I've just come across this video. It's great! I loved the way that both participants simply couldn't hide their infectious enthusiasm, with a real struggle to remain sounding calm and professional.
Great Panasonic rep, and great interview. Only planned on watching the first few minutes, but it was so engaging that ended up watching the whole thing
That is definitely shining through in this video. He's very passionate about the products and very clearly not just a tech guy but also a photographer himself.
Thank you for making this informative and long form interview Hugh. This level of in depth conversation is rare. I appreciate it, as it has assisted me with my research regarding the G9
A superb overview and interview. It is rare to see an interviewer and an interviewee with so much synergie on any topic, let alone a technical one. I would say that Panasonic has an excellent ambassador in Sean and a very exciting new product, from what I've just heard, in the G9 AND the 200mm.
I'm sold, this G9 has all the ergos and features I want, I love my canons, but for wildlife having a 100-400mm that is an effective 400-800mm lens is awesome, attached to a body that has all the dials and joysticks, and IBIS is incredible!!!! That has a tilt flip touchscreen, shoot 4k and super slow motion, it doesnt get any better than that, they just blew everyone else out of the water in one shot, only shortcoming would be no eye AF, limitations of a 4/3 sensor.... but I think I can live with that especially with that 70MP mode
Great work Hugh, thanks for taking the considerable effort to do this. I am a Panasonic shooter since 2013 with the GH3, and also a Sony shooter with a complete a99ii kit. From what you are showing me, the G9 is what I have been looking for. Except... I just took a new day job, and about 1/3 of my efforts is to get a video strategy off the ground. This is a small manufacturing company. They have no equipment yet, and we will use my gear for the first few months, until I figure out what to suggest for purchase. We won't need the cinematic features of the GH5, but I will be using 4k, if only for the pan and zoom in post to 1080. I can almost live with the 10 minute limitation for this, but sometimes, I will need to put it on a tripod and record longer than 30 minutes in 1080. I am really hoping Panasonic reconsiders this, or at least give us a paid way to open up the recording lengths. Truthfully, I think that a 30 minute limit at 4k and unlimited at 1080 is the way to go.
Chris Witzgall Thanks for watching, Chris. I hear you - though you can always circumvent the recording limit with an external recorder (especially if you already have one!). Much testing to do on the G9 (have one in house right now), but am pretty clogged up at the moment so can’t tell you yet about the practical differences between the two cameras when it comes to AF and IBIS - the two primary imaging characteristics that in theory distinguish the two when highest frame rate, recording limits and bit/color depth are not the top priorities. For me, no recording limit is why if I had to do it all over again and could only have one camera I’d still do the GH5. But we’re looking closely at the G9 as a third camera (we also use an a6300, and the latest Sony glass is just extraordinary).
Thats a pretty comprehensive rundown on the specs of the G9, which I had the chance to handle yesterday, and it is truly amazing, very much the camera that could sway dslr users to Lumix, with the top plate LCD and controls general design makes it feel so familiar straight away.
Great interview. I enjoyed it a lot. Just ordered the G9 to go with my GX9! Gonna sell off my full frame stuff (I'm not a professional just an involved enthusiast).
Enjoyed this very much! Good content from Panasonic rep, and I enjoyed your interview style. Compelling - glad you posted the links for ordering. Thanks.
Just came across this video, Hugh. Really nice interview and Sean is clearly a great product manager for Panasonic. I really liked both yours and Sean's down-to-earth comments and inisghts. Additionally, I recently shot with a G9 at the Sacramento Zoo for about 90 minutes and I came away very impressed with the camera. I can fully substantiate yours and Sean's comments. The top four attributes I really liked in using the G9 were 1) its responsiveness; its Canon 1D-class fast. For a sports shooter, responsiveness is key 2) The AF system was also very fast 3) I really liked the camera body design, build and control layout and most importantly, overall handling of the camera shooting in the *real world* 4)loved the shutter mech. As good as the Fuji X-H1s. If I weren't wdded to the Fujiflm system, I'd be looking really hard at the G9.
Stephen Scharf Always appreciate your commentary Stephen. G9 is terrific, especially when comparing the price and size (no need for a battery grip) against X-H1 for an all-around hybrid. But that Fuji glass at the price...
