My Favourite Camera Ever, Mark ii...

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This week I'm testing the new version of my favourite camera ever, the Lumix G9 Mark II. It's a micro four thirds power hose but in this video I explain why it won't become my camera going forward.
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[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Hi guys, A few spots have opened up on next year's polar workshops. Details below if you're interested. Hope to see you alongside the penguins or polar bears, or both if you're incredibly rich... Antarctica Workshop: geni.us/Antarctica2024 Arctic Workshop: www.aexpeditions.co.uk/photography-workshop-arctic-2024/

[@tonykennedy2344]

Sounds amazing and real bucket list locations but for many, workshops like these are financially (and time commitment) out of reach for the average photographer. Is there a possibility of more locally based workshops (at least for Uk and Ireland followers) including locations featured in your videos that would offer fans of the channel an opportunity to attend and meet up without the sky high costs.

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Northern Scotland might look (and feel) suitably Antarctic in winter. And didn’t I read somewhere recently that thousands of penguins had died because of global warming… so, something “local” might kill two birds with one stone. Um. I didn’t mean penguins though. Sorry.

[@Happy_Snapper]

I wished

[@phillmeredith]

I love how much James reassures us that kit doesn’t matter but then constantly talks about kit 😂

[@ItsMeHammie]

Kit videos are where the money comes from

[@glennsak]

100%

[@POVwithRC]

Trying new kit all the time and producing great results with any of it is him proving kit doesn't matter 😊

[@phillmeredith]

@@ItsMeHammiehey I’m not hating, I’m just as bad

[@couchumina]

Kits get clicks .

[@swedishhiker9861]

So, the big downside with the G9 mk 2 is that it weighs as much as a full frame camera.. or... exactly the same as the original G9, which apparently was the worlds best camera 😄

[@kingcutttt]

It's getting hilarious to see KZbinrs continue to try to justify why they are brainwashed into using Sony. Sony makes great cameras but man Panasonic should seriously stop paying these guys like this to make video. The reviews are lousy and half-ass There's a S5IIX vs FX30 video where the guy said he chooses the FX30 over the S5IIX because the S5IIX has an APSC crop 😂😂😂😂

[@colbybundy6082]

G9 II + James Popsys = my most anticipated video in a long time!

[@danielgoldberg2129]

As someone who doesn’t/can’t change kit as often as people change their socks, I still love my LUMIX G85. I still remember how proud I was when I could change the ISO without taking my eye away from the viewfinder. Lol Anyway, I love the M4/3 long lenses. (I shoot a lot of wildlife.)😊

[@emilyfitzowich5396]

I still have my G85 too! Absolutely love it. Thinking of maybe FINALLY upgrading, but it's a bit of a hard sell

[@kwchalky02]

I'm a G9 user. I love it. For most of what I do it's perfect. The autofocus improvements on the mark ii are very appealing and it would be nice to have if the price comes down a bit, since I already have a lot of mft lenses. So it's a no-brainer for me, and a good step up from the world's best camera 😉

[@MicroFourNerds]

Great review James! I get confused between my cameras all the bloody time too. Shooting a wedding film with the s5ii, s5iix and g9ii hurts my head haha. I love the g9ii, especially for wildlife, but I'm personally hoping for a smaller version. Like you, I believe micro four thirds really sets itself apart when it's small!

[@generalwhine5350]

Be great to see a GX9 II or whatever. I absolutely love my GX7...

[@nolannatashaTV]

@@generalwhine5350 agreed that would be tough to resist. If they give us v-log and real time lut in a gx body, I’ll preorder.

[@MichaelGerrard]

Your perfect camera is the one you've owned all along, the G9. I think you got bored waiting for the G9 II. That is where I think Panasonic made a mistake, they left a huge time gap between models and they waited too long to add phase detect. It has meant some have jumped ship. But I feel Panasonic have a new chance now, the G9 II is fab. We just need a GX9 II now! Plus some more small lenses or lens refreshes. They did release the 9mm recently, let us see more small lenses.

[@mdyrkacz1]

absolutely true statement. I never got rid of my G9 and kept all the great glass, but did migrate to Canon in search of light and AF improvements.

[@hanumanguy]

We asked for the GX9 mark II and got the S9 🤮. I am excited to pick up used G9 to add to my GX85, hoping they bring out a GX9ii so it will drive down the used price of the GX9!!!!!

[@MichaelGerrard]

@@hanumanguy why can Pany not see there is a market for a new GX!?!

