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Panasonic Lumix G9 II Review

After a brief lull, the micro four thirds system is enjoying a resurgence with an abundance of new cameras and lenses being released for creators who value portability and weight saving alongside image quality.

Panasonic is a leading manufacturer of MFT equipment, however it’s been over five years since the previous flagship Panasonic G9 micro four thirds camera was released. That’s all water under the bridge, as in September 2023, the long-awaited Mark II body was released.

Our Panasonic Lumix G9 II Review explores what you can expect from the second generation hybrid Panasonic mirrorless camera and just how much quicker, smarter and better it is. Learn key specifications in our specs comparison table between the G9 Mark II Vs G9, and watch our hands-on G9 II video review, to discover if this is the perfect camera for your content creation.

Our review includes G9 mark ii sample images plus details on the newly updated Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens, which adds exciting new capabilities. We also introduce the Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 35-100mm f/2.8 Power OIS Lens in what is more than a flurry of launches for the compact micro four thirds system.

Panasonic Lumix G9 II sample image wild bird no EXIF data

When did the Panasonic Lumix G9 II come out?

MFT creators have waited patiently for the Panasonic G9 successor to launch, and the Panasonic Lumix G9 II was released 12 September 2023 to an excited audience. This follows the February 2022 launch of the Panasonic Lumix GH6, which is second in line, within the G-series.

100% crop from the image above taken with the Lumix G9 II

How much is the Panasonic G9 Mark II?

The Panasonic Lumix G9 II body costs £1699.00, which puts at the top of the Lumix MFT range. Two lens kits are also available, with the G9 II with Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens Kit priced at £1899.00, while the G9 II with Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm Lens costs £2249.00.

This is comparable to Panasonic’s full-frame system, with the S5 II full frame mirrorless camera body priced at £1,799.00 and the S5 II X Black with Lumix S 20-60mm Lens Kit at £2,499.00.

Sample black and white portrait Camera settings: 1/320 sec. f/5.7. ISO 1600

How does micro four thirds fit into Panasonic’s line-up?

Micro four thirds has been popular since being developed back in 2008/9 and MFT sensors have been used across mirrorless cameras, and camcorders throughout the range of Panasonic Video Cameras. MFT sensors are smaller than APS-C and full-frame, yet capable of delivering high-quality stills and video from smaller equipment.

Portability is the biggest draw to the system, with considerably smaller micro four thirds lenses contributing to reduced weight and overall size. This makes the system a great choice for travel and hikes, wildlife and any subject where weight saving is a benefit.

Sample monochrome landscape photo taken with the Lumix G9 mark II camera - No EXIF data

Panasonic Lumix G9 II key features

Panasonic has become a leader in creating powerful hybrid cameras, which offer professional-level video capabilities, merged with advanced computational photography features. The next generation Panasonic Lumix G9 II follows this trend and offers a series of upgrades including:

• 25.2 megapixel micro four thirds sensor without a low pass filter
• Phase Hybrid AF for the first time in a Lumix G camera
• Upgraded subject recognition and tracking
• Dynamic range boost
• 100 megapixel high-res handheld mode
• Base ISO 100-25,600
• 8-stops B.I.S and 7.5-stop Dual I.S. 2
• Faster mechanical burst at up to 10fps with AFC and 14fps AFS
• Faster electronic shutter burst at up to 60fps with AFC and 75fps AFS
• Improved pre-burst mode
• Upgraded LCD monitor

There’s plenty more besides with external upgrades and improved connectivity, which are highlighted in the comparison table below.

Panasonic G9 II sample action shot - No EXIF data

Panasonic Lumix G9 Mark II Vs G9

The specs comparison table between the Panasonic G9 Mark II Vs original G9 highlights what a difference five years of technology makes. It’s safe to say this is a comprehensive upgrade, which improves the hybrid camera in virtually every respect.

Panasonic G9 II Hybrid AF system

The G9 II heralds a new era for the Panasonic G-series as the first camera with Hybrid phase detection AF. This is made possible by the high-resolution sensor and processor with L2 technology, derived from the Panasonic / Leica collaboration, which has seen many lenses developed under the guidance of Leica.

The G9 II’s sensor-based phase detection AF is superior to contrast detection in every respect, and the difference is clear due to wider sensor coverage, far more accurate subject recognition and improved tracking. New subjects have been introduced, animal AF is separated, and now includes face and eye detection, while human subjects are better recognised and tracked.

