Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 long term review

My original G9 review: • Panasonic Lumix G9 review
Firmware 2.0 overview: • Panasonic G9 firmware ...
My G9 L bracket review: • SmallRig L Bracket for...
Laowa 7.5mm: • Laowa 7.5mm f/2 ultra ...
Panasonic 15mm: • Panasonic Leica 15mm f...
Panasonic 30mm: to be reviewed soon, bought it this summer
Olympus 75mm: 3 years overdue for review, I'm ashamed
Camera bag in this video: amzn.to/3pN6AMn
Where I work: www.anigota.hr/
Paypal donations: www.paypal.me/...
Amazon links:
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3cSqteJ
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3D8XvSN
Amazon DE: amzn.to/3lcjP7U

[@SazLowify]

Great to see a long-term review ! Really important for us who don't buy everything new :-) well presented and very thoughtfully made. Especially the ‘features I thought I'd use but didn't’ section. Thanks !!

[@Camerahoarders]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kwchalky02]

I agree. It's a brilliant camera. Perfect ergonomics, great usability. So many well thought out features. At the price you can get it for now it is excellent value for money. My favourite camera. 🙂

[@jackjstrange]

Really nice retrospective review! I like mine so much I got another... now I'm running two.

[@AndySnap]

The G9 is one of the best cameras on the market today, and certainly the best value pro' spec camera available, it really has everything (including superb image quality) that many/most photographers could every want or need. A shame it's a little bit forgotten, in the shadow of new Canon's and Sony's, which are larger and much more expensive. I can't see me replacing my G9 for a while yet.

[@Kelkschiz]

I love the G9. It would be my favorite camera of all time if only the AF was a bit better. If Panasonic ever makes a similar camera with a superb AF, I will never be looking to buy another camera.

[@Lepewhi]

So, the AF is slow? I have a G6 and was thinking about getting a G9, as my G6 AF is kind of hit/miss. But, if the AF is not so great, maybe I'll look elsewhere.

[@Kelkschiz]

@@Lepewhi First thing I should mention is that I am only talking about video AF, its photo AF is superb. As for video AF, it's all relative. I have a large amount of experience with the AF capacity of all Panasonic G cameras. And of the Panasonic G series, the G9 has by far the best video AF. Only the GH5 comes somewhat close to it. But If you want the absolute best video AF, then you'll have to go to either Sony or Canon. That being said, the G9 of course has capabilities that are the best in other respects, like its IBIS and video features. Personally, I am also a big fan of Panasonics handling, menu. Basically everything. Only the video AF could still use some improvement.

[@Lepewhi]

@@Kelkschiz Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll get one. I'll wait until the price drops more.

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

As you say, everyone uses a camera according to their style and needs, but the one thing about fully articulated screens is the ability to view low angle, vertical shots for architecture. To each their own, but I would not want a camera without it. Fortunately, with the G9 people like me are well served.

[@Harold6643]

Yes I agree with what is said . I think it is not said often enough how the 4.3 ratio is much better than 3.2 especially for verticals shots . I also have two G9 . One for 3 years and one for two years and they both operate flawlessly after extensive use . I think the G9 is the best cropped sensor ILC .. and at the current price it is a steal !!

[@justinbowen2083]

Excellent video this helped me out a lot.

[@hanslamal5632]

Totally agree with you! I also use it with only primes... excellent results. I'm happy the body is big enough, because even with the 200mm 2.8 it feels perfectly in balance... Thanks for this nice video! 👍

[@mazeson]

It is a great camera. It made me to enjoy photography again. I use Canon FF cameras also, but do not give me the same joy, and is often very expensive. The 4/3 lenses and cameras have terrific value for the money.

[@rickkoloian4179]

Thanks for another excellent video. Recently I added a G9 to complement my G95 after considering Olympus em 1 mk iii. While I liked mk iii's better AF & handheld highres--which I hope Panasonic includes at some point--I found the Olympus menu system not intuitive plus much preferred the G9's ergonomics.

