Panasonic Lumix G9 II Initial Review: Is it REALLY for Photographers?

Despite being announced nearly six years ago, the Panasonic G9 remains one of the most capable Micro Four Thirdss cameras out there. The replacement comes with a huge list of improvements, primarily aimed at making photographers happy. Phase detect autofocus, improved stabilization, and incredibly fast burst rates all look great on paper, but how does it perform in the real world? Chris and Jordan (yeah, there's cool video stuff for him to talk about, too) went for a road trip to put the G9 II through its paces.
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0:00 - Intro
2:11 - Sample images
2:52 - Design and build quality
5:13 - Displays
6:50 - Burst shooting
8:06 - Multishot
9:58 - ‘Leica Monochrome’ profile
10:31 - Autofocus
11:56 - Image quality
13:09 - Video performance
17:00 - Should you buy it?

[@MicroFourNerds]

I came to the exact same conclusion regarding the video features! For "not a video camera" it's ridiculously impressive!

[@ryankwan1934]

I revisited this video after replacing my OM-1 with a G9 II recently and this camera is simply ridiculous. APS-C levels of image quality with DR boost on. Full frame stacked sensor flagship level burst rates. Stupidly deep buffer. 100 MP HHHR with motion compensation. Industry leading video specifications. High quality selection of ports and card slots. Aside from the size, I really can't fault anything about this camera.

[@MrJerkfaceKevin]

I’m still shooting with a G7 for photos so this would be a serious upgrade!

[@acrummey85]

I have been shooting m4/3 for over 10 years so I am very happy to see that development is continuing from Panasonic as well as OM Systems.

[@Luka_Film]

Olympus RIP

[@herrreinsch]

The shot at 9:40 looks absolutely beautiful. in my opinion the best IBIS ever.

[@cazschiller]

Well spotted. Might have EIS on High as well. Either way, gimbal like footage for sure

[@MandicReally]

As a daily GH6 user, I've been wanting to add a Photo Body to my arsenal and this looks like it may be it. I can use all my same lenses & not have to invest in an entirely new (to me) system. While also getting a solid second angle video camera. Glad to see Panasonic isn't abandoning M43.

[@picospace]

GH6 + GH9II looks to be a solid combo, although I'm thinking a GX9II would of be nicer (from a form factor aspect for street photography and more casual shoots) as there is a LOT of overlap between the two in terms of specs.

[@wylie_photo]

@@picospace GX9ii, yes please!

[@derJackistweg]

Better ad a OM Systems for that! As G9II and GH6 are so similar.

[@MandicReally]

@@derJackistweg I use my cameras for multi-camera livestreams, so matching colors is a big plus. The G9II being so similar to the GH6 is a positive for me. Really my perfect camera is a GH6 with better Auto-Focus and photo capability. At least my "realistic perfect camera that fits my work & budget".

[@derJackistweg]

@@MandicReally right. Actually I can comprehend the low dynamic range that was mentioned here from my fotos as well. I was quite supriced by that and I expected to be in the same or better rage than a A6000 that I owned some years ago.

[@natearts09]

I’ve been waiting for Lumix to give the G9 upgrades for photography and video. The features they’ve increased and added makes me happy I held out on the GH6 for this photography based G9II. I have to admit as a GX8, G95, and G9 owner.. I’m extremely happy and can’t wait to receive my G9II..

[@tb1235]

The original G9 is an extremely underrated camera overshadowed by the hysteria of the GH5 at the time. I use a G9 as a B Cam for my BMPCC 6K PRO and get fantastic results still. Not to mention the photo capabilities when I need it in a pinch. I have no doubt this mk 2 version will be great.

[@JoeS5263]

OK, it's been 5 months since my last comment, and I sold my G9 and bought a G9 II. And I am impressed! Human autofocus and Animal autofocus both work very well.

[@JamesUK85]

I unfortunately had to sell my only camera, the G9, because of rising cost of living. Loved that camera - hope to be able to afford the G9 II in a few years!

[@krugerdave]

Very nice to see some life being breathed back into this format at Panasonic! Sad that we won't get a David Thorpe video on it 😥

[@andreatilli6227]

Do you think he would like it?