What this means for content creators is faster, more accurate autofocus for both stills and video recording, with more tenacious tracking, even as your subject moves around the frame.

More accurate and faster shooting

Along with improved AF speed and accuracy, Panasonic G9 mark II photographers benefit from faster shooting speeds with AFS and most importantly AFC, at blistering speeds of up to 60fps in RAW, which is also completely blackout-free.

This allows you to capture sharp images of fast-moving animal and vehicle subjects as you track them, which is ideal for sports, action and wildlife, as well as human subjects, such as portraits and weddings.

Recording to SSD drive with the Lumix G9 II camera

Panasonic G9 II for video

There’s no question that the Panasonic G9 II is a thoroughbred hybrid camera, and offers a host of video capabilities, codecs and frame rates for every application. Whether you capture video for a Youtube channel, social media following or for paying clients, the G9 II has you covered through the following:

You can record footage using industry standard ProRes codes in 422 and 422 HQ, as well as capture video to an external SSD hard drive for heat dissipation, money and time savings.

Panasonic has also adopted a new Active mode stabilisation setting for reduced shake while walking and filming, which is ideal for handheld video creators and vlogging, where a gimbal stabiliser isn’t always warranted.

Further features for filmmakers include various framing tools, AWB lock and the addition of 4-channel audio when recording with the optional Panasonic DMW-XLR1 XLR Microphone Adaptor and external video microphones. High-quality audio can help raise production values significantly so it’s nice to have the option to extend audio capabilities when required. There are plenty of Panasonic Lumix G9 II accessories to help you get the most out of your shooting experience and create the best possible content for your audience.

Connectivity and power have also been upgraded with the ability to shoot while charging with the optional Lumix DMW-BTC15 Battery Charger, there’s a full-sized HDMI port available, and PD fast charging over USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C.

Panasonic G9 II Video Review

New super telephoto Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens

Best lenses for the Panasonic G9 II

Many creators will be all set with two camera and lens kits to choose from, however it pays to have a few additional lens options to suit your specific style of photography and video creation. Thankfully the number of micro four thirds lenses is extensive, and encompasses every possible situation with lightweight primes like the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 9mm F/1.7 ASPH Lens, through to many versatile zooms, and everything in between.

New micro four thirds lenses

The MFT lens range is expanding nicely as Panasonic launched two new lenses alongside the camera body, extending the number of zoom options through a Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens and Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 35-100mm f/2.8 Power OIS Lens.

Sample image taken with G9 II and new Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens at 200mm. Camera settings: 1/125 sec. f/5.1. ISO 50

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens

Both models bring something unique to creators, with the 100-400mm being compatible with the Lumix DMW-TC14E 1.4x Teleconverter and Lumix DMW-TC20E 2x Teleconverter for incredible zoom reach equivalent to 1600mm and 1:1 macro magnification.

As well as teleconverter compatibility, the new super telephoto zoom lens offers additional controls, improved tracking while zooming, and an extremely portable design for sports, action and wildlife photographers.

G9 II camera with Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II ASPH Power OIS Lens at 400mm. Camera settings: 1/2000 sec. f/8. ISO 3200

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 35-100mm f/2.8 Power OIS Lens

The 35-100mm Leica DG lens provides a classic workhorse focal range equivalent to 24-70mm with Leica image quality, a bright constant aperture and Dual I.S. 2 compatibility with the G9 II body, amongst others.

Also available at launch, the Panasonic Lumix DMW-BG1E Battery Grip for G9 II is designed for photographers who shoot in vertical orientation, want extra grip or the additional power of another battery. The newly designed battery grip features an 8-way joystick, mirroring the camera body joystick, which has been upgraded.

With this second generation G9 II, Panasonic has cemented their micro four thirds line-up through a compact yet incredibly capable offering. It features comprehensive updates to speed, AF and stability, whilst maintaining the portability for which the MFT system is appreciated. It makes an excellent option for photographers and videographers, whilst being particularly suited to creators who capture both stills and video.

Reserve your Panasonic Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera Body today and continue your storytelling journey with the latest hybrid technology. You can also choose between the Lumix G9 II with Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens Kit or Lumix G9 II with Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm Lens Kit for any all-in-one body and lens to get started.

If you’re upgrading or have unwanted gear, why not grab a free trade-in quote for your camera, and use the money to offset against the cost of the newer model.

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By Nick Dautlich on 12/09/2023