Panasonic G9 Hands-on Review with New V2.0 Firmware

[@Reyfox1]

I own a G9, and the new firmware update was like getting a new camera for Christmas!

[@jaffarbh]

Same here

[@chrisklugh]

I have the GH5 and missed that feeling. But I'm glad that they came out with this update. It really shows that Panasonic is more interested in bring out the best in their cameras for their customers. Unlike Canon which is all about themselves. This cements my loyalty to Panasonic even deeper!

[@KhmaiMedia]

same here!!!

[@isaacredstone1049]

same here!! my g9 with the Leica Lumix 10-25 1.7 is literally my dream camera

[@paulanderson24]

I know it’s a late reply but doing some research. I want to get a capable camera for video and photo for my honeymoon next year and this looks like a contender. Although subjective - would you say it’s bulky compared to most mirrorless as keeping things lightweight would be a key factor as I will likely also be carrying my Leica M8.

[@MrPhilbautista]

Dave wants a heated grip? Get a Sony and shoot video in 4K.

[@Steven205]

@dennytenny Chill it's a joke and a funny one as a Sony shooter.

[@shaolin95]

Oh cute, another clueless butthurt fan of lesser camera brands spreading nonsense. You must feel really inferior, don't you?

[@MrPhilbautista]

@@shaolin95 since when was Sony considered a lesser camera brand?

[@iKeto_gal]

@dennytenny , wow you don't have a sense of humor do ya buddy? seriously can't tell when someone is joking. You need more human interaction in real life. Socializing in person is very important.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

Lmao, witty. You have to admit that was hilarious

[@kbarrett1844]

Thanks for this. The G9 unfortunately gets overlooked. Spots like this bring this camera to the forefront as being one of the best bargain wildlife photography options in 2020.

[@Stone1108]

Well said.

[@neonbirding2680]

Exactly.

[@TawaraboshiGenba]

I've been waiting for someone to test animal AF since Panasonic announced the update. Never considered the G9 to be a suitable camera for wildlife, but now I'm seriously considering it as the best all around option for enthusiasts. Small, lightweight, reasonably priced (darn you Sony a9), visually appealing (again looking at you Sony), great ergonomics, IBIS, long yet handholdable tele lenses, and now thanks to the update, great video capabilities and animal AF. This makes me want to switch from Fuji to Panasonic 😅

[@AlhambraDream]

3:33 Lion is like "Wtf am I doing in this fucking snow?"

[@marchanson711]

You guys are my new favorite camera team. What lovely synergy. As for the G9, you helped me make my decision over the X-T200. Thank you very much.

[@Gynra]

I bought a second G9. Does that answer the question?

[@teridzard1776]

Thanks for making the video. I would choose the G9 over any other camera every day. The new firmware just made it even better.

[@jorgem50]

I own three g9s for wedding work. Absolutely the best bang for my money!!! It was a huge bang for my money before the firmware upgrade.

[@JR-ef9dy]

How do you like the g9 for wedding work? I’ve been contemplating on purchasing one but my biggest concern is low light. Even though I still use flashes I don’t always like to use them at certain times

[@jorgem50]

@@JR-ef9dy Hello J R. I use the g9s for video work only. In video I shoot up to 2000 iso and have had no problems. Video still looks great. At today's prices, the g9, IMO, will give you amazing results for the money.

[@rogue0192]

J R i use this with a metabones speedbooster and canon lenses, works great in low light with this setup!

[@jorgem50]

@@rogue0192 I use the viltrox adapter and tamron, sigma, tokina, and Canon lenses

[@rogue0192]

@@jorgem50 if I could afford sigma lenses I'd use those too lmao

[@mvhan911]

Great, thanks for testing this new update even though the G9 is in the market for a couple of years!

[@PhotoGearFun]

I just bought this one because of the update. I shoot mostly photos but I love that I can now use this as a more serious video camera when the situation warrants. I also use this to shoot b roll for my channel. The 4k live crop is the best feature on any Panasonic camera. I am going to test out the high rez mode for product shots to see how that works. I shoot wildlife with the Nikon D7500 and the Sigma 150-600 I am looking at the 100-300 lens on the G9 for my new wildlife setup. Pretty excited to be able to be more mobile with my wildlife setup. Thanks for the video!