[@krugerdave]

@@andreatilli6227 I think he'd love it. As a photojournalist it's the type of seriously capable camera that he'd appreciate, even if he did roll his eyes a bit at the unnecessary video claptrap. But he did like the G9, and funnily enough, he said in his video, "if Panasonic were able to swallow their pride and put some phase detection points on the sensor, I don't see any how anyone could compete with it." How's that for foreshadowing? 😉 And that was 5 years ago! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5u8lnmVhdWid9ksi=psIS-_1I-bHUGJXY

[@johnrenton3463]

+1

[@danieldougan269]

Indeed!

[@alucardhellsing1037]

Definitely.

[@neilmarshall9408]

I own a Panasonic G9 and I love it especially after the firmware updates. It really is a nice hybrid camera for light work. I can't wait to get my hands on this new G9 body.

[@metalmick99]

Still in my first year with M43 (OMS), and I'm enjoying it a great deal. Sensors continue to improve, computational photography and modern software seem to be making great strides as well, and the IBIS on my camera continues to amaze. I'd expect - about 18 months after the release of OM-1 - that this camera would leapfrog its competition and this seems to be what has happened. And when OMS updates/upgrades its flagship camera, the same thing _ought_ to occur, which is great for the consumer. I know of some people who are declaring M43 dead, but it seems that Panasonic and OMS disagree.

[@SMGJohn]

M43 has been dead for 14 years now, yet its still around, the media wants it to be dead, but the consumer side seems to do quite well. OM-1 is fantastic photography camera, but absolutely garbage for video, its worse in so many ways to a GH4, but thats okay, in my opinion, there TOO MUCH video these days, sometimes, I just want a camera, that does ONE thing.

[@silviugheorghe7118]

The best first look/preview/review of the G9 Il on KZbin! Thank you guys👍🏻 you are the best!

[@hordori]

Chris/Jordan...your reviews are fantastic, indepth, and entertaining. Great work...

[@brucegraner5901]

Very good to see you guys are still with us and, as a G9 user, I'm very encouraged to see Lumix invest in a G9 M2. I think the price point is just fine and I've been waiting for this Mark 2 to come along before investing in a second camera body. Time to empty out the ole' change jar.

[@johnnymossville]

just wanted to say the video quality and color of this video are just beautiful. nice work guys.

[@Merjia]

So happy to see another MFT release! It’s such a great system.

[@jamesryan1939]

Panasonic is absolutely killing the camera game the past year. I bought an s5II because I said I would always try one if they did phase detect AF, I sold everything and bought a second one and moved platforms. It is the best camera I ever owned hands down, I came from an a73 platform, but I did use a z6 II for a while, and the Lumix platform is amazing and having all the native sigma glass allows you to build out your lenses without buying all first party for lesser used lenses without any drawbacks. My daughter is on the m4/3 platform, this looks like a homerun.

[@JEK]

Great review, Chris and Jordan, two of the best.

[@glsracer]

This is looking like an excellent upgrade for my G9 and G95 when the early adopter price falls a bit. As usual, Panasonic did an excellent job. I'm happy to hear that the photographic dynamic range is competitive and that the video features held. I actually don't care that they dropped the top LCD panel and I rarely used the mode dial lock (but it still seems like a strange omission). I'll need to take a look at the size/weight comparison but this may end up replacing my G95 and relegating my OG G9 to backup status for weddings and events.

[@VoidShepherd]

Just imagine how much better it will get with firmware updates.

[@glsracer]

@@VoidShepherd agreed, the original G9 has aged like fine wine. I typically use my GX85 or G95 for most casual shooting due to size and weight. When I do turn to the G9, I'm always impressed by its performance. The G9 II is one more level up and I'll be interested to see if Panasonic is willing to add more computational photography features. AI noise reduction (think DxO DeepPRIME) is already very efficient on modern x86 processors, something like this should work with a multicore ARM processor in a modern M4/3 body. It would be nice to have an inbody AI NR option for when I need to send a JPEG from the camera to my phone for social media posting.

[@VoidShepherd]

@glsracer It should be interesting to see Indeed. I have been holding out for this camera and I am glad I did.

[@ScrattleGG]

What are your favorite lenses for the cameras?

