Panasonic Lumix G9 II
Announced September 12, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Panasonic Lumix G9 II is a powerful hybrid camera that finally introduces phase-detection autofocus to the G-series, making it a highly capable tool for both action photography and video. While its larger body size and lack of an internal cooling fan may give some users pause, it remains a top-tier choice for those already invested in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.
Weighted from 38 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly responsive phase-detection autofocus with advanced subject tracking
- Class-leading in-body image stabilization that excels in handheld shooting
- Well-built, weather-sealed body with intuitive, customizable controls
- Robust video features including 5.7K and 4K 120p recording
- Fast burst shooting speeds and effective pre-burst functionality
Cons
- Bulky physical design that feels large for a Micro Four Thirds system
- Lack of an internal cooling fan limits extended high-resolution recording
- Mediocre battery life that trails behind similar models
- Inconsistent noise performance at higher ISO settings
- Slow buffer clearing times when using SD cards
- Launch price $1,899.99 (USD)
- Sensor 25.21MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 6K 59.94p UHD 120p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 8 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 75 fps electronic 10 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 38 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 8.5/10
Panasonic has waited a while to release the successor to the G9 but it certainly did the reputation of this excellent camera justice.
- DPReview 87/100
The DC-G9 II offers image quality and autofocus improvements over the GH6 yet offers much of that camera's video spec and its amazing stabilization.
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The G9 II is a worthy flagship, packing the best autofocus and subject detection from a Lumix G to date, ultra fast shooting with pre-burst options, excellent stabilisation, great image quality, and seriously good video which in some respects out-rivals the GH6.
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Nevertheless, the video capabilities of this new camera have not been neglected, and in fact, depending on your professional needs or type of hobby, perhaps this new LUMIX G9II might be the camera you have been waiting for!
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It’s perhaps easy to be dismissive of the Panasonic Lumix G9II. After all, here is a Micro Four Thirds camera that costs almost twice as much as its predecessor, while being as large as many full frame models.
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The new Panasonic Lumix G9 II is a highly competent, realistically priced camera that handles well and delivers quality.
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By far the biggest headline news is that the Lumix G9 II introduces phase-detection auto-focus for the first time on any Panasonic G-series Micro Four Thirds camera.
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Despite its stills-centric roots, the Panasonic Lumix G9 II solidifies the brand's position as the leader for video right now.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II camera is a top pick for vloggers and photographers alike thanks to its excellent sensor, exceptional controls, and accurate phase detect focus system.
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The Lumix G9 line has come a long way in five years, and the second iteration is a more capable all-rounder, and a great choice for capturing action thanks to the introduction of phase-detection autofocus.
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The Lumix G9II is an incredible mirrorless camera. It’s built like a tank, thoughtfully laid out, features fantastic AF and IBIS systems, takes wonderful stills and is a more-than-capable video tool, too.
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With all that, the $1,900 G9 II is one of the most capable hybrid cameras I've seen. [...] But the excellent video capabilities and quality makes it a great choice for content creators as well.
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Six years is a long time in the photography world, but it's been worth the wait with the Panasonic G9 II.
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Whether you're a photographer or a video shooter, the G9ii has loads to offer. If you find the compact lenses of the MFT system appealing, this is the body to pair with them; it can do just about anything.
- SlashGear 9/10
The only way to improve it would be to redesign it into a more compact chassis. If you're already an MFT shooter and invested in the lenses, then you really can't go wrong with this upgrade.
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Basically, if I had to sum up this camera in one sentence or maybe even this video in one sentence, this is a telescope that you can put in your bag and whatever you point it at it'll capture it.
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[T]he Panasonic Lumix G9 II may be a Mark II camera, but it's definitely more than an iterative upgrade with vastly improved autofocus performance, more dynamic range, faster burst modes, 100 megapixel high-res photo options, some of the best IBIS [...]
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Size and weight aside, the new LUMIX G9II is a very capable 25.2MP camera with a mature control and menu system that makes the camera easy, if not fun, to use.
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Just like the original G9, the Panasonic Lumix G9 II is primarily great for photographers, so most of the new features and changes have a very heavy photo focus.
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I love the fact that Panasonic has moved Micro Four Thirds forward with a release that will no doubt appeal evenly to videographers, content creators, and photographers.
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So is G9 II the best hybrid Micro Four Thirds camera? Yes, of course it is.
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For me, I think this camera is for anybody who wants to enjoy wildlife in the field with a very light kit, somebody who wants high FPS, good autofocus, good image quality, and a very light package.
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[M]y first impressions of the Panasonic Lumix G9 II are quite positive.
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Ultimately, it's a great camera, it's a great bang for buck camera, I think. Panasonic have smashed it once again, so the trip's been fantastic, but there are a couple of additional things that are on the way that we didn't have at the time.
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So there you have it. If you love Micro Four Thirds. The G9 II is a great step forward. You’re going to love the features on this camera.
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I liked the first Lumix G9, but this second version has improved in a lot of ways.
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Now the basics for stills and video meet a high standard, and the extra features can get you images you'd otherwise give up on. For travel, it's a nice light camera.
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The Lumix G9 II is a no-compromise camera with excellent phase detection autofocus, class-leading video specs and excellent stills and movie quality that could happily sit at the heart of such a system and, as such, it deserves the attention of any pro [...]
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[T]hese are fantastic cameras.
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With this second generation G9 II, Panasonic has cemented their Micro Four Thirds line-up through a compact yet incredibly capable offering.
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So what are my conclusions? Well, if you want a rather lightweight combination but you still want to have a modern camera with professional features, I think the Panasonic Lumix G9 II is a very nice choice.
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I think if you regularly shoot animals or people or fast-moving subjects, the Panasonic Lumix G9 II isn't a contender; it's the one to beat.
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My experience with the camera, it left nothing to be desired. I simply used the camera as I would any other.
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[T]his is an absolute steal, and this is ultimately why I'm actually considering getting one for myself because you're getting a lot of value for your money here.
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Now, the pricing is dangerously close to the full-frame S5 II, but if you're already in the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem looking for an upgrade, the Panasonic Lumix G9 II makes absolute sense.
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[...] I'm super impressed with it, like the fact that it was picking up people from far away.
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Now, overall, I think this camera is absolutely a stunning product from Lumix.
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I don't think you would be disappointed to buy it though.