[@tobiasmoeckel]

Great video on a great camera. Still loving mine to the point where - after 2 years of owning it - it still manages to excite me whenever I pick it up!

[@laurentyarp514]

I have had mine for 2 and half years. Looks brand new. Panasonic sure knows how to build a solid camera.

[@peace4myheart]

Thinking of buying a new camera. Should I go with G9 or G95? I mainly use my camera for stills, like 99% of the time. While I would love to own the G9, I'm just worried that I might pay the extra $300 for it and won't use many of its cool video functions. I am more of an enthusiast and I take family photos and nature and landscape.

[@Camerahoarders]

For that price difference, go with G95 and put the money in lenses. G95 is basically G9 light, most important things are the same (sensor, ibis etc.). G95 was to close to G9 in price when introduced and back then it made no sense, but now its being discounted. See my G90/95 review if you haven't: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJPHmGemjph1fJY

[@weisserth]

Still an amazing value - especially used - in 2022.

[@hVF8KZuQPeCc8u]

Great review! I have the G9 alongside a Fuji X-T4 and love both of them. They both have similiar features (more or less) and the G9 stands up well to its APS-C sibling. My one quibble is the video autofocus on both although the G9 has been improved in firmware updates. For stills the AF on both is usually on the money. I totally agree, the G9 is a great bargain even in 2021/22.

[@aleksanderkozak5204]

How do you assess image quality on both? Can you spot a difference in DR or noise at ISOs 800/1600/3200?

[@hVF8KZuQPeCc8u]

@@aleksanderkozak5204 I think IQ on both is very good. I would give the edge to the Fuji for better DR and less noise but then again it has a slightly bigger sensor. The G9 is no slouch though but unless you have a fast lens you'll need to shoot in well lit conditions. However, Topaz DeNoise AI handles any noise problems very well.

[@shanemitchellspencer]

I have an X-T3 and sometimes I still think about selling it for the G9. IBIS would be so useful for the video I take. But I don’t have money for the X-T4.

[@aleksanderkozak5204]

@@hVF8KZuQPeCc8u Thank you. So the difference is not big?

[@aleksanderkozak5204]

@@shanemitchellspencer I see. G9 is cheaper. I just wonder how FF would performe vs m43.

[@nineoneten]

Did you claim on the warranty for the earthquake damage ! I got my G9 secondhand and one of the strap lugs was loose, other than that it feels very solid, almost that it could have been made by Nikon. I like your reviews, I have a new 14-150 olympus lens today to try

[@ErikJanStroetinga]

Mine is also still going strong, but the door rubbers are not the best. I've had them replaced and now they are still coming loose. Otherwise (with the 2.5 firmware) a great camera, but I also still use my GX8 with pleasure.

[@LEXPIX]

Nice long term review. I have the GH5s but have considered the G9 as a backup since I like Panasonic's designs.

[@colinthecameraguy]

Very pleased with my G9 .. . . . And also my GH5 . . . . And now my GH5s 🤷

[@onlylumix9634]

Yes a great camera for video and photo 👌 I use mine often with a Samyang 12mm f 2 lens.

[@SLLYT]

A thoughtful review. My Panasonic Lumix G9 camera with firmware v2.4 is better in so many ways than my Panasonic Lumix GX8 cameras, which I have considered to be excellent.

[@Karkawry1970]

Hi, which would be the better (note reliable) choice for hand held video in low to mixed light conditions at say 135mm zoom, the G9 or a Canon M6 MII coupled with EF S 18-135 USM, thanks for the video, it's between these two for me now.

[@michaelsenn68]

For stability, the G9 is unbeatable. But if light-gathering is more important, then a bigger sensor will typically give you a cleaner image. You can mostly get around that by using a crop-sensor lens with speedbooster on the G9.

[@dorianonthebike8448]

Great review! I fully agree with things you like and don't like after using my G9 for a pretty long period of time. It is ergonomically perfect except articulating screen - tilting would be much better. Stabilization is sooooo good! What doesn't let me really love the camera is an awful auto white balance (especially in the evenings, sunsets, low light, etc) and colours of nature that require a lot of post-processing to look more or less natural (pretty much like SONY's). For me, Canons and older Olympuses (em1 m1, em5 m1, em m2) are MUCH MUCH better in this regard.

