Panasonic Lumix G9 review in 2022 - The most underrated camera ever?

 Usually a camera degrades a few years after it comes out. But this is not the case with the Panasonic Lumix G9. Firmware updates made the camera better and better over time. When the camera first came out in 2017 it had impressive specs even for today standards. Good image stabilization, 4k 60 fps video, great handling and weather sealing, a burst rate at 10 frames per second, a flip out screen, a great viewfinder and dual UHS II cards slots. The only problem with Lumix cameras was the DFD auto-focus system but Panasonic improved that too. 10 bit video was also added via firmware. So is the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 still the best value for money hybrid mirrorless camera for video and photography? Lets review its features and find out. 

 

 

 Eurasian Hoopoe. Lumix G9 Sample Image

 

   Professional  Body

 

The Lumix G9 has a relatively big size for a Micro Four Thirds camera but it is not heavy. Its magnesium alloy body feels solid and professional. The grip is probably the most ergonomic and comfortable that i ever used. It feels great in my hands and i enjoy taking pictures with it. If you use the Lumix G9 regularly it will become an extension of your hand. 

The electronic viewfinder (OLED) has 100% coverage and a zero blackout when you use the electronic shutter. Its magnification ratio (0,83 equivalent), its resolution (3,680 dots) and the 120 fps refresh rate are more than enough. For further adjustments the diopter adjustment dial can be used. 

The Lumix G9 also comes with a flip out (articulating) LCD touchscreen and a top screen to check your basic settings. Some people do not like the top screen but in my opinion it is very useful not only because it is faster but also if you do not want to activate the rear LCD to save some battery time. DSLR users will feel like home. 

Two UHS II card slots, custom buttons and dials make the Lumix G9 weather sealed body a joy to use. Keep in mind that this camera had all those features in 2017 and it costs less than 1000 euros! Similar full frame professional bodies will cost you thousands more.    

 

 

 Eurasian Scops Owl - Lumix G9 and Lumix 100-300 II telephoto lens were used

 

Incredible Video Specs

Lumix G9 is more photography focused than the GH5, the GH5 II and the GH6 but its video specs are impressive and you can use it as your main video camera. Firmware upgrades improved the DFD autofocus system and the camera is now able to record 10 bit video internally. 

For extra dynamic range you can use color profiles such as HLG and Cinelike D. If you want to push far color grading, Vlog L is also available but as an additional purchase. You can even record 6K video if you use the 6k photo mode!

HD and 4K resolutions are recorded in MOV, AVHCD and MP4 format.  

• 4K UHD at 24,25,30,50 and 60p
• Full HD in 24,25,30,50,60 up to 180 fps. 

High speed video in HD has two options. VFR (Variable Frame Rate) and  high speed video. VFR is a more flexible option with better video quality. It's worth bearing in mind that at those modes you have to use manual focus. Also remember that there are time recording limitations 10 minutes when you record at 4k 60p and 30 minutes at Full HD. 

 

 A P3B Orion - Lumix G9 is capable to take pictures of birds and planes in flight

 

 

You can also choose between 4.2.0 and 4.2.2 color sampling and 8 or 10 bit color depth. If you cant see those options upgrade your cameras firmware. 

The great image stabilization (optical and via software) will allow you to use vintage or modern lenses without annoying video jittering. All those specs and the articulating screen make the Panasonic Lumix G9 a great camera for indie filmmakers. You will have to master manual focus though.

 

Lumix G9 for photography 

 High Resolution Mode

Although the cameras native resolution is 20 MP's the G9 has a high resolution mode. It combines 8 pictures while pixel shifting between frames to deliver a 40 or 80 MP image. Remember that you cant handhold at high resolution mode so you will need a tripod. A still scene is preferred otherwise the camera might produce ghosting and artifacts. There is even a mode to handle ghosting but its not perfect. Most times it gets the job done though.  

Action and Wildlife

For outdoors, action and wildlife photography the Lumix G9 excels. If you want to capture the perfect moment you might consider using the 4K photo mode (60 frames per second - 8 MP images) or the 6K photo mode which takes 30 frames per second but the final images are 18 MP. In addition to photos you get the 6k or 4k video too. You need to manual focus though.

 

Birds in Flight 

Lumix G9 can capture birds in flight. Its not the best camera for such task because of the DFD autofocus system but it is not useless either. When a bird fly against a busy background the autofocus system gets confused. When a bird fly against the sky it is way more accurate. But in the end you will end up with some sharp pictures. 

 

I got the best results when i enabled animal detection and Singe Area mode (expanded). Another interesting option is the AF Custom Setting. Tune it for even better autofocus performance.  The settings that work best for me are AF Sensitivity +2, AF Area Switching Sensitivity +2, Moving Object Prediction +2. When i try to capture large and slow birds or airplanes i change the Moving Object Prediction to +1. 

If you combine a Lumix G9 and a Lumix 100-300 lens then you will have the most compact and budget friendly set up for wildlife photography. Other cameras such as the Sony A1, the Canon R5 or some DSLR's will give you more sharp pictures but they cost much more. Those camera are heavier and full frame lenses are much larger. I use exactly the same settings for planes in flight but i disable animal detection. 

F-16 fighting falcon and Spitfire plane fly in formation - Lumix G9 sample image

Focus Stacking

Lumix G9 allows you to achieve a deep depth of field automatically because it can focus stack an image without the need for post processing using special software. It is a nice feature for landscapes and macro photography.

 

 

Improvements for a Lumix G10 or a Lumix G9 II or Lumix G9 cons

• The sensors resolution could be slightly higher. GH 6 has already a 25.2 megapixel resolution
• Better dynamic range. More details in the highlights and the shadows can make an unusable image usable
  
• Less noise in high ISO and better low light performance. A new sensor can improve things a lot. 
• Handheld High Resolution Mode. GH6 already has this feature. 
• Other bonus features such as Live ND filters
  
• Last but not least. A Phase Detection autofocus.      

 

 A wild flower - Bokeh sample image - Lumix G9

 

Panasonic G9 conclusion

 

I consider Sony A6000 one of the best beginners camera even today, especially if you care mainly for photography. The Panasonic Lumix G9 mirrorless camera is still the best and most affordable option for hybrid shooters. Even for professionals, at least as a B cam. It is a camera that literally does everything! From professional videos with great image stabilization to high resolution images for large prints. Because of its capabilities but also the limitations of the M43 sensor it is probably the best tool to learn the basics of photography and cinematography. Its professional body, weather sealing and the great ergonomics will make you have fun with photography and videography again.