Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 - Long Term Review

I purchased the G9 over 12 months ago and I think it is now time for my audience to see what my long term thoughts are about this camera and if I still recommend it?
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[@michaelbezoski3096]

Really appreciate the construction of your videos with the comments on the sides, professional & easy on the eyes. Thank you Bob!

[@kzim56]

I always enjoy watching your reviews whether I'm particularly interested in the camera or not. Great production values, lighting and commentary. Keep up the good work!

[@Stone1108]

Totally entertained, had to subscribe, what guy. Big fan of the G9 btw, and for all of these reasons you mention. Thanks for a great vid.

[@mra1948]

I've been watching camera reviews on KZbin for years but enjoy yours the most. Thanks mate! Keep them coming.

[@AvpStudios]

I really appreciate your feedback, my channel is small but I have gone over the 10,000 subs mark, all thanks to individuals like you, appreciated!

[@martinlennon4673]

Enjoyed that review. Nice photos and great cat 😺

[@draknagar]

Excellent depth of contents and presentation.

[@ddsdss256]

Thanks for posting. The size/weight (and ergo) of the G9 is why I prefer it to other bodies (such as the OM-D M1 or Sony A7 series, which I find too small and light to feel secure/steady and especially unbalanced with a long lens). The battery grip (almost always in use) make things even better, especially with the Leica 100-400. Having a 200-800mm eq FL range (with a minimum focusing distance of only 1.3m/4.3' at the far end) in a package that weighs only 2kg/4.4 lb is a huge advantage over so-called "FF" (considered "small format" in the film days). I have the newer version of the GX 35-100 f/2.8 and yeah, it's a great piece of glass (and so light). I don't do a lot of BIF, but firmware update 2.4/2.5 has really helped the G9 nail focus, even with complex backgrounds (most of the time). The thing is, I'm used to using manual everything anyway--we never used to have auto-focus and for the type of shooting I normally do ("fine art" static subjects), AF's just not that important and people make way too big a deal about it. Also, if we're really being honest, even smaller sensors can produce excellent results (I've made great prints from even 1/2.3" sensor pocket point-and-shoots), so even MFT is overkill--anything larger is largely wasted most of the time (especially if you shoot RAW--DxO PhotoLab 4/5 Elite's DeepPRIME noise reduction is amazing--easily good for two stops). BtW, I love the reel-to-reel in the background--takes me back. Anyway, long live MFT!!!

[@alex-chicago-80]

Watching this wise man with all his toys and tech is like taking a glimpse into my golden years lol. How many cams does he have on hand?! Haha. I like that he doesn't truly have a favorite brand.

[@Rykrer]

Indeed, he is very practiced and knowledgeable. It looks like he has replaced his three A6100 cameras from a while back with two A7Cs, an A7RIII and Zv1 for product shots. I like his experienced use of differing views and great audio use.

[@danielpett2452]

Really good vid IV got into photography this last year and I use the g7 as my first camera was looking to move up to the g9

[@prabhakarrao4922]

One of the most underrated camera in my opinion. apart from the AF which has much to Panasonic's credit improved with each firmware upgrade this and the Sigma Fp are my favorite cameras.

[@Sotangy247]

Great video. Love the G9 . Newly subscribed

[@AvpStudios]

Thanks for the sub!

[@AgentFitz]

I really like the G9. If it had phase detect AF I would have purchased it over my A7III in a heartbeat. Hopefully Panasonic adds this to the next generation.

And 🎉🎉🎉 yes

[@rreichar1]

Nice review! I do a lot of bird photography and I use two cameras. I have a G9 that i shoot primarily with the PL 100-400 and a Canon R6 and I use a Sigma 150-600 EF lens with an adapter. The animal detect AF with the 2.4 firmware is amazing. The animal eye AF on the R6 is somewhat better IMO. It is faster and works better with birds in flight than the G9. But the R6/Sigma combo is relatively large and heavy and costs considerably more. I prefer the general look of the Panasonic colors and contrast and the 4X3 aspect ratio. The R6 sensor is superior when I start to lose the light. I prefer using the G9 for the most part but I find myself reaching for the Canon more lately because,even though I don’t enjoy using it as much, in some conditions it gets shots that G9 has difficulty handling. If I could only have one it would be a difficult decision but I think the G9 would win. It’s hard to beat the value and size proposition that it presents for wildlife photography. Just a great camera.

[@jeffslade1892]

In numerous tests Panasonic has the most authentic and faithful colour rendition. Birds in flight is practically instantaneous with the G9 if you use the right focus mode. If you are used to a Canon, no it is not the same. Even without animal detect it will usually choose the right subject if the background is not too confusing. If the subject is outside the focus box, obviously it will not lock on it. Dig into the menu, the G9 has customisable focus algorithms. In low light the G9 may have too many focus areas, the GH4 focusses far better in low light with only 49. When the focus points are so close together it may not be finding a difference between them. A point to note though is that contrast detection is always more accurate, when it locks, than phase detection. DFD ensures the lens moves the right way and the PL100-400 has a switch to limit focus distance range.

