Heading into 2023 with the Lumix G9

[@keithnisbet]

My 2 G9 bodies combined cost less than almost every single new camera today. My growing collection of MFT lenses both used and new weigh a fraction and cost a fraction of any FF lenses. I LOVE micro four thirds and Panasonic Lumix built a machine with the G9 that was way ahead of it’s time and is still phenomenally capable full featured and built like a tank. Someday folks will stop drinking the FF marketing kool-aid and embrace the incredible value and quality of Panasonic and MFT in general. Thanks for your video.

[@photographerw.j.smithphoto1214]

I have been using 2 G9s and 100-400mm for Professional Sports Photography for about 4 yrs...moved from Canon...and have not looked back and will be using them for years to come.

[@allenoakley1799]

Wait. G9 for sports? All those full frame folks say you can't do it. ( Sarcasm) It works great. Also very capable w indoor sports. Have done several college basketball games sitting on the court.

[@AndersMagrioteli]

I’ve been using Nikon since early 80’s, went to Sony 2013, then a short meeting with Canon, but I eventually ended up with the G9 last year. Even though it “was old already” I bought it (after a lot of reading and watching videos) because it seemed as a smart piece of camera. There were two things that got my attention. One was its resistance to rainy and cold-ish weather. The other the camera’s shutter speed. The camera is excellent in many ways. I take a lot of “street photos” and the camera is almost soundless if necessary. And it has GPS! ❤️ Very smart indeed. It actually has a rather good way to deal with taking photos in “the dark”. However, there my Sony cameras were better. But, it’ll do. To people that only “want the latest” I’d say: It won’t make you a better photographer. Buy a camera that you can use even on a stormy and lousy day, because the best camera is the one that you bring with you. I will definitely hang on to my G9 as long as “it is breathing.”

[@georgedrick2627]

Hi Todd, I was born in Evanston in ‘43 and shot a lot around Chicago in the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s before moving to Honolulu in 1990. It was great to see your Chicago pics. It was also good to hear a reference to Central Camera. I worked at Altman’s from ‘73 until they closed in ‘75. I shot Nikon, Canon, and Minolta in the film era, took a break during the early transition to digital, but have had a variety of Lumix cameras over the last 20 years. Keep up the good work!

[@dylannewton76]

G9 was my first serious camera after coming out of a bridge to see if my love for bird photography was still there (fz300). Buying the G9 and PL100-400 was the best thing I ever did. Half to quarter of the price of current setups and pro level appointments, not to mention 200-800mm f/f focal length equivalent. I'm still unravelling the utopia of autofocus settings (AFC unlimited capabilities and customisation) for birds in flight and my aim is to nail down the best one for my style. What blows me away though is the shutter speed that can be usable handheld with the IBIS and lens stabilisation (down to 1/30 second at 12800iso) for very low light.

[@ToddBannor]

Cool! And with wide angle lenses, you can handhold way below 1/30. It’s pretty amazing.

[@markcataldo1012]

Been shooting the G9 for a couple years now. The ergonomics of this camera are pure genius. When paired with the 12-35 or 35-100 you get a lightweight combo that produces fantastic results!

[@artistjoh]

My G9 enters each new year loved even more than the year before. I sum it up like this: It always gets the shot. There is nothing more a camera need do, but not every camera is able to nail the difficult shots. The G9 nails it every time.

[@jamomorrissey]

Great video Todd! Love my Lumix G9.

[@theresalownds1471]

Just subscribed. I appreciate your video content. My son and i both use M4/3 and are beginning photographers and i don’t believe either one of us will switch to FF. We love Lumix quality, weight, price point, portability….. I look forward to watching all of your videos and learning as much as possible. TY.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Excellent photographs Todd.

[@studioslaper4795]

Hey Todd, thanks for the story and photos.

[@derekcoe9633]

I’ve recently acquired a G9 (coming from Nikon DSLRs) and while I’m still getting used to it I have to say I’m really impressed... I wasn’t aware of the silent shutter function but thanks to your video I am now! Liked and subbed 👍

[@FilmPhotographyChannel]

The specs of the G9 are still as good or better than anything for sale today under $1500. The world-class stabilization and 422 10-bit video are worth the price of admission.

