slartz
Senior Member
Background
Bought the GX9 as an upgrade from my GX85, serving as my secondary (smaller) m43 body alongside the G9. I use my smaller body whenever I travel for business and want a small camera with me, or go out in the evening, and don't want to lug the heavier bodied G9, although the GX9 can easily be a "Main" camera as well.
General Overview
Like the GX85 (and not quite like the GX8), the GX9 is delivering a fantastic combination of being very compact yet extremely featurefull. Moreover, the rangefinder form factors allows this camera to remain fairly small, while retaining a reasonably sized grip. Before this camera I tried other cameras as my secondary body (such as the Olympus EPL7 as well as the EM10), and found them too small to hold comfortably, esp with somewhat larger lenses. The EPL line also suffers from very cluttered controls. The GX9, despite its fairly small size, is surprisingly comfortable. Ergonomics is great, the dual (or triple) dials are comfortable to operate, and while I mainly use it with my smaller lenses, putting larger lenses on it (even the 100-400) proves to be surprisingly comfortable.
The Good
The GX9 has more considerably more good than bad. Some of the highlights of what I love about it include:
* Size and form factor (see above)
* Ergonomics and control
* UI - The GX9, like all other Panasonics, has extremely comfortable user interface. It is fast (even more so on the GX9), intuitive, and very pleasing on the eyes. Panasonic produce the most enjoyable cameras to use, in my eyes.
* Focus - the single focus on this camera is absolutely spectacular. It may be infinitely slower than my G9, but it is still faster than most other cameras. Using the right lens, you will not feel any delay when focusing. Continuous AF is OK, even if not as spectacular as on my G9. But for this price range and casual photography it does fine.
* Image Quality - This is the first camera in the market today that is not a high end flagship model, that uses the new 20MP sensor. This is a great step forward and offers fantastic image quality, like my G9.
* Image Stabilization - While not as top notch as the G9, the GX9 offers 4 stops IBIS as well as Dual IS for better stabilization with panasonic lenses. It works well and makes for great longer exposures.
* Build quality - while it's not weather sealed (unfortunately) - it feels very very solid in the hand.
* Connectivity - This camera has low power bluetooth to keep it always connected to your phone. This allows for real-time geotagging which is VERY convenient when traveling. It also makes connecting wifi and transferring images a breeze.
* USB Charging - This camera allows you to charge it via a standard micro usb cable (rather than having to take the battery out). This makes it great for travel. You can always charge it from a power bank and don't need to carry extra chargers.
* Feature Set - This is just an incredible camera. While I don't shoot a lot of video - it has a plethora of video features, including 4K, as well as plenty of other photography features. In fact, other cameras in these price ranges do not usually offer even half of the capabilities of this one.
* Flash - the built in flash is pretty nice and can be tilted upwards. It also can control other flashes as a master without requiring an additional unit. Nice.
* Tilt Screen - Great and fast operating. Perfect for a stills travel/street camera!
The Bad
While there isn't a lot of real cons to this camera, there are a few small things where it could be better:
* EVF - The biggest disappointment with this camera was the lack of upgrade of the EVF. While it is not bad, per se, it could be better. The 16:9 EVF format is a complete waste of space for a stills oriented camera, and leads to smaller than standard image. Moreover, there is virtually no eye cup, which makes shooting it in strong light environments (like direct sun) a little difficult. Panasonic now offers an option eye cup - I have not had the chance to use it yet... it may offer an improvement. The added tiltable capability is nice, but does not really change a lot.
* Battery Life - Could be better. USB Charging makes up for it to some degree, but it is still a fairly small battery. Luckily you can get two extra (3rd party) batteries and another charger for 20$ on Amazon.
& The Ugly
* The "12-60 Kit Only" option is quite annoying. The 12-60/3,.5-5,6 is a decent lens, but it's not tiny. I bought my older GX85 with the 12-32 which I find is a much better fit for this camera. I also already own the higher end PL12-60/2.8-4 and so I had no use for this, yet I was forced to buy it with it. I ended up selling the GX85 as well as the 12-60, so it worked out, but I would really like to see this camera without it.
* The dedicated exposure compensation dial is a nice gimmik, but ends up not being comfortable for two reasons:
- It is harder to rotate than the rear dial, so it ends up being easier to set the rear dial to exp comp and use that instead.
- If you choose to use the dedicated exp comp dial, the rear dial becomes useless. It would be nice if you could assign it to ISO or something else with no additional press of a button.
Compared to the GX85
For those comparing it to the GX85 (either upgrading or just looking to save some money) - here are key differentiators:
* New 20MP Sensor in the GX9. Slightly more detail and about 1 stop of improved DR (esp. in the highlights)
* Dedicated AFS/AFC/MF lever not present in the GX85
* Newer Venus 9 image processing providing better OOC JPEGs
* Newest Panasonic menu system - giving identical interface as the G9, including the "My Menu" option
* Generally snappier operation
* Better connectivity with low power bluetooth (love it!)
* Tiltable EVF (it's ok, but not a big advantage)
* Dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial (quite disappointing... read above)
Summary
The GX9 offers an incredibly compact and versatile package, with great sensor and image quality, very good image stabilization, and absolutely wonderful handling and ergonomics that make it a joy to to use. Its main downside is its EVF, which while not bad, is not up to industry standards in 2018. Nonetheless, it is the perfect smaller camera and it is highly recommended.Edit
Bought the GX9 as an upgrade from my GX85, serving as my secondary (smaller) m43 body alongside the G9. I use my smaller body whenever I travel for business and want a small camera with me, or go out in the evening, and don't want to lug the heavier bodied G9, although the GX9 can easily be a "Main" camera as well.