El año pasado entre al mundo de las M43 con la GH4, ahora quisiera esta G9 creo que me haría muy feliz. Gracias.

[@dutchovenguy]

I love your favorite animal. Had one just like him. My G9 has been my best camera so far.

[@jeffslade1892]

The GX12-35 and GX35-100 are very good and considered 'world class'. The mark.1 were "thousand dollar" lenses when they fist appeared and were so not cheap. The mark.2 will Dual2 but if you already have the mark.1 the Dual-IS is more than good enough. Wide open is a trifle softer than stopped down a click or two (but better than many other similar lenses). The GX sits between the G-series and Leica. You may see "HD" written on them, this denotes a video lens i.e quiet vibration-free operation. The zoom and focus speed in movie mode it deliberately slower for smooth transitions, and true for most Lumix lenses.

[@gregsaunders7042]

Appreciate the well illustrated review. I was looking at your videos and my god, you have been busy. Keep up the good work. Looking for a bit of free advice, I guess, in that I would like to upgrade my gear, which is currently a Lumix GH5 and a GX9 (and I've invested in a bunch of Lumix lenses). Both great cameras but I'd like better focusing, like you're getting with the G9, better high ISO, better cynamic range. Is there anything you can suggest that might fill the bill. In addition I see myself as a stills photographer with only a passing interest in video. Thanks once again.

[@borderlands6606]

The thing that stopped me buying the G9 was Panasonic put the price up over time, although it's currently a hundred quid off in the UK. The other factor was the full frame S5 stole some of the G9's thunder, being about the same size and little difference in street price if you include kit lenses. If I was more heavily invested in m43 lenses I'd have opted for the G9, and hope it has a successor.

[@gregpatterson134]

I really appreciate the in depth information. I recently purchased a G9 mki and can see it's a good upgrade from my G85. However, with the 100-300 pana lens, I'm struggling with sharpness. I realize it's not the sharpest lens, but with good outside light I'd think I can do better. Any tips with this lens is appreciated. My G85 did a little better with this lens. Probably my learning curve with the G9. Thanks. I also really enjoyed your flickr page.

[@DavidHarry]

Hi Bob. Just watched a few of your videos and was wondering why you don’t boom your mic out of the frame coming in over the top, assuming your mic that’s in shot is what’s being used. It would appear that you’ve got enough vertical FOV compared to horizontal FOV between your angles to hide the mic and you’d also get it closer. Great no nonsense, practical videos. Cheers, Dave.

[@AvpStudios]

I have tried that, I will do it again. The last time I boomed it I didnt fit it correctly to the ceiling and it fell on the desk during filming, quite funny to be fair, I thought of doing an outtakes video but there would be too much swearing to bleep out! I run between 3-5 cameras and quite often a battery will die, or a light fails, wireless mic gives up the ghost etc. Booming is a good idea though.

[@bingbong4848]

I've subscribed because you insisted that I subscribe :) You gotta do what you gotta do!!! I would (maybe) swap my G9 for an S5 if I could afford it, but those L-mount lenses don't come cheap, or compact, or with as many aftermarket lens choices. OK i just talked myself into keeping it... AF has definitely improved but if only they would get some phase detect though...

[@AvpStudios]

I agree, I truly believe if Panasonic introduced a camera with phase detect they would steel a lot of business from Canon & Sony.

[@Catechumen_01]

thanks

[@martingreenberg870]

Now that the S5Mii has phase detection I wouldn’t be surprised to see that on the G9Mii. Also hope the S5Mii battery is included in the G9Mii. Love this camera with the two 2.8 zooms. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@manoftheroad55]

Bob is it now poss on G9 to video in 10 bit straight to MP 4...without lut conversion ...Thanks always enjoy your vids..ps much revived interest in micro 4/3

[@rayjenkins2754]

You might get the larger extended eye cup. It help create more space for my nose.

[@manoftheroad55]

Suggestion...compare head to head prime quality lens on g9 and g100....what really is the difference in image quality..

[@NeoDon1]

I have subbed

[@josekuhn2819]

Post firmware 2.4 update : The single area animal /people detect af focus is outstanding. The only issue with video is that unexpected movement is hard to track. That being said as a b-roll video camera the single area small box people/animal detect makes it very useable and mostly dependable.

[@AprilClayton]

Your channel makes me feel less guilty about my camera collection. I love trying different brands and sensors. I can’t force myself to use one camera.

[@digitalspecter]

Sensor size doesn't matter that much when it comes to camera body size (just take a look at sigma fp full frame camera). However, that's the bit I'm holding and too small / cramped / lacking of controls will certainly hamper the usability of the camera.. where the size and weight does matter for me is the lenses because most of the time I'm only carrying one body but several lenses. Of course if you're walking around with just one lens and want ultimate portability then body size/weight certainly matters.

[@QawiemJamil]

Can't seem to decide between G9 and E-M1 mark ii. Both are similarly priced in the used market, and both have received what seems to be great updates on the firmware. I can't seem to find a direct comparison of their latest autofocus performance. That could be the decider for me. Hoping the Olympus wins because I prefer its size over the G9

[@AvpStudios]

If photography is your main interest both cameras fit the bill nicely, although I do prefer the ergonomics of the Olympus but the viewfinder of the G9. If video is key, the G9 wins hands down but the Olympus has better AF.