Yes. The G9 body/controls is very reminiscent of my Canon 1D's, which is fine functionally; it felt right at home. For me, though, the "analog" controls for the Fuji system are a big plus of the experience, and the X-H1's camera frame is stronger, stiffer, and more robust than the G9's (it will need to be able to mount the forthcoming Fuji 200mm f/2., which will be a BEAST). And then, there are those lenses. On the whole, though, both systems are *VERY* nice, though. Once again, we are "suffering" from an embarrasment of riches these days. Amazing time to be a photographer.
This was such an excellent discussion. Huge thanks to you, Hugh and to Sean for this very informative chat about the new Panasonic cameras. I want a GH5+9, OK?... I want one camera that combines the best of both of these cameras! I have to admit, I was sold on the GH5 for the 10 bit video and various other features, but since I'm a professional photographer, mainly, the G9 is impossible to ignore. Crap. Now I think I want them both, damn you, Panasonic, but wait, that's just what you want, isn't it? Well, I believe I truly want the G9 now. If I could buy it today, I would, somebody get me one now and I'll buy the damn thing! I do so many static scene photos, landscape shots, etc, that the super high res composite shots will be killer. I'd like to see some of them on my 5K iMac first though. OK, so I have to admit that I consumed the better part of a bottle of rather nice wine while watching this video, but prior to that, I was about to pull the trigger on a GH5. I think I'll wait a bit now.. Thanks again for a great video, from your newest subscriber. Cheers!
This is a very informative 54 minute video. Both you guys did an impressive session that I value greatly. I've already had my hands on a G9. A pre-order seems likely.
I am glad to hear that Panasonic is going to be giving photographers more features etc on their cameras. I was beginning to wonder whether they were becoming obsessed with the video side of things. I'm sure the GH5 was shipped as a 'video camera' for tax/import duty purposes. I use the G80 which is great anyway for stills and video which I do both.
Excellent video, thanks. I am interested in the G9 but am slightly put off by the lack of an official in-house service centre in the UK. The only company that services them let me down.
The G9 with the Leica 100-400mm zoom allows hand held pics of sports and birds at equivalent full focal length of 831mm. Nothing comes close to that especially when considering weight and size (length).
Four years after, the g9 sells for almost half of the original price, but you look almost the same!. By the way, I do love my g9, and I’m still a subscriber.😉
This bodes well with GH5 owners, too: if Panasonic is able to improve CDAF implementation via software tweaking and bring it out through firmware upgrades based upon user feedback, then we'd see steady (if slow) improvements to video autofocus tracking in the GH5!
Thanks for explaining benefits of 200 mm f2.8 with 2x converter (to also get to 800mm) versus Panasonic Leica 100-400. Excited for G9 and happy to order in January with Voigtlander 42.5 to capitalize on my personal toy/ doll collection and sightseeing. First Panasonic lens on my wish list is 12mm to get those magazine vacation shots where life happens fast ; )
Thanks for this. Defiantly the best info on the G9 I have seen. I do like where Panasonic are going with their cameras and I quite like this camera. I love the new 200mm lens too as a wildlife shooter the idea of having dual IS 2 and a x2 teleconverter to make it a 400mm f/5.6 and still be sharp, is great to know, although it is way above my price range unfortunately. My biggest wish for Panasonic is that they would make a much better AF system for their cameras that works like Phase Detect or Dual Pixel, that would really be a big improvement and as from what Sean said, it seems the AF only works best for Panasonic lenses with DFD and no other MFT lenses benefit from it as well. I use a GH5 and have used a GH4 and I know how good the AF is for photography, even with Olympus lenses the GH5 AF works very well when taking photos and I quite like it, maybe not as fast as using Panasonic lenses when using other AF lenses like Olympus lenses, but still quite good. Contrast AF works fine and often quite well for photography most of the time, but as Sean said, its poor at tracking moving subjects without getting the pulsing in the background and or losing focus and although I am hoping as they said, it is actually improved on the G9 and not hype like it was with the GH5, only time will tell. Its fine for these photo orientated Panasonic cameras but they can't keep using the same AF system all the time. When it comes to video, the current AF system should be changed to make it work better on their future GH line for video since that is what the GH cameras are designed for. You need tracking AF for shooting videos if you don't want to or it isn't feasible to manual focus like following fast moving or unpredictable moving subjects. This is why so many complained about the video AF on the GH5. So although fine now for the G9, for the GH6, I really hope they replace the contrast detect with something better that can actually lock focus on moving subjects without the constant focus pulsing or losing focus, but I am going slightly off topic as the GH line is for video while this camera is for photography. For all those in the comments complaining about the video features being limited on the G9, that is because the GH5 is the video orientated camera and they wouldn't want to hurt those who bought the GH5 for that reason and hurt sales of it, the G9 is the high end photography equivalent. If you really want video features that much on MFT, get a GH5. I have a GH5 and I am quite happy with it as I shoot more videos than photos, but from knowing what the G9 has, the only thing I wish was in the GH5 had is the high resolution mode.
