Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II initial review: The G9 series matures: Digital Photography Review – digitalcameras.ie

Product pictures by Brendan Nystedt

Nearly six years after the announcement of the Lumix DC-G9, Panasonic has introduced its successor, the Lumix DC-G9 II. That is the corporate’s high-end mannequin geared toward stills shooters, and it’s the first-ever Lumix Micro 4 Thirds digital camera to incorporate section detection autofocus. Regardless of its goal demographic, the G9 II comes with a surprisingly lengthy listing of video options as nicely. A radical redesign, the G9 II relies off the chassis of the complete body Lumix S5 II and S5IIX, giving it room for plentiful controls and ports.

Key specs

• 25MP CMOS sensor with twin output achieve
• 5-axis in-body picture stabilization (CIPA-rated to eight stops)
• On-sensor section detection (779 factors)
• 3″, 1.84M-dot totally articulating touchscreen
• 3.86M-dot OLED digital viewfinder with 0.8x magnification
• 60 fps burst capturing with AF-C and digital shutter (10 fps mechanical)
• 100MP handheld high-res mode
• As much as 5.8K Open Gate 4:2:0, C4K 4:2:2 10-bit, with V-Log
• ProRes 422 and 422 HQ recording to SSD
• Full-size HDMI
• 390 photographs per cost battery life, utilizing LCD
• USB-C energy supply, exterior SSD assist
• Twin UHS-II card slot
• Wi-Fi + Bluetooth

The Panasonic might be obtainable from early November with a advisable value of $1899 body-only. This can be a $200 value enhance from the launch value of its predecessor, the G9.

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Index:

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What’s new

The Lumix G9 II is a departure from the unique G9 design in a couple of key methods.

Fairly than a refresh of the unique DSLR-like Lumix G9 idea, the G9 II goes in a extra trendy course. Not solely does it take technological developments from the full-frame Lumix S lineup, it has the identical exterior design because the S5 II introduced earlier within the yr. It is taller, extra squared off, and has extra controls than its predecessor. It is not only a comparable design – it is actually the identical outer shell, however with out fan vents and with a unique lens mount and sensor inside.

Hybrid autofocus and DR Enhance enhancements

The G9 II relies round a sensor associated to the one within the GH6, however that Panasonic says has been revised at each the {hardware} and software program ranges. The obvious distinction is that the model within the G9 II has phase-detection parts that make it the primary Micro 4 Thirds Lumix mannequin to supply inherently depth-aware autofocus.

The opposite change that can make a giant distinction is the best way the twin output achieve system works. Panasonic describes it as having two readout paths which can be subjected to differing ranges of achieve, that are then mixed. This manner, you get the spotlight seize advantages of low achieve and the cleaner shadow efficiency of excessive achieve paths, mixed as a 16-bit Uncooked file to make sure room to encode this widened dynamic vary.

The sensor within the G9 II is derived from the one within the GH6 however with some key enhancements, each in {hardware} and software program.

For the G9 II, Panasonic seems to have diminished the bottom step provided by the high-gain path. Whereas on the GH6, the excessive achieve (shadow) path was solely used at ISO settings three stops above base (ie, ISO 800 in normal shade modes, ISO 2000 in V-Log mode), on the G9 II, Panasonic says it is obtainable from base ISO upwards, suggesting the excessive achieve step will be dropped additional, to make it obtainable at these decrease ISOs.

Nevertheless, it is value noting that the GH6’s base ISOs had been 100 for normal shade modes and 250 for V-Log, however for the G9 II, they’re 100 and 500, respectively. The one-stop soar in base ISO in V-Log mode appears to recommend a high-gain path making use of one cease extra achieve than the low path in its base state (moderately than the 3-stop distinction required for DR Enhance on the GH6). However this does not clarify how Panasonic can provide a mode that features a high-gain part whereas sustaining the identical ISO 100 score for normal gamma. We have requested for clarification from Panasonic however haven’t but acquired a response, although it is value noting that if you exceed 60fps (the place the Twin Output mode cannot function), the minimal obtainable ISO in Log drops to 250, suggesting that is the true ‘base’ state.

We’ll do what we will to tease out what is going on on once we get an opportunity to totally take a look at the G9 II; our predominant hope is that it helps the digital camera outperform the GH6, which didn’t impress at low ISOs.

Extra video than you’d anticipate

In contrast to the G9, which launched lacking loads of video options, the G9 II throws in all the things however the kitchen sink proper from Day 1. Panasonic swears it is a digital camera for nonetheless shooters, however the variety of video resolutions and options accounted for – together with V-Log and open gate 5.8K – positive make it really feel nearly as hybrid because the GH6 or S5 IIX. It retains the full-size HDMI port of the S5 II sequence and might even report on to a USB-C SSD.