[@QawiemJamil]

@@AvpStudios I appreciate the response. I’ll try to get a hold of them to get a feel, but seems like I’m going to Olympus. I do mainly photography and appreciate really good AF. Though the G9 doesn’t seem to be far behind in that regards based on your video.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@QawiemJamil Accidentally purchased both bodies. Love the G9 but misplaced it and had a workshop I wanted to use the G9. Purchased used OMD1 Mii on Craigslist for $400 with box and extra battery. Thrilled with the price. G9 has a bad rap concerning focus. The DFD is more than adequate for photography. The DFD is unreliable in video mode. It doesn’t stay locked on the subject. Have to use manual focus in video. Found the G9 and used it for video without difficulty. The EMD1 Mii needs to be set up. I’ve loved the colors from Olympus since I had the EMD5 and expect the EMD1 Mii to have great colors OOB too. It has phase tech on the sensor so the focus for video should be better. Olympus is well known for their IBIS though the G9 isn’t too far behind. I think the G9 has more video features. Both bodies are very good in 2023. I need to use the Olympus more to see which body I prefer. The G9 body consistently commands a $100+ premium in the used camera market. Definitely a 1st world problem. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@ElissaPancoe]

In your opinion, is the G9 significantly better than the G100? I'm a beginner and trying to choose. The lower price, compact size, and free lens with the G100 is nice, but I'm afraid I'll hit a ceiling too soon and regret it. The G9 seems nice because it's weather sealed, but I don't know if the pictures or video would be noticeably different, especially in the hands of a clueless beginner (me). I plan to do landscape photography and vlogs. Any advice from anyone experienced in the comment section would be of great help. Thank you.

[@benjieloveless]

The g100 has significant limitations with the electronic only front curtain shutter. Any sort of low light/ club/ concert work is a a major frustration. The EVF is terrible. Lots of rolling shutter issues with flash. handling involves very considered customization or menu diving. As a good daylight , always have it on you, point and shoot with the option to change lenses...it works but I'm very disappointed in mine for any action or night life purposes. Love my g95 and hoped the g100 would prove to be an adequate back up when the g95/g90 goes in for service. Used market currently..you can get a g9 for not much more than a discounted g100.

[@rayjenkins2754]

Sorry, I don't think the ' totally ' integrated touch screen with added soft function buttons is malarkey ! I think the ergonomic operation of the G9 is made ' enjoyable / easy ' to use because of this - which many cameras lack.

[@superzero4250]

Why would the introduction of PDAF put Lumix cameras on par with Sony and Canon, when Fuji, Nikon, and Olympus are not…? …

[@frankiefalci8735]

Do you still think buying a new Y9 is a good choice?

[@markanderson6639]

I just ordered one now that the prices have come down substantially.

[@thrallingFRglory]

Has it though? I've seen it hovering at ~1000 USD for close to 18 months now.

[@markanderson6639]

@@thrallingFRglory In Canada it recently dropped to $1200 (Cdn) from nearly $2000.

[@borderlands6606]

In the UK the G9 body was £899 before briefly dropping to £799 then moving back to £999-1099 for the last couple of years, depending where purchased. Panasonic have a habit of playing with street prices until finding a level at which a camera still sells. It's remarkable that an almost four year old camera still has a market share. After the last big firmware update the G9 is a fully spec'd video camera, making it better value. The principle of selling a model over a long period with major updates is good for everyone. The manufacturer recovers all their development costs and the camera continues selling, early adopters aren't subject to planned obsolescence, and late comers have a reasonably priced camera with modern functionality.

[@markanderson6639]

@@borderlands6606 Olympus was doing something similar. The EM1 Mk II was $1200 (Cdn) for months before being recently bumped up to over $2000 (Cdn), about the same price as an EM1 Mk III. I bought an EM2 Mk II several months ago at $1200 (Cdn) and was planning to buy a second body when Olympus banged the price up to over $2000. Then Panasonic dropped the price of the G9 body from about $2000 to $1200 (Cdn) and I just ordered a G9 body to augment my EM1 MkII.

[@richardgorski23]

Had one for a couple years. Just replaced with Nikon Z6II. Nikon Video AF worlds better. Full frame is actually smaller (body)

[@AvpStudios]

The Nikon Z cameras are great, I have just got the Z5 and the Zfc, obviously the Z fc is APSC but I love the handling of the Nikons, the best I have ever used and I have used a lot. I prefer the Sonys (A7C & a6600) for video, certainly when I am filming in the studio, not because of quality but no record limit, so useful for me.

[@AnwaarAliOfficial]

G9, a great camera ruined by bad auto focus, especially no auto focus in slow motion.

[@JohnSmith-ul3rd]

tried to return to bulky cameras after 5 years of abstinence, got G9 (firmware updates were convincing), but meh, noise pictures and out of focus. HDR so slow that it created ghosts. smartphone does it much better (in most cases). returned and considering these bulky cameras dead.