G9 or EM1iii? Who has both?

I know, I know, this is being asked a thousand times... but it's quarantine time and I am bored and I figured this is a topic people might have an opinion on. I hope some of you may have (or had) both the G9 and the EM1ii(i).

So: I have a GX9 (and the old GX7). I mostly use the GX9 for street really. It's the camera that's always in my bag pack, usually just with a prime. But it's quite uncomfortable with larger lenses. The grip is too small (the GX7 is so much better...). Also, the AF isn't great for the occasional wildlife/bird.

I also have the Panasonic S1 full-frame, which I mostly use to capture my fidgety small kids. But unless I reaaaally "need" full-frame, I rather carry around a MFT system when hiking, travel etc.

So I want a bigger body to complement to sit in between the GX9 and S1 and to work more comfortably with the larger MFT lenses such as the Leica 50-200.

Best two options I see: G9 or EM1iii.

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Things that make me consider the EM1iii:

• Pure curiosity
• The body is smaller and lighter than G9
• "Better" phase-detect C-AF: is it really for photography?
• Electronic ND filters sounds like a nice and occasionally useful gimmick
• The weather sealing seems to be best on the market, so I wouldn't worry about some rain at all.

Things I don't care much about:

• IBIS or dual IBIS. Oly IBIS might be slightly better than G9 but both are more than good enough)
• Price
• Hand-held high-res
• Video: I don't care about 4K60. At most I would do the occasional 1080p.
• Video CAF

IQ wise I just assume they will be "identical" (subjective preferences aside).

So, things that I would like to know from those who have (had) both:

• I really like the handling of Lumix – but Oly shooters seem to love theirs too. What do you love/miss on Oly vs Lumix?
• If you switched from one to the other... why?
• How big of a real world difference does the PDAF on the Oly make for photography? (I don't care about video CAF, which is what every YT video is about)

In a nutshell: what would you choose and why

Stay safe everyone!

PS: Before someone complains, of course I will order both on Amazon and compare them in my own hands before deciding on one. But since I am used to Lumix, I'm likely biased even when testing a few days...

Jamajuel wrote:

I know, I know, this is being asked a thousand times... but it's quarantine time and I am bored and I figured this is a topic people might have an opinion on. I hope some of you may have (or had) both the G9 and the EM1ii(i).

So: I have a GX9 (and the old GX7). I mostly use the GX9 for street really. It's the camera that's always in my bag pack, usually just with a prime. But it's quite uncomfortable with larger lenses. The grip is too small (the GX7 is so much better...). Also, the AF isn't great for the occasional wildlife/bird.

I also have the Panasonic S1 full-frame, which I mostly use to capture my fidgety small kids. But unless I reaaaally "need" full-frame, I rather carry around a MFT system when hiking, travel etc.

So I want a bigger body to complement to sit in between the GX9 and S1 and to work more comfortably with the larger MFT lenses such as the Leica 50-200.

Best two options I see: G9 or EM1iii.

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Things that make me consider the EM1iii:

• Pure curiosity
• The body is smaller and lighter than G9
• "Better" phase-detect C-AF: is it really for photography?
• Electronic ND filters sounds like a nice and occasionally useful gimmick
• The weather sealing seems to be best on the market, so I wouldn't worry about some rain at all.

Things I don't care much about:

• IBIS or dual IBIS. Oly IBIS might be slightly better than G9 but both are more than good enough)
• Price
• Hand-held high-res
• Video: I don't care about 4K60. At most I would do the occasional 1080p.
• Video CAF

IQ wise I just assume they will be "identical" (subjective preferences aside).

So, things that I would like to know from those who have (had) both:

• I really like the handling of Lumix – but Oly shooters seem to love theirs too. What do you love/miss on Oly vs Lumix?
• If you switched from one to the other... why?
• How big of a real world difference does the PDAF on the Oly make for photography? (I don't care about video CAF, which is what every YT video is about)

In a nutshell: what would you choose and why

Stay safe everyone!

