Why do I need a G9

Trevor Carpenter wrote:

1) does that 20MP sensor really make a noticeable difference. I thought there was a definite jump up from the G7 when the AA filter was removed. Am I going to feel that level of jump again. Is it a case that it may not be that obvious but will I really notice the difference when cropping.

I moved from the GH4 to the G9. The GH4 had an AA filter on it though, so I think the difference I've noticed is much greater than you may notice coming from the G80. One thing I have noticed is that I've reduced post-processing sharpening by 25%.

2) I still find daylight noise on fairly low isos a nuisance on the G80. Cropping or editing very soon shows up the weakness. Throughout my 11 digital cameras this is something where I always felt m4/3s might be lagging behind although I have to say the quality of noise is much better these days, ie much easier to deal with.

I think it is still about the same as you're used to, but I never find it too much of a distraction.

Example:

SOOC RAW:

No changes made to imported file.

My standard sharpening values for ISO400:

Amount: 60; Masking: 55; NR Luminance: 15

All zoomed in to 1:1

3) Focusing esp for BIFs. I have seen much talk of the G9s improved focusing but I have also always felt that the G80s focusing is just about as quick as it can get so I fail to se how it can be much improved. I have said my biggest BIF issue is following through the EVF and I don't see how that will change although people talk about the clarity of the G9 EVF which may be beneficial.

Do you use AFS or AFC for BIF/aircraft? I found AFC challenging at RIAT, but it was the first time I'd used it on anything that moved at that speed, as well as the heat-haze.

The EVF is astounding though, best I've ever seen. I get more of an impression that the image is truly in-focus than I ever did with my GH4.

4) I am drawn in by 6K photo and the RAW pre burst but that hasn't exactly taken the internet by storm. What else new will I really appreciate?

I want RAWs, so have yet to try any of the 4K or 6K imaging options. I think the pre-burst is something to practice with to see if it is really useful for yours needs - I regret not giving it a try prior to RIAT, as it may well have given me the killer-stand-out images for display team passes and splits.

In addition, I also didn't try the electronic shutter. I was worried about the jelly-effect, particularly with jets (and it surely would have made propellers look horrendous), though I don't know the actual sensor read-out of the G9 versus my other e-shutter equipped cameras (GH4 and GM5).

Final question is it a case that in competition with the EM1-II it is just a case of functionality of one against the other and what appeals to the individual. I know some people have used both a I feel that the EM1-II is considered to have the advantage.

I think ultimately it comes down to which fits better in the hand. The G9 is noticeably larger than the E-M1.2, which is either a blessing or a curse depending on hand-size. For me, it fits perfectly in my hand, and the long grip was a joy at RIAT for the PL100-400 - previous airshows with a smaller camera (GH2 or GH3) have resulted in significant hand and finger ache, but I didn't have any with the G9.

And finally - Olympus versus Panasonic menus and buttons. If you're coming from the G80, you'll already be comfortable with how Panasonic's software works, and what is assigned to which button.

Cheers,
Paul