As an MFT user-I have the Panasonic G80/85 the contrast AF is what I think hold the system back. They can call it DFD or whatever, and claim that every new camera has the fastest AF ever, but is it accurate? I have taken lots of images with my G80 and on the whole I am pleased with the image quality, however some images that I thought I had nailed the focus in fact the camera had focused elsewhere. They definitely need some sort of phase detection AF system like the Olympus OMD cameras. I notice that the new Sony RX10 iv bridge camera has phase detection & contrast, 24fps burst mode-insane!
My experience is that the GH5 AF (and by extrapolation the G9, though I'll find out in the coming days) is excellent for stills -- it SMOKED my Canon 1D (the original) and before anyone says "yeah, that's a 15 year old camera" please remember that it was the camera of professionals. When it comes to video AF, Panny really does have a distance to cover to match Sony and Canon -- and at this moment, I don't know how they'd do it. Doesn't bother me because of what I shoot, and I have Sony gear as well. "Best tool for the job" and all that. :)
This is one of the most entertaining interviews I have ever seen. Thx. Please Panasonic give us a 10mm prime lens 2.5 or faster would be great. Have a nice one
Superb interview Hugh! Really damn good. I would have loved to know if the GH5 firmware R&D is finished or if it is still ongoing. Could some of the G9 AF firmware improvements be ported over to the GH5? This is really the only area left that the GH5 to needs help in. Thanks again, this is truly one of the best GH5/G9 video's on TH-cam today.
Cliff Totten Thanks, Cliff! I believe that updating the GH5 any way they can makes good business sense for Panasonic, so as long as it’s possible I suspect they will - but that’s just conjecture.
resolution isn't always about printing large but it also is great when you are cropping images. When you have enough resolution, you can crop and not see a dip in image quality. Having more megapixels is a luxury to have.
True, but if you have to crop that heavy, did you really get the shot? But of course, tidying up a decent shot that needs to fill the frame more without it looking like trash is pretty handy!
Sir, there are several camera review individuals on TH-cam whose reviews I view on a regular basis. Not that you need my stamp of approval but you are one of my top two. I actually look forward to your reviews, solid observations, well spoken, no b.s., and knowledgeable. Is it safe to say that if I have a Panasonic G9 and a Sony A7R2 or A73, I should be set camera wise if I mainly shoot portrait and street photos? Again, GREAT reviews. PEACE from the STL.
I got up at 3am to get some work done and ended up watching this whole thing instead. Doh! :) The G9 looks interesting and I appreciate Panasonic's continued effort to push boundaries (also nice to see them giving early access and a sit-down to 3BME). The only thing that disappointed me here was the video recording limit. I get that it's stills-centric, but unlimited recording was definitely one of the things that led me to buy my G85.
Once you get a chance to play with this some more, I'd be interested in how you think it compares with the XT-2, a camera you have also strongly praised and that also seems more stills-oriented and I believe is slightly cheaper. Leaving aside the new lens-teleconverter combo, would you see these 2 cameras aiming at roughly the same market?
