LUMIX G9ii Firmware + LUMIX LAB Updates

[@jackjstrange]

So happy to see you again!!!

[@ImageMaven]

@@jackjstrange Same to you Jack!

[@DaddyyCrab]

Coffee time ☕️ 😎

[@ImageMaven]

THANK YOU!!

[@DaddyyCrab]

@@ImageMavenI understand the work involved in producing a video. Thanks again.

[@jesusforgentiles3682]

helll

[@PaulVotava]

Marlene, I finally got one and watching your informational videos, so helpful! Thanks for all you do!

[@ImageMaven]

Happy you got a G9ii, enjoy! And thanks for watching.

[@TurboNorm]

Your tutorials are always so clear, concise, and detailed. Thanks. Future owner of a Mark II.

[@ImageMaven]

Thank you. Great to hear! I hope you enjoy it when you get yours.

[@franshendriks8590]

A big "thank you" from the Netherlands. Great tutorial, Marlene.

[@ruisong3748]

Thank you for your video Marlene. I just updated the firmware and tried the LUMIX Lab. Very handy ! :)

[@ImageMaven]

Great to hear! Have fun playing with the new tools.

[@emilebaudot904]

A great tutorial Marlene - as always; well put over and easy to follow. Thank you.

[@ImageMaven]

You are so welcome!

[@mattevanst4967]

thank you so much! Just upgraded from a GX80 to a G9II and your vids helped me a lot. Update my firmware from 2.1 to 2.2 thanks to this video. I definitely plan on browsing through the manual, but videos are just easier and quicker to parse through! :)

[@ImageMaven]

Glad you got your update done on your G9ii. I’m with you! Videos are easier to digest than the manual. And the manual is pretty sparse on the how-to part. And most of the content about my G9 (original version) videos also pertains to the G9ii camera. Enjoy!

[@ליהלי-צ8נ]

Thanks Marlene for this comprehensive video .Very helpful. Helped me very much concerning both topics.

[@ImageMaven]

Happy to hear that! Have fun with the LUMIX LAB App!

[@ליהלי-צ8נ]

@@ImageMaven and with my g9ii.Excelent👌

[@sutv6754]

Thank you Marlene.

[@jettysplash]

Thanks!

[@ImageMaven]

@@jettysplash Thank you so much! 😊

[@Emerald_City_]

Nice to see you running the show again, Marlene, the pride of Friesland! Now you've had the G9ii for a while, how would you briefly describe the step up from G9 orig. in terms of video AND stills image quality, AF and IBIS? Do the improvements justify the high price (the S5ii is now less expensive than the G9ii, but I'm stuck with the lens collection)... P.S. I'll buy you a coffee when I'm in Calgary again, or when you visit the country of your ancestors ;)

[@ImageMaven]

I'll do my best. The AF of the G9ii is definitely better for bird photos, but operator error is always a factor. But again with any camera, you need good lighting first. Bad and low contrast light, with high ISO is not going to produce sharp images of a small bird that is not large in the frame. That's true for every camera. IBIS with a long lens (which I use on this camera 90% of the time) is not super noticeable for my own photos as I use fast shutter speeds of usually 1/1000s or faster unless the birds are not moving. Then I can use 1/500 or sometimes even slower. But not often. As I often shoot wide open, if my shutter speed goes too low, I'm overexposed. I do love the Live View Composite feature of the G9ii and I've been experimenting with Astro photography. I love the star trails you can make, but it's not an every day thing. I think the S5ii can do that, but don't quote me on that! I don't shoot a lot of video with the G9ii. I have the full IBIS enabled all the time, for those occasions when I do shoot a random video clip of birds in action or even bobbing along the river. I find it helps when I've had too much coffee, as I don't like to carry a tripod or monopod. Hopefully the G9ii will get lower in price soon. Because the one I'm using is not mine to keep. I'm also sticking with MFT for the same reason, plus I just don't want to carry even heavier lenses around. I think it's the perfect kit for birding, travel etc. Although I do love the S9 as an every day carry with the new 18-40mm lens. But likely I will have to give that back to Lumix one day too. Hope that answers some of your questions. But I'm sure everyone will have a different viewpoint. Cheers!

[@Emerald_City_]

@@ImageMaven thank you so much for your kind mini-review... I am waiting for the price to plunge as well. I had enough of the frustrations with the G9's AF.

[@Media-oq9ux]

Thank you.

[@teresacms79]

thanks

[@63MemoryLane-gw1cv]

Hi Marlene, can the G9II do in-camera RAW edits using LUTs for photos? The S5II has this feature.