PS: Before someone complains, of course I will order both on Amazon and compare them in my own hands before deciding on one. But since I am used to Lumix, I'm likely biased even when testing a few days...

Please make sure you order just one. Because if you order both and return one you will ruin a new camera for someone else. Returned cameras are packed again and sold to someone else who's paying full price for a used camera. Pure evil.

Funny Valentine wrote:

Please make sure you order just one. Because if you order both and return one you will ruin a new camera for someone else. Returned cameras are packed again and sold to someone else who's paying full price for a used camera. Pure evil.

If it weren't for COVID-19, I would urge you to find an actual store (Denver is blessed with actual brick-and-mortar camera stores) and try out both, then buy one through the store to keep camera stores around.

mount evans wrote:

Funny Valentine wrote:

Please make sure you order just one. Because if you order both and return one you will ruin a new camera for someone else. Returned cameras are packed again and sold to someone else who's paying full price for a used camera. Pure evil.

If it weren't for COVID-19, I would urge you to find an actual store (Denver is blessed with actual brick-and-mortar camera stores) and try out both, then buy one through the store to keep camera stores around.

I live in Spain, where this is no viable option at all right now. Even if it were, the price difference between Amazon and the local brick-and-mortar stores here in Spain is 500€ for the G9 and 450€ for Em1iii. That's just too much, as much as I like to support a real store (I bought the S1 new here in one).

In any case, I am perfectly fine with just ordering one. So help me maximize the chance of not returning the first one.

Means: which one you think I should order first and why?

Jamajuel wrote:

I know, I know, this is being asked a thousand times... but it's quarantine time and I am bored and I figured this is a topic people might have an opinion on. I hope some of you may have (or had) both the G9 and the EM1ii(i).

So: I have a GX9 (and the old GX7). I mostly use the GX9 for street really. It's the camera that's always in my bag pack, usually just with a prime. But it's quite uncomfortable with larger lenses. The grip is too small (the GX7 is so much better...). Also, the AF isn't great for the occasional wildlife/bird.

I also have the Panasonic S1 full-frame, which I mostly use to capture my fidgety small kids. But unless I reaaaally "need" full-frame, I rather carry around a MFT system when hiking, travel etc.

Hello

I am going to make some comments on your post but I think your post contains in itself the answer to you questions

So I want a bigger body to complement to sit in between the GX9 and S1 and to work more comfortably with the larger MFT lenses such as the Leica 50-200.

if you want this amazing zoom , you are going to WANT the g9 because of the HUGE advantage of dual IS

Best two options I see: G9 or EM1iii.

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Boring ? what a strange comment . having a new camera which would be easier to get used to means better results and faster so ...

Things that make me consider the EM1iii:

• Pure curiosity
• The body is smaller and lighter than G9

Not significantly so compared to the em1

• The weather sealing seems to be best on the market, so I wouldn't worry about some rain at all.

And there is NO reason to worry about the G9 weather sealing either so not sure why this would make you consider the Olympus

Things I don't care much about:

• IBIS or dual IBIS. Oly IBIS might be slightly better than G9 but both are more than good enough)

Simply put you are WRONG . with the 50-200mm at 200mm the dual IBIS makes a HUGE difference un terms of keepers  unless of course you shoot with a tripod

Harold

Jamajuel wrote:

mount evans wrote:

Funny Valentine wrote:

Please make sure you order just one. Because if you order both and return one you will ruin a new camera for someone else. Returned cameras are packed again and sold to someone else who's paying full price for a used camera. Pure evil.

If it weren't for COVID-19, I would urge you to find an actual store (Denver is blessed with actual brick-and-mortar camera stores) and try out both, then buy one through the store to keep camera stores around.

I live in Spain, where this is no viable option at all right now. Even if it were, the price difference between Amazon and the local brick-and-mortar stores here in Spain is 500€ for the G9 and 450€ for Em1iii. That's just too much, as much as I like to support a real store (I bought the S1 new here in one).

In any case, I am perfectly fine with just ordering one. So help me maximize the chance of not returning the first one.

Means: which one you think I should order first and why?