[@glsracer]

@@ScrattleGG for the G9 I like the PL 10-25 f/1.7 and the Oly 40-150 f/2.8. I also use it with the PL 12-60 f/2.8-4 sometimes. Edit: oh I forgot the Sigma 30 and 56 f/1.4

[@aroundomaha]

M43 has become my preferred platform, but I went with a used Olympus E-M1X for under $800.

[@OttoRascon]

This camera looks to be an amazing hybrid machine! I really love the IQ from the GH6 so hearing that the G9ii has better dynamic range is super impressive. The GH6 is amazing but I just don't use the higher video settings and find that the body is a bit big for m43. This new camera might be a huge winner for this system. Thank you Chris and Jordan!!❤️❤️❤️

[@steveschnetzler5471]

Nice reveiw, sounds like the g9 upgrade I have been waiting for. Thanks.

[@hesida287]

Beautiful sample photos. Very capable camera. Awesome review.

[@mudgie069]

So much to love with the new G9II. One area I really hope they have improved is the sensitivity of the front shutter button. I've taken so many shots unintentionally with my G9 as I'm primarily a front button shooter where I half press the shutter button but end up taking the photo instead of just focusing. New 25mp sensor is a really welcome addition and the 100mp hand held hi res mode. Lovely jubbly.

[@localframes]

Same here! I hope they corrected the front shutter button. It is way too sensitive on G9!

[@anstef1485]

I saw another review where he said the button is improved and does not have that hair trigger.

[@jonnyem.8859]

Hugh Brownstone (3 Blind Men and an Elephant), specifically mentions that the G9II corrects that very issue.

[@derekpearson766]

This makes me feel relieved about my decision to stick with Lumix cameras and the M43 ecosystem. I sure wish Panasonic had of integrated phase detect sooner but I can't really complain anymore because it's finally here. Think it's time for a G9-II pre-order!

[@mr_k4tz]

You guys are so good at what you do.

[@patticake5311]

great review - don't know how i missed it. i've been shooting M4/3 since the GF1 came out, and i'm super happy to see panasonic is continuing to support it - and with such great upgrades!

[@driverv86]

I literally just got a wicked priced used g9 which I'll be using for years to come. Nice to know that a great upgrade will be waiting for me!

[@adamwhittingham86]

I don't think I'll ever shoot m43 but im really happy to see they are still being developed and improved.

[@kevc.2958]

put a m43 sensor in a ff body is not a proper improvement in my opinion 😅

[@airdailyx]

@@kevc.2958exactly. they are wasting resources for the landfill.

[@Molybdan42]

@@kevc.2958 It's about the lenses. Small size and weigth with good ergonomics

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@kevc.2958try shrink down ff lenses

[@cineffect]

​@@kevc.2958I went to M43 because of the small size factor, so this is a no go. For now I'll stick to GM and Pen series.

[@wolfmediaimaging5896]

Love you guys, love the review!

[@PiTdeLyX]

Finally! I was hoping so much for this camera to come out and i am not disappointed. Heres hoping that they get to sell a lot of them and we can get even more cool lenses and a "lite" version, like a newer g91!

[@gstrummer]

Something that i would like to hear more of: cost of lenses. huge advantage for m43. that in of itself is a reason to stay loyal to m43

[@Stephen.Bingham]

Personally I think the days of m43 being a budget option are over. It's actually cheaper to make full frame lenses than m43 lenses (a 50mm f/1.8 full frame lens is easier to engineer than an "equivalent" 25mm f/0.9 m43 lens for example). It used to be that sensor costs were a big advantage of m43, but this is no longer as significant.

[@labrow]

First video I've seen of yours and I loved it. Subscribed.

[@williamburkholder769]

I didn't bite when the GH6 came out (kept my GH4!), because I wanted PDAF. This looks like a hit! I can see Jordan using it as a primary camera for video reviews.

[@MikeLindup42]

Thanks Chris and Jordan. The best news is that it's such a good hybrid that Jordan is filming with it already, it feels like the spiritual successor to the original GH5, despite smartphone competition.