[@hanumanguy]

@@MichaelGerrard who knows without knowing their sales numbers. I am guessing their are consolidating their product line towards full frame and M4/3 for video. The GX9 used prices is now over $800 US. It retailed at $999 with a with a kit lens in 2018!

[@Dr.Mark.Marzinzik]

Not only do I learn a lot watching and listening to you, it’s also so much fun 👍🏼❤️

[@youphototube]

I have micro 4/3 and full frame. My OM-1 is for wildlife and macro and it is a beast at macro. No other brand comes near when paired with the 90mm and 1.4 teleconverter (1:5.6) It is also fantastic for bird and bee photography. The weight saving on telephoto lenses is immense. My full frame Z7 amd Ricoh I use for landscape and street photography. I would be so bored if all I shot was landscape. Most landscape shots remind me of the paintings my gran had on her wall and I am 60. I love shooting and editing landscape but it is not what I put on my wall. That is street and extreme macro. I spend yesterday doing focus stacks of mushrooms with flash and LED and the OM-1 micro 4/3 does that best. If you shoot mainly landscape buy full frame, you need it for the detail and colour saturation. But if you want to shoot wildelife and macro with significant weight and cost saving go for micro 4/3. The results are fantastic.

[@joakimtarnstrom4498]

They could have given the original G9 a new AF and a better viewfinder and that would have warranted a MKII tag. With the new house, the LCD-screen on top is gone. I know many don’t use it, for me it’s a very useful tool.

[@robert_may]

Picked up the S5IIX recently and just generally really enjoy using Panasonic cameras. I like my Nikon, enjoyed my OM and Fujifilm cameras, but there's just something very frictionless about using Panasonic's recent units. It was a tough choice for me between the S5IIX and G9II but as I mostly use it for video in Wales, low-light capability won out. The fan was ultimately not a factor - it's not hot enough here to ever spin up 😆

[@stevewturnbull]

I didn't see much testing? I did see quite a lot of buyers remorse ;) It's about the same size and weight as the G9 but trumps it in many areas, as you'd expect from a significant upgrade. For me, it sits nicely between the G9 and S5II, offering the convenience and affordability that appeals to MFT users. I like how it looks like a full frame too - more professional - and has more of a grip than smaller MFT cameras (I have a G80). I think small lenses look a bit odd on its larger body but not a deal breaker for me. I'm seriously considering it.

[@I4get42]

Yay! Thanks for sharing your thoughts James 😃

[@sorwerk]

Great photos as usual, you are my favorite landscape photography channel. I'm thinking maybe Panasonic should put the G9 mark ii technology in a smaller camera, like the G90 or the GX9 which combined with a small zoom like the 12-35 f2.8 would make a great travel and landscape camera.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

This would be great.

[@thatsreallyamoon]

Lumix needs a GX9 with 10 bit video. That would change everything for me.

[@jb678901]

I snagged a used GX9 before 2020, for $340. It was practically unused/mint and came with a kit lens and one battery;

[@intersonic]

i used gf,gx g85 and now g95. G95/ OM-1 is the perfect size for M43

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@intersonic I've been considering the GX8 and the G90/95/91 (give us a break Panasonic!) as an upgrade from GX9. Both waterproof; 20mp; G90 is quite a bit higher, deeper (same weight as GX9 though). Both have twist out / articulated screen (I prefer the tilt-up screen of the GX9 myself).

[@pedrorrodriguez1]

Nice one. As for the weight coming down.. While somewhat true, there have been compact slow 50mms for decades now since the film days. The leica equivalent for panasonic is 1.4 instead of 2.8, so it's not quite apples to apples. The 1.4 full frame version would be quite a bit larger. Aside from normal focal lengths, as you say in your video, the size difference between micro 4/3 is considerable. As always, it depends what you use it for: low light and shallow depth of field, FF has the advantage; deeper depth of field, small size and ibis, micro 4/3.

[@hanumanguy]

well said. I recently picked up the 42.5 mm f1.7. It's less than 120 grams. Nothing like that in the other formats. I've been shooting concerts recently with the 15 mm, 25, and 42.5 . I keep two lenses in two pockets. It's a dream.

[@vermis8344]

Waiting for the video where James tells us about the time he threw his M43 gear in a bag, only to end up at the top of a welsh mountain with a bunch of M43 lenses and an S5II body...

[@derrickkay]

Everything about your work is just absolute class!!!!👍🏾

[@danieldeemer]

YESSSS, I've been waiting for this video!