[@Stone1108]

I remember buying my G9, must have two years since, i’d already done my research and was set on this camera and system. The guy in the camera outlet seemed determined to move me away from Lumix and to one of the big two, you know the ones, but hey I wanted the G9. He even resorted to arguing with me!! So I walked away, bought it online and haven’t looked back. I just knew Panasonic would develop the system even further base on their tech savvy with imagining ... They’ve come good and even their contrast detect AF is proving a winner now. The G9 is one of the most versatile cameras out there and even more so since the v2.0 firmware upgrade. Strength to strength, go Pano.

[@JoeS5263]

I own a G9 and updated firmware just before I left for a trip to Hawaii. The animal autofocus works excellently, as you showed; and just in general I am extremely pleased with the new firmware and the features it added. I assigned "far focus" to a button; and set hi res to use Mode 2 immediately!

[@matthitchins4525]

Great video guys, love to see that Panasonic are still pushing new functionality out of their m43 systems. I hope that Olympus is listening - animal auto-focus would be amazing. Just ordered the Panasonic 100-400mm as well, cannot wait to get my hands on that!

[@wcbibb]

I own a G9 with a PL 100-400mm. I get some nice shots of roosting birds. I can carry a few other lenses in a small backpack camera bag. Not a bad camera!

[@rileyschannel]

I had to re watch the start because of the snowy owl. Even having one in a zoo is amazing.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It is pretty cool to have the opportunity to look at him up-close.

[@andrewchisholm3665]

@@TheCameraStoreTV my girlfriend had a snowy owl and he was so laid back

[@seantomlinson3320]

You want a heated grip? I hear there are numerous Sonys that warm up under use so maybe that's a suitable camera for you. Regarding the G9, what a nice firmware update. I'd love to test one but I can't imagine buying one. I'm glad Panasonic issued such a good update. Seems like a great camera.

[@dartvader60]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😭😂😂😭😭😂😂😭

[@wcbibb]

I have the G9 with the Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens. I have not updated the firmware yet. But that combination works pretty well as a walk-around wildlife and wildbird camera. For birds- in-flight, that is a slightly different task requiring other tools. The G9 can handle that task but the keeper rate is a bit lower. For me, portability is critical. My days of backpacking are over after my 70th birthday, which is now in the rear-mirror. I have been asked to recommend a set up to a younger couple who hikes and wants to shoot photos and video of wildlife and birds as a hobby. Any suggestions? This set up seems as good as any for the price, weight, and size.

[@dannyv5317]

I wish Panasonic also released a G9 spec-version in a GX8 rangefinder body. The G9 is just a little too big for m4/3 from what I'm used too.

[@GPadugan]

the gx9 has most of the same specs in a similar body to gx8. no weather seal though.

[@Stone1108]

Good review. My G9 is my go to camera, I use a FF for landscape if intending to print large (S1R). I've invested steadily in the G9 system as a result with a couple of Lumix Leica and Olympus lenses you can't go far wrong, For me the G9 was already top value in too many areas to list here even before the V2 update so let's just say it is a very versatile piece if kit and even better now, (slight understatement). With the V2 firmware update then G9 has become THE M43 (still centric) camera for all of the reasons you mention in the review and some, it's simply very good at most things it was designed to be, my personal view of course. I say thanks to Panasonic each time I take her out of the bag!!

[@Steven205]

Good video coverage. I've been running the G9 through it's paces for video and noticed the AF has been a lot more responsive. It would've been great if y'all covered more of the AF near/far features, but I'm glad a new video was provided for this camera since it really stepped it up to a new camera level.

