Panny G9 vs G9ii

[Eric Nepean]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

 

[Pete_W]

It depends on what type of photography you are into.

The biggest change is in AF which makes it much better for moving subjects, especially in video. There is also faster burst shooting, a bump in the megapixel count from 20 to 25MP, the introduction of real time LUTs. Better IBIS.

However it's a new body design and loses the top plate LCD so if that's important, you might not like it.

If your original G9 does all you need, probably no need to change.

 

[JosephScha]

I have looked over my G9 pictures. Sometimes the people are not really in focus, because the camera focused on something else.

The G9 II has human detection (and animal detection and car and motorcycle detection). It will never have that problem if human detection is turned on.

These added detections are trained by large data sets, and only the result is in the camera's firmware.

Have you ever shot video with your G9? If so, you may have noticed the blur of background changing as it hunts for the best focus. The G9 II has Phase Detect Auto Focus (PDAF) in addition to contrast detect. It should not need to hunt.

High Resolution mode is now on the left dial and produces 100MP images, because it has a 25MP sensor.

Dynamic Range Boost yields much less noise in shadows (if your shutter speed is faster than 1 second at ISO 100, or faster than 0.8 seconds at ISO 3200, I found).

Burst modes with auto focus up to 60 frames per second.

I am sure I did not give all the advantages of the G9 II, this is what I thought of now.

--
js

 

[BobKo]

I mostly shoot video. If you mostly shoot photos, then we probably have different priorities. That said, the G9ii is very similar to the Panasonic GH6, with two primary differences: The G9ii has phase detection autofocus, and the G9ii does not have the GH6's fan and heat-dissipation system. (That makes the G9ii smaller than the GH6.) On the minor side, the highest video frame rate for the G9ii is 240fps, while the GH6 can shoot 300fps. One other minor point is that the G9ii has two SD card slots, while the GH6 has an SD slot and a CFexpress slot. Otherwise, the two cameras are nearly identical in features and operation for both video and photography.

FWIW, I tested recording nice-quality 4K video on the G9ii and it completely filled up a 128GB SD card, running 89 minutes. So the G9ii can shoot long videos, despite not having the GH6's fan.

In quick testing of the autofocus of the two cameras, I didn't see a big difference in results, but I will be testing this more in the future.

 

[John Carb]

The G9ii is a fairly big jump in autofocus if that's important to you. Also, B&H is giving you $500 off with any working trade-in. That's a good discount on a relatively new camera. Food for thought.

 

[Alan_W1]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

For me, the main differences between them are 4k/120p vs 4k/60p {mainly for bif video}, and phase detect...for the same reason.

For MF slow-motion video, you can actually set a maximum of 300fps in FHD {180fps, in the G9}......although it is possibly a bit too slowed-down for many bird situations that i personally come across, but hopefully more useful when dragonflies/bees etc start reappearing in my local area.

That said, i am considering buying another G9 body {traded my old G9 in, towards a lens}, as the prices will likely continue to come down, and i can pick up a bargain....as a back-up camera.

 

[mrxak]

The G9II isn't just an upgrade to the G9. I'd argue it's more like a minor-to-moderate upgrade over the GH6 (depending on your use case). The G9II is currently Panasonic's flagship camera, which is a little weird because it's cheaper than the GH6. There are reasons why a videographer might want to go with the GH6 over the G9II, but not many. Basically, if you want to own the very best micro four thirds camera Panasonic makes, the G9II is it until a new GH model comes along.

Over the G9, the G9II has a significantly better sensor, plus a much better focus system, a hybrid of phase detection and DFD contrast detection that alone will be enough of a reason to upgrade for many. For video, the G9II brings the capabilities up to where the GH6 is, or very nearly. And overall the camera is running better software.

 

[Eric Nepean]

Thanks all for the useful comments. Food for thought.

 

[jalywol]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

I've been using the 20MP sensored M43 Panasonics since they came out. I currently have a G95 and a G100, and an S5 for lower light, better DR.

I had no plans to get the G9II, as I like smaller M43 bodies. BUT. B&H had the $500 off promo, with a trade (can be a lens also, by the way), and they have a credit card which if you use, you do not pay sales tax, which was another $100 savings. So I said, what the heck...

I can honestly say that I have been utterly shocked at the difference between the 20MP sensors in my other M43 bodies and the current 25MP sensor in the G9II. No, it is not FF, so it's still not the best choice for low light/high ISO work. HOWEVER. Since I shoot a lot of subjects with subtle color shading and shifts, I am particularly sensitive to how well a camera captures these things, and the G9II is a huge advance in that area vs the older sensor.