[@Biosynchro]

My take: bigger sensors for wide angle lenses, smaller sensors for telephoto lenses.

[@SilentChony]

Yep, this exactly! If you do much telephoto mft becomes really appealing!

[@johnclay7644]

informative video Thanks James.

[@DanaPushie]

Gear Acquisition Syndrome takes a sharp blow from James Popsys! There is no cure folks. My favorite channel James; plus you have introduced me to other great photographers. Thanks for sharing. I really enjoy your work; keep it up James.

[@Love-nm6ie]

I see James, i gotta like

[@grumpyrocker]

Great vid as ever James. I shot M43 for a while and my reason was small cameras and lenses. Favourite lenses including Lumix 20mm and the 100-300mm.

[@kinghhshhshhs]

Love your videos!

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

As a m4/3 shooter, I think you did an excellent job articulating the diminishing appeal of the format. The size difference used to be significant, but it is no longer the case. That is especially true now that lumix appears to have quit developing small m4/3 bodies like the gx9.

[@LexTNeville]

That G100 just came out a short while ago. I reckon that'll get updated with the new pdaf sensor soon.

[@hanumanguy]

With full frame you still need to stick with 28, 35, 50 primes to get close to M4/3 size and weight. With APS-C it starts to get a bit muddier with lenses like the Sigma 18-50 f2.8 which is only 10 ounces. If they don't upgrade the GX85/GX9 cameras which people are going to use mostly with small primes anyway, I don't see much reason not to get something like Fuji XT50 which with F2 primes is the same size and weight as the GX85/GX9. Anyway GX85 and G9 are good enough for me for the next fews years and I'll what happens then!

[@trevorsneath4665]

Wow, a gear video! Totally did not expect that 🙂

[@petelindop5428]

Love your videos. Love my G9. Love Llanddwyn! And Kynance Cove. And The Cotswolds. Thanks for the inspiration and the laughs.

[@EdwardBushmanAnderson]

Great objective video (yet again) thank you! - I'd be interested in how you achieve those amazing skies in your photos! I love that they don't dominate the image in saturation and are almost on the verge of looking blown out.... but I find them intoxicatingly beautiful! - Hoping you'll put up a video of how you achieve those in the future!

[@markattardo]

Enjoyed hearing your thoughts on the sequel to your favorite camera. Looks like a very nice option.

[@alanbudge]

Thanks James. Totally agree with the two format set up. I use a Nikon Z7 and Z30 with a 14-30 and 24-200 which when fitted to the Z30 gives me an effective focal range of 14-300 (apart from 30-36mm) using two bodies and not having to change lenses. Often I'll just go out with the Z30 and kit lens with surprisingly good results.

[@langdons2848]

As someone with big hands I'm happy that the G9ii is larger. I love my G9 classic and use it mostly for wildlife and bird photography. But it is nowhere near as comfortable in my hands as my Canon 1DXii. I like M4/3 cameras for the smaller, lighter lenses, and the image stabilisation - not a small body. Especially with long lenses, the lens is always going to be the largest, heaviest component, especially on mirrorless cameras. There are other great M4/3 cameras that are small, so people who want a small body are covered. And now people like me who buy a battery grip just so all my fingers have somewhere to go have an option too. I call that a win all round.

[@34Media]

back to whence you came , i was wondering how long till you had a play with one of these!

[@JayDowney]

Great catch!

[@DumbAsh00]

Nice save

[@minorrhoads5318]

great and sensible content as often is the case , cheers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@brianmckeever5280]

There is a lot of humor in this one this week, thank you! I was wondering if you would get a chance to look at the G9 II. I've already ordered one :-) Can't wait for Nov. I love me some MFT. I had a blast with it in Egypt recently. Cheers!

[@JeevesTCW]

Great video James and a lot of great choices for photographers atm - just hope all brands keep going strong & esp wish Pana GL with this G9ii. PS pls pls review the om systems 12-40 f2.8 pro II

[@RM-hy4so]

Well said!

[@LooseEnds]

All good thoughts. Yet I will always kind of miss James being an m43 shooter. Started watching him way back before he even got the first g9. He had just picked up a G85. Also, I’m a little sad that they did not make the G9 ii look the same as the original. I always thought the G9 looked cool.

[@neilshayler3119]

Got the V1 G9 and it does everything I need it to do. spot on re if you don't use the functions your not using it correct. Ive been looking to switch up to full frame A7R what version not sure but I got out with the G9 and go yep this will do

[@y34r]

for me mft system is never about photo, but its video spec, 4k60 4k120 without crop. with good ibis.

