A brand-new camera is coming to the Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G Series — the Panasonic LUMIX G9II Mirrorless Camera. This is the newest edition of the LUMIX G9 with improved high-speed performance and ergonomics. Additionally, the new camera body is joined by a brand new LEICA 35-100mm f/2.8 lens, as well as a LEICA 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 lens. Let’s review some of the top new features.
Key Features of the LUMIX G9II Camera
- 25.2 megapixel sensor
- 8 stops of in-body image stabilization
- Phase detection autofocus technology (a first in the Micro 4/3 LUMIX G Series)
- 60fps burst shooting
- Pre-burst recording can begin shooting 1.5 seconds before shutter is released
- Real-time LUT function
- Handheld 100-megapixel high resolution mode
- Enhanced monochrome mode
- 4:2:0 10-bit 4K 120p/100p slow Motion video
What’s New About the LUMIX G9II Camera?
25.2MP Sensor
The LUMIX G9II features a brand new 25.2 megapixel phase detection autofocus sensor. This is the first time that we’ve seen this sensor in a Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G Series camera. It ensures the absolute fastest and most accurate autofocus performance to help you create stunning images. Its 25 megapixels is more than enough to capture intricate details, allowing you to create large prints and high resolution images for social media and web use.
60fps in AF Continuous Mode
For action, sports, and wildlife photographers, the LUMIX G9II boasts a very impressive 60 fps in autofocus continuous mode. A reinforced buffer memory gives you continuous burst shooting over three seconds. Additionally, SH pre-burst recording can begin shooting 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released and take approximately 113 consecutive photos. This is ideal for situations when the subject might move suddenly causing you to miss the start of the action. The 1.5 seconds of extra buffer before you press the shutter will ensure you still capture the best moments at 60 fps.
Up to 5.8K Footage
Capable of capturing up to 5.8k footage, or 4:2:0 10 bit footage in 4K/120p, this camera will be excellent for videographers. Real-time footage in 5.7K gives you the opportunity to resample and downsize the footage, or crop the footage to get only the best parts of your shot in frame. Switching to 120p can give you some amazing footage in slow motion, perfect for a variety of situations.
High Resolution Mode
For times when 25 megapixels just simply won’t cut it, the LUMIX G9II features a hand-held 100-megapixel High Resolution mode in addition to a Live View Composite mode to expand the range of photographic options. While the 25 megapixels should cover you in most instances, having the option to use the hand-held 100-megapixel mode gives you versatility when you know you need a little more resolution.
Whether you want to have more opportunities to crop your image, or you know you’ll be creating a massive print of your work, having the option to shoot at 100 megapixels is certainly something that is welcomed for many photographers.
LUMIX has long been creating cameras capable of exceptional monochrome images. Therefore, it is no surprise that the G9II comes with an enhanced Monochrome mode with a newly added LEICA Monochrome setting. This particular setting gives excellent deep black-and-white contrasts, and ensures fantastic-looking monochrome images. While black and white isn’t for everyone, having such high quality options for black and white photography on a color sensor is a welcomed addition.
Who Should Use the LUMIX G9II Camera?
Sports and Wildlife
The 60fps of burst shooting with up to three seconds of buffer is certain to help sports and wildlife photographers capture the best moments of their respective subjects. The pre-burst recording of 1.5 seconds is also an excellent feature for any photographer who doesn’t know exactly when the action is coming.
Videographers
For videographers, the G9II features impressive 5.7K video recording that can easily be downsampled into 4K, or native 4K footage at up to 120p. Whether you make videos for YouTube or are an independent filmmaker, this camera has what it takes to help get you there.
Finally, the versatility offered with new shooting modes will give many different creators the opportunity to capture excellent images. The real-time LUT function gives personalized color expression via the use of LUT files to help you get the best colors right in camera, every time. An enhanced monochrome mode gives photographers the chance to take stunning monochrome images just by simply switching the mode.
There is also a detachable battery grip sold separately:
Comparable LUMIX Cameras
The LUMIX G9II is the newest addition and upgrade to the original LUMIX G9, released in December 2017. The original G9 features a 20.3 megapixel sensor, 80-megapixel High Resolution mode, 60fps electronic shutter release, and 6.5 stops of image stabilization.
The new G9II features upgrades in almost every category, including a 25.2 megapixel sensor, 100-megapixel High Resolution mode, and 8 stops of image stabilization. If you’re shooting on the LUMIX G9 and wondering if it is worth the upgrade, the answer is undeniably yes.
| LUMIX G9 | LUMIX G9II | |
| Megapixels | 20.3 megapixels | 25.2 megapixels |
| Burst Shooting | 60fps | 60fps |
| Image Stabilization | 6.5 stops | 8 stops |
| Video Specs | 4K/60p, HD/60p | 5.7K/30p, 4K/120p |
| High Resolution Mode | 80 megapixels | 100 megapixels |
Panasonic Also Announces New Lenses
Panasonic Lumix LEICA DG VARIO-ELMARIT 35-100mm f/2.8 Lens
Hybrid users looking for a strong indoor/outdoor lens will love this new 35-100mm lens. Despite the very high optical performance, the body of this lens is compact and features a splash, dust, freeze-resistant design. Offering the 35mm equivalent of a 70-200mm lens, this is certainly a popular focal length and will capture some amazing images at f/2.8. The micro-step aperture control offers smooth exposure changes and the focus ring control can be toggled between nonlinear and linear. For LUMIX shooters, this truly is a must-have lens for all kinds of indoor and outdoor shooters.
Panasonic Lumix LEICA DG VARIO-ELMAR 100-400mm Lens II
Birds, sport, and wildlife photographers will be excited about the new 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 Lens. Offering a 35mm focal length equivalent of up to 1600mm with the 2.0x teleconverter, you can bring the action closer than ever before. Best of all, you can expect a very high image quality over the entire zoom range. For times when you want to fine-tune and lock the zoom ring, a new zoom limit switch has improved the operation feeling of the zoom ring, and the focus tracking performance has been improved when zooming compared to its predecessor.
Conclusion
Regardless of what you shoot, or how you shoot it, the new LUMIX G9II, and 35-100mm and 100-400mm lenses, can offer a new perspective to your photography. With impressive specs for video and photo, in addition to some highly versatile lenses, your creativity is the ceiling.