Though not marketed as a hybrid mannequin, the G9 II has a ton of options that make it attention-grabbing for hybrid shooters and people interested by video.

With its improved autofocus, why would anybody purchase a GH6 over the G9 II? Relaxation assured that CFexpress card assist, Uncooked video output modes and the built-in fan let the GH6 retain its hybrid crown for now. Panasonic says that G9 II shooters ought to consider this digital camera extra as a B-cam than a main run-and-gun setup and that the shortage of a fan would possibly develop into a problem when capturing high-res video in scorching environments.

Improved IBIS

The diminutive 4 Thirds-type sensor is cushioned from jostles by an aggressive 8-stop CIPA-rated in-body picture stabilization system. Panasonic says that the SyncIS system, the place the sensor and lens stabilization programs work collectively, is simply rated for 7.5 stops and that they are reaching the bodily limits of the lens-based optical stabilization programs at this level. There’s a profit although: the synchronization between the physique and lens’ IS programs permits the digital camera to keep up 7.5 stops of correction at longer focal lengths the place the in-body system alone couldn’t.

This method additionally allows the G9 II’s 100MP handheld high-res mode. Though the upper decision of this mode means it is slightly slower to sew its pictures collectively, the extra refined algorithm Panasonic makes use of does a superb job of lowering topic movement.

Topic detection enhancements

Panasonic’s older depth-from-defocus AF system lagged behind the competitors considerably, however the G9 II seems to handle that. With the hybrid AF enhancements, the G9 II additionally brings some new topic detection and monitoring algorithms. This time round, you will discover a lot of classes within the AF menu that embody one for animals (primarily pets, but in addition can monitor birds), one for vehicles (focusing on motorsports pictures), and one other for bikes (which they are saying may match for bicycles, relying on the angle of the topic). Just like the G9 II’s improved human detection, the animal mode has eye detection as an extra possibility.

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The way it compares

The brand new Panasonic Lumix G9 II is available in at a excessive value, befitting a flagship mannequin (not less than, as Panasonic’s G-series flagship for stills). Sadly, there’s loads of competitors within the ∼$2K high-performance digital camera class. Whereas the newcomer clearly blows away its predecessor, its stills rival within the Micro 4 Thirds world, the OM System OM-1, is lighter, has higher battery life, and a far sharper EVF.

That is to not point out the slew of improbable APS-C cameras on the market, and we have included the Fujifilm X-T5 and Sony a6700 as two of the most effective, each of that are cheaper than the Lumix.

On the entire, the G9 II is pretty aggressive within the Micro 4 Thirds system. However wanting on the APS-C choices on the market (just like the Sony A6700 and Fujifilm X-T5), the G9 II does not carry something spectacular to the desk, even when it’s a noteworthy transfer ahead for Panasonic’s G-series.

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Physique and dealing with

Taking a look at it from the again, the Lumix G9 II affords up a brand new 8-way joystick and an improved autofocus selector.

Whereas the unique G9 was removed from compact, it definitely had a unique design philosophy than its successor. Seemingly geared toward DSLR photographers, it was a large digital camera with a giant backlit prime plate LCD. That digital camera additionally solely had a single publicity mode dial (on the aspect reverse the grip), entrance and rear management dials, and an influence swap that surrounded the shutter button.

The brand new G9 II, by comparability, feels extra trendy. Because it’s mainly the identical design because the Lumix S5 II, this digital camera throws a ton of controls on the person. Make no mistake: it is a clean-sheet redesign, and for those who had been a giant fan of the unique, you may be disillusioned that nothing has remained the identical. That mentioned, for all the things you lose (like the highest LCD, entrance Fn lever, and flash sync port), you achieve a complete lot extra (extra ergonomic twin dials, a extra outstanding AF selector, a devoted dial for steady capturing, and an upgraded 8-way AF joystick).

The Lumix G9 II, in contrast to the very comparable S5 II, lacks fan vents on the backside of the EVF hump.

And though the G9 II is taller and the grip a bit shallower, it nonetheless manages to really feel lots snug to carry, regardless of a few of the rear controls being a bit clustered collectively. Total, although, though the load is similar because the previous mannequin, this Micro 4 Thirds physique appears fairly giant for what it’s.

What hasn’t improved a complete lot is the EVF, which is a 3680k dot (1280 x 960px) panel with a slight lower in magnification at 0.8x. In use, it’s very satisfactory, and the magnification undoubtedly makes up for the shortage of sheer decision. The rear articulating LCD, alternatively, is a a lot greater decision now at 1840K dots, making for an in depth, vivid capturing expertise even in direct daylight.

The addition of a USB-C port and USB PD for charging is a giant step up from the unique G9’s microUSB 3.0 socket.

Like its cousin, the Lumix S5 II, the G9 II packs the ports we would anticipate for a flagship digital camera in 2023. You get a full-size HDMI, quick USB-C PD charging (with 10Gbps switch speeds and the power to report stills and video to an exterior SSD), in addition to mic and headphone sockets, the previous of which is positioned out of the best way of the display screen hinge.

