Panasonic DC-G9 Hands-on
We have tested the Panasonic DC-G9 for you shortly after it went on sale. Which features of the new Lumix system camera we particularly liked, we present to you in our exclusive Foto Koch hands-on.
Panasonic promises speed and highest image quality with the new G9. Following in the footsteps of the Lumix GH5 which was released just under a year ago, the G9 is said to offer improved features for photographers such as hybrid autofocus module, improved image stabilization (Body-I.S.) and 6K/4K photo function. Like the GH5, the G9 also features dust and splash protection and a robust magnesium body, so you don't have to worry about your gear in adverse weather conditions.
Highlights of the Panasonic DC-G9 at a glance
- Shoulder display
- familiar 6K/4K photo function
- 20B/s continuous shooting with AF-C
- 60B/s continuous shooting with AF-S
- Bluetooth & WiFi
- dual SD card slot
- dual image stabilization through in-body image stabilizer
Speed of the G9
The new MFT camera uses a hybrid autofocus module that ensures a low shutter lag of just 0.04 seconds. In continuous shooting mode, up to 60 frames per second can be captured. However, the Single autofocus (AF-S) has to be used here and the camera can therefore not track the focus. In addition, the G9 can't save the images that fast and already stutters after 50 images (RAW or JPG) and reduces the speed. With continuous autofocus, you can still shoot 20 frames per second and save them smoothly - thanks to the dual SD card slot. With the 6K/ 4K photo function, you have the option to select a single frame from a video at 30fps and save it as a photo with 18 megapixels as a single frame. The hybrid autofocus with 225 selectable measuring fields works very quickly and hits precisely. The focus point can be quickly moved to the desired position thanks to the large thumb joystick. The G9's AF settings - such as AF sensitivity and AF area switching sensitivity - can be customized.
Perfect overview
A total of three displays have been installed in the Panasonic G9. The biggest innovation is the shoulder display, which is untypical for system cameras. This improves the workflow when things have to move quickly and is an old acquaintance of the professional SLR. For shooting in the dark, you can activate the backlight of the shoulder display. Another advantage of the G9 is that the main display on the back is a 3-inch swivel touchscreen. In Live View, this makes it even easier to play with perspective and shoot comfortably from high and low angles.
The Lumix G9's large OLED viewfinder offers magnification up to 0.83x (three magnification levels to choose from) and maps 100% of the field of view. During continuous shooting, the image is displayed without interruption and there are no blackouts due to the electronic shutter.
Body design of the G9
Robust yet lightweight doesn't have to be a contradiction, as the camera body of the G9 is made of magnesium - just like the GH5. Panasonic has also given the body a professional-grade seal against dust and splash water (combined with lenses with dust and splash water protection). Thus, the camera is perfectly suited for outdoor shots regardless of the weather. Those who prefer to take the system camera to colder regions can rest assured that the G9 is also designed for temperatures of up to -10? C.
Ready for any use
The compact size of the new MFT system camera makes the G9 an ideal companion for everyday use and travel. Another plus point is the built-in image stabilizer, thanks to which you can easily do without a tripod in some situations. If the lens used has an image stabilizer installed, the two systems work together and achieve even better results.
G9 or GH5?
The two camera models have a lot in common. The design looks a bit simpler on the G9 and not as beefy as on the GH. The two program dials on the top of the GH5 have been combined into one mode dial on the G9, saving space. Like the Lumix GH5 the Lumix G9 can also record 4K video (without crop) at up to 60fps. Thus, the G9 is suitable for photographers with video ambitions. Compared to the GH5, however, the G9 still lacks some video-specific setting options, such as uninterrupted recording and individual color profiles. The display of the GH5 also has a better resolution, which is another plus point for the GH5 in terms of video
Our conclusion about the Lumix G9
The Panasonic G9 is a new top candidate in the MFT sensor format in terms of continuous shooting speed and handling. Thanks to the shoulder display, joystick and touchscreen, all settings are made in a flash. The use of a magnesium body in combination with dust and splash water protection makes the camera a true all-rounder, which will not only accompany you safely on many trips and photo shoots, but also provides a good basis for the ambitious filmmaker. For the demanding videographer, we can recommend the Lumix GH5 and Lumix GH5s.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 - Beautiful best values
If you want to get your hands on the new MFT camera then, feel free to drop by our D?sseldorf store or order your personal Lumix G9 right here.
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