Of course, not everyone shoots what I do, and not everyone is going to notice this, but it just jumped right out at me immediately, even on the first set of shots I took with it. I have not had a chance to really put it through its paces as it's been super cold here this week, but what I have gotten out with it with has been very impressive.

Oh, and the AF is a huge, huge, advance over the DFD, esp if you are shooting animals.

And, it's actually comfortable in hand. Surprisingly enough, even though it's the same size as the S5, they changed the grip just enough to make it a lot more comfortable to hold for me. They smoothed out the thumb ridge so it doesn't cut into my hand, and they changed the strap holder to a flush one, which is a much better design (IMO).

The other thing is, if you get the new model, you are guaranteed to get firmware updates going forward, which you will not get anymore for the older bodies.

So, I would, if it is at all in the budget, definitely get the new one...

-J

 

[bluevellet]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

The original G9 is a better value. Even more so used. So if penny pinching, this matters. A lot.


But if you care about MP, PDAF and the latest video specs, it could be worth the premium. if you got cash to spare.

 

[Thomas Kachadurian]

I've been using the G9II for only two weeks, so your mileage . . .

Compared to the G9 it is WAY improved in many obvious, and some subtle ways.

1. The AF is vastly improved. Faster and more positive

2. The customization of buttons is improved. In a few trips out I was able to have everything working the way I want it to.

3. The color is better. I'm not just talking JPG here. I only shoot RAW, but the default raw file in ACR needs almost no tweaking. The color balance is spot on, something I could never say about the AWB on the G9.

4. It's a small thing, but the shutter release on the G9 was too sensitive. The G9II fixes that.

5. The sensor is better. It's not just 20mpx v 25mpx. The high ISO noise is improved. The images are cleaner at any ISO.

6. The G9 has a great viewfinder. The G9II viewfinder is better.

If you ask me the G9II is Lumix 3.0 - a whole new level.

I also have a GX8 and GX9, and with the G9, I used all three cameras interchangeably. The image quality was roughly equal across the trio.

Now with the G9II the images are just better. I would say it's game over for the G9, the only reason to buy one is if you just can't afford a G9II.

Now I really want the G9II sensor and interface in a GX9 form factor.

 

[Joe Lynch]

I bought a G9ii for video and it is fantastic. Next for me will be an S5iiX with almost identical layout and operation, with mainly just the lenses, lens mount and sensor size being different. Ideal for me is to have almost identical m43 and FF bodies, and this is one way to do that.

Lots of happy folks with G9's however, but I won't ever know about the differences first hand.

Over the last 3 weeks, I've shot 6 video projects using a G9ii and OM-1 together and they both are fine for what I'm doing, but I much prefer the G9ii feel and features for video. The OM-1 can stay glued on the long Olympus lenses once I get an S5iiX and lenses to use in parallel with the G9ii instead of the OM-1. I'd be happy with a second G9ii but I need a second FF camera anyway.

Joe

 

[john isaacs]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

Unless you are buying used, the G9ii is much less than $1000 more than the G9. If you bought one with the $500 trade-in sale (and you don't necessarily need a trade in for it), then it's only $400 or so less.

I didn't have a G9 (I had two GH5's, which satisfied my video needs for a long time). But the G9ii features and sale price convinced me to get one. I've sold one of my GH5's, and the other one is going up for sale shortly.

The G9ii has 7 years of advances, and it includes V-Log. So it's a deal. Plus, since it has the same body as the S5ii, there is a better market for accessories. It does need an SSD drive for the most advanced video features, but that's a small price to pay. And it has a higher resolution sensor with PDAF. All in all, it's an amazing release.

But it does have it's issues, and it won't be replacing my OM1 for wildlife stills. I plan to use it for wildlife video. The reason? Drive mode and AF mode are controlled by physical dials, so they can't be programmed into custom modes. That's a total deal breaker for me, despite the amazing capabilities of the Panasonic custom modes. I really wish OMDS could add some of those features. But I switch drive mode and af mode between custom modes on my OM1, and I have no interest in giving up on that feature. In fact, pathetic user mode capability is one of the main reasons I don't use Nikon for wildlife, either.

On the plus side, the G9II is much more comfortable to hold than my GH5. The grip is deeper. But it still feels chunky compared to my OM1, which fits my hand perfectly. It's truly a marvel of ergonomics. So the G9ii will mostly sit on a tripod, while I mostly hand hold the OM1.