[@ImageMaven]

Yes it can! And thank you for drawing my attention to this. (Keep in mind the resulting photo will be a jpg. But you probably know that.) It's great if you shot only raw and want to take advantage of the LUTS.

[@brucegraner5901]

Marlene, your videos are always helpful, especially when it comes to updating software. Take it from someone who still has a copy of Adobe Photoshop 3.0. Anyway, I'm still shooting a pair of G9's but I've been using the two digital zoom features. to help get me closer to shy birds. However, I understand the G9 Mk2 has a feature called hybrid zoom. Can you please talk about this feature in a future video?

[@ImageMaven]

Hey Bruce. Great to hear from you again. I think the Hybrid Zoom is only on the S Series cameras. The S9 definitely has it. The G9ii doesn't have it, at least I haven't found it in the menus after the firmware update. I'll check the owner's manual next, but I'm almost certain it doesn't. One thing it does have is Extended Teleconverter. I have made a video about that in the past (for the G9). Here's the link if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5KWh39vfcuSr8U EXT Tele works really well with video, as the resolution is lower than photos, so you can really punch in to those shy birds. Both Hybrid Zoom and EXT Tele use a smaller pixel dimension to achieve the punched in views. You can find out more on page 206 of the G9ii owner's manual.

[@ImageMaven]

I just checked the camera manual. Definitely NO Hybrid Zoom on the G9ii.

[@brucegraner5901]

@@ImageMaven Thanks for getting back to me. I'm currently running the 2x digital zoom as a custom mode on one of my G9's and the Extended Teleconverter (11-meg file) on the other. I figure the extended converter equals roughly a 1.1x converter. I had the opportunity to photograph an active eagle's nest for the first time this year and the 800mm's of the 100-400mm wasn't quite enough so I tried the 2x digital option in the menu. Given good light and a low ISO setting it did surprisingly well. I'm wondering if the hybrid zoom is like the old I-zoom feature in the Lumix FZ1000. Processor enhanced it made a difference in how the 2x digital zoom of the camera's 400mm optical reach looked. I hope Lumix will add that to the G9 Mk2. It would be an amazing option on that camera for wildlife photography, especially for a system that values versatility and light weight.

[@ImageMaven]

Sounds like you’re getting the most out of your gear! Yes it would be amazing to hybrid zoom on the G9ii. I’m going to ask Sean if he can put it on the engineers radar. They definitely take our feedback seriously if enough people ask for things, as long as it’s doable with firmware.

[@brucegraner5901]

@@ImageMaven That sounds great. Could you ask if such an update is possible for us Original G9 users as well? It was a feature in the FZ1000, or at least on Leica's version, the V-Lux 114, a more modest machine than the G9. I look forward to an update if they give you one. Much thanks.

[@JamesAnderson-wft]

Thanks again, lady. I always look out for something new from you. I know how to use live view composite on the G9m2, but I've never found a use for it. Have you?

[@ImageMaven]

Hi James! Live composite is great for night photos, lightning, light painting etc. I’m about to start learning more about it myself. Might take me a couple months to get it all figured out but I shall make a video when I have some more experience with it. Thanks for watching!

[@JamesAnderson-wft]

@@ImageMaven Great! Look forward to that. It's getting to the appropriate season for it I guess.

[@ImageMaven]

@@JamesAnderson-wft Yes! Dark at 6pm means not having to get out in the middle of the night. Lol.

[@JanetPinkston]

Hi Marlene, good to hear from you again. I get an error message when I attempt to upload the firmware - that the file cannot be found. I use Mac, downloaded the bin file, copied it to a newly formatted SC card, put it at the root level and used a fully charged battery. Any ideas?

[@ImageMaven]

Hi Janet, I would try again. Reformat the card. And/or maybe try with a different memory card.

[@Emerald_City_]

Are you sure you decompressed/unpacked the zip file?

[@gordon3988]

Even without a G9ii I watch this…btw this looked good! OP3?

[@ImageMaven]

Thanks! Some OP3 but I prefer the G100 for the shots where I’m demonstrating the camera menus.

[@sue.Hoo123]

Thanks Marlene, it really looks like LUTs could be fun. One frustration is I updated my G9ii firmware, downloaded the Lab App on to iPad, successfully paired, was able to download jpgs, use it to control the camera remotely so was obviously doing something right. Yesterday tried using it to download about 15 images and it just wouldn’t pair at all, had Bluetooth open on both devices etc, tried 3 times and gave up just used a card reader instead. It’s really frustrating as I used my little LX100 for some fungi shots, connected to the old Image App first go and successfully downloaded my shots 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@ImageMaven]

The LUMIX LAB App won’t connect to your LX100, so you’ll be stuck using old Image App for that camera. However the image editing features of LUMIX LAB work with any jpgs or video clips. It’s not you.

