Panasonic LUMIX DC G9 II Review | 108 Data compared

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II is a highly capable Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless camera that serves as a powerful, feature-rich update to its predecessor. It features a new 25-megapixel Live MOS sensor paired with a next-generation image processor, offering twice the signal processing speed of the original G9. Key performance advantages include a rapid burst shooting rate of up to 75 frames per second (or 60 fps with continuous phase-detection autofocus tracking), an improved AI-driven subject recognition system, and a robust 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) system providing up to 8 exposure stops. Content creators will appreciate its advanced video specifications, which allow for 5.8K recording using the full 4:3 sensor area, Apple ProRes compression, and direct recording onto an external SSD via USB-C. Despite its extensive feature set, the camera exhibits notable drawbacks, particularly regarding image quality and physical design. Reviewers noted that visual noise increases significantly at higher ISO levels, making low-light performance less competitive than models with larger sensors. From an ergonomics perspective, Panasonic removed the convenient top-plate status display and the flash sync port found...

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II receives a strong 1.8 "good" rating from COMPUTER BILD, making it a top-tier model among mirrorless system cameras with smaller sensors. Built on the robust, weather-sealed chassis of its full-frame sister model, the S5 II, this Micro Four Thirds camera introduces a newly designed 25-megapixel sensor paired with a highly effective Phase-Change hybrid autofocus system. The review highly praises its excellent image quality for both photography and video, noting sharp details up to ISO 1600. Its 779-point autofocus is commended for advanced subject tracking—specifically identifying humans, animals, cars, and motorcycles—which easily resolves the tracking stutter found on older Lumix models. Additional key pros include a spacious 0.80x magnification electronic viewfinder, a fully articulating 1.84-megapixel touchscreen, dual SD card slots, an impressive battery life of nearly 1.75 hours during 4K video recording, and the rare ability to record directly onto an external SSD via USB-C. However, the camera has some notable cons. The review highlights a slight loss in image detail and clarity at very high ISO settings (ISO 3200 and higher), suggesting that photographers who...

The Panasonic Lumix G9II review highlights the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) flagship camera's transition to a larger body design borrowed from the full-frame Lumix S5II, earning an overall "Very Good" rating of 91.7%. This physical bulk serves two practical purposes: optimizing passive heat dissipation for upgraded video recording—such as 5.8K at 30 fps and 4K up to 120 fps—and providing superior ergonomics for handling heavy telephoto lenses. Thanks to the MFT system's 2x crop factor, the review notes that the camera serves as an excellent, cost-effective hybrid tool for wildlife, sports, and plane photography. In terms of performance, the camera's primary pros include high overall image quality, dual SD card slots, and an integrated mechanical image stabilizer that compensates for up to eight stops. It also boasts spectacular continuous shooting speeds of up to 75 frames per second, which stays at a top-tier 60 fps even with continuous autofocus tracking active. On the downside, the main cons identified are its massive camera body that defies traditional compact MFT expectations, the lack of an internal cooling fan, and performance weaknesses when...

The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9II is a highly capable Micro Four Thirds (MFT) all-round camera that acts as an excellent hybrid tool for both photographers and videographers. Built around a 25-megapixel sensor with no low-pass filter, the camera delivers outstanding detail reproduction and very low image noise up to ISO 1,600, with acceptable performance stretching to ISO 6,400. Its standout mechanical upgrade is a rapid phase-detection autofocus system that vastly improves subject tracking for sports, wildlife, and vehicles while eliminating the annoying focus "pumping" seen in its predecessor. Speed is a major strength, as it achieves an impressive burst rate of up to 75 frames per second using the electronic shutter (with a 200-shot buffer) and 14 frames per second with the mechanical shutter. Additionally, its 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation system delivers up to 5 to 6 stops of real-world compensation when paired with compatible lenses. On the video side, it functions at professional standards, supporting up to 5.8K "Open Gate" recording, Apple ProRes codecs, 4K at 120fps, and direct saving to an external SSD. Pros and Cons Pros: Excellent detail...

The Calumet Photo Video review highlights the Panasonic Lumix G9 II as a massive, top-tier upgrade over its predecessor, positioning it as an exceptional hybrid camera for both photography and filmmaking. Key pros driving this praise include a new 25.2-megapixel MFT Live MOS sensor combined with a processor that operates at double the speed of the original G9, leading to sharper detail and significantly enhanced dynamic range via a seamless Dynamic Range Boost. Action and wildlife creators benefit from blistering burst speeds—reaching up to 75 frames per second with the electronic shutter—alongside a highly accurate 779-point Phase Hybrid Autofocus system equipped with intelligent subject detection for humans, animals, and vehicles. Filmmakers gain immense flexibility with professional features like 5.8K Open Gate recording, 4K at 120p, internal ProRes codecs, and a powerful 5-axis image stabilization system that allows for 100-megapixel high-resolution handheld shots without a tripod. On the downside, the review notes a couple of specific cons regarding the hardware design and ergonomics. The overall camera body remains quite large, which makes it bulkier and heavier than typical Micro Four Thirds...

