Anyone considering the Pany G9 over the GH5 for video and stills?

Corkcampbell wrote:

I did a search before posting this; if I missed an earlier thread on the same subject, I apologize. I have read the recent DPr "first impression" review and many of the related comments, but am interested in hearing from those who are going through the same decision-making exercise (G9 vs GH5) I'm undertaking.

My first reaction after announcement of G9 was disappointment (bought GH5 in April or so).

Next was GAS.... now I am relaxed and reasons are these.

My understanding of Panny market strategy is that Panny was trying to establish GH5 as not-video-only-oriented top of the line camera. They just did not succeed. No matter how GH5 is excellent in stills department, no matter that is probably most capable work horse in M43 land - it was still accepted as video-only oriented beast.

So they changed the strategy. Introduced G9 with some extra appealing bits here and there - and positioned it as clearly stills oriented gun, tweaked in some important (for some folks) areas.

However if you are on GH5 right now then do not expect miracles with G9. It is same technology, somewhat tweaked. "Tweaked" is enough word not to be accused of lying but not enough to see much difference (if any) in real life. Or you believe that Panny suddenly find miracle solution how to push the latest flagship to next generation performance? Certainly not the case. Imagine how Intel tweaked across the years development of their chips. Virtually nothing really important has changed from 3rd generation (last I had) and 8th generation (now I have). Increased turbo frequency from 4.2 GHZ to 4.7 for now - no architecture improvement. Is it more powerfull? Certainly yes. How much? Approx 10% (single core). So having the same Venus engine (slightly tweaked...) I just do not believe in technology miracles which happen in 9mo time. Sensor same, Venus same, everything else can be slightly tweaked and implemented later via FW in GH5 (big question though - will the Panny do??)

Of course there are some very nice HW improvements - IBIS from 5 to 6,5. However I sat  down and evaluated where I can see the difference and how much important and how frequently does it happen - Photo by richards test can be eye opening.

20fps is nice but AFC is just not able to keep reliable for more than 60% (12 sharp out of 20) compared to 80-90 with conventional Panny AFC (GH5&G9 - 9fps). It is not only camera per se but lenses as well. You cannot perform well with readout 120fps - and there are just few lenses with 240fps lens readout communcation. Panny needs more powerfull AF tracking - which is unfortunately same in G9 as well as in GH5.

And new JPG processing - better textures more natural colors and all that stuff... Look at comparometer and see yourself.

HiRes is nice and if you need it then GH5 cannot compete.

And blackout free EVF is appealing as well. It´s size ?? I am afraid that looking at full magnification will be like viewing 43" UHD monitor from 80cm - just turning all the time your head when you want to see the corners. However nice - can I live with GH5 excellent EVF - certainly yes.

I lack in IQ department more than just "invisible" something in G9 rendering. And 1/3 extra DR (if true) will not save my day.

People are enthustiastic - oh dear, look for those G9 samples - and they mostly do not realize they are mostly seeing new Leica lens performance and underlying GH5 performance which was never appraised as exceptional M43 cam.

So no, my GAS is cured and I will happily wait til 2019/20 either for GH6 or G10 - not sure which one right now. G9 is fine, slightly improved in some areas seriously cut down in video department. That is it.

My 0,02$