Should I upgrade my GX8 to G9?

Gnine wrote:

Pete2 wrote:

The manual is telling about Dual I.S or Dual I.S.2. I understand that the Dual I.S. means that there is a stabilizer both in the lens and in the camera but what is Dual I.S.2?

Just a newer, better version. The difference is in the build of the lens. I think. My older PZ 45-175 has dual IS, my PL 50-200 has dual IS 2, & is definitely better.

Actually, Dual IS and Dual IS2 both require compatible lenses and compatible bodies. The GX8 was the first body to offer Dual IS. The GX8, GX85, and GX9 all support Dual IS, but NOT Dual IS2. The G9, GH5, and G85 all support Dual IS2.

Then you ALSO have to look at whether the lens supports Dual IS, or Dual IS2. You may have to upgrade the firmware. You need to pay close attention to the model numbers. For example, the original versions of the 12-35 and 35-100 f/2.8 lenses support Dual IS, but only the updated Mark II versions of those lenses (which have an "A" in the model number) support Dual IS2.

Pete2 wrote:

You must be correct. G9 is sold as a kit with "Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S." The lens is not Dual I.S.2. (if I understand it correctly) and it would be strange if you would loose an important part of the stabilization of the G9 with that lens.

That is incorrect. Both of the 12-60 lenses support Dual IS2. The 12-60 f/3.5-5.6 model number is H-FS12060, and it must be updated to firmware v. 1.1 to support Dual IS2.  Check this table to see which lenses support Dual IS or Dual IS2, and what firmware version is needed to do so: https://av.jpn.support.panasonic.com/support/global/cs/dsc/connect/dual_is.html

I wouldn't get too worked up over Dual IS or Dual IS2.  Each is an incremental improvement in stabilization, but lens OIS is pretty good, and the G9's IBIS is very good if a lens does not have any stabilization.