[@gordon3988]

I have the g9, but often find it too big for my uses…would prefer something smaller; so that rules out the G9ii, but other than size it seems like a great camera, both for photos and quite a video beast. Hoping Panasonic comes out with MFT more aligned with small cameras once again! Hard to beat their stabilization (or OM) I do note that the Sony 6700 is quite small as are many APSC lenses…or FF maybe an A7C (but as you noted, the lenses can get big fast). Neither have great IBIS, so yes no perfect camera. Enjoyed and great advice!

[@Sven-R]

Many people, including me, having the G9 would rather like to see a GX9 II. I think the G9 is a fine camera, but there is no killer feature I need in it. But a GX9 II would be wonderful.

[@pavelperina7629]

@@Sven-R Hard to say. I have GF1, G5 and G80. And my next upgrade of GF1 was Fuji X100V and next might be G9II, but I would be happy with G90II. When I was looking for a small camera from Panasonic at 2020 and 2021, they were none and they had compromises. First, I assumed that system is dead. Then GX90 and GX9 were not exactly small. They basically lack grip and viewfinder and there was no justification to having them next to G80. I didn't want to buy interchangeable lens camera from Fuji, because, knowing myself, I would eventually buy more lenses like with Panasonic. Because I have small camera now, I'm not afraid to have somewhat bigger and heavier Panasonic camera. But I'm using Fuji like five times more now. Not because it's better camera (it has some drawbacks and lacks versatility), but because mostly it's sufficient and much more convenient to carry. Then I'm using G80 mostly with 12-60 and 45-150 lenses.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

I'm familiar with the GX9. Something that size but with a decent EVF and the new focusing and maybe weather sealing. And a new very small M43 camera. That's what I'd like to see from Panasonic

[@miker6090]

Was hoping to get your thoughts on the ergo's. You and many other channels say the G9i felt best in hand of any camera they had used (or up there).

[@nightdonutstudio]

M43 should focus on its strong point. Like IBIS, faster readout, etc. With GH6 and a 20mm equivalent lens, I can handheld 2s. With Sony camera, I can only get 1/10 the best at 20mm. That is huge difference. That pretty much no need for tripod to shoot landscape, real estate and still subject in low light. I know G9II is even better in this regard. That is the direction I like to see for m43.

[@sebastienblanchetiere1323]

Yes. You are totally right!! Real strengths of the M43 are stabilization (If you remove the tripod, you gain a lot of weight ;) ) and readout speed. It isn't really about the size anymore (Even if a 100-400 zoom lens is unbeatable)

[@rayjenkins2754]

Yes ! I approach this from being a motorcycle mechanic - which is a technical bent. I just don't understand why some of my camera friends avoid learning how their camera works ! We are out some ware taking photos & they end up asking me how to figure out their menus !

[@Valerossi0]

Good video with some good points about size of m43. Ps: Are u using the same preset on all photos shot in this video? I like your editing style and the brightness of the pictures.

[@calebhearn1526]

The sheer volume of videos at Newborough Beach actually helped me win a game of Geoguessr. I'd recognize those trees anywhere.

[@Crotoua]

Hi James, some great lenses, like the fantastic Leica 42.5, the Oly 12-100, the Oly 75, 12, 17, 45, 40-150…. and a bunch of others, are very valuable reasons to stay in the m43 world. And also some unique modes of the OM1 (ND filter, graduated filter, stars focus, composite mode…).

[@jimcoon]

I’m new to your channel and I appreciated this video and have subscribed. I’m, 70 and I still sell ranches in the Western US. I have always shot my own photos and videos - starting with helicopters with the door removed, then a paraglided with GoPro’s strapped to my knees, and finally to DJI drones. I much prefer the drones. Just saying. I’ve used Lumix starting with the GH3 for my videos. I have a GH5 and just purchased the G9II and have it all set up with cage, monitor etc and use it for my static videos. It is an incredible video camera for my use. Thanks for this informative video. Sorry for writing War and Peace

[@liveinaweorg]

'Muddled thinking, muddles work' - yup!

[@teohyc]

True. I won't even consider the GH6 over GH5 due to weight

[@Dan-kb2oz]

Haha, I knew this video was coming the moment the mkII was announced, right after James said no more tech videos. :P

[@isabellaalguacil]

I was waiting for this video SO MUCH! Thank you for sharing your opinion. Imo Lumix lost a lot of users taking so long in fixing the autofocus, which has been a problem for YEARS , I am a g85 Lumix user and I love that camera, however it is exhausting that I would have to spend a lot of money to get all the features I lack with my g85, a camera that I actually love...

