OM-1 but that was greatly compensated by the OM-1's autofocus capabilities. Now, the G9-ii seems to have the best of both worlds. That, and the video capabilities. The OM-1 disappointed me in that department, compared to my original G9, especially for anything related to slow motion. I think the G9-ii has a very good chance to become my main camera (paired with the original 100-400), and my OM-1 would then be focused on macro, b-rolls and stuff that I do a bit less. I'm still waiting on OM System's lens announcements. It's a real shame that Panasonic and OM decided not to work together with Sync and Dual IS, because that entices us to commit not only to the mount, but also to a single brand!

[@Duade]

G'day, I tried an external SSD and unfortunately no improvement in clearing times, still took 51 seconds with a 520MB/s possible SSD. Not sure if Panasonic were showing faster than that. Cheers, Duade

[@bricoschmoo1897]

@@Duade Hi, thanks a lot for your answer ! I didn't say anything from Panasonic related to SSD usage. As far as I know, they just spoke about it. These buffer clearing times are very concerning to me, especially given the speeds available in hardware. Let's see what's possible with production firmware. Not sure yet if it's a dealbreaker for me, but it sure is a blow. Keep up your amazing work ! You're really helping photographers out there :D

[@PartisanZoya1941]

Have just purchased the G9 Mark II. Hope to start using the older MFT lenses that have not seen much use for some years. Delving into the menu system I've found a Dial setup option. Now have the rotating wheel on the back of the camera set up to change the ISO - same as my Canon R6 Mark II.

[@Membee]

Thanks for the great honest review and comparison of the G9 mk11.

[@medicineman4040]

Duade, please comment on the G9II+Oly 150-400mm combo. I'm desirous of upping my M1X and am also studying the big Oly wildlife zoom. The recently announced OM OM-1 ii might be OM's answer to the G9II?

[@alexnrs8700]

Black swans at red sunrise… Gorgeous photos. Nice!

[@karlswanderlust]

Thanks for putting together this video! Very well thought out and presented.

[@Duade]

Thanks again, I'm glad you enjoyed it, Cheers, DUade

[@davidgeo2024]

Duade, you need to do a video about the sony a6400+ 200-600mm. I think in terms of price it is similar to the panasonic g9II+ Panasonic Lieca 100-400. Will be nice to see the comparison.

[@frstesiste7670]

The zoom ring on the original Panasonic 100-400 was too hard/stiff on many/most lenses (mine was not perfect but OK after some use). Did you notice anything special with the version two lens when zooming?

[@Princeton_James]

The feel of this is better than the S5. They are similar but noticeably different in the hand. This is the best feeling camera I've ever used.

[@Stalled-wm3qd]

Thanks so much Duade. Having been a G9 owner since January 2018 plus the Leica 200-400mm lens (and 3 more Panasonic lenses) so to change manufacturer would be a very costly event plus a big learning curve. I used to do lots of sporting events with my two sons plus birding and sunsets. The animal/bird eye tracking is the big attraction plus the sunsets will be a bit more detailed for making bigger prints. The quality of the current G9 20MP sensor sunset prints on an Epson ET-8550 using roll paper measuring 329W x 585mm long are perfectly sharp enough so the 25MP will be even better. Now then, if I can get a reasonable price for my G9 . . . . . . .

[@Jay-sr8ge]

Great video. I love that you review and compare all these different systems and sensor sizes.

[@kimraymond2749]

Thank you. A great review. I guess one day I'll move on from the Olympus OMD M1 iii and good to know that there is a choice between OM Systems and Panasonic for that upgrade. Pity, I just bought the M.Zuiko 100-400 mm based on comparison reviews with the the older Panasonic 100-400.

