LUMIX G9II is a taste of future micro 4/3rds cameras

[@DocBoA]

I’ve been waiting for this upgrade to my G9. Using my GH5ii is a phenomenal experience but the G9 always feels different in the hand. Top notch content!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Appreciate you watching 🙏 it's a great camera!

[@samclarke8149]

Great review man. hey, did you say that you lose half a stop of stabilisation when you use dual I.S?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yes. The optics are stabilizing as much as they can

[@cornerofthemoon]

Micro 4/3 deserves more respect. I've tried several APS-C and FF cameras but my Olympus is always the most fun to use. With a decent prime lens the photos are just as good as APS-C and almost as good as FF. And with stabilization, video has always been superior with M4/3 in my experience.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Exactly. These days most micro 4/3s will beat out DSLR full frames

[@jonathanscherer8567]

@@DustinArmstrongPro It's just more fun to use, and somehow more durable. I've had both Panasonic and now OM Systems. They're built like tanks. It's not about how many MP your camera has or how big the lens is. It's about what's going to actually get you out there. Or, more like, what are you going to want to take with you.

[@MrVara411]

Sad they ditched the top LCD from the original G9. I understand they want to streamline their body designs to save cost, but it was a great feature.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yeah I definitely like the top screen feature

[@harryvlogs7833]

Doesn't really overheat in video at 21 degrees c it only overheats when recording 4k 120fps

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Nice!

[@Ansonandco]

im pretty sure that its a requirement now that if you talk about lumix cameras you have to have a big beard. We need shirts. "Lumix big beard club"

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I agree. We'll have to tell Josh Cameron

[@slowbluesmaster]

A bold statement. I think many Olympus/OM System users beg to differ.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

That's fine🤷‍♂️

[@The_Mend]

Just checking in the ask in October 2024 if they ever brought the new AF system to the S5 II & S5 IIX?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yes they did via latest firmware

[@The_Mend]

@@DustinArmstrongPro Bro, you’re the goat for the rapid reply!

[@schemlove]

I recently bought the S5iix for a feature documentary that I am shooting. But I am coming from a micro 4/3 practice. I started shooting my films with a GH4. Slowly it became a professional project and I upgraded to a full frame environment following the advice of a DP. But it's been 20 days that I am shooting with my new S5iix and I had to entirely change my approach as far as depth of field is concerned and especially focusing either with a sigma lens or vintage Nikon lenses. I shoot manually and mainly handheld and I had a hard time at first setting focus when I shoot 2 ppl in a same room interacting with each other at different distances from my camera..Or people moving around in a room or walking up to me in corridor etc.. Now I am getting better at it but I still miss my GH4. It was lighter and a I was working with a larger area where things and ppl are in focus.. I don't know if I am clear. So a friend of mine told me I might be be better to switch to a G9ii. Zoom lenses are lighter (and cheaper) and it might suit my run and gun style of shooting needs better (even if I shoot mainly in intimate settings but i largely improvise and capture reality as it goes around me). I need to be fast and ready to shoot. I feel the S5iix with a sigma 24-70 is quite heavy when I shoot handheld (sometimes 40 min-1H in a row). I get back aches etc.. What do you think of the G9ii vs S5iix for this type of need? I get that the depth of field and blurry backgrounds of the full frame looks nice, but in a documentary my priority is to get my focus right on the characters talking and moving mainly in daytime (even if sometimes I shoot night stuff) and I need to move swiftly and smoothly. Plus I think the G9ii has a timecode output ? But I also hear it best suits the need of photographers rather than filmmakers. What is your take on that?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I'm not sure the G9II can do timecode? But so far using the G9II for mainly video (which is what I do) its performed pretty flawlessly. It hasn't overheated (yet) even shooting at higher resolutions in slow mo. If you're used to M4/3 it may not be a bad option, but if you're struggling with focusing on full frame, I'd try closing your aperture or try using autofocus on the S5IIX if you're able. f/4.5 full frame is a lot different than f/4.5 on M4/3. That'd be my recommendation. They did just add BRAW over HDMI to G9II

[@schemlove]

@@DustinArmstrongPro Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes you may be right the G9ii doesn' t do timecode as well as the S5IIX. I came to realize, further in my practice, that yes I do get better results when I close the aperture a bit so now I get better shots. I prefer not to use autofocus. But I am still really interested in the G9II as far as light weight is concerned cause I find working 1 hour handheld with the S5iix is really tiring. My back still aches from images I shot last week. 🤣 I contacted the company to see if I can try the equipment out to see if shooting an entire feature documentary with it would be an option.