[@laurentyarp514]

I am mostly using shade WB with CineD profile and it gives great results. Especially in low light situations.

[@Whowhatwherewhy]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@artistjoh]

Agreed. G9 is a camera that is easy to love. Great feature set and perfect ergonomics. Love it.

[@haploguy]

As many people said this camera is one cAF away from perfection. Not expensive, God-tier IBIS, 4k60, amazing photos, handling is sublime (probably best ever camera made), screen, menu, VF, dual slots, HDMI, billion customisable buttons...... Even with the AF issue I don't see any reason to change it, it's just too good for the money. The only "upgrade" would be the A7S III (5x the price) or the new GH6 if they give it PDAF.

[@nappandocumentary.9926]

вышла новая прошивка для ручного автофокуса это просто стало супер! Удачи!

[@nappandocumentary.9926]

я снимал 6 часов свадьбу отличный результат!

[@martingreenberg870]

This is the last camera I purchased new. I love this camera. Very good IBIS. Amazing video features for a photography body. 2x card slots. DFD works well for photography but needs help when doing video. This is a large body, especially for M43. It isn’t heavy but it was a surprise. I agree about the screen. This is a photography based body. A tilt screen would have been better for me. When the G9Mii or G10 is announced I’m expecting to seen phase detection. I recommend this body if you are a photographer or want to do hybrid. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@motebike]

I had it and almost loved it. Now the A7 IV has freed me from silly limitations.

[@maoraharon21]

great choice. Panasonic is stupidly gimping the g9 to not compete with their gh line.

[@WildBeret]

Hi , I have gx80 , I was wondering how much I will get from shadows and higlights in Lightroom when it comes to G9 vs Gx80 , there will be huge diffrience or just a little ? I bought another GX80 kit with 14-140 II but I can return it , because on other GX80 I got analog lens which work superb for me with GX80 and wanted to have zoom lens and now I am thinking is the update for G9 is worth of it , or maybe the full frame will have that real diffrience that I expect in terms of editing raw images

[@jeffslade1892]

You did not mention the stabilisation. With Dual2 and an extra-long lens it's a wildlife photographer's dream. My other main camera is an Olympus and the stabilisation is excellent but the G9 knocks spots off it. With a long lens supporting Dual2 it's not only hand-held but you can wave it about. With small primes the PEN-F may do it better, and it is 'different'. A flip-out monitor can and should be folded in to protect the glass. If you want a tiny little camera for street with a tilt screen, the E-PL7, no not the later ones, they won't take the VF4 EVF.

[@ddsdss256]

G9 (and MFT) rules! I've had mine 4 years and would buy it again. No need for larger-format sensors when I get museum-quality prints. FL range from 18-800 all fit in a bag the size of yours (~5kg) with battery grip and all kinds of accessories (and great to leave the tripod at home except for long exposures, some macros, and the very rare high-res shot). I shot 135-format film SLRs for decades at 2:3 and 3:4 is much better for most images. AF is great and real photographers have no problem switching to MF when the situation requires it. I disagree on the flippy screen--I find it essential a lot of the time--you can't put the camera on the ground and use portrait mode without it (unless you like lying in the mud).

[@thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen]

I was considering getting the Oly em1 iii because OM-1 is out but for my style I don't need the pro capture and hand held high res (and the em1 iii's evf is terrible) and then I saw the G9 which I never considered using lumix for photography. Olympus, once you get into their system, they do a good job fencing you in from seeing what lumix is doing. The olympus lenses I love but I want to use the best options M43 offers not being bound to the camera brand. Great video!