[@Duade]

Hi Kim, yes good to have options, the Olympus 100-400 is still a lovely lens on the OM System, Cheers, Duade

[@SpruceUp612]

Thank you so much for this helpful review, it's great hearing the point of view from the best bird photographer on youtube! Over the years I went from Canon to Nikon to Fuji to G9 to EM1MKiii and now to G9ii haha. It was really hard for me to decide between OM1 and G9ii. The deciding factor on my end was being able to get back the amazing Panasonic time lapse features, which I've missed since having an Olympus body. All in all, shooting wildlife with these small sensors is such a challenge in low light, I don't know why I keep torturing myself, but I just find them more fun to carry around and use. Oh and for my own personal hobby portraits and landscape I have a big old Pentax digital medium format DSLR. Love my micro four thirds and medium format bodies, the duality of man.

[@tonyblake8841]

Hi Duade, as per our previous conversation I cant believe some of the low ISO values you are getting. Unfortunately I haven’t had a chance to try your suggestion of lower shutter speed and short bursts. Will be interesting to see the full firmware capabilities once released. Cheers.

[@Duade]

Thank Tony, I think I shoot in open environments a lot without a lot of tree canopy which has more ambient light meaning less noise perhaps. Have fun trying it out, Cheers, Duade

[@tanktope5453]

Hi Duade, awesome video as always. I'm looking for a canon body for birding and im torn between the R7, the R8 and the original R6 with the Sigma 150-600. Which body would you recommend?

[@Duade]

G'day, my apologies for the late reply, did you make a choice?

[@simplyawesomephoto]

Super information. Did you happen to test the write speed of the USB-C connector with external SSD? I'm wondering if this will overcome the 53 second write time you describe where it locks up the camera when writing to the SD card. Also, do you have any way of providing your findings to Panasonic to possibly include a mode where the fps slows down when writing to cards rather than locking up the camera? Thanks again for the video.

[@Duade]

G'day, yes, I tested with an external SSD and it took 51 seconds to clear so it appears to be an issue with the speed at which the camera writes to the external memory. I have shared my issues with Panasonic who are looking into it. Cheers, Duade

[@simplyawesomephoto]

Thank you for the answer. Hopefully, Panasonic can come up with a solution. Otherwise it looks like the OM-1 is a better solution for burst hungry photographers.

[@solar-e-bike-touring-europe]

OM1 and G9II user here, both are great camera's. For me the most significant advantage of the G9II is the possibility to lay AF Far and AF Near on custom buttons. AF of birds behind branches (for instance a buzzard flying above a forest. Yesterday I got great AF of such a buzzard. The problem of the slower AF is something that I can aknowledge. I also am surprised of the colors the G9II produces.

[@joseluisgonzalezvillanueva361]

Muchas gracias por la información que ofreces, yo tengo la g9 y estoy muy interesado en la g9 II por las ventajas que ofrece con respecto a la anterior. Te agradecería si me podrías decir si el 100-400 que has utilizado es el nuevo o es el anterior y también si tienes noticias del duplicador para el 100-400 y el 35-100 que se oyen noticias que van a comercializar, saludos.

[@mortystation]

Hey, excellent review. I recently bougth the Lumix 45-200 and I found myself and after few weeks I am regretting my decision. Should I look for a teleconverter or just sell this lense and go for that 400?

[@carboncut]

Thank-you for the honest review as an experienced photographer.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@Terrytheartist]

Another great fact filled video Duade, the best reviewer and wildlife videographer on KZbin imo, always look forward to all your work even though I’m a Canon only user I still find these other reviews interesting 👍📷🦅

[@Duade]

Thanks Terry, I appreciate it, Cheers, Duade

[@luismoran7176]

Great review! I’m looking for a camera that can take great pictures, not a pro-photographer, I’m debating between the old G9 and the G9II , is the G9II with the extra $$ in your opinion? Thanks !! 🙏

[@Duade]

G'day, yes, the G9II has a number of improvements that make it worth the extra price. Cheers, Duade

[@duncanwallace7760]

The buffer issue seems to be to do with too many FPS & not having CF express B. I agree with your suggestion to lower the FPS as you near the buffer. Even 5 fps can still get you good results in wildlife. I have 20fps on my camera and I only ever use it when birds are flying, and then only in very short bursts. Going through thousands of photos is quite annoying and I wish there was a 'grouping' function in Lightroom which would group bursts of photos based on timestamps, so you could keep only one or two shots per burst.

