Panasonic DC-G9 Hands-on
We have the Panasonic DC-G9 for you shortly after it went on sale. In our exclusive Foto Koch hands-on, we show you which features of the new Lumix system camera we particularly liked.
Panasonic promises speed and top image quality with the new G9. After the Lumix GH5 which was released almost a year ago, the G9 will offer improved functions for photographers, such as a hybrid autofocus module, improved image stabilization (Body-I.S.) and 6K/4K photo function. Like the GH5, the G9 also has dust and splash protection and a robust magnesium body, so you don't have to worry about your equipment even in adverse weather conditions.
Highlights of the Panasonic DC-G9 at a glance
- Shoulder display
- well-known 6K/4K photo function
- 20B/s continuous shooting with AF-C
- 60B/s continuous shooting with AF-S
- Bluetooth & WiFi
- double SD card slot
- double image stabilization through internal image stabilizer
Speed of the G9
The new MFT camera uses a hybrid autofocus module that guarantees a low shutter release delay of just 0.04 seconds. Up to 60 images per second can be taken in continuous shooting mode. However, the Singe autofocus (AF-S) must be used here and the camera is therefore unable to track the focus. In addition, the G9 cannot save the images so quickly and starts to stutter after just 50 images (RAW or JPG) and reduces the speed. With continuous autofocus, you can still take 20 pictures per second and save them smoothly thanks to the double SD card slot. With the 6K/ 4K photo function, you have the option of selecting a single frame from a video at 30fps and saving it as a photo with 18 megapixels as a single frame. The hybrid autofocus with 225 selectable focus points works very quickly and accurately. The focus point can be quickly moved to the desired position thanks to the large thumb joystick. The AF settings of the G9 - such as AF sensitivity and AF area switching sensitivity - can be individually adjusted.
Perfect overview
A total of three displays have been installed in the Panasonic G9. The biggest innovation is the shoulder display, which is atypical for system cameras. This improves the workflow when things need to be done quickly and is an old acquaintance of the professional SLR. You can activate the backlight of the shoulder display for taking photos in the dark. Another advantage of the The main display on the back is a 3-inch swivel touchscreen. In Live View, you can play with the perspective even more easily and also shoot comfortably from high and low angles.
The large OLED viewfinder of the Lumix G9 offers a magnification of up to 0.83x (three magnification levels to choose from) and displays 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 need not be a contradiction in terms, as the camera body of the G9 - like the GH5 - is made of magnesium. Panasonic has also given the Body a professional dust and splash-proof seal (combined with Lens with dust and splash protection). This makes the camera ideal for outdoor photography regardless of the weather. If you prefer to take the system camera to colder regions, you can rest assured that the G9 is also designed for temperatures down to -10?C.
Equipped for every application
The compact size of the new MFT system camera makes the G9 an ideal companion for everyday use and when traveling. Another plus point is the built-in image stabilizer, which makes it possible to do without a tripod in some situations. If the Lens used has a built-in image stabilizer, the two systems work together and achieve even better results.
G9 or GH5?
The two camera models have a lot in common. The design of the G9 is somewhat simpler and not as bulky as that of the GH. The two program dials on the top of the GH5 have been combined into one mode dial on the G9, thus saving space. Like the Lumix GH5 the Lumix G9 can also record 4K video (without crop) at up to 60fps. This makes the G9 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 GH5's display also has a better resolution, which is another plus point for the GH5 when it comes to video
Our conclusion on the Lumix G9
The Panasonic G9 is a new top contender in the MFT sensor format in terms of continuous shooting speed and handling. Thanks to the shoulder display, the joystick and the touchscreen, all settings can be made at lightning speed. The use of a magnesium housing in combination with dust and splash protection makes the camera a true all-rounder that will not only accompany you safely on many trips and photo shoots, but also provides a good basis for the ambitious videographer. We can recommend the Lumix GH5 and Lumix GH5s to demanding videographers.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 - Best picture quality
If you would like to get your hands on the new MFT camera, you are welcome to visit our D?sseldorf store or order your personal Lumix G9 right here
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