I have and old Panasonic Lumix DMCG-5 mirrorless micro 4/3, it works fine, but here is my problem. I am planning a trip this spring to Egypt and I am afraid my Lumix might die on me during the trip, which would be devastating. I was thinking of buying a Lumix G9 but it came out in 2017 (I believe) I am not interested in buying and old Lumix I would prefer the latest in the G series, according to the Panasonic site it looks like the G9 has not been updated in a while. I find the GH series to expensive. I am tempted to buy the Fujifilm TX-4 (good review from DPreview). The body only is around $2,300. and then I would have to buy new lenses which would be more than I am willing to pay. I already have 3 Lumix lenses. Should I buy the G-9? For your info, I am an amateur photographer. Thank you for your feedback
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Lumix G9
- Thread starter Jacky60
- Start date
shinndigg
Veteran Member
First and foremost, the G9 is a modern camera, being a few years old is largely irrelevant. If you prefer Panasonic, don't hesu8.
That being said, if you truly feel uncomfortable with the G9 for that reason, consider an Olympus EM 1 MK III. It will work perfectly fine with your present lenses.
That being said, if you truly feel uncomfortable with the G9 for that reason, consider an Olympus EM 1 MK III. It will work perfectly fine with your present lenses.
Dick Barbour
Veteran Member
May I suggest the G95 (or G90 or G91, depending on where you live)? It is a lot like your G5, except updated. It's newer and a little lighter than the G9, and considerably less expensive. Of course it doesn't have all of the G9's features, particularly in autofocus modes, but that may not be of interest to you. I have them both and enjoy the G95 for everyday use except when going for birds and such.
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brentbrent
Veteran Member
If the size of the G5 was the main reason you bought it, and you're a "little old lady" with perhaps smallish hands, then it would be a really good idea for you to handle a G9 if possible before buying one. I love the ergonomics and the size and weight don't bother me, but I'm a big guy with big hands. Some people find the G9 too big. Jalywol here says the G9's grip is too big/deep for her hand.
The G85 and G95 are smaller than the G9, and both would be an upgrade from the G5.
G5 compared to G85
G5 compared to G95
G5 compared to G9
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Brent
EGuitarStar
Well-known member
I have a G9 and despite it's size, it is one of my favourite cameras I've used.
If I was buying today and was limited on funds, I'd probably just pick up a G9. Granted, if funds are not too much of an issue or you have time to save more, I'd look at the Olympus OM1.
Video is secondary to my needs hence why I'd not look to get a GH series body.
The G9 is a few years old now but it was packed with features from launch and firmware has added and enhanced it further. Given the price it can be had today it makes for a great camera body.
If I was buying today and was limited on funds, I'd probably just pick up a G9. Granted, if funds are not too much of an issue or you have time to save more, I'd look at the Olympus OM1.
Video is secondary to my needs hence why I'd not look to get a GH series body.
The G9 is a few years old now but it was packed with features from launch and firmware has added and enhanced it further. Given the price it can be had today it makes for a great camera body.
Albert Valentino
Veteran Member
Yes. Never a better time, if you are in the US, since a refurb EM1.3, released in 2020, is on sale until tomorrow, Sept 22, for only $944, 31% off refurb price with offer code - see posts https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4671998
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www.dpreview.com
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deserteagle56
Well-known member
How did you figure out your IBIS mechanism had failed? I'm asking because I've noticed a lot more blurry shots than I'm used to seeing.
pannumon
Veteran Member
At first after the shock, the camera would crash after 5-15s of use ("Please Turn Camera Off and Then On Again" displayed on screen). Just before crashing, the IS would move the sensor erratically. After further testing, the IBIS mechanism started to make (relatively) loud noise. When looking at the sensor without lens or body cap attached, it was visible that the alignment of the sensor was clearly off. In my case it was obvious that IBIS mechanism was broken.
For those who are interested, the repair was done by W&W in Poland, which is the only authorized LUMIX repair shop in Europe. The cost was about 600€, of which my home insurance covered 400€. They also replaced the front panel of the camera (not sure why) and LCD screen (there was a dent on bottom of the screen, but it was 100% functional). The communication with the repair shop was a bit difficult due to language barrier, but they were answering my questions rapidly. Sending and receiving the camera was easy by using Panasonics repair form in their web pages. Or at least it would have been easy if I had known how the process goes (I do now). The whole process took about 4 weeks.
