Getting a Panasonic G90/G95 or Panasonic G9 as my first camera

Greetings everyone,

Just joined the website! Happy to be part of a place dedicated to camera's.

I'll say right out of the door that I have no camera, but I am very very interested in getting a camera. It started after a friend of mine showed her pictures she made with her camera.

I've been tirelessly looking around for something and I narrowed down my search to the Panasonic G90/G95 (€899,- including 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6) and the more expensive Panasonic G9 (€1.499,- including 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0).

I'll admit that I am somewhat unsure about the G9, which is only because of the price. Spending €1.499,- for my first camera is daunting. The G90/G95 is something I am more confident about.

What I want is a hybrid camera, one which can take amazing pictures and videos. While both can do this, I've seen tons of videos and reviews saying the auto focus on the G90/G95 isn't the best. I was planning on shooting video and in some cases some fast objects. Like filming race cars at the Nürburgring in Germany when I visit. This is an example.

The G9 seems to be much better at this. Of course I've read that Sony is much better at this, and have a good selection of camera's. But for a more hybrid focused one I'm looking at the G90/G95 and G9.

Making time-lapse videos and maybe even capture stars is something I'd love to do!

Seeing this is my first post, I wanted to ask for some guidance on what others recommend.

I will wait for the responses. Again, happy to be here!

Kind regards,

Robert

Start with the G85

I have a G9.  It has P mode, if you just want to (adjust the ISO and) point and shoot.

However, it has tons of functions some of which I still haven't used; in camera focus stacking for example. 6K 30fps video that you can extract 18MP frames from.  It's a very nice camera and you don't have to deal with the extra features.

ivan bayu wrote:

Actually G9 is better than G90 / G95, better IBIS, AF, and video capability. Only choose sony if you want better AF than any m43 cameras, sony has worst rolling shutter (the only one that good is their latest, A7S3) and 8 bit colour in video.

The down side is, some people think that G9 is monstrous in size and all of sony camera is not that good to handle (dunno whether actually they've tried to handle it before or just just looking from their monitor or display on the store).

So, if there's store nearby, just go and try them first.

G9 has time limit on video, otherwise an excellent camera.

G9. Splurge on some Leicas. Turn off JPEG and shoot RAW. You can get Silypix to process them, free with camera. Go take pictures. Dont pay attention to 80% of what you read here, including this.

Hi Robert,

If you're looking for a good value kit for a reasonable cost, you could consider at least having a look at a second hand Panasonic G80 or GX80 with their respective kit lenses 12-60mm and 12-32mm. Both are good cameras.

Throw in a couple of Pana or Oly f1.7/f1.8 primes for instance around 25mm and 45mm focal lengths and you have a pretty comprehensive kit.

Marko

Galaxy366 wrote:

Greetings everyone,

Just joined the website! Happy to be part of a place dedicated to camera's.

I'll say right out of the door that I have no camera, but I am very very interested in getting a camera. It started after a friend of mine showed her pictures she made with her camera.

Why not get what that friend is using?

Galaxy366 wrote:

Greetings everyone,

Just joined the website! Happy to be part of a place dedicated to camera's.

I'll say right out of the door that I have no camera, but I am very very interested in getting a camera. It started after a friend of mine showed her pictures she made with her camera.

What camera does your friend have?

You've mentioned below that this will be your first camera, in which case I assume you have little or no experience using dedicated interchangeable lens cameras. If so, I would first get a good photographic book that teaches the rudiments of photography, both composition and technical aspects - before you spend a significant chunk of money.

The capabilities of the camera will be less important if you have no photographic knowledge. Most cameras are competent these days.

I've been tirelessly looking around for something and I narrowed down my search to the Panasonic G90/G95 (€899,- including 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6) and the more expensive Panasonic G9 (€1.499,- including 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0).

I'll admit that I am somewhat unsure about the G9, which is only because of the price. Spending €1.499,- for my first camera is daunting. The G90/G95 is something I am more confident about.

What I want is a hybrid camera, one which can take amazing pictures and videos.