On the other aspect are 2 UHS-II pace SD card slots, which will be programmed to work individually or in parallel, backing up recordsdata on each for redundancy or filling the following card after the primary one’s full. One profit that is value mentioning is that since that is bodily nearly an identical to the S5 II, many equipment might be suitable between the 2 fashions, together with first-party equipment like the brand new DMW-BG1 battery grip, and third-party add-ons like cages for video rigging.

The 2200mAh battery lets the G9 II shoot round 390 photographs on a single cost.

Contained in the G9 II is similar DMW-BLK22, 16Wh battery as we have seen in different massive Lumix fashions. Right here within the G9 II, nonetheless, you are still solely getting round 390 photographs on a cost in response to the CIPA methodology with both the LCD or EVF. That is decrease than different cameras in its class and positively in its value vary, trailing the OM System OM-1 by 130 photographs and the Fujifilm X-T5 by 190.

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Preliminary impressions

There is not any doubt about it: the Lumix G9 II is Panasonic’s most superior Micro 4 Thirds digital camera ever. It is robustly constructed, has a ton of well-placed controls, a slew of video capturing resolutions and body charges, the ports we would anticipate to see, and few obtrusive omissions total.

With the Lumix G-series at 15 years previous, the maturity of the know-how powering the G9 II is hardly a shock. But this digital camera lastly begins to slim the hole between the OM System know-how and Lumix – particularly, the hole opened up by the blazing quick OM-1 final yr. Panasonic’s up to date 25-megapixel sensor, 8-stop IBIS system, and improved hybrid autofocus (due to the addition of PDAF) all make it really feel like a much more trendy possibility for birding or wildlife pictures than the outgoing G9. Plus, in comparison with previous Lumix G-cameras, the ten FPS burst fee with the mechanical shutter and AF-C is a powerful improve. We’ll reserve judgment on the 60 FPS digital shutter mode and its associated Pre-Burst setting since rolling shutter might impression picture high quality.

Panasonic’s 100MP handheld high-res mode can yield spectacular outcomes and cancels out shifting objects surprisingly nicely, even when the time wanted to crunch the information feels prefer it drags on. Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH | ISO 100 | 1/640 sec | F6.3 Taken utilizing a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G9 II Picture: Brendan Nystedt

However there are a couple of odd issues that left a humorous impression. Even with the preproduction model of the digital camera we acquired to shoot with, there’s little doubt that the G9 II is as superior as we would anticipate from a stills-focused, high-performance Micro 4 Thirds physique. Nevertheless it appears caught within the center to a level – its sensor is not as quick because the Stacked CMOS one within the similarly-priced OM-1, and it has fewer topic detection modes and obscure guarantees of climate sealing. But, the G9 II’s video features are only a reduce beneath the GH6 (which now looks as if a first-rate candidate for a Mark II makeover utilizing the G9 II’s sensor and AF system).

Panasonic’s refreshed topic detection algorithm, plus the brand new hybrid AF system, might help maintain animals (and their eyes) in focus even at F1.2. Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm F1.2 PRO | ISO 100 | 1/320 sec | F1.2 Taken utilizing a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G9 II Picture: Brendan Nystedt

After which there’s the general idea and design. We acquired on OM System’s case slightly bit for the delicate refresh of the OM-5 final yr. However the G9 II does not simply draw closely on the know-how powering the S5 II: it’s primarily a Micro 4 Thirds S5 II, in and out. For nearly mid-level full-frame cash, you get barely higher IBIS, quicker readout speeds, and the spectacular 100MP handheld high-res mode. Look outdoors Micro 4 Thirds, and you will find a gaggle of choices at decrease costs, just like the Sony A6700 and Fujifilm X-T5 – although the Sony has worse video endurance and the X-T5’s strengths are way more on the stills aspect of the home.

The G9 II has all the things it takes to be a compelling stills digital camera, however the OM System OM-1 looms giant.

So it isn’t apparent that Panasonic has answered the prayers we have heard from Micro 4 Thirds shooters with the in any other case solid-seeming G9 II. Though it is chockablock with video goodness, it isn’t the ‘GH6 with higher autofocus’ followers had been clamoring for, and though it has some slight stills benefits over the OM-1, it is onerous to think about anybody passing up that extra compact digital camera for this larger possibility with worse battery life.

If something, we’re extra excited for what comes after this high-end entry – if Panasonic might help steer MFT cameras in the direction of having hybrid autofocus as normal, that is an awesome factor. However taken as it’s, the G9 II is a dear entry and one which, though lots succesful, might wrestle to face out in a extremely aggressive discipline.

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All photographs shot utilizing a pre-production Panasonic Lumix G9 II

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