[@d-entrecasteaux]

Thanks for another very detailed review. Two questions: Are the Panasonic 100-400mm zoom and focus rings smooth? Does the G9ii have bird autofocus tracking in 4K 120p? Thanks!

[@d-entrecasteaux]

I just found out from elsewhere. Zoom (in terms of smooth rotation) is better than previous version but not as good as it could be. G9ii does 4K 60p with bird eye detect. 4K 120p with animal/bird detect (no eye detect). 300p with manual focus.

[@mohankukreti3816]

Which you prefer Panasonic G9 II with Panasonic Leica DG Vario 100-400mm vs Olympus E-M1 III with Zuiko digital 100-400mm

[@Duade]

I think I would take the Panasonic for the eye tracking and excellent video, Cheers, Duade

[@mr_k4tz]

Fantastic review. I’m glad you covered some cons other reviewers didn’t mention. I’m about to spend some hard earned cash on a second body for an upcoming safari trip and am already an Olympus shooter. Do you know if the buffering / speed of writing to the card issues were improved with firmware in the production models?

[@robinlee7531]

Great review Duade, question is will you sell everything for G9 II camera system only?

[@keithnisbet]

Just bought G9ii at BH Photo using a wonderful $500 Trade In BONUS! So, $1895 became $1395. I couldnt resist as a current G9 user. All you do to get the purchase discount bonus code is to submit a request for quotation on any camera you might wish to trade in Note: you dont actually have to trade in and receive the Trade Value. Just use the discount code and purchase. Its a great way indirect way for Panasonic to mitigate a Marketing/Pricing mis-step, without having to drastically cut the price to move the product. They should've priced it at $1595 to begin with and sold them in truckloads. imho. Great review thank you. I cant wait until my camera arrives.

[@chiara1086]

Thank you for that great detailed review! The shot at 17:19 is so amazing! Is it possible to buy a print? Also I would like to know how well did the stabilization work with the olympus 300mm f4?

[@AbangPete]

My favourite is 24:48

[@przybylskipawel]

Hey, Duade! I am planning to purchase G9II. Slow buffer clearing time concerns me a bit. I have already two V60 UHS-II 256GB cards. I wonder if choosing V90 (which are inifinitely more expensive) would make as big of a practical difference as it was with R7. 78s vs 53s seems a big difference but to be honest I am not sure whether being screwed for say 40s is that much better than being screwed for 60s justifies spending that much money. What is your take on that?

[@Duade]

I believe the bottleneck is the cameras processing chip, I understand that because its dual gain the camera needs to merge those RAWs before sending them to the memory card, so even if you had an external SSD it would not be any faster as the actual bottleneck is the camera itself, not the memory card. It is a great camera, just a few little things that make it slightly difficult for me to use. I still find a bit of lag in the viewfinder, the buffer can be an issue, and the exposure simulation when hitting the shutter. My understanding is the camera wants to autofocus at exactly middle grey, so if you are in manual and purposely underexpose as soon as you hit the shutter the EVF will go to middle grey. This constant jumping between the actual exposure and middle grey is hard to deal with for me being a manual shooter. The only solution is to shoot in AUTO ISO and not underexpose too heavily. Just want to be honest with my experience so far. Of course there are loads of wonderful things like the video, eye tracking, FPS, Precapture, reach etc. Good luck, Cheers, Duade

[@przybylskipawel]

@@Duade OMG! That is insightfull! I didn't expect that... Thank you. For me that means that I wouldn't have to invest in V90 media, which is a plus. That you say about exposure and lag is disturbing but to be honest I always shoot wildlife in M Auto ISO or even in shutter priority. This will be a replacement for my GH6 as it turned out not to overheat in 25p almost never. Wether I sell my OM-1 I will consider based on my experience with G9II.

