Lumix G9 ii - a RESULTS based photography review

The Panasonic Lumix G9M2 has some very impressive specifications, but I don't care about numbers; I care about results. This review is based on the RESULTS I got from using this camera as my daily photography stills camera over several weeks in a variety of different scenarios.
PS,
If you like my RESULTS based reviews, please let me know in the comments, and by liking/disliking the video. This helps me decide what content you'd like from me going forward 😁
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Panasonic LUMIX G9M2 Specifications:
- 25MP CMOS sensor with dual output gain
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (CIPA-rated to 8 stops)
- On-sensor phase detection (779 points)
- 3", 1.84M-dot fully articulating touchscreen
- 3.86M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.8x magnification
- 60 fps burst shooting with AF-C and electronic shutter (10 fps mechanical)
- 100MP handheld high-res mode
- Up to 5.8K Open Gate 4:2:0, C4K 4:2:2 10-bit, with V-Log and HLG
ProRes 422 and 422 HQ recording to SSD
- Raw output to Atomos and Blackmagic external recorders
- 390 shots per charge battery life (using LCD)
- USB-C power delivery
- Dual UHS-II card slots
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Video Chapters:
00:51 Image Quality
02:00 Reliability
03:21 Low Light Performance
04:33 Autofocus
05:58 Wildlife Performance
08:10 Battery Life
09:20 Stabilisation
10:38 - Handling and Ergonomics
11:28 EVF
11:59 Super Resolution
13:00 JPEG/Film Emulations
13:57 Weight
14:50 Rolling Shutter
15:51 Depth of Field
17:00 Video
19:54 Is it a Good Camera?
21:06 Will I Be Buying It? (And why)
#lumixg9ii #review #lumix #photography

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Would you like me to make some more results-based reviews?

[@briancampbell5243]

Yes!

[@rosspowell1665]

Definitely!

[@RickMentore]

You're a fantastic photographer and video story teller, do whatever you like, I'll watch. Having said that, I'll like to see a video comparing Lumix Panasonic cameras to Leica cameras.

[@ilmatanela1816]

Yep!

[@user-rj1hx5jz1n]

I had the g9 and switched to g9ii.A different level all together.the af, image quality, low light performance,hand held high res. and more. Excellent value for the money if you are a serious photographer who will make use of all its advantages.Excellent hybrid camera.Regarding blurred background, you can achieve very good results with fast aperture lenses and zoom lenses.

[@edjefferson9175]

Lack of depth of field? That's backwards. Abundance of depth of field is more like it. A "con" I learned to love. A low light interview at f/1.2 with nose, eyes and ears in focus is possible.

[@tdawg719]

I think this is actually the mostly unspoken gem of these systems. For landscape suddenly I can achieve the depth of field I desire by only stopping down to f/4 and still having the affective brightness of f/4 on the sensor.

[@ThierryQuerette]

Upgraded from Fuji XT3 to Panasonic Lumix G9 Mark II - best decision ever! While my Sony A7 IV is for work, the G9 Mark II is my travel/street photography. Image quality is incredibly good, and I love how lightweight it is - perfect for long shoots without fatigue. Leica lenses are amazing too sharp, vibrant colors.

[@zenonbillings9008]

EXCELLENT REVIEW. I have been exclusively a panasonic lumix user for the past 11 years and i concur with everything you have said . the partnership between panasonic and leica lenses is a strong reason for buying into the Lumix system . zen billings in canada. THX AGAIN FOR THIS GREAT REVIEW !!!

[@eddieg1954]

Great video. I've recently purchased a used OMD EM1 mk iii 4 thirds camera with a 12-45 mm lens. Main reason for buying it was the weight as i'm getting older (70) its hard to hold a heavier camera steady and also the stabilisation is fantastic on this camera. It was great to watch your video as it's made me look at my cameras capabilities more and wow absolutely chuffed Thanks again for a great interesting and educational video. Good luck and hope you enjoy your new camera. Ed

[@RickMentore]

First time viewing your channel, its truly a breath of fresh air. Thoroughly enjoyed your photography and story telling, needless to say I've subscribed.

[@SMGJohn]

Whats this? A video thats not an infomercial about a guy sitting in his studio reading from a spec sheet? Oh my Lord! Have I missed videos like this!! They used to be so common pre-2014 but then something changed, people stopped doing stuff like this. I guess its too much effort, so thank you, for actually doing it, its not easy to make videos like this at all.

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Thanks John 😁

[@colinjoyceart]

Finally a review of the G9 ii as a photography camera, thank you Joshua. So many just ramble on about it for video. It may well convince me I finally need to upgrade my G9. By the way, your black and white interior shot at 13:15 looks very much like a National Trust property we visited recently in Wales.