It's the photographer's skill and ability that leads to amazing pictures and videos. These cameras don't use heavy computational processing like smartphones. Be aware that there's a lot to learn otherwise you may be dissappointed with the initial results.

While both can do this, I've seen tons of videos and reviews saying the auto focus on the G90/G95 isn't the best. I was planning on shooting video and in some cases some fast objects. Like filming race cars at the Nürburgring in Germany when I visit. This is an example.

The G9 seems to be much better at this.

You'll probably also hear that the Olympus E-M1 mk2 & mk3 is even better.

Of course I've read that Sony is much better at this, and have a good selection of camera's. But for a more hybrid focused one I'm looking at the G90/G95 and G9.

Making time-lapse videos and maybe even capture stars is something I'd love to do!

Seeing this is my first post, I wanted to ask for some guidance on what others recommend.

I would recommend start learning photography & video so you'll be able to pick up any camera and get good results.

I think the G90 is a fine camera to start with. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I will wait for the responses. Again, happy to be here!

Kind regards,

Robert

Keep in mind that lenses are more important than bodies. You're not buying a camera as much as you are buying into a camera system. Camera bodies come and go, but quality lenses will live in your kit for years. Fwiw, that Panasonic Leica 12-60 f/2.8-4.0 you mention is a great all-purpose lens for m43.

As for the body, the G9 is a tremendous camera, but it's always best if you can get your hands on one first (or purchase from somewhere with an easy return policy).  That said, one can capture great photos with either camera on your list.  The G9 gives you some extra capabilities (e.g., faster burst shooting for those race cars), but the G95 is still plenty capable.

Lastly, I'd second Cafe Racer's response. The two most important things you can do are:

1. Learn photography. Check out all the great YouTube content, sure, but also get a few books. Henry Carroll's "Read This If You Want to Take Great Photographs" is a fantastic little introduction to the craft.  It has very digestible explanations, a picture on  just about every page (look at lots of pictures!), and you can read it in a day.  And monographs are great, too.  If you find some photographers you really like, check out their monographs (if they have one).

2.  Go take pictures.  Talking about gear is fun -- and this is a great site -- but the best way to get better at photography is to go take more pictures.

Good luck, and enjoy your new camera!

The G9 is one of the best cameras I have ever used. It is quit well priced right now, and with the PL 12-60 you could spend a life time just using that setup.

It is a very good stills camera, and for landscapes and other still type images it has two high Res modes that will give you truly amazing details. As someone said using the P mode give you an auto camera and with it's very good jpg's and all the special filter options it would be good to start that way. Then learn photography by using RAW and the supplied software (Or some other software) over a period of years - you will not out grow the G9 as a stills camera.

When it comes to video, not only does it have professional 4K video (including the ability to purchase V-log) but it's 6K picture mode actually records with sound a h265 video with sound - sure it's only 10 minutes but really unless you are shooting concerts, a whole sports game or whatever, the ability to crop 6K to 4K or 1080P is an amazing tool. There are very few cameras that have as good as video, and they cost many thousands of dollars, Panasonic is a true leader and every FF camera is try to catch up to it's video products.

G9 would be my choice. In fact I am within days of ordering a second one.

Galaxy366 wrote:

Greetings everyone,

JI've been tirelessly looking around for something and I narrowed down my search to the Panasonic G90/G95 (€899,- including 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6) and the more expensive Panasonic G9 (€1.499,- including 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0).

I'll admit that I am somewhat unsure about the G9, which is only because of the price. Spending €1.499,- for my first camera is daunting. The G90/G95 is something I am more confident about.

That's a big price differential, but part of that is due to the different lenses.

I think there is no doubt that the G9 is a significantly better camera than the G90, but the latter is no slouch.

Have you been able to handle both of them? I very much like the ergonomics of the G9, but some folks find it too big and too heavy. If that is your experience, that would be a good reason to go with the G90. That is personal to you, as is the amount you are able and willing to spend on a first camera.

If neither the size nor cost of the G9 ultimately deters you, however, and if you think there is a good chance that photography will become a long-term interest of yours, I say buy the G9, which is the best camera I have ever owned. But if the size or price are just too much, you should be happy with the G90 kit. Enjoy whichever one you decide to purchase!