[@myphotographyjourney3723]

Thanks Dave and Evelyn for a really helpful review. I had started my own tests on the update but only on domestic animals and birds. Going to the zoo was inspired and to be honest I’m really surprised that Panasonic have put so many profiles into this. The G9 was already very good but I think that Panasonic has effectively released a G9 mkii without the development and release costs of a new body - Good thinking on their part! I think that Tony Northrop was right when he said some time ago that camera manufacturers need to start thinking more like software companies than hardware companies as phone companies have done and Panasonic like some of the other manufacturers who have released significant firmware updates this year has cleverly done just that. This should increase the longevity of the products and frankly the environmental and economic sustainability of their firms. Obviously M4/3 had now a very established ecosystem of existing gear and users but I do think that if M4/3 is to have a commercial future for the manufacturers in this increasingly ff-obsessed hobbyist/prosumer space it will be in developing computational photography tools and new features like these.

[@LionStreetTM]

Great video! Is it possible for you guys to make a video on the G9 video capabilities, now with the 2.0 firmware update? Also, what camera did you use to record yourselves reviewing the G9? It looks like a TV commercial, thanks!

[@chcomes]

I must absolutely recommend the bigger eyecup. It transforms the viewfinder experience in this camera.

[@brukernavnfettsjit]

Thanks for re-visiting. I am considering this camera now since I wanted a better camera for video.

[@gutomakoletseatagain3140]

Awesome video! I was wondering if you have any thoughts for the Panasonic 14mm f2.5 lens?

[@jtanner71]

How does the AF for stills compare to that of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mk ii or the E-M5 Mk iii? Thanks.

[@kochlan]

It's great in S-AF but is worse in C-AF especially for BIF in comparison to Olympus.

[@jtanner71]

@@kochlan Thanks....I'm looking @ replacing my e-M5 Mk ii with either the E-M1 Mk ii, E-M5 Mk iii or the G9. Even considering switching entirely to Fuji but unlikely.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

@@jtanner71 Some things in the G9 don't work with Olympus lenses. DFD, dual IS are a couple.

[@GPadugan]

Curious on people's thoughts if there will be a replacement for the G9 anytime soon? Really want to pick one up, but don't want have a new version come out a couple months later.....

[@AndySnap]

The G9 is one of The best cameras on the market, and at the special offer price now often seen, it's unbeatable value, especially as it's a pro' spec and build quality body. The versatility of this thing is astounding.

[@danielmackenzie680]

Is Animal AF really usable if it's putting a box around the whole animal? It might be focusing on the rear and the head might be out of focus?

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi, good question. We found that Panasonic has done a good job with how it profiles animal shapes. In the case of the Zebra for example, the camera would find the head as a focus point consistently.

[@ecamormex]

Anyone know if there's going to be a new hardware update soon?

[@ryanashby2459]

Great content! What was this episode filmed with?

[@mattslaboratory5996]

The hand-warming grip sounds like a great idea -- until you think about 5-min battery life. Nice video, guys.

[@DaveTCSTV]

Somebody at some time will build a heated hand grip camera with 5 or maybe 8 min battery life...lol. Thanks for the comment.

[@gotopcpanik]

Really love all that great animal-photos. :) Well done. Thanks for the Information.

[@wilbuzllf5057]

Great job! Thanks for picking up older gear with new FW to test and see how much better things have become. I love my G9, best camera I've ever had! The new FW just made it even better :-D /Rasmus

[@TerenceKearns]

This is the best value for money camera on the planet. Its very rewarding to use and has a tonne of features. You can learn a lot from this camera. I like that the S series makes a great upgrade path should you ever outgrow it professionally.

[@CallMeChato]

The preshot feature is killer for wildlife.

[@عالمالمعلوماتتجارب]

I still love my panasonic g9 And I still love every video you do and I have a question What is the best lens for comprehensive photography? Sigma 16mm f1.4 or Meike 12mm T2.2 cine lens on MFT

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi and thanks for the compliment. With photography in mind I would lean towards the Sigma. It's brighter and gives you an AF option.

[@عالمالمعلوماتتجارب]

@@DaveTCSTV thank you all

[@beutelm1]

Birds in flight...sport...fast action...how does the G9 handle that ie focus acquisition and focus tracking on irratic movement like big or soccer players etc ?

[@ZJProductionHK]

Hows gh5 and g9 photograph comparision?