[@simonyoung1339]

The anamorphic street shots look sick dude. Did you shoot it in crop mode on s5ii(x)?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thanks! Those are 6k open gate on S5II

[@simonyoung1339]

cool, thought the motion looked like 60p and the RS seemed negligable is all@@DustinArmstrongPro

[@alborzmont2860]

They really need to bring these AF MODES to S5ii and S5iix also idk why it doesn’t have box around the he eyes dor human eye detect!!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I'm pretty confident it will. May be a minute, but I'm pretty confident

[@NeoDon1]

What if I already own the G9? I don't like the new body it's ok but selfishly I want the original people how have the G9 like me, and what we want now.

[@catattackcat8754]

Thank you for this review but why nobody speak anymore about pure image quality and details rendering in video ? Since 2022, Panasonic has changed the details rendering of their cameras in video : -The S5II has worse details rendering with most profiles in 4K (a lot of colors noise reduction in low light, fewer fine details and oversharpening), my S1 has also nicer detail rendering when shooting 6K. Only the B-raw of the S5II and S5IIX has VERY VERY GOOD detail rendering, no oversharpening, no color noise reduction, image is almost perfect. Why on earth we must use B-RAW to get nice detail rendering ? The fine details on the old Panasonic cameras were good without using RAW. -The GH6 also has different detail rendering but it's not as worse as on the S5II, the 5,7K has very good details rendering. When I compare at 1:1 my videos from my S1 compared to the S5II, the fine details are much nicer on the S1.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I haven't really used the older models nor do I own them so I can't do a comparison in that regard. Plus image quality is subjective. Even with everything you mentioned, some people will like the image quality on the newer models🤷‍♂️. I don't know which I like more cause I haven't used them but just pointing that out

[@blueishxx]

I just can't understand anything not full-frame in 2024 unless you really are inspired by build quality and price point , which would be sane , I guess my true deal-breaker is no internal fan , in 2024 isn't heat dissipation the holy-grail

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I think this camera is just more about weight. The lenses are significantly smaller than full frame. And this is meant for photographers that's why there's no fan

[@DanielIkpeama]

So what you're telling me is that there's definitely gonna be an S2H... I better start saving up 😂😂

[@DanielIkpeama]

Also, that new 100-400 is swanky

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I mean I hope so! I don't know how this video explains that😂

[@DanielIkpeama]

Lol it was purely the existence of this camera. Looks like I'm gonna be trying to join the partner program pretty quick😂

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I hope you're right!

[@alloriginaltone]

Other than you are constantly out of focus when talking about autofocus and the camera...like tell me what THAT camera is because I don't want it.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

The operater is using manual focus

[@marcosuozzi]

Hmmmmm would say a Gh6 mk2 must be on the way 😉😂

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

It's very possible😏

[@IngweMutliMediaProductions]

for me the one thing which is lacking , and my biggest bug bear is the overheating , which is in other Panasonic modles have ,but the G9ii has no internal cooling.I staying a very warm climate, it a big problem, most of everything else it ticks the boxes

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yep. In my experience it'll do a really good job most of the time, but since it's more geared towards photographers that's something to keep in mind

[@billyblue689]

I have the GH5s never had any problems with overheating. In fact today just filmed a 15 minute continuous video in 4k in 85 degree heat with the sun beating down on the camera and no problems.

[@IngweMutliMediaProductions]

@@billyblue689 this is related to the g9 2 and not GH5 or other , this is problem with recording 15mins or longer upto say 30mins long form recording relates plus hour . it also related s to 4k 60 or 120fps or codecs .

[@chcomes]

I am really really sorry, but your road crossing skills are not up to par with Kasey's... ;-) :-P

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Is that the camera conspiracies guy? I gotta lose a little more weight before I'm open to watching myself in 240fps with active stabilization...

[@ad_Benturing]

Love to see this review. Planning to upgrade my G85 to the G9ii. Thanks!!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Nice! I don't think you'll be disappointed!

