Panasonic G9 first indoor sports session

This weekend I had my first indoor-sports session with the G9. The light was extremely poor. In the past I shot either with the GH4 or the E-M1.2 indoors. The GH4 was to slow for fast action and the PDAF of the E-M1.2 needs plenty of light to get the best results. My main challenges with the G9 were and still are: What is the best AF area to use for fast action and how to set the "AF custom settings" then. I tried many combinations with different results, This still needs more investigations over the coming weeks in order to get reproducible good results. The AF description from Panasonic is very poor as always. I would like to see an AF-guide like the one from Canon. Any experience regarding C-AF settings from other G9 shooters are very welcome.

Horst

Some examples (all out of C-AF H-sequences):

My Flickr Sports Album: https://flic.kr/s/aHsk7M234b

Hi Horst,

Yes the low light in those halls is typical also in NL. I feel here we see a shortcoming of mFT. You really need f1.4 to keep it at ISO1600 and keep the IQ good. ISO3200 is also okey but with a FF cam you could use an F2.8 zoom and ISO6400 and get about the same results.

You write the Gh4 could not keep up and Em1.2 needs good light. Oke. So how does G9, evn though it is your initial impression, fare? Thanks!

Jorginho wrote:

Hi Horst,

Yes the low light in those halls is typical also in NL. I feel here we see a shortcoming of mFT. You really need f1.4 to keep it at ISO1600 and keep the IQ good. ISO3200 is also okey but with a FF cam you could use an F2.8 zoom and ISO6400 and get about the same results.

You write the Gh4 could not keep up and Em1.2 needs good light. Oke. So how does G9, evn though it is your initial impression, fare? Thanks!

Don't get me wrong. I shot a lot with the GH4 indoors, but the G9 is noticable faster and the UI is what I'm searching for for years. Of course, a FF would be the right tool for indoor sports, but for me this is only one of my interests and all in all is MFT the best compromise for me personally, not to forget the size and weight advantages of the system. By the way, even with f/1.4, I needed 3200 ISO most of the time. Regarding the C-AF settings, I had a lot trial and error and have still no clear picture yet. I think, lastly I will keep the G9 as my second body, even if I'm meanwhile really used to the E-M1.2. Cheers, Horst

Yes I needed ISO12800 too on with my 45 mm f1.8 so that is a copy of my experience. I also agree that mFT is the best compromise for me too. Just wanted to comment in the way that "our" system really is not the best option for just this kind of shooting. We really need a sensor that is just over a stop better to be comfortable with some fast zooms. No more, no less. I have Em1.2 and happy with the IQ.

"Superb shots!!! Action caught...tack sharp... Bravo!"

Thanks, but those are only the tip of the iceberg. I had some trial and error of course with the new toy. Developed from Raw in LR6.14

Horst

Donald B wrote:

Im curious, was it just a test or do you have an interest in the sport ? and if so how large do you print these images ?

Don

I have an interest in all sports events. But here we have a special case. Two of my nephews are part of the red(blue) team. Good pictures I print often A3 for the wall with my Canon.

Horst