 

[Tom Caldwell]

I'm typically (but not always) a trailing edge buyer.

I see that I can get a new G9 for about 40% of the price of a G9mkii.

Is the G9mkii really that much better? What does it bring that makes worth $1000USD more?

Not on a purely commercial basis.

But it is a good update with useful new set of features.

I will not be retiring my G9 which I bought new on first release at full original RRP. It is still a competitive camera to use.

If you don't already have a G9 you will be able to get a very good camera at a bargain price.

But if you want to be using the latest and greatest the G9II is still fetching premium prices.

Is it that much better? Not really if you compare the original price of the G9 with the current price of a G9II. The heavily discounted current G9 price is only symptomatic of a camera at the end of its marketed life.

Wait four years and the G9II is likely to be very affordable.

 

[Hexlord79]

I will wait for the G9ii to drop in prices to around 1k usd or less before getting one. The G9 so far has been pretty okay somewhat except for the sad low-res embedded previews lolz.

Also the mechanical shutter failing to work properly when the battery life's low... which doesn't seem to happen on any of my Oly bodies.

 

[jalywol]

I will wait for the G9ii to drop in prices to around 1k usd or less before getting one. The G9 so far has been pretty okay somewhat except for the sad low-res embedded previews lolz.

You do realize if you shoot RAW + JPG you get full sized previews?

Also the mechanical shutter failing to work properly when the battery life's low... which doesn't seem to happen on any of my Oly bodies.

Hmm, that seems odd. If it's under warrantee, I'd send it in and see if you need a new shutter.

-J

 

[Hexlord79]

I will wait for the G9ii to drop in prices to around 1k usd or less before getting one. The G9 so far has been pretty okay somewhat except for the sad low-res embedded previews lolz.

You do realize if you shoot RAW + JPG you get full sized previews?

Also the mechanical shutter failing to work properly when the battery life's low... which doesn't seem to happen on any of my Oly bodies.

Hmm, that seems odd. If it's under warrantee, I'd send it in and see if you need a new shutter.

-J

Yes I am aware but Olympus cameras doesn't need that. Their raw files embedded previews are pretty okay (so are other brands just Panasonic seems off)

It is not under warranty but nowadays I just keep the battery at full power or use electronic shutter which doesn't impact the photo taking.

 

[jalywol]

I will wait for the G9ii to drop in prices to around 1k usd or less before getting one. The G9 so far has been pretty okay somewhat except for the sad low-res embedded previews lolz.

You do realize if you shoot RAW + JPG you get full sized previews?

Also the mechanical shutter failing to work properly when the battery life's low... which doesn't seem to happen on any of my Oly bodies.

Hmm, that seems odd. If it's under warrantee, I'd send it in and see if you need a new shutter.

-J

Yes I am aware but Olympus cameras doesn't need that. Their raw files embedded previews are pretty okay (so are other brands just Panasonic seems off)

I don't understand...You can get the feature you want by changing the settings, and the JPGs don't take up a heck of a lot of space on the SD card, so why make yourself suffer?

I mean, there are also things Oly cameras do that I really did not like, but in the long run, I just adjusted to them to get the feature I needed. Same thing with just about every other camera out there, also. As long as you CAN get the thing you need....

-J

 

[Hexlord79]

I don't understand...You can get the feature you want by changing the settings, and the JPGs don't take up a heck of a lot of space on the SD card, so why make yourself suffer?

I mean, there are also things Oly cameras do that I really did not like, but in the long run, I just adjusted to them to get the feature I needed. Same thing with just about every other camera out there, also. As long as you CAN get the thing you need....

-J

Coming from a workflow background where I usually shoot with raw files only, its a bit jarring to take the extra steps to adjust. RAW + Jpeg is suffering indeed lol!

I assume G9ii have the same issue?

Rgds,

 

[jalywol]

I don't understand...You can get the feature you want by changing the settings, and the JPGs don't take up a heck of a lot of space on the SD card, so why make yourself suffer?

I mean, there are also things Oly cameras do that I really did not like, but in the long run, I just adjusted to them to get the feature I needed. Same thing with just about every other camera out there, also. As long as you CAN get the thing you need....

-J

Coming from a workflow background where I usually shoot with raw files only, its a bit jarring to take the extra steps to adjust. RAW + Jpeg is suffering indeed lol!

I assume G9ii have the same issue?

Rgds,

Yup. Every Panasonic has done it this way, since time immemorial

:-D

-J