Thank you for a fantastic discussion and overview of the new Panasonic G9 photographers camera. I was totally unaware of this camera, but I'm super impressed with what you have presented today. Having purchased the GH5 and updated it with the 2.1 firmware I am still blown away with this camera. In your humble option Gordon, will it be easily justifiable to own both the GH5 and the G9? I have an insatiable appetite for good photographic and video graphic equipment and I have a real passion for both photography and videography. Your last comment to me was "You like your glass, don't you" so guess what lens I will be buying next. Many thanks Hugh for another great presentation.
I know that 200/2.8 is calling to you, William. As for the G9 as a second body to the GH5? Well - we're contemplating that, too. The 30 minute limitation of the G9 is an issue for us, but we do have the option of circumventing that by using an external recorder. If we don't mind the bulk and weight of the recorder with batteries and media (nor the elimination of 10-bit 4:2:2 -- which is not an issue, really, as we'd be preserving that option by retaining the GH5), then we'd basically be saving $300 which we could apply toward something else. Hmm...
I like your thinking Hugh and you are absolutely correct the 200/2.8 is calling me. $4,000.00 in Australia so I hope the voice does not get too hoarse in the mean time. Many thanks Hugh
I'm definitely interested in seeing how the camera performs after some hands-on testing. Glad to see some innovation though, and the price is fair. Totally different camera, but reminds me of the d500 almost.
I bought a cheap, gray market G7, with the goal of trying MFT out, and the Lumix line in general. I like just about everything about it except the ergonomics, which stink. Every single time I change hand/grip position, I hit some button or dial. It's just too small to use practically as a stills camera all day long. But as I was hoping, Panasonic kept coming out with new bodies, and this G7 seems great, and I lot more than I ever expected. Can't wait to try it out.
I have an LX100, which I love (for about 18 months now). Would the G9 be a good upgrade as I want to improve my photography, or is the step too small to consider the investment worthwhile?
Interesting times! There's true advancement happening in the photo field with many manufacturer's, and at first i thought where is Panasonic heading with this, with high price tag and not that exciting first announcement... But through-out this video i'm starting to see the ambition, seems like a good call after all. They're pushing the stabilization (both body and lens to next level), software advancement leaps, etc. and aiming for new additional crowds. One might say why to specialize on either video or photography, but it seems most specialize on either / or anyways. Those who want the video, GH5 is there. Is G9 their next best thing when it comes to photography? Time will tell, but they're in good roll at the moment. Specializing, "simplifying", targeting might bring about the better fruit. And honestly, the camera with 200mm 2.8 and specified teleconverter seems like a good deal for those who are serious about it. Seems like a good lens + teleconverter, something that's been missing on m4/3 in the sea of zooms. Pop that on GH5, good stuff! Of course, we still need the real-life experiences. Can the camera and lens deliver, but it's something to look forward to for sure! Excellent interview by the way, very well done! And not to forget the biggest demand. Seeing how the mic port will left vacant for most G9 users. It screams for streaming music, of yeah some Bee Gee's when you're out in the safari. Some TH-cam from flip-screen when riding on the back of the truck. Wait wait now, did i say something about simplifying... That's for future.
Hmm, having said that i might've misunderstood the asking price. If the camera bundled with 200mm 2.8 + teleconverter would've been around 3000€, that's would've been fair and exciting many new users. but in other sources it seems that's just for the lens. The optics have to be REALLY top-notch and the stabilization amazing in order to justify it. Especially for a system that is eventually going obsolete, due to the small sensor. I'm guessing the sales for 300mm 4.0 haven't been that grand and this is even more expensive (albeit with teleconverter). Hmm, i'm a bit puzzled again...
I think Panasonic would have you compare it to, say, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM -- which at $6,900 weighing in at a shade over four and a half pounds, is the closest full frame equivalent. I think this is not an unreasonable comparison, pending the 200/2.8's actual performance. If the 200/2.8 performs optically like the 400/4 and your distribution medium cannot take advantage of the greater resolution or your shooting situation does not require the better high ISO performance of the bigger sensors, the 200/2.8 at $3,000 will be an absolute steal. Those are a few big "ifs," but there you have it.