[@clintjohnson5914]

The G9 is a great camera and was "evolved" into an amazing camera by Panasonic through updates,, Most other companies would have just sold a new model. I had one and then sort of slipped into the Olympus rabbit hole because so many of the people around me were all into Olympus. (I was using Olympus 4/3 adapted lenses too.. just because they are cheap and fantastic,,, but huge--- the DFD AF was helpless on those lenses). Every time I pick up the G9 though ,, I remember why I have never sold it... the viewfinder is soooo much better as well as the ergonomics. If they had done the new AF a few years ago-- I would have never bought an S5 for video. I don't think I can part with the G9 though..I got it almost 3 years ago for $650 in like new boxed condition and have never looked back.

[@enzocannizzo8744]

Hello Todd ..First time viewer . Just purchased a G9 used . On use M43 both Lumix and OM very happy with both manufacturers. Will look at your other You Tube videos ! Be well !

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you!

[@peterdisbury6346]

Thanks for the video, thanks for your candid approach to who you are, how all this fits in and your life in Chicago. I subscribed to your channel.

[@jimludwick]

Have visited the same question for more than a year. I'm sticking with my G9.

[@christianewrenger8632]

The G 9 is my darling camera, great in ergonomics, great in picture quality. I use it professionally, too. Thanks a lot for your video! Best wishes!

[@tommym6248]

Excellent pictures, Todd! New subscriber and fairly new Lumix user for a little over a year.

[@jimmysuarezIG]

Love this video. Very informative. It’s making regret selling my G9 and re buying it.

[@nap8187]

Getting into photography as my entry point into the hobby, and a lot of talk around the AF has made me doubtful of the purchase. But your video demo with the finch made me confident that's gonna be a non issue.

[@joestrahl6980]

Thanks for sharing

[@petermcginty3636]

Thanks Todd. You have convinced me that, as a beginner, my G85 will keep me going for while. Cheers, Peter

[@ToddBannor]

The G85 is a great camera and there’s no need to upgrade if you don’t need to. I went to the G95 because of the similar control layout to the G9, which helps when shooting an event with two bodies. I also tend to carry it when I don’t want to carry a heavier camera.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

You nailed it!

[@raksh9]

The G9 is still a fantastic camera for most purposes. Compared with the S5, it doesn't have the same image quality, especially in the high ISO range, but in reasonable light it is superb. I've done portrait shoots with the G9 and S5 side by side, and it is quite difficult to tell them apart unless you know what you're looking for. G9 autofocus is faster than the S5, too. The G9 grip fits in the hand so well, better than almost any other camera I've held.

[@menschmeier3799]

I started photography 2 years ago with a LUMIX gh1. (Bought for about 50 Bugs) since a year i use my Loved GX8. Now i started Professional photography. So i need a second camera wich is a bit bigger an Looks more professional :) so, tomorrow i will buy the G9. And im really looking forward to get it. :)

[@laurentyarp514]

I love that camera too. Got it in June 2019. Love the ergonomics too. Wish it would be a bit smaller but anyway most of the time it doesn't matter. And I also have a GX9 when it does :)

[@jakobsoegaard1886]

Nice pic…just bought a g9 on a Black Friday sale

[@mikeyc7072]

Purchased a G9 with Olympus 8-25mm and 40-150mm (both F4) in 2022. EVF is still very good by 2023 standards; works great with Constant Preview and Manual Mode with Auto ISO. I get great exposure and usable ISO every time 👍😎 📷

:) es un gusto escuchar tus historias.

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you Andrés. I was close to understanding without clicking on, “Translate.”

[@malcolmcog]

I just bought a G9. I should probably waited a couple of months for the G9 II, but it looks good and much better than my G80 !!

[@MrGygygygy]

Trigger happy button....only problem i have with the G 9...love it !

[@ToddBannor]

Mine has that too, but I use it so much I’m used to it,.

