LUMIX G9II Micro Four Thirds Camera, 25.2MP Sensor with Phase Hybrid AF, Powerful Image Stabilization, High-Speed Perfomance and Mobility, Flagship Model of G Series - DC-G9M2BODY

AMATEUR’S OPINION Photography is my hobby, but not a profession, so may I suggest that you read my comments after you read the professional review? This is exactly what I did to finalize my selection. After a long journey with film cameras, I stuck (in 2006) to my first digital camera Lumix FZ7 for ~5 years. It had an excellent Leica lens, but rather small sensor limiting its resolution. I loved this camera, so my next selection was Lumix GH2. This is a reliable, relatively compact (compared to DSLRs) camera with amazing capabilities, however after 14 years, new developments in optics/photocameras industry determined my next move. Lumix again, G9MK2 this time. This one is a bit bigger and heavier, so I am not sure if I can ski downhill next season with it, but it is a candy. It is faster than GH2; its ISO starts from 100, so you have more freedom with depth of field of your shots. You can pair it with your cell phone to transfer selected images instantly. Unlike the GH line, this one (G) is mostly for still photography (who I am, and this is why I did not choose GH7), however I did not notice any deficiency of this camera in the motion picture mode. Still, I would not offer more comments here, but redirect the reader to professional reviews. The attached photo was taken without a tripod: ISO3200, 400 mm, 0ev, f5.6, 1/4s

For non-professional videographer the camera is a perfect choice. Comparing with GH6/GH7 which are video-centric cameras. The image quality is identical, autofocus now works reliably, supports all the features like writing to SSD, articulating screen, HLG, 5.7k/60fps with no crop. But G9II is lighter than GH6/GH7 counterparts which allows it to hold with smaller gimbals like DJI RS4 mini.

Hands down one of the best cameras for photographers! Not many people know/believe what a Micro 4/3 can do. The LUMIX G9-ii works even better when combined with Olympus lenses! I was an Olympus OMD EM1-ii fan until this bad boy came into the market. I have a collection of 4 of the great Oly lenses, 45mm f1.2 prime; 12-40mm f2.8 zoom; 14-150mm f4-5.6 zoom; and 75-300mm f5.6-6.3 zoom. From my personal experience in over 2 years now, this is the best camera for multiple occasions; be it street photography, landscape, portraits, small group shots friends and family gatherings, large group shots (150+ people sitting and some standing inside a church) extreme clarity, detail and color captured in a 3 fold printed souvenir. The speed and accuracy of focus, sharpness, color rendition, etc. are top notch and true to the specs. Simply love this camera’s output with these lenses.

I really respect Panasonic for continuing to push Micro Four Thirds further with at 25 megapixel sensor, better dynamic range, and modern autofocus. Although the body is bulkier than you'd expect from MFT, the handling is great with a big EVF, lots of customizability, and many unexpected features that improve usability. The deal breaker for me was a seemingly small thing: the hand held high resolution mode does not embed lens profiles in the combined RAW file (unlike my Olympus EM-1 III for example). This mode is otherwise pretty impressive, particularly at removing motion from the scene. But with contemporary wide angle lenses such as the Olympus 8-25mm -- which is where you want the high resolution -- significant distortion is a given, and not being able to remove it automatically makes processing the resulting files a big time waster.

Camera did not focus and lock on consistently, very frustrating. My old G85 was better, particularly in lower light, go figure. This was an Amazon Resale purchase, so somebody returned it for some reason, I wonder why. It is being returned and I will try a new one. It has to be better.

After a full one year review, this camera still continues more features photo and video than the new ones coming in. This is the only camera I use besides my DJI AIR 3s. If you want to see how the G9ii works in different settings night, day, inside, and inside the car check out @ 7K (Rumble App) I post regularly there! As the price now is cheaper this camera makes it completely competitive against any camera model with the same specs. I will buy another one still at this year 2025! Battery life is pretty well slightly below average but I do recommend more than 2 batteries to eliminate that problem. Using the 3 M4/3s Sigma Lens really gives you a 2.88 aperture to give you that blurry background equivalent to a 1.8 on a ASPC size sensor. Stabilization has been action camera equivalent! I never ever would be able to get steady footage while holding it with one hand in 30-40 mph winds. I am amazed with it all the time! The 9mm 1.7 lens partnered with the G9ii makes it super fun to take photos and vlog. I use it all the time! The menu might be the most confusing part. I believe looking for the “Timelapse” option took me 20 mins! Haha! Yes, 20 mins because how many features there are! Overall, the G9ii is literally the best camera out there for solo filmmakers who want all the specs for both video and photo. It haunts me that not a lot of people use this camera however, this cameras images are so “poppy” and beautiful! If you’re reading in 2025, go ahead and buy it. The next generation of this camera will come maybe around 2026-2028. 2023 Review: Instead of a full frame I bought this instead. Why? Stabilization: Action Camera Level Stabilization Dynamic Range: 13 Stops of Range and you can lower your shutter to 1sec HANDHELD and capture beautiful night shots Autofocus: Fast snappy and 10% worst than Sony auto focus Lens Selection: Small and tiny but I rock the Sigmas Trio 1.4 I bought this is November 13.2023 and it has been my dream camera because it does literally everything you can ask for. Most peoples deal breaker is the smaller sensor, but like let’s talk about that. Questions you should ask yourself as a photographer: “Do you shoot high ISO? No!” “Can you hand held 1 sec and not shake on this camera? Yes” “Can you get a 2.8 FF equivalent with certain lenses? Yes.” “Can you hike with a telephoto lens? Yes!” “Can you use AI photoshop to make images look cleaner? Yes!” Micro Four Thirds only drawback is the sensor. THAT IS IT! I understand that the body is same size as a full frame, but I will take that over being capped at 60fps with a crop… “FULL FRAME CAMERAS by the way.” This camera has better video features than most full frame cameras that are video centric. I believe micro four thirds is the best cameras for content creators. If you want a full frame look Then, you probably doing professional work. For content creation, all you need is a micro four thirds camera (this one) and you will not see a difference on your phone. I promise. Do yourself a favor and join the underdogs. We will win in the long run as we progress. I jumped shipped because I can control my own lighting so “noise” images will never show for me. It’s way more fun too when it’s lighter and brings in more features!!!

The G9 mark 2 is even better than the previous G9 which is still a great camera. Things like improved auto focusing, great stabilization. It’s the perfect all round camera for me as I already have several MFT lenses. It’s a seriously good camera for both video and stills. and the price is right.