[@javierruizamado]

Great review. What lens did you use at 8mm for the stabilization tests? It gives very good image quality. The Panasonic/Leica 8-18mm maybe? What surprised me the most is the autofocus and stabilization. Finally a M4/3 system camera that is practically perfect for video. Now the use of a gimbal is completely unnecessary. Both the 8-18mm and the Leica 12-60mm are parafocal lenses, if I'm not mistaken. This for video is great considering they are compact lenses and the quality of the system is more than sufficient for almost any situation. I still wouldn't go full frame yet.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thank you! Yes the 8-18mm Panasonic Leica. That only had a REC709 lut put on the footage. I don't think I adjusted anything on that

[@manilamartin1001]

I hope this camera comes to the Philippines soon. Looks great.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

It's pretty sweet!

[@youfollow_]

honestly im ready to sell my sony a6600 to buy the G9ii! its perfect for my needs. image quality is amazing plus the lens options is amazing

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

If you're worried about lowlight at all, I was told that even though this is micro 4/3, it'll compete lowlight wise against any APS-C camera and will beat out any DSLR. So it may not be a bad time to go Lumix!

[@youfollow_]

@@DustinArmstrongPro always wanted to use lumix from day one.. is between the 5iix or G9II...ill figure it out

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I see a lot of youtube video watching in your future

[@youfollow_]

@@DustinArmstrongPro need to it do start KZbin adventure channel since I’m from Saint Lucia

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

@@youfollow_ should do that too!

[@snowwalker9999]

The only thing that bothers me about smaller sensor cameras is the low light capabilities. ie. AF. Everything else about them is better than a FF.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yeah I mean that's just laws of physics capabilities though.

[@snowwalker9999]

@@DustinArmstrongPro I know but I can see softwares and hardwares within cameras improving to the point that this won’t be an issue anymore. After all smaller sensor cameras are cheaper to make for the manufacturers but their prices for the consumers keep going up.

[@hmfilms3506]

Thank you for so great review Dustin!! 😉👍 What anamorphic lens did you shoot this Video? And how did you get so amazing look ? 😯👌

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thanks for watching! These were the great joy 1.8x Anamorphics. I used my tonal grade luts😁 specifically tealy orange

[@hmfilms3506]

@@DustinArmstrongProPicture looks fantastic!!! 🔥

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thank you! I like those lenses a lot!

[@CinematicCut]

Does this record in 4k 120fps internally? I read something that you need some extra cables and power adaptors :/ . I m a bit confused. Thanks for your help!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

You don't. It records 4k 120 internally

[@castielvargastv7931]

This was an refreshing , informative video with a good vibe👍

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Appreciate it! Was definitely different from my usual videos as well

[@sue.Hoo123]

Great review, I like your style!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Appreciate it🙏

[@Bigcookfilms]

GH6 killer

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yeah.........😬

[@pinchofclarity]

Mate what's your guess on s1h mark ii coming out? I have a feeling with the new autofocus it could go up against z8 as one of the best hybrids.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Probably not until late 2024 or early 2025 is my guess

[@swcblad]

cant wait for S2H anf GH7

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Excited to see what those cameras will do😏

[@skepsys]

but u still cant keep the original ungraded v-log if applying the lut in-camera, as opposed to the photo situation, right?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Correct

[@iammz81]

It's a pitty Lumix just abandoned the old S5 with any firmware update. I am sure they could do something about DFD AF to be a little bit better at least.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yeah maybe or maybe not. I'm sure they are seeing a huge wave of positive response with the new AF so I'm sure their priority is developing future cameras

[@iammz81]

@@DustinArmstrongPro considering they have re-used the S5II body for a G-series camera.. they are simply ignorant about their older products. It looks so ugly this tiny sensor in that body. I know you said it's good, but it is not. This is an S-line body, they prbably had a bunch on stock so re-used it without the fan. :D BUT hopefully with this new camera there will be some good deals on the S5II so trading in my S5 give me opportunity for better AF. :D

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

In comparison to other brands least in my experience, they're the least ignorant about their older products. They're one of the only that actually releases firmware updates for older models instead of just releasing a new camera. In terms of the body, the old G9 body is actually wider and deeper. The G9II is .2 inches taller. That's the only difference. So side by side they'll look almost identical. Maybe they did have leftover bodies, but who cares? Why waste them lol. Or maybe they're trying to make it easier for current users of micro four thirds that invested in an S series body to unify their gear. Everything being able to be used aside from lenses between micro four thirds and the S series line is genius in my opinion.