Hi mate, for the price that you can get a new G9 for it makes a great buy. The newer M4/3 cameras have a few new tricks with software built into them, however the image quality is not that much better, if at all.
A few recent images from my "old" G9.
The G9 to me is perfect in the hand and the viewfinder fantastic, it's a joy to use.
And most importantly the image quality is fantastic, as with the case of most new cameras these days.
You will have to spend a lot more to see any large jump in image quality, and if you are only viewing images on screens or sharing on media platforms I doubt you will see any improvement at all.
At the discounted prices of the G9 it's a steel, it will handle just about any photographic situation with ease. It was a great camera when it was released and is a great camera today.
Stephen.
A few recent images from my "old" G9.
The G9 to me is perfect in the hand and the viewfinder fantastic, it's a joy to use.
And most importantly the image quality is fantastic, as with the case of most new cameras these days.
You will have to spend a lot more to see any large jump in image quality, and if you are only viewing images on screens or sharing on media platforms I doubt you will see any improvement at all.
At the discounted prices of the G9 it's a steel, it will handle just about any photographic situation with ease. It was a great camera when it was released and is a great camera today.
Stephen.
Jianfei WANG
Well-known member
I own both Fuji and M43, although not exactly the two cameras you mentioned. If your main usage is for travel, then definitely pick G9 over XT-4, IMHO. What you should include in your consideration is the lens lineup of the two systems. M43 currently offers much more attractive zoom lenses, which you will use most during a trip, and that's the biggest advantage over Fuji. Either you cannot find the equivalent replacement in Fuji (12-100, 45-150, 14-140, etc.), or the equivalent you find in Fuji is bigger heavier and more expensive with less functionality(12-40/12-35 vs 16-55, 35-100 vs 50-140, 12-60 vs 16-80). Fuji has the advantage when you want a little more dynamic range or shallower dof, or more usable AFC performance compared with Panasonic, so my Fuji is mainly for portrait shots, while I pick my M43 all the time when I go for travel.
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First, buy a new G9 not an old one.
Second, G9 is still an excellent stills cam - comapre it to wahtever, using the DPR studio scene. Do you see enough difference to hold out for ?
Third, there are camera stores in Egypt. maybe don't buy a backup until you need it ?
Or use panasonic online, local amazon to ship to you
Second, G9 is still an excellent stills cam - comapre it to wahtever, using the DPR studio scene. Do you see enough difference to hold out for ?
Third, there are camera stores in Egypt. maybe don't buy a backup until you need it ?
Or use panasonic online, local amazon to ship to you
May I ask why?
PS I bought a brand new and sold and later bought a second hand G9.
I have a ton of M43 cameras but I presently use my G9, G95, and GX85 frequently. If I could only have one, I would lean towards the G9 with the G95 coming in a close second. As it sits, I only use my G9 for events and sports/wildlife shooting. Since I can pick and choose, I take either the G95 or GX85 on family trips and vacations due to their smaller size and lower weight.
Gato Amarillo
Veteran Member
I have the G9 and love it. I'm expecting it to be with me several years longer. I also have a G85 which is smaller and lighter and almost as capable. As others have suggested, for travel you might consider one of the smaller G series cameras.
I don't know what lenses you have, but if you can find a deal on the G9 with the Pana-Leica 12-60 2.8-4 lens that's a really sweet lens.
Gato
I don't know what lenses you have, but if you can find a deal on the G9 with the Pana-Leica 12-60 2.8-4 lens that's a really sweet lens.
Gato
That references the OP's concern about buying an "old" camera; just because the design is a few years old doesn't matter that much for peroformance.
Old Timer63
Veteran Member
I purchased a G9 shortly after they first came out, I`m very pleased with the camera to say the least and as I`m getting quite old I purchased a second body and I think they will see me out. Yeh, there are cameras with more res now but that old G9 never lets me down. I have a number of lenses but the Oly pro lenses work a treat on the G9.
If you still have a G5 in use and consider yourself an amateur photographer who does not wish to invest heavily then the G9 will surely blow your mind even if it has been around for a while.
If it has not been updated we should consider "is this simply because it is a hard act to follow?"
Reduced prices must make this camera body a bargain on steroids.
J
junk1
Guest
Good thing about G9 is that many used ones exist.
Olympus EM5 should be considered.
Panny GX9 is old but probably she'd be happier with it over huge and heavy G9. I'd get one if it had super high res mode and microphone input.