Nice job! They are so confident in the ability of this autofocus system! Since you have Panasonic ear, why don't you suggest that they do a training video on the autofocus system? I have a GH 5 it is a fantastic camera and I have learn to use the auto focus well enough not to abandon the system but not by much. They always claim things I can not achieve maybe there is something I'm doing wrong? Autofocus for stills before the update worked ok and still does after. Autofocus for video was a problem before the update and I see little improvement. But maybe it's because I am only an amateur and need to be trained?
Very impressive offering for the sports and wildlife photographers. I hope they throw the rest of us a bone next year now that they have satisfied the high frame rate and high ISO crowd.
I'm excited! I have been waiting for several years on a combination of technology, features, ergonomics, and LENS selection before investing in a new system. This looks like the jumping point.
Hey guys i just got the G9, was super disapointed to find out the raw files are not supported by lightroom or Photoshop, any idea when this will be fixed up?
If this was out a month ago, i probably would have bought it over my GH5. Ah who cares, the GH5 is still friggin' awesome, and i mostly shoot landscapes anyway! I wouldn't hate it if it were to adopt that boost to the dynamic range though.
Nice this is the only G9 video I will watch and need to watch! Thanks I now know everything I like to know. Love it that they use the GH3 4 5 battery! That is a big selling point for me. Nice they make teleconverters now. Is it like olympus where it goes into the lens a bit? or can it use on some other lenses too?
Would be nice to hear are these Olympus and Panasonic teleconverters compatible to each others? Like does the panasonic one fit and work with the 40-150mm PRO and vice versa? As IMHO I am getting frustrated how Panasonic and Olympus needs to compete in this kind matters! Like could they come together up with a C-AF system that is totally radical compared to anything previously? A DFD has a nice ideas and presentation what it can do, but then in reality you don't really get it. OSPDAF has benefits for speed and accuracy but then some special cases you pay for it. I am more up to the DFD direction (fully digital one) but done dozens of tests in different environments, days, places side by side, conclusion is that it just ain't there as the OSPDAF is, but then again it has so much potential. And I really hope that G9 is the one that brings it up! m4/3 coaliation needs to get together as soon in 1-2 years Canon and Nikon are all in for mirrorless and they will drag their lens catalog with the existing users and it is a bloody war for marketing people!
as always, pleasant and informative. Thanks too to our guest, Sean, who is extremely knowledgable and brings it across in a very clear way; what is the idea of the tattoo, though ... endoscopy? sorry, couldn't help myself :(
I have to admit that while I'm not a tat kind of guy, Sean's are two of the best I've ever seen (the other was an homage to Banksy). Sean wears his passion on his sleeve. Literally.
it's really OK. Popeye carried an anchor on his arm, didn't he :) great vid, looking forward to user reviews. I have 2 digital cams and 1 of them is the FZ2500. So video is already provided for.
Haven't had a chance to watch it all yet, but like others have commented this video seems to be the best one out there regarding the G9.... One question that does come to mind though - have they announced a price with that Leica 12-60 lens as a kit package?
The lack of phase-detect autofocus in this camera is disappointing...especially if you're like me and invested in Olympus glass. And Panasonic doesn't (can't?) profile Olympus lenses for DFD autofocus. The only reason the G9 is even tempting is that Olympus OM-D E-M1 is not great for video. Even the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is less than ideal for video. But those cameras do have PDAF, and that helps a lot with sports and wildlife, which I tend to shoot quite a bit of. I like what he said about image stabilization at the telephoto end. I think that also has applications for video as well, especially when it comes to sports and wildlife. I can shoot video with my 12-40mm PRO handheld, but not with my 40-150mm f2.8 PRO (let alone my 75-300mm II). It's simply too shaky despite my E-M1's impressive IBIS. And the fact that my E-M1's IBIS can't work in concert with the IBIS on, say, the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm or the 50-200mm makes those less appealing replacements for my existing lenses.
Only just seen this video! My guess: European countries impose a tax on video cameras (i.e. anything which can shoot 30 mins+). The Euro versions of the G85 (G80/G81) have the 29:59:59 limit, to avoid the tax. I am guessing that Panasonic have decided that the G9 will be the same version (and model number) in all territories, which is a good call, but a side effect is the video limit to keep the price down.