[@eppietimisela7118]

Im still happy with my original Panasonic G9, but for sure the G9ii is on my wishlist. Alongside my G9 im also shooting with the GH5ii and have really no issues with autofocus and certainly not with video shooting. However the G9ii is worth to buy. Thanks for the video 👍🏾

[@josephmansfield2875]

Great video Joshua is this the start of a new career as a camera reviewer. Its so great to see you coming out of the rut that you were in. You are absolutely transformed energised and so much stronger. You are totally aware both of your limitations and needs. I cant wait for your next video and your new choice of camera and I wish you well and look forward to seeing you grow and mature in your craft.

[@FourKnown]

Great video Joshua! I bought a GH7 but wanted to see this video since the photo capabilities of both cameras are nearly identical. I am a true hybrid shooter, doing as much video as stills and the GH7, for me, really is perfect. I'm loving it! Now I'm going to look at your other videos and see what your new camera is!! Just wanted to mention a very common mistake you made when you said "Lack of depth of field" on the G9 ii. I see this all the time on KZbin videos. The term "depth of field" refers to the area in front of and in back of the focus point that is in acceptable focus. So a lack of depth of field really means shallow depth of field, which full frame cameras have. M4/3 has more depth of field, not a lack of DOF. I know people really mean "lack of good bokeh". LOL

[@carollemarchand1299]

The wider depth of field of the mft camera is a definite advantage when photographing small birds or proxi macro.

[@Dr.Mark.Marzinzik]

Wonderful video! And so many beautiful photos! I again learned a lot! Thank you! 👍🏻💚

[@amys6692]

Excellent video! Thank you for posting it. Yes, please do more like this.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Nice to hear your point of view! I own a G9ii after two G9s. I noticed when you were holding the G9ii it looked like a point and shoot! Sounds like the new body works great for you. To me, the original G9 was the best handling of any camera I ever used. As you say, we're lucky to have lots of choices! No complaints about the G9ii or its images. If Lumix had just stuck the G9ii sensor into the OG G9 I'd have been so happy. As it is, I went another way too and will probably be selling the G9ii since I just don't want to use it. My hands couldn't get over the body changes. Will be interesting to see what you chose.

[@polmestra]

I mean, is there any chance this camera isn't amazing? Always happy to see you ❤

[@remusmoise8836]

Fairy tale, as usual...everything is perfect!

[@photographerw.j.smithphoto1214]

I bought G9 in 2017 to shoot sports with professionally. It has been a trusted work horse and the ergonomics of the camera are top of it class. Bought the new G9MkII when it came out...two things...they changed battery on us and shortened the grip. Other than that it has been a huge upgrade over the G9....especially focus. I am on the football field for 7-8 hours doing multiple games and usually bang off about 2000 pictures and go through 2.5 batteries. Great review and new subscriber.

[@pacificbloomco]

Loved your review! Quality content, informative, helpful, and great visuals!

[@randallherreraNyc]

loved this review. thanks for not making half of it a just you reading off specs..

[@NicMatto]

I have a Lumix GX80/85, it's dated but gives me a lot of satisfaction, but now I've been evaluating the purchase of this new Lumix G9II for a while because the autofocus of my GX80/85 is a bit slow by today's standards and in poor light or not optimal is easily lost. The more I find out about this G9II the more I want to buy it, certainly in low light an FF camera would be better, but I think that having "learned" (you never stop learning) to shoot in difficult conditions with my current camera, I'm unlikely to G9II will disappoint me, if not due to my mistake

[@rayjenkins2754]

Like your video's detail . . . except - when you don't say if when focusing on a moving subject, do you have your G9 II in AFS or AFC ? I've noticed that others have seen & mentioned that the better G9 II Phase Detect Auto Focusing is more consistent when the 'AFC ' is engaged. Is this true or am I missing something ? Could you clarify. Also does this camera take an inordinately long time to boot up & be ready to shoot from being in the off position ? It will be over 100 * here in Sacramento on Tuesday & Wednesday. Thanks, Ray

[@jacquesgiard6943]

Thanks!

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Thanks you so much 👏

[@pacificelectric1955]

Greetings from France! Great review but… which place is this? Reminds me of Scotland though.

[@frankinblackpool]

The TLDR part, you buy the G9m2 for the Phased Detect Auto Focus sensor because it’s perfection for a micro four thirds camera. I bought the G9m2 for the video capabilities to replace my video centric Panasonic GH6 which DID NOT have phase detect auto focus. I have no desire to upgrade my G9m2 for the video centric GH7. If I never bought a G9m2 then I would buy a GH7 in a heartbeat. The G9m2 is a superb camera and almost the equal of my mate’s full frame Panasonic S5m2 camera. That says it all for a Micro four thirds sensor if it can keep up with a full frame camera in all conditions except for the most demanding of situations like Astro photography. Even then, the G9m2 is remarkably close. Unless you want a full frame camera then the G9m2 is the only true micro four thirds hybrid camera out there. However if you only want to take photos of birds in the wild, and that is your primary goal above all else, then the OM Systems OM-1 Mark 2 is the only alternative. But it’s a one trick pony to specialise in birds. The G9m2 is the GOAT of hybrid cameras. It will be years before a successor takes its crown.