[@jonathanscherer8567]

I appreciate your initial review. It's great to see you and Jordan continuing over here. I'd love to see a comparison of this camera with the OM-1. It's my current camera. I wonder if they'll add to the computation features with firmware updates. Considering what they did with firmware updates with the original G9, I think it's possible. Let us know how the ergonomics work and if it's set up as well for quick, on-the-fly photography like the OM-1 is. Having all the computational features don't do much good if you have to dig through menus each time you want to use them. Since live ND is really just sophisticated computation to get a similar effect to conventional ND filters, this would seem to be something Panasonic could add. I have to wonder if this had been around a year ago when I got the OM-1, which I would have gone with. Oh, one last thing, when not using the monochrome color profile you seemed to really like, was the standard profile as natural as, well, the natural one on the OM-1? I find myself going between natural and vivid, not really sure which I like best. I like the way the camera handles jpeg rendering so much that I am more likely to use them than processing raws, unless dynamic range is an issue I need to try to work out for a shot. I appreciate your reading this if you do. Great work guys. I can't wait to see the full review!

[@christopherfascenelli2454]

always great videos, very entertaining and informative. Highlights were a little bright a few times, especially in the "studio"

[@petepictures]

I am very pleased with your review and Panasonic's camera.

[@JezdziecBezNicka]

It's nice to see Panasonic still caring for the m43 crowd. Not swapping my OM-1 for this though - once you use a stacked sensor, there's no going back.

[@jonathanscherer8567]

I agree. It's hard to give up the improved low-light performance and high ISO handling of the BSI sensor as well. It's not full frame, but it's far ahead of my previous Panasonic M43. I realized the 20MP limitation might be a drawback, but there's gain-loss consideration to everything. The readout speed wouldn't be as high if it were higher MP, and I'm rather curious to see how it handles dynamic range, after the seemingly same sensor used on the GH6 had issues there. Dual output gain might help, but will it be enough? It didn't seem to improve the photo quality of the GH6. Perhaps Panasonic has taken more time to iron out the issues with this model. The stacked BSI sensor really is a major improvement. I find that 20MP is a good compromise for this, where as 10 years ago we thought of 20MP as high res anyway. People were managing to print poster-sized prints, even billboards, with 8MP back in the day. So it's a nice-to-have, but not a must-have feature. It's mostly good for editing in post if you need to re-frame and crop in. However, I've cropped in 30-40% on photos taken with the OM-1 and had prints that looked very nice. It doesn't give you quite the leeway of higher MP cameras, but as I said, compromises exist for a reason. All that typing just to say, I agree with you on keeping the OM-1. I still have my old Panny, too. I really miss the ergonomics. It seemed to be a little easier to use on the fly. But I'm getting used to the OM-1 after a year.

[@JezdziecBezNicka]

@@jonathanscherer8567 One more thing I'd like to add - probably if I was more into filming than stills, I'd go with the G9ii. All in all, it's a good thing for the system that those two cameras target slightly different niches.

[@raksh9]

Do you have a G9, and if so, do you find the OM1 image quality significantly better?

[@JezdziecBezNicka]

@@raksh9 I don't, but I'd bet the quality difference won't be too huge. Stacked sensor's advantage is mostly speed and near lack of rolling shutter.

[@aiseurnae5976]

The G9II is excellent, even the 20mm f1.7II works great with this camera.

[@billr6983]

I'll never be able to afford, nor will ever buy this camera. But I sure do like watching these two guys do their thing, always informative and entertaining.

[@Smoothblue90]

Great video. I have stuck with the older M1 Mark II. But I have spent some time with the G9, GH5II, XT4, and Z6II looking for a hybrid camera. Loved the ergonomics and video options on the GH5II. Somewhat interested in this G9II.

[@agentofthewild684]

I shoot with a GH5 and an S1. I am so glad to have both systems. I will definitely be upgrading my gh5 to a G9II. I have shot with Canon, Nikon as well as Olympus, but Panasonic is by far my favorite system. Thank you Panasonic for continuing to deliver great products. The Leica branded lenses combined with the Panasonic cameras produce truly wonderful images. Thanks Chris and Jordan for the review. I have been watching you guys since you started. This camera looks fantastic! I can't wait for a new flagship full frame from Panasonic. The future looks great for camera users.