However, the camera comes with a few notable drawbacks. The increased 25 MP resolution leads to a higher noise profile, with noticeable image noise appearing at ISO 800 and above when viewed at a 100-percent monitor magnification. While fine details remain sharper than the G9 up to ISO 3,200, the original G9 actually retains cleaner details at higher sensitivities like ISO 6,400 due to the G9II's aggressive internal noise reduction smoothing things out. From a hardware standpoint, users may miss the top status display panel and the dedicated flash sync port, both of which Panasonic removed to accommodate the redesigned layout and the larger DMW-BLK22 battery inherited from the full-frame Lumix S5II.

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II, as detailed in the Systemkamera Forum hands-on preview, represents a significant upgrade for the MFT system by introducing a 25.2-megapixel sensor with Phase Hybrid Autofocus (PDAF), enabling fast, reliable tracking for action and wildlife. Key advancements include 100-megapixel handheld high-resolution shots, improved stabilization, and enhanced 5.8K video capabilities, marking a major departure from Panasonic’s previous contrast-detect autofocus systems. Conversely, the G9 II adopts the larger, heavier body of the full-frame S5 II, losing the original G9's top status LCD and reducing the portability advantage typical of MFT cameras. Priced around 1,900 Euros, it targets a premium market segment, shifting away from the enthusiast-focused, cost-effective design of its predecessor. YouTube

Here is a specific summary of the Panasonic Lumix G9 II review: Review Summary The Panasonic Lumix G9 II is highlighted as an exceptional, highly versatile successor to the original G9, bridging the gap between high-end photography and professional filmmaking. Boasting a 25.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor, it delivers outstanding handheld 100MP high-resolution images, excellent image stabilization, and a vastly improved, reliable Phase Hybrid autofocus system. The camera excels significantly in video production, offering innovative tools like 5.7K 30p Apple ProRes 422 HQ recording, unlimited recording times, dual UHS-II SD card slots, and the ability to record directly to external SSDs via USB. Additionally, its robust, weather-sealed body features a fully articulating touchscreen, an ergonomic joystick, and extensive physical direct buttons for highly customisable handling.

The Digitalkamera.de review of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 II highlights a major structural transition, noting that the camera adopts the physical chassis of the full-frame Lumix S5 II rather than refreshing the DSLR-like shape of its predecessor. A standout feature verified by the publication's testing is the integration of on-sensor phase detection autofocus, marking a significant milestone for Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds line and resulting in remarkably fast and confident focus performance. Pros include exceptional burst rates, improved autofocus tracking, and stellar results when paired with the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60 mm F2.8-4 Asph. lens, but cons include a body that feels oversized and bulky compared to traditional Micro Four Thirds design philosophies. Additionally, the review notes that accessing the full scope of premium lab data and measurement tables requires a paid subscription on the Digitalkamera.de platform, making deep numerical verification a walled-off experience.

Here is a summary of the Panasonic Lumix G9II review: Review Summary The Panasonic Lumix G9II is a powerful Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera built into the larger body of the full-frame Lumix S5II, introducing significant performance upgrades to the G-series. It features a new 25.2-megapixel MFT sensor and an advanced processing engine that doubles image processing speeds compared to its predecessor. Key strengths highlighted in the review include its exceptional hand-held body image stabilization (offering up to 8 stops of correction) and its ability to shoot high-resolution 100-megapixel images without a tripod. The camera also excels in speed, boasting an improved Phase Hybrid Autofocus with expanded subject detection (humans, animals, vehicles) and blistering burst shooting modes up to 75 fps in AF-S or 65 fps in AF-C with the electronic shutter. Video performance is top-tier, supporting 4K 120p, 5.8K Open Gate sensor readout for flexible multi-platform cropping, real-time LUT applications, and external SSD recording via USB-C. Despite its highly praised features, the camera has some notable trade-offs. On the downside, adopting the S5II chassis means the camera is physically...

The Galaxus review identifies the Panasonic Lumix G9 II as a highly capable, agile Micro Four Thirds camera for wildlife photography, offering excellent 800mm equivalent reach with compact lenses. Key strengths include a 60 fps electronic shutter, effective phase hybrid autofocus with animal tracking, and a physical joystick for quick adjustments. However, the smaller sensor presents challenges with limited dynamic range in bright light, high noise levels in low-light environments, and occasional eye-autofocus inaccuracies. Additionally, the high-speed electronic shutter is susceptible to rolling shutter distortions.