[@danny_r27]

Selling my Sony A7III to buy a G9. Funny thing is I had a G9 before I went to Sony. Then 2 years into full frame I realized that I don’t need full frame for my type of photography as I mostly shoot landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, and basically shoot non moving subjects. So high shutter speeds/high iso is not necessary to me. I sold it a week before firmware 2.0 came out so I never got to test out the features they added but a month from now I should have a Lumix G9 with Leica 12-60mm kit. The new rumored Lumix camera that’s a successor to both the GH5 and G9 is said to be priced at $2,500 while the G9 is $900-$1,000 USD brand new so you can see how insane of a deal you’re getting. The Sony menus are so confusing that I still don’t know them all after 2 years. I’m glad that the G9 still holds up to modern MFT cameras like the M1 Mark III. Can’t wait to own it again in a month from now.

[@maoraharon21]

while the g9 is amazing and has gotten awesome firmware updates and support Panasonic is still making weird decisions. why does the g95 have live compositing and autofocus video setting while the g9 doesn't?. also they need to cut that stupid 30 minutes time limit. it's not taxed anymore.

[@jeffslade1892]

It may surprise you to learn that contrast detection is more accurate than phase detection. Contrast detection has to be spot-on to lock focus, phase detection has to match wavelength phases and can lock when it is out by a several wave lengths; not quite focused. The problem with CD was knowing which way and how far to move, DFD sorted that out. The G9 may have been given too many focus points, so they are too close together. It tends to get confused more often than say the GH4 with only 49; CD needs a difference in contrast to operate. If it cannot find focus on the subject it may pick somewhere off the subject not to your liking. The G9 has a few different AF modes buried in the menu, how it implements the AF. They may work better than the default in some situations. AFC is more of a follow-focus, it is certainly not tracking. In movie, Continuous Focus will try to stay with the subject when you want it to switch to a new subject, follow-focus again. The only downsides to the G9 for me is the hair-trigger shutter and the waste of space top panel LCD.

[@gordon3988]

I’m one of those folks who find the G9 a bit too big...largely as used on hiking trips and both size and volume matter. Would prefer something)g smaller, but overall it has been a brilliant camera. With latest firmware updates (up to 2.6 now) autofocus in video good in most cases. Prefect for photos. Was literally at the camera store 2 years ago buying an A6400 (a nice camera for stationary video) but price of G9 was reduced to about $100 less. Salesperson noted the G9 was a camera I would need to grow into. That sold me. Still more than I need, but such a camera! Tempted at times however by the Olympus options like the OMD MK3 though (or even the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III)! Appreciate the video!

[@Verde88]

Hi, great video. Could you tell what glue have you use to repair the rubber parts? I tried everything without success. Rubber parts on this camera peel and I had them already replaced under warranty twice.

[@Unprofessional4U]

Love the video! A lot of useful info! Do you mind adding chapters? Would love to share with my family.

[@clarkejones8090]

Excellent review, thank you. I value long-term assessments . You explain things so well. I also like that you tell us the lens kit you have landed on. Helpful and interesting. I "get" your strategy or what I take to be your strategy : Ergonomically good , If somewhat large body but paired with compact , very good quality single focal length lenses. If you do find the time to review the Panasonic 30 mm Macro then I would be very interested . I expect this is a versatile lens . Cheers.

[@A2Z1Two3]

I too had thumb grip require gluing . The top wheel gets very stiff at times .

[@CriRiz]

Thanks

[@MrKravmagadude]

Re low light: shoot in black and white and call it 'art'. Done.

[@raalaa121]

I still can't believe how under rated this camera is. It does everything I throw at it with ease.

[@chillbro8811]

I think my search is over 👍🏽

[@khannaparikshit]

It would be great to see an Olympus 75 mm review if possible. Your choice of equipment and reviews make sense. I have followed your Lumix reviews from the early days including non-ILCs.