[@paulpantorilla6121]

My only thing is I want better ISO for low light and higher shutter speeds, and maybe an improved a focus. I love the g9 especially for the price. just needs a few small upgrades. Hope there is a G9 ii one day

[@ToddBannor]

I shot an event last month using available light in a big gymnasium and ISOs up to 6400. The client was happy. It depends on the subject though.

[@JerryLass]

After a detour to Fuji and owning also a S5... I'm falling back in love with my G9. We had a rough start, I confess, but we have grown so much.

[@colinthecameraguy]

I’ve had my G9 since Oct 2019 and for several years I paired it with a GH5 (since I do 50/50 photography & videography). Last year I added a used GH5s into the mix (because the GH6 had been pushed back and they released an upgrade to allow the 5s to record RAW video via a Ninja V). Earlier this year I sold the GH5 because the G9 was the better stills camera plus, when paired with a Ninja V, it becomes a very capable video camera especially hand held (in a cage), as long as there’s sufficient light. The 5s is a better video camera and is the boss in low light but really needs to be on a gimbal or tripod. Turns out I don’t need the GH6 after all!

[@keithnisbet]

P.S. you have some beautiful photographs made with your G9. 👍

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you!

[@mikekay6288]

Yes; totally agree, I'm a confirmed 'G Niner' and see no need to change. I enjoyed your presentation and justification for sticking with the G9. I use the Leica 12-60 lens as my 'go to' lens; should I look at the 12-35 2.8? Thanks for sharing, Mike in Oz

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you. If you’re happy with your Leica 12-60, there is probably no reason to change. I switched to the 12-35 f2.8 because I used to shoot a lot of events and having the constant f2.8 was an advantage. The Lumix 12-60 is fine for when I need the range on a hike, etc.

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Great stuff, Todd. By the way, the images on Pixels you shot look stunning! Well done.

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you Shane! I really appreciate it.

[@1UpBebop]

After all the rumors of the G9II started coming out last month, someone sold me their backup G9 for $500... Less than 1k shutter count, pretty much brand new. They told me they got the G9 as back up for their OM1 when Panasonic dropped the G9 price to $900 and just never used it. I'm a Fuji shooter, been using XT4 since its launch day, but just couldn't pass up a practically brand new G9 for about the same price as a GoPro or something, ha. I picked up some of the dirt cheap lenses for it, the 12-32 and 45-150 kit lenses for like...200 bucks total for both. I've been absolute stunned and blown away by this camera. I've been using it more than my Fuji now... something I did not expect!

[@sdhute]

Hands down best camera for the price. I fell for the larger sensor lie. Now looking to get back to m43.

[@rolandwiktor2222]

Hallo Mr. Bannor! Thanks for your explanations of this G9. Your English is a competition for a German!

[@ToddBannor]

You're welcome!

[@2kime]

Hello Todd, I am on the fence about buying a GH5mk2 or a G9. The mk2 has got the S5 AF and IBIS. Did the G9 with the big update got the same AF and IBIS as the S5? I have now a GH5 firmware 2.7. I am looking for a overall improvement in detection AND AF performance as such compared with GH5. As for the 5mk2 I don’t need streaming and the G9 has the price advantage. Thats why I am also looking at this camera. My videostyle is mainly run/gun/point/shoot. My GH5 gripes are occasionally hunting/pulsing/loosing focus. Thank you, Frans/Bali.

[@ToddBannor]

My guess is the GH5II probably has somewhat better focusing than the G9, since it's a later model. As for IBIS, are you asking about the G9 or G9II? In general, the MFT bodies have better stabilization than the full frame bodies and I think this comes down to the physics of moving a smaller sensor compared with a larger one.

[@jasm0ahn547]

I just bought one with a kit Lense for a grand!! I was going to buy an S5ii.. but I'm cheap.

[@ToddBannor]

There's nothing wrong with being thrifty. And, the G9 can do 4K/60 with no crop, the S5II can't.

[@DrgnSlyr]

I have the g7, G85, G9 and G95. I love them all but especially the G9.

[@vanzetti7]

You can get a new G9 here in Australia for just over 1K. Pretty crazy considering how much you get with the camera.