[@iammz81]

@@DustinArmstrongPro for the oldschool S5 there was not a single update since last year. I am sure they would be able to tune the AF a bit with firmware. I would not need Pdaf just a focus that can stick on a face and not be blurred when getting closer or further from the subject (human). That is iritating me.

[@professionalpotato4764]

Can't fix it when the hardware isn't there. Not like they can plant phase detect points out of no where. DFD was never going to succeed. It simply took too long for the higher ups to be persuaded that it's a lost cause

[@BryanPopeProductions]

WHat camera do you personally use most often for content/street videography?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

LUMIX S5II or S5IIX

[@sayedpey4965]

Which camera did you use to record this review? It pulsated a couple of times and went out of focus.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

S5II. We were using manual focus lenses sooooo that's not pulsating that's just pulling focus

[@stela_camera_girl]

What camera was used to film you?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

The LUMIX S5II

[@stela_camera_girl]

@@DustinArmstrongPro was he same camera? I look so good. I thought was a red Comodo :)

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Same brand but it was a different model than the one I'm using in the video. They look great😁

[@hhankx]

Great vid man! What profile was this vlog shot in?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thank you! V-LOG on the streets and BRAW for the A Roll

[@lorenmiller6953]

@@DustinArmstrongPro Second this! Looks sick, real anamorphic or after effect?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Real. Was shot with great joy 1.8x Anamorphics

[@ryaneb3]

Do you think it is also possible to update EIS on the S52? G9 EIS looks incredible!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Maybe not too the extent of the G9II but possible it'll be updated in some form

[@bruhdabones]

Any idea what the bit depth is for still photos on this beast?

[@carloseduardomenjivar6262]

Hello, amazing review, just one question, what lenses do you use in this test

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

For the G9II or the camera filming me?

[@northerncityproductions3066]

I love how you shot the broll with anamorphics! Looks awesome.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Thanks! Was suppose to be a cooler more epic video but turned in to a casual one on anamorphic haha

[@CTcoreytrevor]

If it had dual native ISO I'd be all over this camera, but until they put this autofocus into a GH5S 2, I'm staying with the GH5S. This camera is insane value, but it's low-light limitation is obvious.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

For sure that totally makes sense! No RAW recording either over HDMI

[@jdphsv8584]

The Gh6S would be a banger with af. The GH5S still holds up today

[@CTcoreytrevor]

@@jdphsv8584 A GH6S with AF would be a GAME changer, truly. I'd buy 2, maybe 3. Without question.

[@BetterOverseas]

What camera was filming you ?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Lumix S5II

[@chadkelley]

Was this whole video shot on a G9II?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

No S5II and S5IIX

[@ocimaging]

What makes you think it'll overheat though? Lumix cameras are renowned for handling harsh conditions. My first Lumix camera was a G85 and I left it in the sun recording BTS and it never once overheated.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

It'll probably be fine at lower resolutions and frame rates, but higher resolutions and frame rates in direct sun light it won't perform as good as a camera with a fan/vents

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

Panasonic has changed the policy. Usually, when Panasonic says 30min it means they tested it up to 40°C and it works more or less always and they don't allow above 30min because at some point it gets unreliable. This time they said there is no limit but if it's hot it might stop after an unpredictable time and in normal situation it might rund for hours without problems. Early tests have shown that overheating can be a problem with the fast and demanding video modes but normal 4k runs usually up to the end of battery.

[@26alexxkidd]

​@@DustinArmstrongProif you mean 4k 60p in heatwave then yes, it will stop. Who wouldn't. First tests show that the thermals in this at excellent

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

But still not as good as a S5IIX or a GH6

[@ocimaging]

@@DustinArmstrongPro days have passed and the smoke has cleared, I fully agree with you 😹😹

[@Bossdup]

I need there to be a g92x

[@jakfilms]

Does anyone know the actual release date?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

November

[@ТарасГалишко-х9ц]

Autofocus is really great?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yes

[@pureheartvisuals]