[@BrookStockton]

Good Review Gents. Glad to see Panasonic moving forward with M43. I realized last month the only unique thing in my top of the range Panasonic/Olympus lens collection was the 100-400 telephoto. Everything else I preferred to shot on my FF Sony gear. So I traded in the entire collection including a G9 for a 200-600. The M43 tele was so small compared to the Sony but not worth carrying two systems. Good luck Panasonic, wish you weren’t so stubborn for so long on your autofocus.

[@MDMiller60]

I appreciate the honesty + and -. Keep up the good work.

[@fansofER]

I just got my G9II and it feels like the true successor to the GH5 as far as being a hybrid mirrorless. I also own the GH6 but as Jordan mentioned it leans much more towards video. Having both is a match made in heaven, at least until the GH7 arrives.

[@oldbonesuk1139]

Great job as always guys 07

[@EatInTaiwan]

I was waiting to see how this would turn out before buying the OM1, and I am glad I did. This will be an awesome upgrade from my Em1 II\G85

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

I thought about getting away from Panasonic/M43, concentrating on the Nikon Z cameras. I still use a G9 as a 'webcam' camera. The GH6 drew me back in, and the G9II seems incredibly capable. The single most compelling feature is the full-sensor video [open gate] which allows a 4k vertical export. It also helps that the sensor is slightly closer to square than any full frame sensors, 1.33 vs 1.5 aspect ratio. For social media output, with a mix of horizontal and vertical formats, this is very compelling. Your first image was taken with one of the best M43 lenses, the Panasonic/Leica 42.5mm f/1.2.

[@Estirvana]

Honestly I own the Z6, but I bring out my EM1II and GM1 a lot more out because of the utility and small size. My Z6 only exists to quell my "what if I actually need it" anxiety lol. I actually owned the G9, best body out there but sold off because I needed the PDAF reliability. Seeing the G9 II address my concern is awesome because i'm still not a fan of shooting my EM1II for just everyday needs.

[@peace4myheart]

I just love the color reproduction from the Panasonic system.

[@brettpatching]

Good shots Chris!

[@stampscapes]

Great review, thanks!

[@DGBomber]

Damn this seems like the complete package. And if I remember correctly Panasonic Hi-Res mode is much better at handling moving subjects than the OM1. So you can actually have full frame quality on landscapes. Impressive

[@tokyojerry]

Love the presentation, Chris. You convinced me. I'm going to buy the body (have lenses) before our upcoming trip to Thailand. Cheers, Jerry

[@ValiRossi]

Wow that is a great endorsement from Jordan concerning the video capabilities. So happy Panasonic did this.

[@terryclair2914]

I went from full frame back to G9 M4/3 without any regrets. So many features in a compact body especially with a lens attached.

[@DFaustmann]

May i ask what were your reasons to go back?

[@youknowwho9247]

Yeah, MFt is a great option if you want overpriced gear and terrible image quality. :D

[@D3AL1O]

@@youknowwho9247 People like you are so full of it. Sensor size in correct conditions does not matter in the slightest. Yes full frame sensors have better dynamic range and low light for the most part, but in most cases, it doesn't matter. Stop with this childish elitism.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@D3AL1O That's just utter rubbish. Full frame provides more creative control over depth of field, cleaner and higher resolution images and higher dynamic range - in ALL shooting conditions. Anyone who claims anything else simply doesn't know what they're talking about. There are very good reason for why virtually no reputable, professional wedding photographer shoots MFT and why 95+% of all pros in any genre shoot full frame or larger sensors. The remaining 5% are paid brand ambassadors and viral marketing type influencers. There's absolutely no reason to pick MFT over full frame for stills. Full frame offers higher quality at better cost efficiency. It's an absolute no brainer.

[@bitsandblocks7826]

@@youknowwho9247I went from an A7iii to a G9 with no regrets whatsover. For pros FF or Medium Format can absolutely be justified. Most of us are not pros and MFT cameras are much easier to fit photography around every day life events. My Sony gear more often didn't come with me as too bulky and ended up using my phone. Yes a G9 and A7 are similar sized bodies but the lenses are much smaller especially the zooms. The IBIS is way better on MFT so while High ISO performance is nowhere near as good I rarely go above 3200 as I can shoot at much slower shutter speeds. Waterfall shots with 1 sec exposure handheld no problem. Use same tiny primes as G9 on body I can fit in my jeans pocket, no problem. Shallow DoF is not always desirable. I shoot a lot of macro. MFT is way better for that especially if you don't want to image stack. The best camera is one you have with you. The best images are made from subject, light, composition and making the viewer feel something not from sharpness, dynamic range or bokeh. If FF is best for you that's great but it won't be best for everyone and their choice is as valid as yours.