You might want to check again when stores reopen . I live in Spain too and last November December , several stores had better prices than amazon . I bought my second G9 from a store in Paris

the first one I had bought from the only real camera store in Malaga . they had a promotion with the G9 body plus free grip which made it cheaper than amazon.es at the time

Harold

Harold66 wrote:

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Boring ? what a strange comment . having a new camera which would be easier to get used to means better results and faster so ...

I fully agree if this were for professional use.

• The body is smaller and lighter than G9

Not significantly so compared to the em1

It's not much but it is 10% lighter and noticeably less volume. I do care about weight & size. If it existed, I would choose a GX7 body and grip with the AF of the G9. It's not a deal breaker but it matters to me.

• The weather sealing seems to be best on the market, so I wouldn't worry about some rain at all.

And there is NO reason to worry about the G9 weather sealing either so not sure why this would make you consider the Olympus

I know the G9 is weather sealed. But the Oly has an actual rating. I wouldn't worry about a drizzle with both, but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

Things I don't care much about:

• IBIS or dual IBIS. Oly IBIS might be slightly better than G9 but both are more than good enough)

Simply put you are WRONG . with the 50-200mm at 200mm the dual IBIS makes a HUGE difference un terms of keepers unless of course you shoot with a tripod

I am using the 50-200 on the GX7 now occasionally, simply because it's easier to hold. Maybe it's got to do with what I shoot but the lens OIS is already very good (the GX7 does not do dual). I could probably live just with that to be honest since mostly I use this one in good light at high shutter speeds.

Thanks a lot for your thoughts, I really appreciate it!

Jamajuel wrote:

I know the G9 is weather sealed. But the Oly has an actual rating. I wouldn't worry about a drizzle with both, but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

IF you get your kicks from pouring buckets of water over cameras I suggest that you adopt a cheaper hobby or at least only buy the cheapest camera you can find. 

Jamajuel wrote:

Harold66 wrote:

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Boring ? what a strange comment . having a new camera which would be easier to get used to means better results and faster so ...

I fully agree if this were for professional use.

• The body is smaller and lighter than G9

Not significantly so compared to the em1

It's not much but it is 10% lighter and noticeably less volume. I do care about weight & size. If it existed, I would choose a GX7 body and grip with the AF of the G9. It's not a deal breaker but it matters to me.

First , This is strange coming from the guy who use a BIG SR1 for taking pictures from his family

Moreover it is YOUR decision and Each to his own but the combination you mention would NOT work well with the 50/200mm . as it is if one uses the 50/200mm for like a long time (wildlife) it even needs the g9 grip

• The weather sealing seems to be best on the market, so I wouldn't worry about some rain at all.

And there is NO reason to worry about the G9 weather sealing either so not sure why this would make you consider the Olympus

I know the G9 is weather sealed. But the Oly has an actual rating. I wouldn't worry about a drizzle with both,

I have been using the G9 under INTENSE rain when in Africa with no problem hey whatever rocks your boat

but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

so why would you do that anyway ?

Things I don't care much about:

• IBIS or dual IBIS. Oly IBIS might be slightly better than G9 but both are more than good enough)

Simply put you are WRONG . with the 50-200mm at 200mm the dual IBIS makes a HUGE difference un terms of keepers unless of course you shoot with a tripod

I am using the 50-200 on the GX7 now occasionally, simply because it's easier to hold. Maybe it's got to do with what I shoot but the lens OIS is already very good (the GX7 does not do dual). I could probably live just with that to be honest since mostly I use this one in good light at high shutter speeds.

if YOU are comfortable with this combo then why bother buying a new camera

Thanks a lot for your thoughts, I really appreciate it!

ok

Trevor Carpenter wrote:

Jamajuel wrote:

I know the G9 is weather sealed. But the Oly has an actual rating. I wouldn't worry about a drizzle with both, but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

IF you get your kicks from pouring buckets of water over cameras I suggest that you adopt a cheaper hobby or at least only buy the cheapest camera you can find.