Absolutely BRILLIANT interview Hugh! I've thought about the GH5, but now, rethinking the G9. I was attracted by 4K 60P, but capped at 10 minutes. But then, I usually don't shoot continuous longer than 10 minutes and never 30 minutes. I'd be interested in what video features it does or does not have, along with the quality of the faster fps in 1080P. Again, a wonderful interview!
Thank you, Anthony. Sounds like for you the primary issues remaining may be codec and bit depth: I don't believe the '9 has ALL-I at 400mbps, and I know it is not spec'd at 10-bit.
I will wait for your review of the camera. You seem to "ask" the questions of the camera that I would ask, and you have no problem bringing the competition to the table for comparison. A wonderful interview with plenty of insight on what appears to be a ground breaking MTF camera. Bravo!
you did a nice interview, when I first looked at the time of the interview I said I'll look for 5 minutes, but I watched the whole thing. I'm curious, with most of the camera companies coming out with a sports/ wildlife camera, I wonder, what % of people who buy interchangeable lens camera actually shoot sports and wildlife. any idea?
So, if the changes for some improvements made in the G9 using the same engine and sensor as the GH5...does that mean some of these improvements can/will be added to the GH5? I realize the GH5 JUST did get a big firmware update, but will some other changes related to the G9 improvements be coming to the higher priced GH5? You know, the one we already bought/own? ;-)
I was so excited this week I found this video th-cam.com/video/0qzBWdaY634/w-d-xo.html that shows how to unlock record length limits on the G9. The comments said this works only past 29.59 for German/US/Japan versions of the camera, that other EU versions of the camera would remain at 29.59, but it would unlock 4K60 to 29.59 at least. So because of that hack I just bought a G9 (they're selling at around $1000 second hand) to try to get it to do unlimited recording (because supposedly the G9 has better IBIS and video AF than GH5), but sadly my German G9 is blocked at 29.59 according to the Qmenu. I will test it perhaps it does continue recording past the 29.59 anyway, but I guess not. So I may have to trade my German G9 for a US/Japanese version to get unlimited recording by this hack. But if the video AF is still near as bad as GH5 I would have to soon get rid of the camera for something with better video AF (and 4K60, flip out display, dual SD, long battery, etc etc) possibly A7000/A7Siii or X-H2 or GH6 or Canon R-Pro, or Nikon Z5 if Sony and the other camera makers don't disappoint somehow again like they just did with a6400, EOR RP, X-T30 which I think all are very lacking.
As primarily a stills photographer the flip out screen is a deal breaker. Being able to quickly flip down the screen is essential for low angle shots or shooting over head...
Really? You know that once flipped out, the screen can be articulated fully to accommodate low angle & over head shots right? One of the main things I love about my GH4 is that it's 'flippy screen' is super-versatile to use @ low angle in portrait orientation for situations like self/remote portraits, etc. via the Lumix Image app.
When I'm shooting, I shoot a fair amount of things waist level a la Rolleiflex. The flip out screen is cumbersome to both flip out and work with. Once you flip it out its no longer directly behind the lens but off to the side which is disorienting. It's also vulnerable in that position to getting broken. I have a G85 and a GX7 and I love being able to just pull on the bottom of the GX7 screen and look down. IMHO the XT2/GFX has the best implementation of a moveable screen out right now...
As a GH5 user and one who generally taking stills, this makes me kinda sad. However, I'm guessing we are seeing where the GH6 will going in the future and beyond, maybe moving up to a 40MP+ sensor. Is this really the flagship though, or more a flagship for stills? I guess I'm trying to make myself feel better 🙄
Martin Pitt the G9 is definitely our STILLS flagship camera. The GH5 is still a great photography tool (I have, and will still shoot with both) but for those who are not interested in the video primary features have an option oriented toward photo in feature and design.
Sweet. Love my GH5. I probably would have went for this G9 if it had been available earlier this year when I bought the GH5 since my focus is not mostly on video. Anyway, the GH5 is already an outstanding stills camera. I have a large gallery full of wonderful images from the GH5. Very happy with it...but send a G9 to me for testing/review :-)
It wouldn't make any sense to take the hit on the resale of a GH5 just to buy a G9, unless you REALLY, really needed the additional capabilities the G9 offers for stills. The GH5 is way more than 'close enough' in that regard. However, if the G9 and GH5 were both available back when I bought the GH5, I definitely would have picked the G9 for my needs/wants.