Yeah I’m hoping Panasonic will update the AF on the S5 II because if not that would SUCK A&@. My current dilemma. I shoot High End Weddings with 3 - S5 II & 1 - S5 IIX which I am super happy with but I have one lone Canon EOS R left that I shot Wedding Photography with again happy with this also. But this release feels like a dream to replace the Canon and be a dope hybrid for me but I have no MFT Lenses only LUMIX S and Canon L and adapting the G9 II adding the weight back feels like a step backwards. But I’m tempted to see this thing adapted.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I believe they will be adding these AF settings to the S5II and S5IIX

[@pureheartvisuals]

@@DustinArmstrongPro you Top Notch Brother. Continue to drop dope content.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Appreciate it🙏 Got a pretty ambitious video I'm doing releasing soon🫣

[@pureheartvisuals]

@mcsnapples good point, I’ve been checking specs and weight on a few… but my Lumix S Primes: 35, 85 and even my 70-300 & 24-105 are light. My tough spots is my Canon 70-200 and 16-35 adapted those is my pain 🙄😅. If I don’t adapt those to the G9 II if I choose to buy it, those will be heavy on the G9ii basically killing my thoughts of using this on a Gimbal lightweight

[@O.W_Films]

Cool, that’s what this camera is super solid . Street photography etc and not “serious” video shooting.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

It does have it though. You can certainly use it for serious video shooting if you're mindful of it possibly overheating

[@georgedavall9449]

Dustin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

That's me👋

[@spudwas]

I think that's a goose isn't it?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

It's a duck. Look at its beak

[@JosieWhiting]

The girl with the duck is my sister.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Wait fr though?

[@emmanuelpena6991]

All the video was recorded with the G9II?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

No. The camera filming me was the S5II

[@emmanuelpena6991]

@@DustinArmstrongPro Thanks. I precisely want to buy a more professional video camera, and I like the S5II/S5IIx, actually I have the old XT3, in the case of the L mount, I have to start from zero, but i have some M4/3 lenses, but now with the G9II comes out with its specifications it makes me doubt. But my other doubt is that in the video section, although I see the G9II is good, but I don't feel the cinematic look or the pleasant skin textures of the S5's. So I'm internally debating whether to buy the S5II now as I can't wait long. I'm wrong?

[@jacobjewett5575]

Dude, are you in Utah?

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Yes I am

[@prophetseven728]

Did it shoot better in the Dark than S52iix !?!

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

For AF yes but not in terms of noise. Full Frame will always be better for noise in low light

[@prophetseven728]

@@DustinArmstrongPro Thanks, was there a lot more noise? I know their is programs to remove noise. I guess the over all image would be a thing for me. I want to do some night street videos.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

There's no Dual ISO on g9ii and the max is 12800 on g9ii. The S5IIX is much cleaner at 12800 because of dual ISO and full frame sensor

[@otata]

A MFT Sensor and your video is to dark. Thats not a good idea...

[@fuzzywuzzy8874]

The BEST Micro Four Thirds camera in what category...capturing a person walking towards, or standing in front of, the camera??? if we agree then that the OM-1 "was" the best m4/3 camera then how exactly was the G9II compared directly to the OM-1's best performance and features. ie. BIF? I can't find a G9II review anywhere that compares the G9II to the OM-1 in the OM-1's wheel house and why not I wonder?! put an Olympus 4/300 or 150-400 on the G9II, shoot some BIFs, and tell/show me what the keeper rate is compared to the OM-1's keeper rate. otherwise, if i ever need another one of the umpteen content creator camera choices i might look up the G9II.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

Don't own the OM-1 nor have I used it. The title is subjective. In my experience, it's the best I've used. Someone else might disagree though or I may even change my mind if I could get my hands on an OM-1 and compare. Overall still a very solid M4/3 camera for anybody wanting to do photography or video

[@fuzzywuzzy8874]

@@DustinArmstrongPro thanks for your extra time Dustin. If the G9II is a better camera for me I'll get one and enjoy it...problem so far is it looks like a wait and see on the issue.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

For sure. Best think is to rent each of them and use them yourself and see which would be best!

[@phuketrivieravillas]

The essence of the MFT is portability and lightness. Panasonic has completely missed this essential feature. You might as well get a fullframe.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

The body is .2 inches taller than the G9 body. But it's .2 inches less wide and .2 inches less deep so there's not really a difference. The lenses are still tiny compared to full frame.

[@26alexxkidd]

Have you ever even see a FF lens up close?

[@wnose]

Mft is broadly 2 segments: the light/prosumer and the pro segment. The nice thing is that it can do both.