Good one . you said it better than I did 

Harold

Trevor Carpenter wrote:

Jamajuel wrote:

I know the G9 is weather sealed. But the Oly has an actual rating. I wouldn't worry about a drizzle with both, but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

IF you get your kicks from pouring buckets of water over cameras I suggest that you adopt a cheaper hobby or at least only buy the cheapest camera you can find.

😂👏🏻👍🏻

Harold66 wrote:

You might want to check again when stores reopen . I live in Spain too and last November December , several stores had better prices than amazon . I bought my second G9 from a store in Paris

the first one I had bought from the only real camera store in Malaga . they had a promotion with the G9 body plus free grip which made it cheaper than amazon.es at the time

Harold

Thanks Harold! You're right, some offers can be cheaper in other. But the stores in Barcelona definitely are not right now and there are no cash-back offers or similar right now. Ordering it on another store such as in Malaga would be the same "don't buy it online and send it back issue" that the earlier poster mentioned.

I do look out for those offers locally and if I can, I definitely prefer to go to the store. Heck, I'd buy it used but the used prices right now are just too

You have some wonderful photos on your IG!

Harold66 wrote:

• The body is smaller and lighter than G9

Not significantly so compared to the em1

It's not much but it is 10% lighter and noticeably less volume. I do care about weight & size. If it existed, I would choose a GX7 body and grip with the AF of the G9. It's not a deal breaker but it matters to me.

First , This is strange coming from the guy who use a BIG SR1 for taking pictures from his family

You're right, it sounds strange this way.

The S1 is very comfortable for me since I have large hands. But for hiking & travel, the combo of S1 + 2 lenses is over 3 kg, which is not always an option. The GX9 plus small prime is great to have in my bag all the time with a small prime.

I have no doubt that the G9 would be very comfortable for me to hold.

I have been using the G9 under INTENSE rain when in Africa with no problem hey whatever rocks your boat

Great! That's the type of first-hand info I was looking for!

but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

so why would you do that anyway ?

I don't but others do.

I am using the 50-200 on the GX7 now occasionally, simply because it's easier to hold. Maybe it's got to do with what I shoot but the lens OIS is already very good (the GX7 does not do dual). I could probably live just with that to be honest since mostly I use this one in good light at high shutter speeds.

if YOU are comfortable with this combo then why bother buying a new camera

I love the GX7 and for some things it's totally fine. But AF and sensor on the GX9 are considerably better.

Thanks!

Skeeterbytes wrote:

I'll suggest adding the EVF to your comparison list. Some folks really love the G9 EVF, which has higher resolution than the E-M1, and others dislike distortion introduced by the EVF optics. It's a big part of the shooting experience so I'll encourage demo'ing one when you get a chance.

Both are good cameras, each has distinct advantages over the others, depending on one's preferences and shooting styles.

Cheers,

Rick

Great point, thanks Rick!

Jamajuel wrote:

Harold66 wrote:

• The body is smaller and lighter than G9

Not significantly so compared to the em1

It's not much but it is 10% lighter and noticeably less volume. I do care about weight & size. If it existed, I would choose a GX7 body and grip with the AF of the G9. It's not a deal breaker but it matters to me.

First , This is strange coming from the guy who use a BIG SR1 for taking pictures from his family

You're right, it sounds strange this way.

The S1 is very comfortable for me since I have large hands. But for hiking & travel, the combo of S1 + 2 lenses is over 3 kg, which is not always an option. The GX9 plus small prime is great to have in my bag all the time with a small prime.

I have no doubt that the G9 would be very comfortable for me to hold.

I have to admit . I was surprised at first . when I saw the reviews and the pictures did not think I would like it so much 

By far the best digital ILC that I have EVER used ... and by a long shot 

I have been using the G9 under INTENSE rain when in Africa with no problem hey whatever rocks your boat

Great! That's the type of first-hand info I was looking for!

you re welcome . to be very accurate , I shot two days in a row under intense rain. at the end of the 2 day the back LCD was kind of fogged but it went back to normal after a  few hours in a dry environment

since you now follow me on Instagram , 99.99% of the Africa pics you see posted were shot with the G9

but I wouldn't try to pour a bucket of water over the G9.

so why would you do that anyway ?