[@brucegraner5901]

Just curious. I know Lumix seems to prefer contrast autofocus systems but was wondering if a benefit to contrast autofocus is that it DOES NOT need to be calibrated as do lenses in phase detection autofocus systems like Sony, Nikon, Canon, etc. There must be some reason Lumix prefers contrast autofocus. Nice review on the G9. I'm definitely interested in that camera.

[@TerenceKearns]

The 6K photo mode on that thing is the best kept secret. It's basically a fully functioning video mode that captures in 5K 4:3 or 3:2 and encodes in h.265 10bit 4:2:0 I use it all the time. It's big enough to pull stills out of any frame - which of course is how it has been designed to be used. But I do it in post using VLC's snapshot feature.

[@ThePhotographyHobbyist]

I enjoyed the G9. That's a really nice firmware update for an already good camera.

[@videojeroki]

Good initiative! How does it comparet to the latest firmware version 3.0 for the E-M1 Mark II (June 2019)?

[@alexandrevancalster8620]

Does the animal af work with olympus glass on the G9?

[@bavideomaker29]

Great video. You guys got some very nice shots. I love the G9. As you said, with the new firmware it’s a very good hybrid camera.

[@sajjadal-lawati3133]

I have a project of photographing bikers at night , and i am intending using my G9 any suggestions on the ISO, settings and flash usage as well as the composing the images... this will be put latter in a book as well as A3+ sizes of prints ...Thanks

[@thrallingFRglory]

I’d been wanting to get the G9 for sooo long. But I had to settle for a g85 instead. Budget constraints and all that. Now I’m feeling I kinda should’ve stretched it :/

[@MrPhilbautista]

How does it work with adapted lenses?

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

I’d like to see how this camera handles action tracking with the new firmware.

[@Waltoncash]

After the update does the 30mn limit recording change to no limit like the Gh5 or still the same

[@andrealeblanc4434]

I have a G9 and realized it is still using Version 1.1. Do I need to update each previous update before updating to v2?

[@Lizerator]

Great review, lots of relevant information

Is this camera good for video?

[@tedteodoro5907]

G85 does not get this firmware update?

[@brendandrives]

Has the IBIS changed at all with V2.0? Curious if it is on par with the GH5

[@balboa0621]

The camera is only 1k bucks new on Amazon US right now, too

[@markattardo]

I was already looking at this as my next camera. With the new firmware, I want to accelerate the timeline. Appreciate the follow up video!

[@mdbostnmt1987]

Don’t laugh- I’m finally retiring my Nikon D200 (yes, 15 YO 10mp dslr). The Panasonic’s are looking very appealing to me. My only concern is low light use. I always used F1.8 and 1.4 in music venues and kept the iso no higher than 800 on the Nikon. But also borrow my daughter’s kit lens on occasion for astrophotography. With this as my only reference, would either the G9 or G85 be an improvement over the D200 using comparable glass for those situations?

[@moensterbrydning891]

Really don´t understand your comment about lower resolution in low light in this MFT? I mean: you got 6.5 stops gained from the image stabilisation in both camera and lens? Then you don´t need a whole lot of ISO. How many fullframe cameras have an extra 6.5 stops?

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Stabilization will absolutely compensate in a static scene. However, if you are photographing moving subjects, you will still need fast shutter speeds and high ISOs where M43 sensors are still at a disadvantage over full-frame sensors.

[@JackieSemple]

Love your product reviews and this is no exception.

[@Valerossi0]

shooting the g85 still, but if i see what the body cost now. its alot camera for its money.

[@mirandasi8302]

I'm in the market for a 4K camera that has external micrphone input. Suggestions?

[@Gijz74]

I was in doubt to pick one up during last Black Friday but didn't. And now I regret not buying it. Will pick one up early 2020 cause it is such a great camera (even before FW 2.0 came out). The flip out screen makes it ideal for macro and being an MFT with great IBIS it is also a fantastic wild life camera.

[@Serenoj69]

There are some limitations to EVERY sensor.

