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

Anyone considering the Panasonic G9 over the GH5 for video and stills? I am putting this thread into this forum instead of the Digital Video thread because this is also supposed to be a very good stills camera. It's also newer than the GH5, which means we don't really have any reviews or detailed info yet. I have become more interested in video so the GH5 has been a logical choice; the price difference between the two is not an issue (not including the grip). From what I can tell from the scanty info available is that the G9 has fewer codecs - not an issue for me - but that it also has some time constraints on the length of recording, especially 4K. That would be an issue for me, if true. Note that I would get the US version so the recording time issue is not related to EU regulations.

Just curious; I really hadn't given any thought to the G9 until today when I realized it had decent 4K capabilities.

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.

For video I currently use a GH4 (with grip), RX10M3, and a couple of "action cameras." For stills I like my DP2M.

I would probably go for the G9, if the reviews turn out to be very good.  Video would always be an add on feature for me.  If the G9 turns out to have the great ISO performance some testers have hinted at, I will probably upgrade from the G80 some time next year.

My GH3 is starting to show its age so I'm looking at this exact decision right now. When I bought the GH3 it was a no-compromise choice; stills, video, build quality, and ergonomics were equal to or better than other options on the market. It's a little more muddy now.

I'm mostly a stills shooter but video is becoming a bigger part of my work. From what I can see, the GH5 has some significant advantages for serious video production and the G9 has serious advantages for action photography. Both are well built and both are an improvement in image quality from what I have. I don't do much fast action shooting so most of the G9 advantages are less relevant for me, though I like the idea of powering the camera with an external battery pack and USB-C for long exposures and time lapse.

I'm currently leaning towards the GH5 as it seems video delivery is becoming the more demanding area from an industry perspective. 10 bit 4:2:2 is excessive for my current needs but I can see that being more important over the life of this camera than the extra stills shooting features of the G9. If I can get better quality video without needing to pick up external recorders I'm very happy.

One of the reasons i skipped the gh5 is it being to videocentric for me heck ill take 8 bit with better af any time disappointed in not being global for us pal users and the 10 min 4k 50p ,but my videos are all brief anyway,the stills features are what i want no evf black out ,120fps refresh rate ,20 fps c-af ,pre capture modes ,80 mp stitched hi rez  ,better controls for photography ,6.5 stops ibis  although i have most of this covered with the em1 mk2 ,it just looks as though the g9 progresses a little more over my olympus and not forgetting the user interface on the panasonic a little more up to date but both gh5 and g9 share this .

10 bit video would be nice but creates large files although i am not sure if the g9 comes with all the log options that the gh5 has but grading not really my strong point either ,ill take the slightest improvement on the stills images of the g9 jpeg and raw possibly the best m43 stills to date but then same said for gh5 and video.

Thanks for the responses in such a short period of time. A lot of information and some things I hadn't thought about. Luckily, I am not in a hurry to make a decision as I have no photo plans/outings for a couple of months. I made a mistake when I mentioned that the price difference between the two cameras wasn't much, but that was an error as I like grips - my GH4 has a grip which it inherited from my GH3 - I don't need it for extra battery power as my pants have pockets and I don't often use long lenses, but I just like the heft and handling of a camera with a grip. The grip for the GH5 is considerably more expensive than that of the GH3/4, so it's a concern.

I have not heard anything about a grip for the G9, which Panasonic may hold off on to drive buyers (like me) to the GH5. I've never been a big fan of third-party grips, but will keep an open mind about it. The recording time issue (G9) may be the result of similar marketing, or in-body heating, whatever. I'll be looking for more info on that as reviews (and comments here from new owners) appear. The time issue is important as occasionally I have to leave the camera on a tripod for extended periods unattended (as long as there is some volunteer around to watch the battery and card levels).

We are all lucky to have such worthy cameras to choose from; I think either one would work for most of us. I should add that I'm also happy that Pany, like many manufacturers, is building some sort of weather-protection into their bodies. Not happy with the prices, but I have enough hardware to sell to cover most of the costs.

Thanks. You are probably correct. It was never a problem with my GHxx cameras which were used in all sorts of conditions - high temperatures, rain, and windy mountain snow - but we don't know about the G9 yet. The next camera I buy of this type will not be used daily, but will have the occasional tough duty. I tend to go to places in the off-seasons; I'm working on a return to Beijing and both Koreas during this February (new year's) and that could be a challenge for any hardware. That's one of the reasons I started this thread to get peoples' experiences and opinions. Besides, the cameras discussed here, I am also a fan of "action cameras" and have a couple of new Yi cameras (like GoPros) which, hopefully, will also be able to handle the conditions. I'm new to Yi hardware, but the GoPros worked flawlessly in very adverse conditions.

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$

Corkcampbell wrote:

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

Why not throw the GH5s into the mix as well ?

https://www.43rumors.com/ft5-coinfirmed-panasonic-gh5s-will-cost-2500-euro-announced-january-8/

Baron

I think you're still better off buying Gh5 without Video Recording limitation.

Panasonic Lumix G9 will only record up to 10 minutes of video in 4K.

I didn't include the GH5s into the mix as it's not on my purchase list. I am considering cameras available now or (G9) soon as I have outings coming up in a couple of months. Also, there is conjecture as to what the new GH5 will include whenever it shows up. If it has a feature I think is worth the extra money and my outings get delayed, it will be considered, or I'll just get it later. I can easily eBay a GH5 purchased now in a few months to get an upgraded body; I do it all of the time, not only with photography hardware.

Note: I do follow the major rumor sites, including m4/3, so I try to keep updated on new models.

only in 60/50p though normal 4k recording 30p 24p 25p 30min but gh5 for video 10 bit internal also global so switch between pal/ntsc all the logs even the special mic panasonic makes ,the high bit rates etc is the real deal for video

For me video is a bonus i have never recorded over 30 min long the 60/50p 4k will be for when i require some slow motion so i doubt clips will be minutes long ,but i would still take the better af of the g9 for the brief usage of video guess i am lazy when it comes to video and the gh5 is still £300 pound more expensive .

007peter wrote:

I think you're still better off buying Gh5 without Video Recording limitation.

Panasonic Lumix G9 will only record up to 10 minutes of video in 4K.

That's at the 60p frame rate. At the more usual 30p or 24p frame rate the time limit is 30 minutes per clip.

_vlad wrote:

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.

[snip]

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.

I assume that anyone who bought the GH5 is pretty serious about video, and for those folks I wouldn't expect the slight stills improvements of the G9 to be reason to move to a G9, given its lesser video specs.

The GH5 looked like a great stills camera to me, but I didn't want to pay $2K for one since I am not that much into video.  So for me, the G9 at $300 less, with some stills improvements, and I think better ergonomics, is enough for me to open my wallet.