Lumix G91 - Robust all-rounder for ambitious photographers
Since 2008, Panasonic has been building cameras in the G series, models with an electronic viewfinder and ergonomics similar to small SLR cameras. We have subjected the Lumix G91 to a hands-on test.
The sensor
The Lumix system cameras are known as real all-rounders and are equipped with exciting functions for both photographers and videographers. Compared to its predecessor model with 16 megapixels, the Lumix G91 has a micro four-thirds sensor with a resolution of 20.3 megapixels. As with the G81, the sensor is used without a low-pass filter. The five-axis image stabilization is once again on board, so that the exposure time can be extended by up to five f-stops in critical lighting situations. If a Panasonic Lens with image stabilizer is used, the two stabilization systems work together as Dual-IS.
Highlights of the Lumix G91
- without low-pass filter for brilliant image quality
- dual image stabilizer - Dual I.S.:
- 5-axis body stabilizer
- robust design
- high-resolution viewfinder
- 4K photo & video function
Technical data of the Lumix G91
- Sensor size Micro Four Thirds
- 20 megapixel Live MOS sensor
- unlimited 4K 30p video
- OLED viewfinder (0.74x) with 2.4 MP
- extremely fast hybrid contrast AF - shutter release delay of 0.07 s
- Magnesium front & dust / splash water protection
Autofocus
When it comes to autofocus, Panasonic once again focuses on speed with the Lumix G91. The response time is just 0.07 seconds. With continuous autofocus tracking, 6 images per second are possible. If the autofocus is not to be tracked, then it is even 9 fps. Simple face and eye recognition helps the photographer to set the focus correctly. In my tests, this worked reliably without any major adjustment effort. For spontaneous photos, I usually use a larger focus area and activate face detection. Of course, with a small metering field, the likelihood of the focus being exactly where I want it would be greater. I also like to take photos without looking through the viewfinder or at the display from time to time. If the focus is still where I want it to be, that's a huge help.
Handling
Compared to the previous G81 model, Panasonic has improved the ergonomics, adding several new buttons that make it easier to set the exposure. The electronic viewfinder is a key feature of the Lumix G series. Here, everything remains the same and, just like the previous model, an OLED viewfinder with 2.36 million pixels and a magnification of 0.74x is used. The viewfinder is not quite state of the art, but is average for the camera's price segment. This has the positive side effect that the images look much better when edited or printed than when photographed. The 180-degree foldable display is particularly suitable for recording videos. The camera body is sealed against splash water and dust.
Video functions
The Lumix G91 offers helpful functions, especially for photographers who also want to film. Compared to the previous model, 4K videos can now be recorded without a time limit. At 4K, the G91 records up to 30 frames per second. In addition to the microphone input, the Lumix G91 now also has a headphone output with which the sound can be adjusted.
New: Live Composite function
A really new feature of the Lumix G91 is the Live Composite function. Until now, this has only been known from Olympus cameras and is useful for night photography, astrophotography and long exposures. The camera shoots several times in succession and always calculates new parts of the image that have changed. A practical application example is light painting. The photographer can watch his photo being created and immediately see what influence the light painting has on the finished photo. Another example is long exposure photography. Here, too, the photographer can watch the photo grow and stop shooting as soon as the desired effect has been achieved.
Conclusion on the Lumix G91
The G91 is suitable for all ambitious photographers who appreciate the feel of an SLR and want to combine it with the advantages of a system camera. The electronic viewfinder shows the image exactly as it looks after the shutter has been released. The 4K video function, the tiltable display and the option to listen to the sound live make the G91 an interesting choice for many film enthusiasts. I can recommend the GX9 in the Lumix system to all photographers for whom the Body is too large.