[@nicholassquire7821]

Nice review and it's a quite cheap in the UK at the moment, very tempted

[@martyptx]

Buy it, it’s an awesome camera, you will not regret it.

[@iwonder666]

At 997.00 USD the camera is an absolute steal!

[@aequitas8749]

No anamorphic mode?

[@clintpayne7251]

What I find amazing is that prior to animal and eye detection focusing systems, wildlife and portrait photographers could actually focus tack sharp without the assistance of these technologies.

[@MrPhilbautista]

You just see the keepers. How many shots were missed is the real question. This new tech increases your keeper rate and that's what all togs want.

[@JoeMaranophotography]

@@MrPhilbautista Whilst the animal AF is a useful tool I would never use it for every scenario. For example a still subject I would place a single focus box over the closest eye. The animal AF isn't infallible and it will know you want to focus on the animal but not exactly where.

[@MrPhilbautista]

@@JoeMaranophotography Just as in all situations, the camera cant think for the tog. But my reply was nased o the OPs suggestion that AF is over rated. I feel otherwise. I believe that with modern AF systems, the tog has a higher keeper rate, which increases the number of shots to choose from. Lots of new togs forget that the old masters took advantage of the latest tech available to them at the time. Ansel Adams was dodging and burning before even he knew what it was. Everyone is free to choose what to use but, all other things being equal, those taking advantage of the latest tech available to them will have an advantage. That doesn't mean the win is in the bag but having an advantage makes the game much more fun...except for those who enjpy the struggle, in which case, struggle all you want. It's your choice.

[@Kprawl291986]

Very informative review cheers!

[@paulhigginsphotography]

Great video guys! I'm still undecided between the Olympus E-M1 mkii and the G9 and renting them both over Christmas to have side by side. I have rented a G9 before and loved it. The new firmware seems to really add a lot. I think Olympus also just brought on new firmware too so would be interesting to see how both stack up! Keep up the good work!

[@davidwendelrobinson6080]

Nice job. Looks like the new firmware is really a big improvement.

[@Kupfertopf65]

I personally own this camera since 1 year now and I‘m really happy with it. The new firmware update is big step forward....But i‘ve doesn‘t test the animal af so a great thx for this video. But one question, does the animal AF track the subject in move? Kind regards from Germany.

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi, The G9 does track moving subjects, check out 3:30 of our video to see it in action. Take it out and let me know what you think of it with moving animals.

[@Kupfertopf65]

....it seems to be that I missed it. Thx ..I 'm going to test this AF funtion at the next horse tournament. 😉👍😊🐴🐎

[@locker1964]

The G9 is really interesting, especially the price in combination with PANASONIC LEICA DG Vario-Elmar 100-400 mm (200-800 FF) is very interesting, a real alternative to full frame lenses (size/weight/price). This is the advantage of the G9 with the MFT sensor.

Fantastic video! 😍 But Lumix g9 is good for videos?

[@thatsreallyamoon]

Of course, there is a significant amount of GH5 soul in the G9. You don't get some options like the XLR compatibility and the insane 400 Mbps video option, but you get all the other things that make the GH5 great; color, 4k 60, even better IBIS, a better hand grip, and can even buy a $100 upgrade that lets you shoot V-Log L for color grading. My issue is that both cameras are way too good lol... Throw the Blackmagic Pocket 4k in the mix and I literally cannot decide between all 3 of them. Each one is such a cool device.

[@ahojahojish]

If this camera was aps-c and no m4/3 I would buy 10 of these! unfortunately the image just doesnt look good in low light...what a shame. But its still a great camera.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

Does anyone buy this camera for photography or just video?

[@ivisonpacheco3118]

This camera has a recording limit of just 30 minutes, which is very bad when I'm filming long-term events, and it also heats up a lot. The camera is excellent for photography, but for working with videos of event and long interviews, it is very bad because of the recording time limit of 30 minutes, and the camera turns off every 10 or 30 minutes.

[@Astro75mm]

6.5 stops of IBIS in G9, not 5, the Gh5 has 5 stops.

[@toxictabasco]

Great review of the new G9.