[@Duade]

Good luck, I think I prefer the OM-1 as it just seems a bit more responsive for wildlife but I will be interested to hear your take. Cheers, Duade@@przybylskipawel

[@przybylskipawel]

@@Duade What do you mean by more responsive? That it finds subject faster?

[@Duade]

Yeah, its a small difference but I find the OM-1 just a little more refined, I am sure the G9II with updates will continue to improve. Cheers ,Duade@@przybylskipawel

[@karlswanderlust]

Thank you for your balanced review! Nicely done! If the cost of a portable camera system were not a consideration, which would you choose -- the OM-1 with either the Olympus or Panasonic 100-400 lens, or the Canon R7 with the RF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6?

[@Duade]

G'day, that is a tough choice, I think I would take the M43 system as it does not suffer from rolling shutter and gives you a little more reach. However with the new Canon RF200-800 being released that would be interesting on the R7. I plan on doing lots of tests once I get the 200-800 on release. Cheers, Duade

[@karlswanderlust]

Thanks so much! That is very helpful. The Canon would probably be a option if the weight were kept down. However, my aging shoulder would probably object. (I currently shoot with a Sony A1/200-600 combo and am looking for something lighter.) I have compared the OM-1 and G9ii based on over 20 different factors and found there are pluses and minuses to both. I suspect I would probably be happy with either system. Do you have a coin I could borrow? 😀 Thanks again! All the best! Karl

[@TheSpenik]

Thanks for the great video!! How long is the Gii combined with the 100-400?

[@Robinshahidullah]

Thanks Duade, as usual I get a lot of insight and comparison that may help me to choose my next camera...❤

[@harrison00xXx]

I am literally a Panasonic Fanboy when it comes to other parts of their products, like TVs (longer ago, Plasma TVs!), batteries (Panasonic-Sanyo, Eneloops,…) and probably other stuff i dont even know im using. But as much i like the G9 II, S5 II or so, Panasonic just doesnt do much for the lower end/budget customer. Nearly 2000$ for a MFT body only, then if you want a faster prime you have to invest in the 200 2.8 leica its already at 3000$+ easily, add the 100-400 for convenience and having a telezoom and you are at about 4000$ (or more). For 4000$ you are getting too close to APS-C and full frame cameras and the 60-600, 150-600, 180-600 nikon and 200-600 sony lens For the price of a G9 II and 100-400 II i would get instead: Sony A6700 + 200-600G. Adding a faster or longer prime to the G9 II the prices would increase once more and i would rather prefer: R6 II/R8 and a RF 800 F11 and after a while a RF 100-500L or EF 100-400 II R7, RF 100-500L (or 100-400 II EF) + RF 800 F11 Panasonic S5 II + fitting lenses (have no clue about FF Panny boy lenses) Sony A7C II or A7CR + 200-600 I think i will go back to my habit with cameras as i did for over 10 years: buy the cheapest and best value you can get sub 300$ 2nd hand, use it for as long as possible before you literally even begin to hate the inferiority to modern entry level stuff, then upgrade once more to „old“ higher end stuff, ofc 2nd hand. The EOS R7 was my only expensive and „higher end“ purchase when it comes to camera bodies yet, but somehow i feel again as long ago: Its the lens(es) that matters, not the body. Sure enough, specs changed, sharp and detailed 4k120, fast burst rates, better AF,… but in the end, if you get a good shot, the biggest impact is still on the lens! Only in Video specs, AF performance + tracking and better high ISO handling i see real advantages of modern camera bodies and why they cost 1500$ at absolute minimum.