[@sue.Hoo123]

@@ImageMaven sorry I didn’t explain clearly, I had paired my G9ii to Lab App and downloaded pics, edited some and took control of camera so all working ok, next time I tried it just wouldn’t connect. I explained about my LX100 connecting to old Image App as it’s an old App and camera, but both connected faultlessly, while the newer camera and App wouldn’t.

[@Angie-zn8gb]

hi, couldnt see how to post on the video that I am referring to. You were using an OM1 and said it was getting hot when you were using it. You were going to look at why that was. Did you ever do this , thanks

[@ImageMaven]

No I never did figure this out. But yes, it still gets very hot. It's not a problem on colder days, but in the summer it sure is. Why do you ask?

[@Angie-zn8gb]

@@ImageMaven thanks so much for replying, Been doing some research and overheating is something that I see coming up for some of the cameras. I currently have a canon bridge and now wanting to get a good camera as I have time. Dont want FF due to weight and cost , thinking fujifilm of MFT. Have funds for good camera so narrowed down to pana G9/ii or OM1/ii . Dont want a cheaper one to start as it is false economy I think. Will be photos 85% and some short videos . Cheers

[@ImageMaven]

Well my G9ii has never overheated. And I use it the most. What type of photography are you hoping to do with your chosen gear?

[@Angie-zn8gb]

@@ImageMaven probably a bit of a mixture until I figure out what I really like.

[@Emerald_City_]

@@Angie-zn8gb if you still don't know what you like, the OM-1/ii could be an overkill... the G9/ii too. A second hand G9/orig. is ⅓ of a price of a new G9/ii. The EM-1/ii or /iii have both legendary status too...

[@BuildingByFaith]

The firmware support is one of the reasons why I chose Panasonic cameras.

[@ImageMaven]

Totally agree! Thanks for stopping by!

[@PaulVotava]

One question, you have a reference image appear in the menu when you cycle through the styles and LUTS menu, and the image changes in appearance to show the effects of that style or LUT. My screen in that area is black, how do I load a reference image like yours? Thanks-

[@ImageMaven]

Can’t find what you’re referring to. What is the time code?

[@PaulVotava]

@@ImageMaven that would help lol; @9:32

[@ImageMaven]

Ah, I think I finally figured out what you mean. That’s not a reference image. It’s the actual scene. (I have a painting hanging on the wall in front of me.) Take your lens cap off and you will see whatever you’re pointing at, and you can change your LUT based on that.

[@PaulVotava]

@ omg did I miss that!!!??? Thanks for being easy on me lol😂

[@Flycatchers1958]

Some people have mentioned a problem with some AF settings on video on updating. Personally I don’t do much video so wasn’t even sure what might effect that might show up. Or whether is an issue or not. Guess if there is Panasonic would do another update.

[@ImageMaven]

I don’t do much video on the G9ii either so I haven’t experienced this but then again I don’t really have anything to compare it to.

[@Flycatchers1958]

@ yes i meant to add this to your other video post as it’s the latest 2.3. I might leave it a bit of time before I go from 2.2 but doubt I will ever notice anything missing!

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

I'm curious if you can test something for me. G9 II with firmware 2.2 The 'exposure comp reset' feature does not work for me in C1, C2 and C3 on the dial. This is a global setting, so if you set it to ON while in A mode (aperture priority), then it's also on in C1, C2, C3. I confirmed it shows as ON in C1, C2, C3 but when I change the exposure compensation while on C1, when I turn the camera off and on, the exposure comp is not reset to 0 as it should be. Is it the same for you? More details: If I change exposure comp while on C1 and then turn the camera off and then turn it on again, the exposure comp is still at the value I set just for turning the camera off (but it should be back to 0). If I change the exposure comp while on A on the dial (aperture priority) and then turn the camera off/on, the exposure comp is reset to 0 as I would expect (working properly). I also tried this on C2 and C3 (both of which I haven't changed/still at factory settings). With 'Exposure Comp. Reset' set to ON, it doesn't work in C2 or C3 either (I.E., when you turn the camera off/on, it doesn't reset the exposure comp value to 0). I'm curious if this works the same for you (same behavior as mentioned above). If you want to try it, go into the camera's menu and go to the gear icon, then go to page 2 of the Image Quality section, It should be the first setting at the top of the menu. Set 'Exposure Comp. Reset' to ON. Now that it's ON, go to Aperture priority on the mode dial. Change the exposure comp to -1 or whatever you want. Turn the camera off and back on. The exposure comp should be back to 0 (no compensation). Next go to C1 on the mode dial. Check the settings menu and confirm Exposure Comp. Reset is still set to ON. Now, change the exposure compensation to something other than 0, like -1 or +2, whatever you want. Turn the camera off and on again. Is your exposure comp back to 0 now or is it still at the value you set before turning the camera off?