[@paulmcwilliams8641]

The moth was a Nemophora Degeerella.

[@TheJoshuaPeg]

Thanks for you insight!

[@trevorsneath4665]

Hmmm. My guess last video was Micro 4/3 would be your choice, now I'm all at a loss. APS/c? Full Frame? Who can say at this point? 😞

[@marknathan7744]

Great video they are great cameras had several models the only thing i would say and from my 4 years experience using panny m43 they fall down at low light long exposure which exposes its limitations and the photos from the gx80,gx8,g9mk1 & gx9 all showed loads of hot pixel problems in this senario .Olympus is alot better at the long exposure stuff.

[@lewishumphreys5727]

What would be the equivalent camera from other manufacturers? Have you considered Sony for example?

[@marcel.kaligraphy]

Considering that the G9ii is M43 an equivalent would be the OM-1ii or the OM-1ifrom OM-Systems (formerly known as Olympus).

[@MakaryKowacki]

so this camera as your choice was doomed from the start only because you already made up your mind that you wanted to adapt / keep your old canon lenses. interesting, I have a friend that upgraded their system camera from DSLR to DSLM and adapted their old lenses to save money, and then ended up buying new lenses for that mount anyway. wonder how soon until we see you rebuy native lenses for your new canon.

[@abdulwahid-tn4qn]

Still with my canon 700d 😅

[@thomascoulton]

I think a missed question here was "Could I only get these images with this camera?" Very insightful and deep, you have me thinking about this camera, but for what I shot it would not work as well as my FF Canon right now. I really think all cameras today can take amazing images, I get why someone would want to jump ship, I have been in that boat myself and currently thinking about it. But I have yet to find a camera that can produce an images that I cannot get with a little tweaking in lLightroom. So really I guess it comes down to costs, weight and options available to you for say lens choses (looking at your Canon RF mount and massive lack of options)? Is it really work the lose of money from selling your gear to get different only to maybe not like what you get and lose even more, or worse not use it at all? It's a topic that has been coming up a lot in my feed on YT of late, never sure if its people sick of boring black camera that all look/act the same, or creatures trying something new to stand out more and get new viewers.

[@timothykieper]

Way above my budget,. But, I would need to ask, is it worth more than twice the price of a G9 ?

[@JoeMaranophotography]

Yes!

[@Democratiser]

I have a G9 and it is excellent. If I only took stills photos it would be more than adequate as an enthusiast / amateur. The key is to get excellent lenses and there are plenty from LUMIX (esp the Panasonic Leica range) and Olympus (pro and premium ranges). I love the lightness of the primes (cf full frame). I lust for a G9II and hope to get one someday especially because of the better AF in video but it is better than the G9 in every way. But I am waiting for its price to come down. I reckon it would be great value at about US$1300-1400. So about 30% below launch price. As it is fairly new the retail prices are still fairly high. I suspect there will be a reduction for Black Friday sales.. or lens bundle deals… or both.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@RJ-dv5mg The ISO performance and extra MP really help I think.

[@Democratiser]

@@JoeMaranophotography Yes good point, the G9II seems to be much better at higher ISO per Richard Wong’s tests. But still a stop or so behind full frame. With all the software tools available now a stop or two doesn’t worry me. This is especially the case as there are brilliant, small and fast MFT prime lenses which are affordable (esp used). They say I look at it is that I would rarely take a FF camera with me which has a F2.8 zoom because of size. Maybe I’d carry a full frame F4 constant or a variable as they are smaller and lighter. Say the 20-60mm kit lens for LUMIX S5II. But I’d definitely not bails at carrying a G9 / G9II with any of the lenses other than the zoom’s that extend beyond 150mm (300mm equivalent) and the primes can be tiny. Thus the camera I use most is my G9 but I have a canon 5D III with a 70-200mm IS F2.8L or 85mm f1.4 if I need bokeh. Perfect combination OMHO.

[@castielvargastv7931]

@@RJ-dv5mgi politely disagree. The image quality, the highlights, the low light, noise. Everything is much better with the new sensor. The old one can give good results but if you have the new g9/gh7 you dont look back. I am a gh5 owner , it has the sam sensor g9 og has and i just bought a gh7 which is the same as g9ii. Well spent money.

[@tejassambhare2921]

I have G85 lumix please suggest for lens

[@ashovid8915]

Lumix 25mm f1.7....Lumix 35-100 f 2.8...Lumix 42.5mm f1.7