[@paulpantorilla6121]

Very much want to upgrade for my wildlife photos. Just might wait for price to drop some. Kinda wild being priced just under 2k. I think it will drop rather quick price wise.

[@rodolfonetto118]

The Camera Guys! Nice to see you, buddies!

[@CallMeChato]

What's with the forehead burn in the first few shots? Q: Did you not have a G9 to compare it to? Does V-Log come standard? Thanks again, gents.

[@JoeS5263]

I am VERY impressed with the G9 II. I own a G9, and I plan to get a G9 II as soon as it is in stock.

[@chriss2295]

I’m SO happy for PDAF on M43!

[@MichaelGerrard]

It is a great camera but it is too big. I am hoping for a GX9 II.

[@krugerdave]

Heck yeah! Or even better: A GM5 II with a bigger EVF 🤤😅

[@dondekeeper2943]

A GX9 with a proper EVF and better battery life would be great news to me

[@W1ll88]

As a G9 owner this made me very happy. Need to check this one out one day

[@jayforcinema]

Thank you Chris and Jordan! This might actually be the camera that gets me back into the MFT ecosystem again. I've been holding on to my lenses for dear life waiting for the right body to turn up. I would love to learn more about its performance (especially for video) at 4000-6400 ISO though. That is my upper limit for video work and if this can deliver the goods, this is definitely my next camera :)

[@glenharris2617]

It's nice to see Panasonic pushing the boundaries of the MFT sensor 25 MP the photos look sharp and that stabilization is insane. The price of such a multi purpose camera is a bargain today happy days 😁😁

[@youknowwho9247]

How is nearly 2 grand a bargain for a camera that provides about the same image quality as an iphone, when the entry to full frame can be had around 2 grand as well? That's ridiculous. This isn't worth more than 1000 bucks tops.

[@glenharris2617]

@@youknowwho9247 Here we go again the full frame brigade are on the march, not everyone wants a full frame camera when are you going to understand that 👍

[@youknowwho9247]

@@glenharris2617 Yeah, some people are taken in by bs marketing that tells them shrinking the sensor gives the lenses magic powers. :D It's just a fact that full frame is the superior format in absolutely every way.

[@helio-c2525]

​@@youknowwho9247 yes a fully featured professional M43 camera for the cost of an entry level budget full frame camera - glad we agree. If you can't see the difference between the output of an iPhone and the G9, then you'll never see the difference between a G9 and a full frame camera.

[@enzocannizzo8744]

Thanks Guys !! 👍👍

[@pompeii357]

One of the best review ever

[@JoeMustang99]

Excellent initial review! Thanks a bunch. I just might consider two G9 II's , for video.

[@JoeMustang99]

Update--my first G9ii due in a little over a week.

[@grdprojekt]

Thanks Jordan for removing the 8-bit robot intro

[@BobbyN-P]

Thanks for a good review 👍

[@michaelyerdon6556]

Incredibly happy for this. I love my G9 and frankly I can get another 5+ years from my m43 lens collection

[@Chrsly]

The long-exposure light-streak shot blew my mind! That's amazing! Seeing the composite shot essentially develop before your eyes is so cool.

[@gregfeeler6910]

I'm glad to see Panasonic add this capability, but Olympus/OM System has had it for years.

[@bjnslc]

I love my G9 and wonder if the G9II retains the niche but very useful functions like macro focus stacking or focus bracketing. I don't care about in-camera stack processing, but with the improved stabilization I'd love to see if the G9II is an even more capable macro camera. The OM1's focus bracketing has had me considering that body.

[@shinobivideos]

Great review guys! Any lo-light specs / observations yet?

[@SunnyBear]

Thanks for the review, guys! I don't think I'll be too quick in upgrading from my G9, which I love. I don't see the upgrades making it worth the price, and I think I would miss the top screen too much.

[@mustafarazakhanable]

I was waiting for someone to say this. A side by side comparison is needed to see the real world differences. At this point, I think it is mainly video (especially with recording limit on the first model) and possibly the dynamic range that most people would find useful.