[@ImageMaven]

Interesting. I’ll test it and post an update in the comments!

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

@ thanks! I recently bought a G9 II and immediately updated to firmware 2.2 so I don’t have a reference to know if it worked fine before 2.2. I’m assuming it SHOULD work while in C1, C2 and C3. Just doesn’t seem logical if exposure comp reset isn’t meant to work in the custom modes, so for now I was assuming it’s a bug.

[@ImageMaven]

Okay I just ran through this on the G9ii and I get the same results as you do. However, if I just scroll through other modes (PASMC), while not turning off the camera, the exposure comp resets. I’ll test this on some other cameras and let you know.

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

@ thanks! And do you agree this feature should be working in C1 to C3 custom modes? Surely they wouldn’t intentionally disable it in those modes? If you have a different Panasonic model that has this feature (like the GH series), I’d be curious to know if it works in the custom modes on the other model. I did ask Panasonic about it too. Waiting for their response but also wanted to see if other people observe the same behavior I’m seeing.

[@ImageMaven]

I just tested the S9 and it is the same as you describe. I guess it’s just how they have it programmed in all cameras. I’ll double check that and if I find a different result, I’ll let you know. Just off to do family stuff.

[@jeffreywolf8104]

Any idea when there will be updates for the "old" G9 lol

[@ImageMaven]

I think that is unlikely as this camera is over 5 years old. But one can always hope!

[@Emerald_City_]

@@ImageMaven They came up with an update for the GH2 when it was 7,5 years old. The G9 orig. is now exactly 7 years old.

[@vermis8344]

Yknow, I have the same problem with OM raw files on my Samsung Android Tab. I'm having to ball up all my GAS and focus it on a new PC...

[@ImageMaven]

Hmm, I must test an OM raw file on my iPad too. Have fun shopping! 😉

[@cristibaluta]

OM raws are just fine, panasonic is shitty for giving you double the filesize for less quality

[@marcelvanlierop]

Hmmm...Sequoia 15.0.1 can't open the zip ('unsupported profile'...)

[@ImageMaven]

I haven’t heard of this! Let me check with someone from LUMIX to see if there is a solution.

[@ImageMaven]

Here’s what I got for you: “Most times it's either a permissions issue in MacOS, or the browser is auto decompressing the Zip file but also automatically tries to unzip the .bin file. If the user has the .bin file, that's all they need to put on the SD card to do the update.”

[@richardgorski23]

I want to go back to 2.2. @.3 took away Ex teleconverter and uses that terrible crop zoom.

[@laurentyarp514]

I have no S camera envy whatsoever. The G100 is said to be the best selling Panasonic in Japan. I would have love to purchase a brand new one but suprinsingly there is none to be found in camera store here in France. This is because of an exclusive agreement between Panasonic and a retail store brand. Those guys will not sell a body only camera. No worries. I will get a second hand body eventually.

[@ImageMaven]

@@laurentyarp514 A GX9 II would be an excellent addition to the MFT range. Now if only LUMIX would listen to us all asking for it! Thanks for watching.!

[@laurentyarp514]

@@ImageMaven Hopefully they will. I still have hope there will be one in 2025

[@Emerald_City_]

@@ImageMaven or - still better - a G85 II with the phase detect AF, the improved color science, 16 or 20 Mpx sensor and an improved IBIS! The GX9 hasn't got the best ergonomics out there...

[@bjnslc]

It's too bad Panasonic didn't just expand the capabilities of Lumix Link. It's annoying to have to switch apps to get camera control and GPS tagging vs. LUT & image editing. Especially when WiFi switchover is so slow. I'm not into the lossy workflow of baked-in LUTs, but Panasonic should build and offer a bunch of film look LUTs in order to serve the target market.

[@ImageMaven]

You can join in on the weekly Lumix USA livestreams and add your wish list to their comment sections. If enough people ask for the same thing, they will consider it. LUMIX Lab will be updated to add remote camera functionality too. (Maybe it's already there. Haven't looked lately.) There are indeed film like LUTs on the Lumix Lab app. Many of them are from Lumix creators themselves. Check it out! Thanks for stopping by!