[@glen-draketoolworks7186]

Small lens development technology will certainly affect MFTs as well as full frame, so the weight and size differences will still be relative down the road. I'm staying with Lumix, partly because I have an investment in them, but also partly because Lumix has a relationship with Leica. I've ordered the G9ii, and, if Lumix comes out with a monochrome camera, I will be ordering that as well. There are other reasons, e.g. menu clarity, and Lumix gives you more bang for the buck than any of the big-three makers, at least for now anyway.

[@ZakWilson]

I think the main audiences for the G9 II are people shooting fast action, and videographers. It has the highest continuous autofocus burst rate on the market at 60 FPS, a generous buffer, and pre-burst with full-quality raw files. It might be the best bird camera available. It's harder to make a case for it for general use, and I do hope both Panasonic and OM introduce some compelling compact options soon.

[@YoSpiff]

The Mk2 is a great innovation because I just obtained a lightly used Mk1 from someone upgrading to the MK2. It's my largest camera! The grip is a bit chunkier than My EM1 Mk1, so it may take a little while to get used to it. Just familiarizing myself with it so far, but what I'm seeing I like. It'll get it's first real workout at an airshow in a few weeks.

[@nerwin]

I wouldn't mind getting a used Lumix GX85 + small lens to be used as a cheap daily walk around camera. But it's amazing how much of the higher end cameras are all around the same price these day, along with size and weight.

[@randomstuffman01]

Interesting. I'm sticking with my G9 for now. And GX8, Gx7, GM1. Thanks. toronto canada.

[@trulsdirio]

The thing for me is, the savings between MFT and APS-C are aven smaller and with newer high resolution APS-C bodies and great lenses to feed them I would never wanna switch.

[@hanumanguy]

When I switched from Pentax DSLR a couple of years ago I did a fairly exhaustive comparison between M43, APS-C, and full frame systems in terms of weight and size as the most important criteria. I concluded that I could build a system with all three formats with similar weight and size as long as I stuck with primes like 28, 35, 50 mm etc. I compared Lumix GX85, Fuji X-S10 and Sony A7C. My second criteria was price. I was on quite a tight budget. In the end I went with M43 because 1) price 2) flexibility if I ever wanted to get zoom lenses I wouldn't have a dramatic size/weight increase. I currently own a Lumix GX85 and the 15 mm, 25 mm, and 42.5 mm primes (30,50 85 FF equivalents). Each lens is 115 to 200 grams (4 to 7 ounces). I am going to pick up a used G9 for a song as well. I couldn't be happier with this system. That been said, it was the used price value of M43 that really drew me in, if I had the budget for a new Lumix G9ii I'd be tempted by Fuji, maybe the XT-50 with the F2 primes. Bottom line, if you have the budget for full frame and can do everything with primes in the 28-50 range, it will beat a M43 system but as soon as you add a 24-70 or 85 mmm or a wide zoom or telephoto, boom, you are back to the old DSLR days of lugging equipment around!

[@mikaelwardhana2839]

Micro four thirds could be really successful if they come up with a high end small compact camera with premium build like the X100V, and then it will make sense. Built in flash, amazing ibis, modern sensor with PDAF in a tight little body. I totally agree with you that this G9II and other big m43 has very little pull.

[@nolannatashaTV]

This was the vid I was waiting for. Not sure if I wanted to be convinced to get it or not. G9 was also my fav camera and now I’m on an A7iv. Kept my mft glass hoping to return when they sorted auto focus. But now, if I want to go light I just carry either a couple smaller primes, or the tamron 28-200. And the weight savings with the g9ii would be negligible. Not sure why I can’t let go of mft entirely, but agree the benefits aren’t as strong as they once were.

[@SliceofFilips]

I do think if they come out with a new compact mft, like a gx9 ii, with the pdaf, that would be a wildly popular and relevant camera 👍

[@jenslinder6115]

What happened to your Fujifilm x-pro 3? I can’t find a video about that. Also thanks for your good work.