General Overview
Like the GX85 (and not quite like the GX8), the GX9 is delivering a fantastic combination of being very compact yet extremely featurefull. Moreover, the rangefinder form factors allows this camera to remain fairly small, while retaining a reasonably sized grip. Before this camera I tried other cameras as my secondary body (such as the Olympus EPL7 as well as the EM10), and found them too small to hold comfortably, esp with somewhat larger lenses. The EPL line also suffers from very cluttered controls. The GX9, despite its fairly small size, is surprisingly comfortable. Ergonomics is great, the dual (or triple) dials are comfortable to operate, and while I mainly use it with my smaller lenses, putting larger lenses on it (even the 100-400) proves to be surprisingly comfortable.
The Good
The GX9 has more considerably more good than bad. Some of the highlights of what I love about it include:
* Size and form factor (see above)
* Ergonomics and control
* UI - The GX9, like all other Panasonics, has extremely comfortable user interface. It is fast (even more so on the GX9), intuitive, and very pleasing on the eyes. Panasonic produce the most enjoyable cameras to use, in my eyes.
* Focus - the single focus on this camera is absolutely spectacular. It may be infinitely slower than my G9, but it is still faster than most other cameras. Using the right lens, you will not feel any delay when focusing. Continuous AF is OK, even if not as spectacular as on my G9. But for this price range and casual photography it does fine.
* Image Quality - This is the first camera in the market today that is not a high end flagship model, that uses the new 20MP sensor. This is a great step forward and offers fantastic image quality, like my G9.
* Image Stabilization - While not as top notch as the G9, the GX9 offers 4 stops IBIS as well as Dual IS for better stabilization with panasonic lenses. It works well and makes for great longer exposures.
* Build quality - while it's not weather sealed (unfortunately) - it feels very very solid in the hand.
* Connectivity - This camera has low power bluetooth to keep it always connected to your phone. This allows for real-time geotagging which is VERY convenient when traveling. It also makes connecting wifi and transferring images a breeze.
* USB Charging - This camera allows you to charge it via a standard micro usb cable (rather than having to take the battery out). This makes it great for travel. You can always charge it from a power bank and don't need to carry extra chargers.
* Feature Set - This is just an incredible camera. While I don't shoot a lot of video - it has a plethora of video features, including 4K, as well as plenty of other photography features. In fact, other cameras in these price ranges do not usually offer even half of the capabilities of this one.
* Flash - the built in flash is pretty nice and can be tilted upwards. It also can control other flashes as a master without requiring an additional unit. Nice.
* Tilt Screen - Great and fast operating. Perfect for a stills travel/street camera!
The Bad
While there isn't a lot of real cons to this camera, there are a few small things where it could be better:
* EVF - The biggest disappointment with this camera was the lack of upgrade of the EVF. While it is not bad, per se, it could be better. The 16:9 EVF format is a complete waste of space for a stills oriented camera, and leads to smaller than standard image. Moreover, there is virtually no eye cup, which makes shooting it in strong light environments (like direct sun) a little difficult. Panasonic now offers an option eye cup - I have not had the chance to use it yet... it may offer an improvement. The added tiltable capability is nice, but does not really change a lot.
* Battery Life - Could be better. USB Charging makes up for it to some degree, but it is still a fairly small battery. Luckily you can get two extra (3rd party) batteries and another charger for 20$ on Amazon.
& The Ugly
* The "12-60 Kit Only" option is quite annoying. The 12-60/3,.5-5,6 is a decent lens, but it's not tiny. I bought my older GX85 with the 12-32 which I find is a much better fit for this camera. I also already own the higher end PL12-60/2.8-4 and so I had no use for this, yet I was forced to buy it with it. I ended up selling the GX85 as well as the 12-60, so it worked out, but I would really like to see this camera without it.
* The dedicated exposure compensation dial is a nice gimmik, but ends up not being comfortable for two reasons:
- It is harder to rotate than the rear dial, so it ends up being easier to set the rear dial to exp comp and use that instead.
- If you choose to use the dedicated exp comp dial, the rear dial becomes useless. It would be nice if you could assign it to ISO or something else with no additional press of a button.
Compared to the GX85
For those comparing it to the GX85 (either upgrading or just looking to save some money) - here are key differentiators:
* New 20MP Sensor in the GX9. Slightly more detail and about 1 stop of improved DR (esp. in the highlights)
* Dedicated AFS/AFC/MF lever not present in the GX85
* Newer Venus 9 image processing providing better OOC JPEGs
* Newest Panasonic menu system - giving identical interface as the G9, including the "My Menu" option
* Generally snappier operation
* Better connectivity with low power bluetooth (love it!)
* Tiltable EVF (it's ok, but not a big advantage)
* Dedicated Exposure Compensation Dial (quite disappointing... read above)
Summary
The GX9 offers an incredibly compact and versatile package, with great sensor and image quality, very good image stabilization, and absolutely wonderful handling and ergonomics that make it a joy to to use. Its main downside is its EVF, which while not bad, is not up to industry standards in 2018. Nonetheless, it is the perfect smaller camera and it is highly recommended.Edit