[@ericmuijs1938]

Great story and nicely told, thanks. Love my G9 but thinking about switching to S5 ii

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Very enjoyable! Wish I knew which lenses for which photos. I'm a G9 & photo newbie and could benefit from your knowledge. No one else who participates in my (the ones I am in - not my creation) meetup group has the G9 (in our area). Hint, hint, feel free to join!

[@peterdisbury6346]

Never owned the G9, have heard mixed reviews on the camera but in the hands of capable photographers the reviews are very good. I have only owned the 1” sensor FZ1000 and the Mkii from Panasonic. The other cameras were from Nikon and Canon. I do like the ergonomics of the Lumix devices, loved the FZ1000 ii, fabulous 1” 25-400mm compact camera. Seems that most people who own the G9 are well into their golden years, I am still a youngster at 59 and looking to move away from the DSLR altogether and go with the Micro 4/3 sensors….. I had 2 Alpha APS-C cameras from Sony but again thought the JPEG output on the Panasonic to be of higher quality than the Sony’s. I am mostly a landscape, wildlife photographer and dabble sometimes in sky scapes but rarely.

[@georgedrick2627]

Did you own both the FZ 1000 and the FZ1000 II? Is it worth trading up from the original?

[@eb20675]

Any good for low light/long exposure photography? Sharpness and colors are outstanding in the samples, great video!

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you! I use the G9 to shoot at a local music club, which is pretty dim. Using the 25mm and 42.5mm f1.7 Lumix lenses usually pushes the ISO over 3200 at 1/125 second. I've had no issues this this. I haven't done long exposures, but you can go down to 60 seconds before using Bulb mode (only available when the camera is set to manual). Long exposure noise reduction is included, but that means your exposure is twice as long so the camera can capture a dark frame for noise subtraction. Interestingly, the research imaging camera systems I used to sell allowed saving dark frames for specific exposure durations, so you didn't have to do it every time you did a capture. There was a routine you ran in the software upon installing the instrument that automatically did this. Not something any camera manufacturers have included to my knowledge.

[@howardchud9097]

Your lighting is terrific. What is your setup?

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you! It's simpler than I used up until recently. Just an Aputure Amaran P60C light panel with the supplied soft box and grid about 45º up and to the right for main light. I have a folding table in front of me with a sheet of white poster board on it to reflect some of the light up into the shadows. Two Aputure MC mini lights on the background, the one on the right set to red and attached to a halogen stand light with the built in magnet and one on the left set to blue and on a Gorillapod on an old Webcor stereo console. But have a look at this video on Geeky Nerdy Techy for how I used to do it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3mript9jZaUl5o I've stopped using the backdrop and stands other than for the main light just to make it easier to set up and take down since it's in our living room.

[@cloudcitydigital]

Have you seen the new 6.5mm Loawa? Looking quite promising, might pick one up for my G9.

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, looks good. I rarely use my 7.5mm Laowa, so I’m set with ultra wides.

[@alanguile8945]

G85 to G9 progression, thats my story as well. No need to change further!

[@AntonioMartinez]

Excellent video! what other lenses do you use besides your 12-35 f2.8?

[@ToddBannor]

The lenses are listed in the description.

[@gregpatterson134]

i really trust your lumix experience. I currently want to upgrade from my g85 to take my mainly stills photography up a level or two. I have multiple nice pany lenes so want to stay panasonic if possible rather than OM. I'm no professional but serious hobby shooter and want to be able to produce prints that look good. I mainly shoot landscape, flowers, some wildlife, travel. Video is not a big need . i love the g85 but ready to be producing better image quality and dynamic range. In your experience, would g9 i be enough and not overbuying as I am still learning? Or, does th e new g9 ii really take it to a new level that would last me longer before future upgrades? With the g9 i I could also invest in new lenses, but not with the mkii. Thanks

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you for your trust. I appreciate it. I think in your situation you may want to go with the current G9 and maybe look for a used one in good condition. In fact, KEH.com has used ones in stock right now, including one in Like New condition. It will be a step up in image quality and an overall more capable camera. From the reviews I've seen, the G9II does have better high ISO performance and of course all the new video goodies, but I think at this point it would be wise to be a bit conservative until you gain more experience. A G9 will probably hold its value fairly well, so when you're ready to upgrade, you'll recoup some of the cost.

