Review of Panasonic Lumix G9 Mark II

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced world, capturing the perfect moments often requires having the right equipment at your fingertips. Panasonic’s Lumix G9 II is here to make your photography and videography experiences smoother and more enjoyable. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the G9, this new camera boasts exciting features and improvements that promise to elevate your creative journey.
The Panasonic Lumix G9 Mark II is a versatile micro four-thirds camera that serves as an upgrade to the original Lumix G9, boasting several improvements in autofocus, subject detection, and video capabilities. This review will delve into its specifications, features, compare its performance with other cameras, and provide insights into the user experience.

Specifications

• Body Design: Panasonic Lumix S5 II
• Sensor: 25-megapixel Micro Four Thirds MOS sensor
• ISO Range: Base ISO of 100
• Image Stabilization: 8-stop In-body Image Stabilization
• Video Capabilities: Open gate 5.8K 4×3 video, 4K up to 120p, 10-bit 422
• Autofocus: Face detection autofocus system with 779 detection points
• Shooting Speed: Up to 60 frames per second with electronic shutter
• Battery: BLK22 with 2200mAh capacity
• Weight: Approximately 640 grams

Body Design

• The G9 Mark II features a weather-sealed, magnesium alloy body.
• It shares a similar body design with the Lumix S5 II, making it comfortable and ergonomic for various shooting scenarios.
• The camera lacks the top LCD screen found in the original G9 but retains two convenient dials on top for mode selection and adjustments.

Viewfinder and LCD

• Equipped with a 3.6-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.8x magnification, offering a sharp and detailed view.
• The 1.8-million-dot, vari-angle LCD screen is vibrant and functional, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting conditions.
• Unlike the Lumix GH6, the G9 Mark II doesn’t have a cooling fan, resulting in a more streamlined and comfortable design when using the EVF.

Memory and Ports

• Features dual UHS-II SD card slots, ensuring efficient data storage and retrieval.
• Offers a variety of ports, including full-size HDMI, USB-C, microphone jack, headphone jack, and a remote port.
• Notably, it lacks the flash sync port found on the original G9.

Battery Life

• Utilizes the same battery as the Lumix S5 II, providing ample power for a full day of shooting.
• Supports USB-C charging and power delivery (PD) for convenient recharging.

Features

One of the standout features of the Lumix G9 II is its impressive speed and responsiveness. With a shooting speed of up to 60 frames per second and the ability to maintain autofocus during high-speed bursts, this camera is a reliable companion for capturing fast-paced action and dynamic scenes.

The In-body Image Stabilization is a game-changer, offering an 8-stop stabilization that ensures your static shots are steady even at long focal lengths. When used with optically stabilized lenses, the results are exceptionally smooth, rivaling action cameras for stability.

Panasonic’s incorporation of a face detection autofocus system with 779 detection points significantly enhances the camera’s focusing capabilities. This system offers fast and precise autofocus even in low-contrast or backlit situations, making it an ideal choice for both photographers and videographers.

In the realm of video, the Lumix G9 II stands out with its open gate 5.8K 4×3 video recording. This feature is invaluable for reframing and accommodating various platforms. It also supports 4K video at up to 120 frames per second in 10-bit 422, delivering impressive video quality for content creators.

Autofocus

• Panasonic has improved the autofocus system significantly, combining face detection and Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology.
• The G9 Mark II introduces impressive subject detection, including humans, animals, cars, and motorcycles.
• It excels in tracking moving subjects smoothly, eliminating focus transition pauses, and delivering sharp results.
• The animal eye detection function is a valuable addition, providing precise focus on animal subjects.

Video Capabilities

• Video autofocus performance is commendable, with quick and smooth subject tracking.
• The camera supports 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, catering to videographers’ needs.
• Upcoming firmware updates will enhance the camera’s ability to maintain focus when zooming, further improving video quality.

Comparison

While the Lumix G9 II shines in various aspects, it’s essential to understand its place in the market. The camera excels at capturing fast-action scenes and offers an array of video features, but its image quality, especially at higher ISOs, may not rival larger sensor cameras. If you prioritize low-light performance and ultimate image quality, you may want to consider alternatives in this price range.

Lumix G9 vs. G9 Mark II

• The G9 Mark II shows significant autofocus improvements, making it superior for both photography and videography.
• Autofocus transitions are smoother in the Mark II, eliminating pauses during subject tracking.
• The new subject detection features, including animal detection, offer more versatility.
• Video performance is noticeably better in the Mark II.

Lumix G9 Mark II vs. Lumix GH6

• The G9 Mark II outperforms the GH6 in autofocus speed and smoothness.
• Even when shooting at 4K 60fps, the G9 Mark II’s autofocus remains superior.
• The GH6 is still an excellent camera but lags behind the G9 Mark II in this aspect.

Lumix G9 Mark II vs. OM System OM1

• The G9 Mark II offers more responsive autofocus and smoother transitions.
• The OM1 struggles with slower autofocus, occasional focus pauses, and overshooting.
• G9 Mark II is a stronger choice for video recording.

Experience

In real-world testing, the Lumix G9 Mark II’s autofocus system excelled, especially when tracking moving subjects. Whether shooting fast-moving subjects or vlogging-style videos, the camera delivered impressive results. The subject detection feature, including animal eye detection, was accurate and helpful in a variety of situations. The video autofocus was smooth and responsive, making it a suitable choice for videographers. During our testing, the Lumix G9 II showcased its strengths in speed and stabilization. The ability to shoot at 60 frames per second with no blackout or limitations is a game-changer for capturing fast-moving subjects. The face detection autofocus system proved incredibly reliable, even with challenging subjects, ensuring we got the perfect shot every time.

The image stabilization system, both in-body and in conjunction with optically stabilized lenses, provided smooth footage even at extreme focal lengths. This made the Lumix G9 II an excellent choice for vlogging or capturing action sequences where stability is crucial.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix G9 Mark II is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering a robust and versatile micro four-thirds camera. Its advanced autofocus capabilities, including subject detection, put it ahead of many competitors. Whether you’re a photographer or videographer, the G9 Mark II’s performance, combined with its ergonomic design and 4K video recording, makes it a compelling choice in its category.

In conclusion, the Panasonic Lumix G9 II is a strong contender in the world of micro four-thirds cameras. Its speed, stabilization, and video capabilities are its standout features, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize action photography or videography. However, it’s essential to consider your specific needs, as its image quality in low-light situations may not be as strong as some competitors. If you’re seeking a versatile and speedy camera for your creative projects, the Lumix G9 II is worth serious consideration.

Disclaimer: The camera tested was a pre-production unit, and pricing information was not available at the time of testing.