[@krazyk57]

9:37 …What a catch…😊

[@ClearComplexity]

It's the same shell to save on tooling cost as much as possible. Odds are, if you had cracked both of the bodies open, you would find pretty much the same main board(a) as well, just with a different sensor package and firmware. This massively reduces cost of R&D. It's worth pointing out the G9 and G9 II are almost identical in weight and very similar in most dimensions. That is to say, it's not that the G9II is that big in that shell, it's just the S5II is very small. I would wager all of these cost savings with R&D and production is what allows this new camera to even exist. It gives Panasonic a way to see if it's even worth making a stills focused MFT camera after the cult or full frame has taken over. I would argue there is, my Olympus' last camera, the OM-1, fits what that should be a bit better size wise. I'm not holding my breath that OM-System actually releases anything new after they burn through the last of Olympus' R&D. If the G9II proves the idea of a MFT stills camera is worth it, we may see a proper GX8.II. I'm not holding my breath for that either. I'll get a G9II eventually because I can't replace some lenses like the Only 75mm f1.8 in my work. I have a Pentax KP and 645Z for larger sensor/better low light if absolutely needed. Until then, my EM5II and G9 will continue to serve me well on my travels for photojournalism and personal projects. If I'm being honest, I'm holding out for a rumored APS-C non-Foveon Sigma camera for l-mount. That would give me the Sigma UI I love from the fp(L) with a crop factor that makes Sigma glass on l-mount work for me along with other benefits the smaller sensor brings like faster readout to reduce rolling shutter with electronic shutter. I already use my Leica CL for fun stuff when not using my MFT kit, having an actual replaceable Sigma with better AF would be perfect, even if it's in the fp shell.

[@goncalolourenco6989]

Unrelated but I've been binge watching your channel for a few days. Long story short I started with slrs and got a aps-c camera from a cousin that unfortunately doesn't have a viewfinder. For that reason I'm looking to get either a sony a7i or the fuji xt-1. I'll mainly shoot slr lens, so the sony has the advantage there being full frame but I prefer the analog controls and simplicity of the fuji even if there will be a crop factor. Which one should I get in your opinion?

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

I wondered if you would be tempted to try the new G9 MKII - given your 🤎 for the MKI. The handling was never going to be the same as they put the G9 MKII into the chassis of the S5. That for me, together with the loss of the top LCD panel, has changed the looks and ergonomics...but not in a good way IMHO. If they had retained the original body (if it ain't broke then don't try and fix it), I would have been sorely tempted to press the order button.

[@CameraRay]

I absolutely miss the top screen. I still use the Mark I G9 with the Oly 40-1500mm f2.8 pro for macro videos shooting.

[@pwood5733]

Live about a mile from there buddy. Very special place

[@stub8213]

I do hope those in charge at Lumix are reading all the comments on this, and every other social media post about the G9ii, asking for a GX9 successor. It would be amazing to have newer tech in the smaller body.

[@kdikun]

Yes! Me too. GX9 with a 12-60 or 14-140 is such a great little hiking companion. Would love an update.

[@mathish1477]

I loved my GX9, but once I had the g9 I couldn't justify keeping it.

[@stub8213]

@@mathish1477 agreed the G9 is amazing. But for me the GX9/GX85 bodies are great when I'm trying to be more discreet in certain situations, or simply want to travel much lighter. The GX85 has gone with me on so many holidays.

[@mathish1477]

@@stub8213 Yes, sorry I didn't finish making that point. In form factor, the gx9 is just the best, and I miss it.

[@mathish1477]

A 25mp gx9.2 would be getting close to a Leica q

[@EricWortman]

Bodies may get close in size and price, but the lenses still aren’t that close. That Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II shown is 695g and $2,298 vs the Panasonic Leica 12-35 2.8 at 306g and $798. That’s a lot of left over money and half the weight.

[@LuisFelipeBustilloVelasquez]

What you think about switching from Sony a7iv to the s5iiX?

[@bradleyeid9260]

Thanks for the overview. Your videos inspire me to visit Wales. I have a had full frame sensor envy for years. Yet still a micro-four-thirds system still is a much better system for my needs: urban travel and occasional wildlife tour. For urban travel, a full frame system weighs similar to MFT, but I want wide depth of field, so full frame is not an advantage. My current wildlife travel kit covers 24 to 600mm full frame and weighs just under 1,200 grams. A comparable system with the Lumix S5 II would weigh about 3.2kg (triple the weigh). The Lumix G9 II is definitively on my wish list.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

It's not fully clear (to me) -- is your current wildlife travel kit M43 ?