[@gregpatterson134]

Todd, I'm enjoying the G9 and the similarity to my G85 with menus. I've having difficulty getting good sharp images with my 100-300 panasonic mkii lens. I was hoping to see nice results compared to my g85 but even on my back porch with good range bird shots it's not what I see you and others get with regard to sharpness. I realize the lens needs light and I'm shooting in the day with good light. Any recommendations or tips are appreciated. I've shot on P and A priority and now trying manual. thanks, @@ToddBannor

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Take the same picture with 10 different cameras, and I could not tell you what camera took what picture. I have a half dozen MFT cameras now. I guess I am a gear nut. I have been thinking about adding the G9 to the fold. Not because it will make me a better photographer. I just have the itch. I also buy used like new. Paying half price is always nice.

[@cameronkrause4712]

I bought a g9 recently, and it is a whole lot of camera for the money.

[@wojciechczupta]

have you tried out the trick to remove the recording time limit in G9? (permanent service mode or something) does it work in practice? there are youtube videos how to do it - a 1 minute procedure, pressing buttons in specific sequence

[@ToddBannor]

I’ve never needed to record longer than 10 or 15 minutes.

[@DBBlocker]

I've got a G9 and probably haven't used it as much as I should. I ran into an issue no one has been able to explain. I was shooting a sunset in Hawaii and maybe started a tad early, but what happen was a flare was burned (not sure that is the right term) and all the rest of my images had the flare in them, the only thing I could do was reset the camera and of course I hadn't saved my custom setup. I was so frustrated. My wife's little canon point and shoot had no problem. Ever heard of this?

[@ToddBannor]

Weird. I've never had it happen. I'd have the camera checked if it happens again.

[@scotty305]

I got my wife a G9 to replace a Canon Rebel T3i. The G9 takes great photos but she misses the built-in flash from her old Canon. She tried a Godox TT350 flash but it feels too bulky. Do you have a recommendation for a small flash unit that can be added to the G9?

[@ToddBannor]

Yes, that is a problem with the G9. I have Godox TT350o flashes. They're fairly small and can tilt and swivel so you can bounce. They also be set to be a transmitter to control other Godox flashes that are set to receive if she wants to to multiple flash shots. Here's a link: www.amazon.com/Speedlite-Compatible-Olympus-Panasonic-Mirrorless/dp/B071CV11QP/ref=sr_1_1_sspa/

[@Lepewhi]

I bought a g9 original in 2024. With the g9ii out, people are 'upgrading', the price on the original was at a price I couldn't resist. I couldn't justify paying the price of a g9ii. I doubt that g9ii is 3x the camera of the g9, at least for my purposes.

[@Lepewhi]

Plus, I like the top plate for checking settings without looking through the viewfinder.

[@ToddBannor]

The G9 is fine if you mostly shoot still photos. But the pulsing AF in video is something I don’t miss now that I’m using the G9II for these KZbin vids.

[@Lepewhi]

@@ToddBannor I never shoot video. If I take a quick video, I use my smartphone. But, I am not into video and yet another program to learn. So, I'm happy with the original. If I were interested in video, I'd look into the GH series.

[@matthiasschluter3060]

Combine the S5ii with the GH6...the G9 ii is perfect...in my focus !!

[@dmitrypavlov872]

Тоже люблю G9 и 100-400мм, жду G9 mii. Всем желаю здоровья.

[@hindesite]

Love everything about the G9 except the top plate display. I said at the time it was a desperate fad, and I was right. Also hate the brain dead limited bluetooth functionality, but everything else about it is great. V2 firmware was a surprise update.

[@ToddBannor]

I think the top plate display may have been to try to attract higher end DSLR users.

[@hindesite]

@ToddBannor I think you are correct, it was a retro feature because DSLRs had them. Mirrorless already have 2x displays why do we need a 3rd? If it had been a raster eink display it could have made sense, being able to see battery level or shots left at a glance with the camera off would actually have been useful. As I predicted it never appeared in any subsequent models. Same thing happened with photo styles on the G6 and panorama mode on the G7.