[@SteveHolmlund]

Yeah, surprised Chris didn't mention the subtraction of the top screen. I haven't thought much about it til now, but I think I've really got used to it being there.

[@theglenlivet12]

I moved to the Nikon Z8 from the Panasonic MFT system right before I heard the rumors that this camera was forthcoming. Seeing the initial reviews, I'm glad I made the switch.

[@jpsteiner2]

Nice review! Including the Old Fashion from Eau Claire Distillery :)

[@kennygo8300]

I have a LOT of Panasonic G lenses. The dual stabilization with those lenses is why I haven't pulled the trigger on an OM System camera. This is what I've been waiting on. All but my Ricoh GR3x in APS-C is about to hit the used market to pay for this camera. Really happy!

[@TyrantTiger85]

I got the S5iiX with lens kit tax free and had mine in hand way before everyone else so im very happy with it. Wouldnt mind this G9ii in the future though for wildlife or sports photography.

[@lutzreichel1165]

Thank you for this great review. I'm excited to see the comparison with the OM-1, especially comparing the image quality of both cameras. I'm an Olympus user and landscape photographer and might want to upgrade to the OM-1. Is the G9 perhaps the better alternative?

[@snowcat20]

I am happy to see they work on HH modes. I hope to get them in S1R II. Waiting for it now :) I hope it will come next.

[@alantuttphotography]

Looks like everything I was hoping for in the GH6. I'll never need RAW or ProRes recording, but would like to play with Live View Composite, handheld hires, and Real Time LUTS.

[@PostColorGear]

It took too long for me. I was a huge fan of the g9 and was waiting on this. Sold all my stuff and moved to the S5. At that price point, I am not going back. I can pick up an s5II for a comparable price these days. Anyway, great overview as always guys!

[@gordon3988]

Thanks guy! Another fun review…and a great camera! Question: given the new phase detect autofocus will the g9ii work just as well with Panasonic lenses that were designed for contrast auto focus? My guess is yes, but I sometimes hear of issues with a Panny M43 using an Olympus lens and not focusing as fast as an example.

[@RM-hy4so]

Great camera. Panasonic delivered on this one, producing one of the most balanced hybrid cameras made. Just like the Fujifilm X-H2S that I purchased. Both of these cameras have a balanced medium resolution along with speed and great video features. I choose the X-H2S over the Sony A1, being a Sony user. I think the X-H2S resolution and speed is better balanced than the A1, just like this Panasonic G9 II. Good work Panasonic! Great review, thanks!

[@ak4good]

Yay, MFT lives on! As someone who enjoys having two camera bodies, setup for different shooting modes, with small primes in a small chest bag on cycling trips, I'm sticking with MFT. Prefer the smaller bodies though. OM-5 would be the likely replacement if something happened to the EM-5 III bodies. Have dropped them on rocks and watched them roll down a hill (I'm out a lot and usually don't have the bag fully closed for quick access, also an idiot), but both still work perfectly.

[@xanedan4565]

I put in my preorder almost a month ago and have watched this video three or four times. Really jonesing for that phase detect.

[@michaelgabes7574]

For a micro 4/3rd guy like me this is a brilliant companion to my OM1. If I do Event shootings I can keep all my lenses and have best of 2 worlds stills and video. thanks panasonic!! great tutorial by the way!

[@uhu4677]

MFT is my prefered platform, because of the great variety of lenses. Especially smaller lenses for travel. And especially the ridiculously good and light 14-140mm Superzoom. This seems to be the (almost) perfect camera in this system. I want it! Just have to save up some money first.

[@shaun5893]

Panasonic needs a serious super-telephoto offering if they want to compete with the OM1 for wildlife. The 200mm 2.8 isn't long enough. And, the 100-400 is slow and soft at the long end. Could use the Olympus 300 f4 PRO, or the 150-400 PRO on the G9ii, but no sync IS, and likely a few other incompatibilities due to the different systems.

[@DivisionStreetDrums]

As a motorsports photographer, the 2x crop factor is a blessing and delivers quality photos without having to spend 30k. This is a camera I will purchase to replace my Olly em1 mkii.