[@bradleyeid9260]

@@sdrtcacgnrjrc Yes, only M43 gear. The Panasonic Lumix G II Vario 100-300mm F4-5.6 and M. Zuiko 12-45 F4.0. The system is small enough to comfortably travel with two Olympus cameras and two lenses. The Lumix 100-300 weighs only 520g. Sharper M43 lens alternatives are available but at least double the weight. I have not yet missed having a lens to cover 46 to 99mm.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

@@bradleyeid9260 sounds good (I had misread that you had a FF for years). I would love to get the Pana M43 100 to 400 but can't justify it (pricewise, use-wise, weight-wise), so am considering the 100 to 300. Thanks for the response

[@johnlinney8685]

I use a Leica SL typ 601. Yes it’s heavy but I use Sigma Contemporary lenses and a Voigtlander 35mm lens. The Sigma lenses are small, beautifully made and very good. The Voigtlander is tiny and fabulous. The weight saving using these lenses was a big factor in getting them.

[@johnlinney8685]

Also, I moved to Leica was because of the simplicity of using it. The only control with any writing on is the on off. The menu system is great and I spend more time taking photos than setting my camera up.

[@danevarkevisser4670]

I hear what James is saying about diminishing weight advantage of MFT over larger sensor cameras though I would say it is still significant. One problem not often considered when buying into a camera system is sensor dust. I know it is big problem with the Sony cameras as well as some other camera makes. I can't speak for the Panasonic MFT cameras, but Olympus (OM Systems) seems to have solved this problem - it never seems to be a problem. Another advantage of smaller sensor cameras is image stabilisation. It will always be easier to stabilise a smaller sensor camera with lenses than a bigger sensor camera, so if you are someone like James who doesn't get on well with a tripod, then this could be a deal breaker. Features like the Olympus Pro-Capture are also difficult to implement on a bigger sensor camera. The physical dimensions means large sensor cameras need a much more powerful processors to achieve the same. So I don't agree that the smaller sensor system is making less sense. I am of the view that ultimately smaller sensor camera systems will win out. We are already seeing this with smart phones, the most popular cameras in the world right now.

[@amermeleitor]

For me the perfection would be S5IIX + Sigma i series lenses ❤❤❤❤❤

[@BlancGivre]

Hello again, Mister James.

[@nxu5107]

Muddled thinking leaders to muddled work. Very true - me with my camera!

[@theprettydamned]

Basically exactly how I feel. I use a Panasonic s5 (first one) and very happy with it. I really wish the lumix lenses were a bit smaller, but they are super sharp, weather sealed and not that heavy. I still carry an olympus epl7 and 20mm 1.7 for when I want to use a tiny kit.

[@theprettydamned]

Sigh. I had a go on an olympus em1 and I'm missing my tiny kit again. Back up for trade!

[@LeneMulan-jt2dc]

Video well done interested is this mean i have to replace all my micro third lences

[@smlhtr]

Two videos in a week! The world must be ending 😂 I agree with everything you said in the video. I love my A7RIII (the last R body before things got substantially bigger) paired with the compact primes, which I assume Sony is making more of. Hopefully a 28mm soon to replace my GRIII!

[@cristibaluta]

Some years ago i was debating if olympus + a long lens would give an acceptale quality comparing to 70-200 f4 on sony. Still didn't made a proper test but i'm using the EP7 and OM 40-150 and i'm lighter and smaller than that lens, which awaits to be sold.

[@mikepanton]

The G9ii is the dream camera in many ways.

[@Yaperture]

nice!

[@desgardner7169]

I think you have a camera problem! but I am sure MPB will help you out somehow! Thank you for this week's blog.

[@davidgilbert3589]

Mft has the advantage for macro as well as telephoto. Also, if you want one set of lenses for a pro camera and for a small one as well. I have a g9, a gx80, and an s5. Another big plus is cost of telephoto lenses. I really like the s5, but it’s the g9 and 100-300 for wildlife, and the gx80 and 20mm 1.7 (etc) for holidays and street photography for me. As a casual user, these cameras and lenses were affordable. I just have to take as good a photo as James now…

[@mostdopebenny]

Not a gear channel 😂 Love your videos❤

[@davidrussell7183]

I'm looking for a shoulder bag for my camera and 1 lens. Noticed you wearing a shoulder bag. Can you say what you carried in it, if you like it and what make it is? TIA

[@endah08]

Great point on the small FF lenses however, this is kinda just Sony. Like Canon and Panasonic have some smallish lenses they're still considerably larger or much lower quality. Of course also, the only FF camera that rivals the video features of the G9ii is the A7siii and Nikon Z9 but they're an order of magnitude more expensive. I do think MFT needs a lens refresh. Primes need to be faster and tue zooms need bigger range.