[@nick_401]

Thanks for this amazing review and the comparison at the end. I was thinking about getting the OM-1 with the Oly100-400 til I heard about this camera and the updated Pana100-400ii. Now I'm not quiet sure what to get... I guess it comes down to what feels better.

[@MrButtons252]

I have the tamron 150-500mm on my A7iv. its so big and heavy i never want to bring it anywhere. The panasonic 100-400mm looks really good to me.

[@joedavidson7114]

Did you shoot this west of Brisbane ?

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

The near and far focus button is a great idea. It would be fantastic to see Canon, Nikon, Fuji, and Sony add this capability through firmware updates!

[@erikraagaard124]

Hii I started fotografing birds last year and i love with a passion. I wish i could afford go to Australia and fotograf birds. I learned so much from your videos. Thank you so much

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

great review on ths camera, with the drama around Canon can you grab some EF/RF-MFT adaptors and do a few reivews for potential canon lens owners?

[@Duade]

Thanks, I think from memory the OM-1 speedboster does not work so I'm not sure they have a workaround yet, I will have to look into it. Cheers, Duade

[@martinandrews8646]

Cockatoo’s in love, superb shot!

[@anthony-qm3pn]

Do you think the buffer speed issue is more to do with Panasonic not using a stacked sensor compared to OM systems OM-1 which has a stacked sensor. If OM systems was to bring out a mark II version with a 24 megapixel stacked sensor. Would that be enough improvement for you over the current sensor that is used used in the OM-1.

[@sutv6754]

Hello Duade. Just discovered your channel. Excellent video. I'm waiting for the G9ii to hit the stores. I wanted to ask you this. Do you have the 100 to 400 Panasonic Lecia first version? I do. If you do, how it is compared to the new version you have here. Is it night and day better? Is there a wow factor? Other than the ability to use the converter is there a lot of good in it. I doubt I will get it but I would if it is a game changer. Please let me know if you have any thoughts on that.

[@眠っても眠っても眠い]

Hello, I'm watching from Japan. Thank you for the very easy to understand video. One thing that bothered me was that the captured images were displayed after continuous shooting, but I think this is due to Panasonic's unique automatic playback function. I think it can also be turned off, what do you think?

[@gregm6894]

A very well done review, Duade. Thanks.

[@Jimbo462]

Perhaps I missed the information, what RAW converter did you use for the G9 Mark II RAW's? I ask as I'm not seeing support for this camera with SilkyPix at this point? Thanks for this in-depth pre-production review, Duade, much appreciated! :)

[@Duade]

G'day, Panasonic sent me a version of SilkyPix that worked with the G9II Raw Files. Cheers, Duade

[@Jimbo462]

@@Duade Much obliged, kind sir! Good to know that RAW support will be publicly available (hopefully, in time for) when the camera ships! Best to you, Jimbo.

[@timothyboucherbirder]

Nicely done. What is the start-up time? I find the original G9 a little sluggish.

[@Duade]

Hi Tim, yes, it was a little sluggish when fully asleep, similar to the Canon R5. I just get into the habit of hitting the shutter before lifting to my eye. Cheers, Duade

[@garymeredith2441]

As always Duade I love how you review the cameras now on this Panasonic camera that you used here can you get a vertical grip for this camera?? .

[@Duade]

G'day mate, yes you can and I should have mentioned that. Cheers, Duade

[@b.s.4478]

Amazing photos! 👏👍 What a nice combo. I'm mostly MFT user, and thinking on get the OM-1 or the G9 II...i must say the panasonic looks a better package because of the video capabilities too. Thanks for the great review Duade, and for the beautiful photos also. Cheers from Portugal.

[@RJPhotographics]

OM tech support centre is in Portugal. I had one of the first OM-1's on the market and it had a firmware issue that the guys in Portugal tested and fixed in no time.