[@michaelbuchingerdr.1090]

HI. I did the update, but now the fokus peaking dosn`t work. Any idea?

[@DaveTCSTV]

Hi and thanks for reaching out. The new firmware does have peaking. Double check that peaking is on through the menu ( "c" wrench icon, monitor display tab, pg 5 of 7 ) you can see all your peaking options. You will only see peaking in manual focus and in af-s if you select that option. Hope this helps you out!

[@michaelbuchingerdr.1090]

@@DaveTCSTV thanx for your response. After i made a reset its works well, kind regards Mike!

[@Outtheresomewherewild]

Love my G9 and what a nice upgrade.

[@romualdb5968]

g9 or xt3?

[@Serenoj69]

May be one of the very few reviewers that actually took their time to assess what this FW 2.0 does for the cam and most of all its users. Some others to this but only with some brands it seems. I am looking at you, dpreview...

[@thatjordandrake]

Umm... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3KTfaV-n8pqbJI

[@Serenoj69]

@@thatjordandrake Who asked you anything, Jordan?! But to be honest: I meant the written reviews. In some they reassess the cams after a year or so due to a FW update but not for the EM1.2 (which upgrade really made a huge change in video AF) nor the G9...

[@jtapes_]

very informative and well said video, thank you!

[@JericTamayo]

I love the G9. My next lens will either be the 100-400 or the 10-25. But gravitating towards this lens since I already have the 12-35 for now

[@neilshayler3119]

Try a 50-200 as well as you have option of using that as well its a cracking lens

[@JericTamayo]

@@neilshayler3119 it's a good option, I'm sure. But I already have the 35-100mm and 100-400mm. I prefer the 35-100 because it's a fixed aperture of f2.8. and the 100-400mm f4-6.3 works to complete the focal lengths extending from the 35-100mm. I'm eyeing the 10-25mm now since I sold my 12-35mm to my friend. But yes, 50-200mm looks like a great lens too.

[@neilshayler3119]

Jeric Tamayo good set up well balanced

[@jbird7782]

Congratulations, now I just want to go to your Zoo!!😂

[@williamedge9888]

Great video! Great Camera!

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Dave your prayers are answered: heated grip on Fuji X100v

[@panasonicism]

"Like I said in the past, Panasonic doesn't make the sexiest looking cameras but they are very functional...." May I add, Toyota doesn't make the sexiest looking cars but they are very reliable.

[@PencilProper]

Excellent camera!

[@ChristiaanRoest79]

The g9 is still awsome

[@AmieW]

all people discussing about auto focus while i still shoot manually on 200mm f2.8 lens

[@liroymona]

Nicereview! Superphotos, Awesomevideos. Thanks for sharing your experience. AllTheBest! Vasile

[@peterlemke3468]

Thanks D&E looks like a decent firmware update from the AF perspective. D are you the only Canadian who doesn't own gloves? Or the only Canadian who can't ice skate? Also zebras in the snow does that constitute animal cruelty?

[@georgegaab1375]

In the new Auto Focus there is a near & far setting to avoid the fences. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eaSzlnd5jrVnp8U

[@TomVestvik]

Yes, to heated grips! :D

[@DaveTCSTV]

Nice to know that I am not the only one asking for this!

[@Techado]

RECAPTION- Panasonic g9 hands on photography review, not for video. this is what happens when you give photographers to do a review for a hybrid camera, no stress on video, no knowledge on bit rates, advice on sd cards, 5.9k videos, what about handheld video work? no instead I am going to get the most expensive Lumix telephoto lens , shoot some pics and talk how amazing , yes how amazing this camera , what about lowlight? max iso that you can extend before the grains show up? ANIMAL DETECT AUTOFOCUS in video...... but 334k subs. well good luck , wasted my 10 mins,

[@joechip1232]

This camera would be even more compelling with phase detect in it. I don't think I could live with the wobble, personally, especially in video...

[@WhoIsSerafin]

Mines only a couple of months old and just sent off on its second trip for repairs so maybe some day I can enjoy the new updates. Camera has been nothing but a disappointment so far.