[@CianMcsweeney]

Interesting that it's basically the same size as the full frame S5 II, ofc the lenses will still be smaller but I don't quite see the point

[@Sven-R]

The G9 II has the same weight than the G9 had (both 658g) and it has almost the same size as well. So it could be said as well about the G9, which sure was a successful camera for Panasonic. That said, many Lumix-users wait for a GX9 II.

[@CianMcsweeney]

​@@Sven-RI guess at the time of the original G9, full frame cameras were larger. They should bring back the gx9, look at how successful fuji have been by embracing the compactness the apsc sensor allows them to achieve(excluding the x-H line, but they have other benefits video wise)

[@BurfieldPhoto1]

Pretty much all mirrorless cameras have been about the same size for years, regardless of format. The original G9 was the same size as full frame mirrorless cameras available at the same time too. I mean, human hands haven't changed sizes, and they're designed to fit in the hand, so this shouldn't surprise anyone. There are smaller more compact M43 cameras but their ergonomics is rubbish unless you have tiny hands.

[@BlazeFirereign]

In the mirrorless era, lenses have been responsible for MFT's size/weight advantage. If you want an ergonomic body, it's going to be this size. As to whether there's a point, that depends on whether MFT's smaller/lighter lenses, despite the shrinking gap there, are enough to win you over.

[@MeAMuse]

Personally the decision for me comes down to the fact that MFT often is limiting, especially in low light and to create shallow DOF. I used to have one, but I purchased a Sony RX100 VI because I wanted something pocketable. I got to the point where it felt like an inbetween camera that I never used because I either wanted the quality and ease of shooting "fool frame" or the absolute compact and lightness of the 1 inch sensor (or even a phone). In the end, I gifted it to someone.

[@dankuettel5063]

Nice Tudor BB watch

[@KNURKonesur]

My favourite camera has been and still is the Pentax 67.

[@paulferguson1921]

I have a funny feeling your heart is being tugged by the G9ii. I'm watching this space.

[@tsilmanav]

Despite the pledge a few videos ago to not do gear videos anymore and then doing 3 out of 5 videos on gear, I appreciate the gear videos. You do a good job on them.

[@WhiteWulfe]

It's definitely an interesting looking body, especially since I rather liked how the G9 was, but wanted the front dial to be more like that of the G85 where it's around the shutter button and not behind it. I do like the fact the batteries are the same now... But it brings about a problem for me, and I'm hoping it isn't the case, but I'm worried about the sensor noise it has for long exposures, since the GH6 with similar specs has some serious issues in that department. Apparently it isn't the same sensor, so hopefully the noise issues aren't there, but it'll be a few months before Optyczne has their review out, as they're one of the only ones that actually tests long exposure noise. Not going to lie, the S5 II is a rather tempting camera, and I am considering it, but the big issue for moving away from micro four thirds for me is one of it's core benefits for me - that 2x crop. Having that extra reach is insanely handy for a self-contained deep sky astrophotography setup because you can reach a LOT further towards various targets. Sure, for the same amount of money I could get a ZSI camera, but then I'm also lugging a battery AND a laptop to control it (plus a table for the laptop!) which means packing in even more weight. Either way though, I wouldn't mind giving it a try, doubly so since I like how Lumix cameras are... Biggest issue I tend to run into with camera bodies though is having room for my fingers. Some bodies there's no room for my fingertips (Sony A7 III), while others it seems like I can only have two or three fingers on it (GX8 and a few others).

[@xanedan4565]

Made me look up the S5II price and it's actually $300 cheaper than the G9II I per-ordered already. I shoot wildlife primarily though. The sleekness of that 100-400 PanaLeica is just too hard to pass up. Hopefully this holds up on the Mark II but getting reasonably good footage of birds even in the G9's digital teleconverter and 1.4x crop mode was a complete revelation for me. Also excited about the old 6k photo mode now working with RAW. That being said, I don't really think m43 has a place outside of wildlife anymore. I can do decent portraits, etc with the right kit but it's always a big compromise from full-frame. It's still a good system for me, but I would have eaten my hat if you went back to m43.

[@xanedan4565]

Should mention just for some context, pro wildlife photographers will also be best off with full-frame in a most cases. I'm an ecologist who packs camera gear to get educational / inspiration footage while doing other work. The weight savings are thus incredibly important to me - I cannot carry a full frame 150-600. I do not have the room at all. My PanaLeica 100-400 fits in a reasonably weather proof Billingham Hadley though.

[@nknutson1]

@jamespopsysphoto you didn't include in the title what mark ii younwere testing.