Panasonic Lumix G9
Announced November 8, 2017
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 is a highly capable, stills-focused mirrorless camera that offers robust weather-sealed construction and an excellent viewfinder. While it excels in speed and ergonomics, the smaller sensor size and contrast-detect autofocus system can struggle in low-light or professional video workflows compared to phase-detect alternatives.
Weighted from 27 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly effective in-body image stabilization for handheld shooting
- Fast burst shooting speeds and responsive performance
- Sturdy, weather-sealed body with intuitive, comfortable ergonomics
- Versatile 4K video capabilities and advanced photo modes
- Large, high-resolution electronic viewfinder
Cons
- Autofocus tracking and speed limitations compared to phase-detect systems
- Video feature restrictions compared to flagship models
- Ergonomic quirks regarding button placement and joystick responsiveness
- Limited low-light performance and noise at higher ISOs
- Bulky physical design for a Micro Four Thirds camera
- Launch price $1,699 (USD)
- Sensor 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Video 4K 60p
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 60 fps electronic 12 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 27 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 85/100
The Panasonic G9 represents the most capable Contrast Detect AF camera ever released.
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If you are looking for a stills-focused Panasonic MFT camera, look no further than the Panasonic G9. Without a doubt, the Lumix G9 earns a spot as a Dave’s Pick!
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The Lumix G9 is a confident high-performance camera that's a joy to use. The tough weatherproof body feels great in your hands with excellent controls, there's an enormous viewfinder image, a fully-articulated touchscreen [...] and [...] great image and video quality [...]
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The Panasonic G9 is one of the best Micro Four Thirds cameras out there.
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The Panasonic G9 and its tack-sharp system lenses combine portability, high image quality and reliability to make it possibly the most capable adventure-orientated camera I’ve used to date.
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I really think you should take a good look at the Panasonic Lumix G9.
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The price of the Panasonic Lumix G9 puts it in to the professional area of the market, rather than enthusiastic amateur, and this could put some buyers off.
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The Lumix G9 is the most well-specified, well-built and well-rounded Panasonic mirrorless camera to date, offering a long list of mouth-watering features with performance and image quality to back them up.
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Panasonic’s best stills camera to date. The Lumix G9 is a sound mirrorless camera boasting a speedy specification, which it backs up with an admirable performance out in the field.
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The Panasonic G9 is a very fast and effective camera for both 4K video and fast-action sports and wildlife photography.
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Excellent image quality, 60fps shooting, polished handling and a wealth of advanced features add up to make the Lumix G9 a brilliant all-round mirrorless camera and Panasonic's best mirrorless camera to date.
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This camera is impressive.
- Digital Trends 9/10
It may be derivative, but the G9 is nonetheless a masterpiece. If good artists borrow and great artists steal, then Panasonic now finds itself on the camera industry’s most wanted list.
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The Panasonic Lumix G9, comfy in the hand, blisteringly fast and stuffed with advanced features, takes images that any DSLR user can be proud of, is simple to navigate and a real pleasure to use.
- Photo Review 9.1/10
[W]e consider the G9 the best camera Panasonic has made so far, particularly for enthusiast photographers who are mainly interested in shooting stills but also like to take high-resolution movies occasionally.
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The Panasonic G9 joins a growing list of high-spec’ed, full-featured cameras tipping the scales in mirrorless’ favour.
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With mighty impressive image stabilisation, an ultra-sensitive shutter, super-fast burst mode, accomplished continuous autofocus and burst shooting, plus a viewfinder that's unrivalled by any mirrorless model, the G9 really is the finest mirrorless camera that money can buy.
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Aside from a few quirks, G9 is probably my favorite camera ever. It is a joy to use, dependable, and delivers perfect videos and still images.
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So yeah, if you are a still shooter, then definitely this is the best camera for you. And the price of the G9 is also, in my opinion, is about $500 cheaper than the GH5.
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[...] Panasonic Lumix G9 excels in terms of handling and ergonomics. The viewfinder is incredible and in terms of user experience is one of the best cameras overall.
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It's been fantastic to explore a new city with this camera, and the Panasonic Lumix G9 has really won me around during this trip. It's just got so many great features.
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[...] I think the G9 is a strong addition to the Panasonic lineup; it gives them a camera that has the stills capabilities that can finally start to lure over some of those more serious still shooters.
- ExpertPhotography 92/100
The Panasonic G9 is an excellent hybrid camera for a bunch of applications. It excels in action and casual photography, and video recording in good light.
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While I look forward to a few improvements in the next generation, the G9 has almost everything a serious photographer could want: great image quality, excellent choices in lenses, ability to shoot 4k video, abundant customization options, and intuitive controls.
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The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is highly recommended for Micro Four Thirds shooters who want the best for all photography needs. And for those looking to venture into mirrorless from the DSLR camp, the G9 should sit high on your list of considerations.
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It is a great camera. At a great price with lots of features, the software I'm actually using for editing, I use two, well I used three actually, but two in particular I'd like to very quickly, and it is going to be quick to talk about, is Capture One Pro.
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[T]his camera just fits perfectly in your hand and if you're primarily a still shooter and you like the micro four thirds system, then this really is your best option.