[@ToddBannor]

@@hindesite Both my G9 and G95 have Photo Styles in the menu, so I think they just got moved. Same for Panorama mode, it’s #25 in the Scene Modes on the G95.

[@hindesite]

@@ToddBannor I should have been more clear. The issue isn't the features, but wasting prime and limited interface space on them. Lumix dropped the Panorama position from the mode dial in favour of more Custom positions, which I think is the right trend although with the G7 they dropped the number of Custom positions down to one. Despite the annoyances I love my G9; but never use Styles, Scenes or Panorama at the time of shooting. Much easier to do afterwards.

[@ivisonpacheco3118]

Hello, I'm Brazilian, I'm passionate about photography, and I would like to buy this camera. I have a question for you? This camera has a continuous recording limit of just 30 minutes. And having such a low time limit on the camera, doesn't that make it difficult to shoot for long periods of time?

[@ToddBannor]

It’s only a problem if you actually shoot videos longer than 30 minutes, which I mostly don’t. And when I do need to shoot longer, I use my G95.

[@User_djy7529]

How is autofocus compared to midrange dslrs like nikon d7500 or canon 90d,thanks!!

[@ToddBannor]

I haven’t used either of those cameras. I have used the 80D and it’s about as good and probably better than the 70D.

[@User_djy7529]

@@ToddBannor thanks for reply,I m coming from canon 1500d, which is beginners camera,thinking about upgrading,thanks again!!

[@martysender5539]

Todd. Panasonic about to introduce PDAF focusing. I got gh5 but held off on 9 because of record limit let's hope a new g9 with PDAF. Marty Sender You Tube in DC.

[@ToddBannor]

Yes I’ve seen the rumors. I’ll be putting up a video about them today or tomorrow.

[@hedydd2]

When does a want become something less than ‘responsible’ or ‘obtainable’ for those that have worked hard and can easily afford a new toy, whether new or used? I ask because as of Non 12th 2023 I finally decided to upgrade my 10 year old G6 and 8 year old G7 with a used G9. Do I want to? Yes? Do I need to? Absolutely not. I’m still doing it though, with a clean conscience. It will cost me £260 or $300 approximately. Believe it or not I will miss my G6 most, because it has mostly been my every-day companion during work for many years and was my first M4/3 and mirrorless camera. I’ll miss the exceptionally light weight of the G6 and G7 but will love the new performance and features of the G9, I know. Exciting week ahead while the old ones are collected on Tuesday, so within 10 days I hope to have the G7 of choice in my hands.

[@leef3167]

Hi. I love the camera except for night photography.

[@ToddBannor]

I’ve had okay results with the f1.7 primes. Shooting black and white helps.

[@capitolbassfishing]

The G9 is simply the best value IMO of any camera out there. I have a S52 still getting used to it…other than low light G9 is on par. Yes autofocus on s52 is “better” but really in video mode only. Thanks for the video but gotta say though Obama 👎 but ya it’s ok to have political leanings and we should all respect one another and be able to talk about it. New republican sub :-)

[@ToddBannor]

One of my first votes when I came of age was for Republican Illinois Senator Charles Percy. Those were the days.

[@TheMattchooo]

i love your videos. im new to photography and only have a TZ80/ZS60 at the moment, but will be getting the G9 in a few months after christmas. the prospect of the price of some of the sony stuff is hideous! i like micro four thirds best as its the perfect combination of size, weight and image quality for me. liked and subscribed todd :)

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you! Welcome to my channel. If you stick with the original G9, you should be able to get a good deal next year.

[@TheMattchooo]

@@ToddBannor thank you todd. i have seen the G9 brand new on amazon for £999 with the kit lens and additional extras, however i have also seen it as just the body, used in as yours was, like new condition, for £500. so i have a little digging to do as im pretty sure with the brand new one, there could be a carry bag, kit lens, strap etc with it, that may not come with the used one.

[@Sotangy247]

Great video Todd. Love my G9

[@ToddBannor]

Thank you! It's a great camera.