Or how about G100?
I'd get it if the mechanical shutter and/or electronic shutter was quicker (hard to get good hummingbird pictures with my gf7 with similar shutters).
Olympus EM5 should be considered.
Panny GX9 is old but probably she'd be happier with it over huge and heavy G9. I'd get one if it had super high res mode and microphone input.
Or how about G100?
I'd get it if the mechanical shutter and/or electronic shutter was quicker (hard to get good hummingbird pictures with my gf7 with similar shutters).
Jacky60, sorry this long overdue. I would just like to comment on my experiences.
I had a G7 for several years taking over 14000 images touring Europe and other places. I recently updated to the G9 at only the Mk1 level. I only shoot 16:9 for TV/computer use. No turn the camera 90 degrees.
I would confirm that buying the G9 even if not at its Mk2 level is a good move. Lenses are also the answer.
I bought a G9 body and a secondhand 12-35 Panasonic lens to replace the G7's standard zoom and I traded the Olympus 40-150 standard lens in on an Olympus 40-150 Pro version. Great lens and of course under rated.
If I ever do another worthwhile trip I would trade the Panasonic for the Olympus 14-40 Pro version. You never see much of what ordinary people do in photography so here is a link to youtube using my wife's channel.
You may have to copy past it. Hopefully it will convince others that a Nikon or Canon is not really required for just ordinary touring images. On this trip, a lot shot thro' the car and ship windows which of course degrades the image but makes a better story.
My only criticism of the G9 is in the horizon aid that I find hard to see in the viewfinder and therefore end up Photofinishing some horizons. A working pendulum would be far better.
On a personal note I am about to turn 90 years old with 65 years as an ordinary photographer having start way back with the German Edixa and then Olympus OM2.
Please do not hold all that against me.
Cheers to all from Adelaide Down Under.
I had a G7 for several years taking over 14000 images touring Europe and other places. I recently updated to the G9 at only the Mk1 level. I only shoot 16:9 for TV/computer use. No turn the camera 90 degrees.
I would confirm that buying the G9 even if not at its Mk2 level is a good move. Lenses are also the answer.
I bought a G9 body and a secondhand 12-35 Panasonic lens to replace the G7's standard zoom and I traded the Olympus 40-150 standard lens in on an Olympus 40-150 Pro version. Great lens and of course under rated.
If I ever do another worthwhile trip I would trade the Panasonic for the Olympus 14-40 Pro version. You never see much of what ordinary people do in photography so here is a link to youtube using my wife's channel.
You may have to copy past it. Hopefully it will convince others that a Nikon or Canon is not really required for just ordinary touring images. On this trip, a lot shot thro' the car and ship windows which of course degrades the image but makes a better story.
My only criticism of the G9 is in the horizon aid that I find hard to see in the viewfinder and therefore end up Photofinishing some horizons. A working pendulum would be far better.
On a personal note I am about to turn 90 years old with 65 years as an ordinary photographer having start way back with the German Edixa and then Olympus OM2.
Please do not hold all that against me.
Cheers to all from Adelaide Down Under.
I would suggest the 12-60 f2.8-4 (Panaleica), instead of the 12-40 f2.8...or 12-35 f2.8 had them all (including 2 copies of 12-35)... still have one of 12-35 f2.8 and the 12-60 Panaleica
yes, both 12-35 and 12-40 are very good, but Panaleica 12-60 f2.8-4.0 is far superior IMO, not only due to extra flexibility on the longer reach, but you also need to think that 4.0 is just on the longer end... where either the 21-40 or 12-35 do not reach... at 12mm all are 2.8 at 35 or 40 difference in aperture is minimal... but you get better sharpness, more perfect lenses (slightly less distortions/aberrations), faster autofocus, and even better overall quality, and I know I am not the only one thinking like that,.. having taken thousands of photos with each of them...
yes, both 12-35 and 12-40 are very good, but Panaleica 12-60 f2.8-4.0 is far superior IMO, not only due to extra flexibility on the longer reach, but you also need to think that 4.0 is just on the longer end... where either the 21-40 or 12-35 do not reach... at 12mm all are 2.8 at 35 or 40 difference in aperture is minimal... but you get better sharpness, more perfect lenses (slightly less distortions/aberrations), faster autofocus, and even better overall quality, and I know I am not the only one thinking like that,.. having taken thousands of photos with each of them...
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