In the USA, we get the G9 for much cheaper without a lens. Maybe you can consider getting a G9 body and a dekitted 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 on eBay (available for much cheaper than retail usually). A lot of your extra expense is the 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens.

Other the 30 minute limit in video recording (although you can stop and restart) and some missing video settings (some of which can be added back with a software key) the G9 is a much more cable video camera. The G90/G95 has a considerable 1.25x horizontal crop in 4K while the G9 does not, plus the G9 can shoot 4K 60p.

AF is also better due to being a newer generation 225 area DFD, plus there have been numerous updates to improve its AF.

Galaxy366 wrote:

Greetings everyone,

Just joined the website! Happy to be part of a place dedicated to camera's.

I'll say right out of the door that I have no camera, but I am very very interested in getting a camera. It started after a friend of mine showed her pictures she made with her camera.

I've been tirelessly looking around for something and I narrowed down my search to the Panasonic G90/G95 (€899,- including 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6) and the more expensive Panasonic G9 (€1.499,- including 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0).

I'll admit that I am somewhat unsure about the G9, which is only because of the price. Spending €1.499,- for my first camera is daunting. The G90/G95 is something I am more confident about.

What I want is a hybrid camera, one which can take amazing pictures and videos. While both can do this, I've seen tons of videos and reviews saying the auto focus on the G90/G95 isn't the best. I was planning on shooting video and in some cases some fast objects. Like filming race cars at the Nürburgring in Germany when I visit. This is an example.

The G9 seems to be much better at this. Of course I've read that Sony is much better at this, and have a good selection of camera's. But for a more hybrid focused one I'm looking at the G90/G95 and G9.

Making time-lapse videos and maybe even capture stars is something I'd love to do!

Seeing this is my first post, I wanted to ask for some guidance on what others recommend.

I will wait for the responses. Again, happy to be here!

Kind regards,

Robert

As a first camera - and thus, a learning tool - I would suggest neither. However good they both are, they are both too complex and customisable to have fun as a beginner. Also, using such cameras at IA (Intelligent Auto), although yielding surprising results is really a bit of an overkill. I would suggest starting with a good used camera with - relatively - simpler configuration options to get the feel of it. A used G7, GX7, GX8, E-M5 (I / II), E-M10 should all do the trick and be smaller and lighter as well. They would all help you to learn what type of photographer you are (birding, wild animals, trekking, vacations in foreign cities, street, portrait, etc.) and how much video you want to do. This in turn will show you what kind of lenses you'll want to use and which higher-end / newer camera would be the best fit for them.

Good luck !

Siewwah wrote:

WhiteBeard wrote:

Galaxy366 wrote:

I've been tirelessly looking around for something and I narrowed down my search to the Panasonic G90/G95 (€899,- including 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6) and the more expensive Panasonic G9 (€1.499,- including 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0).

As a first camera - and thus, a learning tool - I would suggest neither. However good they both are, they are both too complex and customisable to have fun as a beginner. Also, using such cameras at IA (Intelligent Auto), although yielding surprising results is really a bit of an overkill. I would suggest starting with a good used camera with - relatively - simpler configuration options to get the feel of it. A used G7, GX7, GX8, E-M5 (I / II), E-M10 should all do the trick and be smaller and lighter as well.

Whitebeard makes the most sense. I would narrow that down to a used GX8 as the G9 is an upgrade from that.

I'm going to disagree with that. The cameras WhiteBeard lists are not simpler, or at least not much, they're just less expensive, and less capable. The G9 and G90 have s few extra features and a few more setup options, but in terms of using IA vs. PASM there wont' be much difference in complexity between them and the older models.

It seems a tad bit condescending to suggest that the OP is either incapable or unwilling to learn how to operate a G90 or G9, but he would be fine with one of the older cameras. He says he has been tirelessly looking and has narrowed his search down to those two cameras. He's willing to pay the price for one or the other. I say take him at his word and give him some info on his two choices.