[@Gijz74]

Shutter protection is a lot less relevant on Panasonic MFT cameras. I shoot both a Sony A7Rii and the G9. The Sony is one big dust fiesta where as with the G9 I never have issues. I know the odds are 4 against one size wise but for some reason only the Sony has specs pretty often and the G9 never has them. Can't wait to see if the fix those issues with FW upgrades but for the original G9 they did some insane updates. FW 2.0 totally transformed the camera. Also. You once again show that it doesn't matter what camera you have. Good skills are far more important. Awesome shots.

[@anthony-qm3pn]

I want to see next camera from OM systems With a minimum megapixel count of 28 megapixels with a Stacked sensor With a one stop low light improvement and one stop better dynamic range improvement over the current OM-1 Sensor. Also want to see a lot more powerful image processor inside the camera to speed things up with the next model from OM systems.

[@akeluify]

As much as I'd like that I don't think it's realistic if the mk ii is going to be released anytime soon

[@anthony-qm3pn]

@@akeluify how about as a stock gap OM system introduce an all new OM-2 using the same body as the OM-1, with a stacked 24 or 26 megapixel sensor And it all new image processor, I would like to see such a camera. Introduced Late February early March of next year, I think OM systems needs to do some kind of early update to keep their users interested in the system to prevent any further migration to other cam systems just my opinion.

[@akeluify]

@@anthony-qm3pn yes that sounds good. I would be very happy with a 24-26 mp om-1 with same high iso/low light performance/dynamic range.

[@justinholding02]

Hi Duade, I can see that a lot of work went into this video. Thanks. So what is your main camera today? Do you think you will be abandoning your FF set-up in the future and only be using a crop sensor or M43?

[@Duade]

G'day Justin, hard to beat the R5 and 500 f4 in terms of IQ, I also like the R5 and 100-500 for wider work. For pure fun and BIF the Olympus OM-1 and 300 f4 is my go to. Cheers, Duade

[@JorgeRzezak]

Excellent and detailed review. Thanks a lot Duade!

[@PabloRayHere]

Hello, I request you to make a video on Lumix g9 ii autofocus with adapted lenses and the best adapter for them. With the introduction of PDAF I really wonder how sony, nikon, or canon ef lenses would act when adapted. I have recently purchased the camera but don't have the budget to do the comparison myself and try out a variety of adapters, It would be of great help since no one has done such a video. Thank you so much!!

[@angeloplayforone]

Great video covering the features that many did not cover.

[@rayjenkins2754]

Thank you for your test / review. I'd like to know - can the play back be switched with the quick menu button location ? Since I use the ' play back ' a lot I prefer it to be on the right side of the monitor where my right thumb can easily reach it. I was able to do this with my G9 & my FZ 2500 comes from the factory with the ' play back ' on the right side. Thanks

[@DanBetty]

U R right about the R6 ii and the F11 800 it's a really cool super light combo with excellent IQ !!

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, yes, it is funny how good it is. Cheers, Duade

[@imagenatura]

@@DuadeIt seems more like a "one-trick pony", doesn't it? Maybe I'm wrong?

[@mondujar279]

I have an R6 with the 600f11. Not so happy with mine, I can get good photos but it’s inconsistent. Very restrictive with the fixed focal length but it’s worse characteristic is the poor close focus ability. I’m selling it and have bought an OM1 and 100-400 which I prefer

[@DanBetty]

@@mondujar279 an r 6 or an R6 ii?

[@mondujar279]

@@DanBettyR6, R6 ii is no doubt better

[@smbutte]

mate they are fair dinkum awesome pics. Your review is probably one of the best on KZbin. BZ. I'm buying one.

[@JeffBourke]

Random question. When burst shooting at a stopped down aperture, how do you stop the lense from opening up between every shot and killing your burst speed?

[@MrMick560]

I really like this video, so easy to understand, great job Duade! p.s. love your photos.

[@Duade]

Thanks so much!

[@benoutside7593]

Enjoyed your video! Thanks for the review.

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Is this any better in lowlight than the original was?