[@Camerahoarders]

Yes, 75mm review is long overdue. Well, I'm long overdue with all videos, but I plan to change that soon

[@melcesco]

Hello good morning and thank you for the excellent review ... I am thinking about a drastic decision that may seem blasphemous but which would respond to a need for greater praticità: I am an owner of a gx80 as a second body, I feel extremely uncomfortable to carry around my Canon kit (5dmkIV + lenses ) and I would be tempted to trade it in with a G9 + 12-60 panaleica + 12 mm panaleica 1.4 + 7/14 vario G (I already have zoom and 14/42 in use with the Gx80) ... do you think such a shocking choice would take me in the long run to a repentance due to a marked difference in photographic quality? Thanks a lot for your attention

[@Camerahoarders]

Depends what you use it for... 5DIV has more resolution, better high ISO and dynamic range, there's no escape from these facts. but if you don't push your photos in extremes you might be quite happy with G9. Have you considered S5 maybe?

[@spudwas]

Your review is sublime.

[@jettysplash]

Thank you for your video. I bought my G9 more than 2 1/2 years ago with the Leica 100-400 lens for birding and wildlife. I research like crazy every day for several months before deciding on the G9 to upgrade from my Nikon Coolpix 530 and will never be dissatisfied with my decision. More than a year later Canon released its EOS R5 and then its 100-500mm lens after that. I have to say the R5 looks like it produces equal or better photos overall and that 100-500 lens reaches further than my 100-400 with at least equal sharpness effortlessly and can be cropped with amazing results; albeit the Canon configuration is staying at hundreds more than twice the price as my G9 configuration. How do you feel as an EOS R5 with Canon glass on your wish list? Or, do you have one already? Its on my "wild dream" list at THAT price, LOL. I love with 45MP I would get larger crops and prints without losing sharpness.

[@ahojahojish]

Actually your Leica 100-400 reaches way further than the canon 100-500 - There is a crop factor of 2 on the m43 - The R5 is a Full frame camera. So your 100-400 is actually a 200-800 in full frame equivalent.

[@eguitarstar]

The G9 is a power house and Panasonic still continue to support this model from 2018. The most recent firmware was only released a few months ago, I hope this long continues. The camera has great handling, photo and video features and can be had for a bargain when on offer. Granted it is "dated" in terms of age but with Panasonic releasing firmware for it, the camera has got better and better since it was released.

[@jasurkhalilov1573]

Для свадьба можна сенимат

[@paulplus3830]

It dropped on what? Carpet? Stone? Nevertheless puts my mind at ease. 🙂

[@Camerahoarders]

Wooden parquet. Not the hardest surface but still...

[@davidalan8824]

great review!

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Links to lenses & camera bag please :)

[@Camerahoarders]

Laowa ultrawide: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXvYeqKcidehhas Panasonic 15mm: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ql69gqCsh9SfY5o Panasonic 30mm: to be reviewed soon Olympus 75mm: 3 years overdue for review, I'm ashamed Bag in this video: amzn.to/3pN6AMn

[@steadicamwalker]

G9 rule

[@crazyasianskills]

I bought the G9 in 2019, just before the firmware updates came out that juiced its video specs and made it a true hybrid. Such a great purchase. It's really incredible value and its AF shortcomings are drastically overstated.

[@1eisber1]

Bok, molim Te - koji si ljepilo koristio? Imam isti problem na G9... Pokusao sam Pattex Classic - ali to ne dobro radi. Hvala za pomoc! lijepi pozdrav iz Zagreba!

[@Camerahoarders]

Loctite: www.loctiteproducts.com/en/products/fix/super-glue/loctite_super_glueprecisionpen.html Vrlo jako i nanosi se u jako malim količinama što je ovdje bitno da se ne tracka puno ljepila na tu malu površinu ispod gume. Kupio sam ga u Bauhausu, oko 30kn je bilo čini mi se. Pozz

[@1eisber1]

Thx! Gdje si to nasao? U kojem ducanu? Hvala i lijepi pozdrav. Christoph. GOD is good

[@Camerahoarders]

@@1eisber1 bauhaus na jankomiru

[@1eisber1]

@@Camerahoarders hvala!

[@650thunderbird]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@mssapmaz]

Great review. I am a GH5 user and planning to get a G9. I wonder if the Lumix G9 is region locked (Can switch between NTSC and PAL)?

[@Camerahoarders]

No, I can select 25, 30, 50 and 60p at the same time, they are side by side in the menu.