I don't but others do.

I am using the 50-200 on the GX7 now occasionally, simply because it's easier to hold. Maybe it's got to do with what I shoot but the lens OIS is already very good (the GX7 does not do dual). I could probably live just with that to be honest since mostly I use this one in good light at high shutter speeds.

if YOU are comfortable with this combo then why bother buying a new camera

I love the GX7 and for some things it's totally fine. But AF and sensor on the GX9 are considerably better.

and the G9 is considerably better than those two , Better AF, better handling , better customisations , better EVF, very useful top LCD , better handhold ability  with long lenses and especially the one you mentioned

I once owned both G9 and E-M1.2, both have really good EVFs. I sold both after I bought a Lumix S1R which has 5.7MP EVF. The EVF on S1R is the best I have ever used.

VF is a very important feature when I look for a new camera. Thanks, Edward

Harold66 wrote:

I have been using the G9 under INTENSE rain when in Africa with no problem hey whatever rocks your boat

Great! That's the type of first-hand info I was looking for!

you re welcome . to be very accurate , I shot two days in a row under intense rain. at the end of the 2 day the back LCD was kind of fogged but it went back to normal after a few hours in a dry environment

since you now follow me on Instagram , 99.99% of the Africa pics you see posted were shot with the G9

They look fantastic, great compositions and colors!

if YOU are comfortable with this combo then why bother buying a new camera

I love the GX7 and for some things it's totally fine. But AF and sensor on the GX9 are considerably better.

and the G9 is considerably better than those two , Better AF, better handling , better customisations , better EVF, very useful top LCD , better handhold ability with long lenses and especially the one you mentioned

That's great to know. And I was kind of guessing that. I am perfectly ok with the AF on the S1 (despite all review complaints, which are usually on C-AF for video), which is noticeably better than the GX9. But sensor read-out, which in theory should be much faster on the smaller MFT. So I was assuming the G9 would be at least as good as the S1 if not better.

Jamajuel wrote:

The S1 is very comfortable for me since I have large hands. But for hiking & travel, the combo of S1 + 2 lenses is over 3 kg, which is not always an option. The GX9 plus small prime is great to have in my bag all the time with a small prime.

I have no doubt that the G9 would be very comfortable for me to hold.

I have two G9s, best camera I've ever owned. The fit and ergonomics are a big plus for me. I've handled an S1, and the similarities between the two are striking. I think the G9 was in part a test bed for their FF bodies. The S1 is a bit bigger, of course, but if you like the feel of that camera, you will be right at home with the G9.

I have never used an E-M1. Here is a good post listing some reasons to buy one of those over a G9: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63931679

If I were you, unless some of those reasons captivate you, I would stick with the G9.  Your MFT lenses are all DFD and Dual IS capable, so using a Panasonic body makes sense, and you will feel right at home with the ergonomics, controls, and menus of the G9.  You will have to get used to the joystick not working diagonally, though!

Jamajuel wrote:

Harold66 wrote:

The "obvious" choice would the the G9, of course. I am mostly in the Lumix system, I love their handling, it's cheaper, and very capable. But obvious is boring maybe? :).

Boring ? what a strange comment . having a new camera which would be easier to get used to means better results and faster so ...

I fully agree if this were for professional use.

I'm not a professional (deriving an income from photography), but I definitely appreciated the similar UI when I moved from my FZ2500 to the G9. Made the whole initial setup very easy & I was "up & running" very quickly.

One of this forum's moderators - Tom Caldwell - also moderates the L-mount forum. I've seen posts from him over there where in his opinion the G9 was a trial run/dress rehearsal/proof of concept for the S series bodies. There does seem to be a lot of visual similarity. Since you already have the S1, the G9 could function as the smaller/lighter m43 version of the S1. There's a lot to be said for having two bodies that do the same thing when you push the same button. You won't get that with an Olympus body.

Steve