[@spaceghostcqc2137]

I see people complaining about this camera, but it looks like everything a m43 hybrid could want?

[@danieldougan269]

As a Micro Four Thirds shooter, I absolutely want this camera.

[@simplyawesomephoto]

I'm wondering if Chris and Jordan have any input to Panasonic on your findings. Does the G9II lock up when the buffer is full and the pictures are writing to the card? Is the write speed to an SSD using the USB-C cable clear images off the buffer faster?

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

I'd love to see them release some smaller bodies... G9x ii or something similar. This body is full-frame size.

[@jacktingle215]

Remember, the biggest savings in MFT is long lens size. Bodies scale to hands & eyeballs.

[@petegleeson1]

I agree for street the smaller body and flip up screen with this auto focus and weather sealing would be sweet.

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

@@jacktingle215 Yes, the lenses are a real advantage, but a small body has its own benefits. Lumix and Olympus both understood this in the past. I suspect the market just isn't large enough anymore.

[@LukeTaylorPhotography]

@@petegleeson1 I don't understand why they don't make something like that and take a bite out of the x100v market.

[@danielgoldberg2129]

I chose to go with M43 kit because it was easier to carry on long hikes. I would like to see them keep the body size down, but I understand there is a balance with ergonomics.

[@RonMantay]

Thanks for your excellent early review of the Panasonic G9 ii using pre-production firmware! I am convinced that the G9 ii is an awesome upgrade from the original Panasonic G9 in nearly all respects. However, with the new 25.2 MP dual-gain sensor on the G9 ii, I hope you might publish information about how the G9 ii image quality (with final production firmware) compares with the OM-1 and the original Panasonic G9 - across all ISO settings. I look forward to upgrading my Panasonic G85. Keep publishing your great videos; they are truly helpful !

[@pgy8863]

25Mp in MFT is 100Mp in FF in terms of pixel density. I don't think anyone has done that. And in FF they do some chip magic to achieve this. Even 20Mp in MFT is ambitious. Don't get me wrong, I am a big fan of MFT (more on the Olympus side with respect to bodies and lenses) but a good picture at 16Mp, 20Mp is still a good picture. As you push the resolution, I fear you're giving up dynamic range, colour accuracy, etc. Sharpening and computational trickery can fool you in a review, but it gets tired in real life. In summary, I like MFT, but am skeptical about how this dense sensor is really going to perform in the wild. The density of this sensor will also stretch the competence of lenses (again, sharpening is likely filling the gap). The density of this sensor will also stretch the competence of lenses (again, sharpening is likely filling the gap).

[@RonMantay]

Hopefully the reviewers answer detailed questions about G9ii image quality after production firmware and mainstream photo editing software is available for the G9ii. I shoot with a 16MP ILC (Panasonic Lumix G85), and my photos perform well in photo competitions at the Richmond Hill Camera Club in Ontario, Canada. Sensor size plays a minor role when creating compelling images. @@pgy8863

[@jkroemer2685]

The Nocticron lens looks good on this camera! Really nice pics from it

[@MrJerkfaceKevin]

I didn’t even realize Panny had released this until YT showed an ad for it and I saw it had phase detector auto focus and was like, “shut up and take my money!” But then decided to check out reviews first. I moved from Canon to Panasonic in 2015 and Panny is still killing it with features!

[@choozzzzchoochoo]

Please @PetaPixel please make a shootout of G9 II with X-H2s and Z8/Z9🙏🙏🙏 I know they are not in the same league market-wise but they are really similar in terms of capability, and they are all arguably the "halo camera" of their formats. This is gonna be so good!!!

[@CsiklosMiklos]

Congrats to Panasonic! Now that the perfect camera has been released the brand recognition can improve tremendously! On the other hand I'm not gonna switch over from my GH6 as it is also a perfectly capable camera for both photo and video. The dynamic range comparison is very circumstantial, and the phase-detect autofocus doesn't really entice me as I use manual focus most of the time.

[@sweden_ove2074]

Very nice camera it seems. I'll for now stick with my OM-1 and OM-5. But I envy the G9-2 video capabilities. It's a bulky camera in my hands, so I hope OM System will release a "video centric" OM-2 with sensor like the G9-2. That would fit my hand and have my loved ergonomics.