They said that they share the same hardware (exept IBIS), just the software is different, so this means that Panasonic will be able to release a firmware update for the GH5 and get all those additional capabilities that the G9 has. I really hope that they can add the 80mpixel inbody for the GH5 too, cause I spend lot of time doing it in post, and is would be just stupid not adding it for the GH5...
Kinda where my thinking is. Panasonic has made me a cautious buyer now. I think GH5/G9 have same limited capabilities in the stills area... maybe slight nudge to G9, but not worth the loss. Better to keep it with 12-35 lens and use for video.
Hi guys. I really enjoyed the video. I have a request if Panasonic is opened to listen to it's customers. Can you please implement for AF lenses, in manual focus mode a distance scale on the camera screen? There is a scale but without marked distance it's not very usefully. Panasonic AF lenses are grate in AF mode but are a really pain to focus manually. Can you please remove the annoying rotation speed sensitivity (or at least give an option to disable it if desire). Coming from manual focus lenses, it's very had to focus with those Lumix AF ones. So basically, I just really wish an option to have a constant reliable rotation of the focus ring (like how manual focus lenses behave) regardless of how fast or slow I turn it and an option to select the degree of the rotation (like 45, 90, 180 degrees of rotation). I understand the limitations of the continuous AF in video mode but please at least offer us a pleasant manual focus experience. Thank you! With best regards.
I really enjoyed this a month ago or whenever it came out and just tortured myself again as I wait for the G9 to be available. Well done (again), Hugh.
I don't think we should call the Hi-Res Mode processing "stitching." Stitching is a very good, nicely evocative name for putting together panoramas. This is more like blending, overlaying, integrating, or just plain assembling. I say it "blends them".
At about the 29:00 minute mark, Shawn mentions the G85 "technically" having a record limit, but is able to shoot past it (much like the GX85, which records until the card is full or the battery dies). Despite the posted record limit of 29:59, is the North American version of the G9 able to record beyond 29:59 or will the recording stop automatically?
I do wish they would put an interlock on the card door. Too many times I have pulled cameras like this out of my bag or off my Spider belt and had the door pop open in the process. There is a reason why other pro cameras have locks on those doors.
pixel shifting would make great macro or studio shots, and focus stacking in camera, my GOD THANK YOU PANASONIC!!!! but you could prolly use HIgh RES pixel shifting in very still landscapes, ice scapes, architecture, desert scapes, ect.... it can be useful for landscapes as long as the photographer is aware of its limitations
Please add function that user can switch between B.I.S. & O.I.S. when Lens with OIS but not supported DUAL I.S.,I have LEICA D 14-50mm and 14-150MM, and I can't switch MEGA OIS or BIS in my GH5.
Avoiding room echo (which was not bad) is much more about mic placement (the closer to the voice the better, like lav mic on their shirts) than skill with RX.
Thanks, do you know what is the cool down time between videos? As the g9 is limited to 10 min 4k60 and 30min 4k30 what happens after the camera stops the recording at that limit, can you start the recording right away or do you have to wait (how long)?
pretty similar, and it works will (any) of our LUMIX lenses. Granted, I have not personally tested every LUMIX lens in the lineup. I WILL, but just haven't had the time. I know for instance that with the GH5, the focus transition function was not compatible with the 20mm F/1.7. So I will need to confirm 100%.
Thx for your reply Sean! I asked because Olympus version only work with certain model of their “pro” lens, so I would like to know if G9 got similar limitation; also wondering as I press the shutter, besides those (around) 15 “pre burst “ raw/Jpeg will be save, how many more could G9 continue to shoot if I keep hold the shutter ? And at what FPS and focus mode?
As a Nikon DSLR User and Olympus mFT user I will definetly agree that both cameras are fine gear. But now comes the but... Both cams have reached weight wise and size wise the dimension of at least a APS-C DLSR, which takes away the main reason (imho) for mFT: size and weight. And you need prime lenses to compensate for the increased DoF compared to APS-C or 35mm, which are also big and heavy. So I don't see the advantages any more really
Any word if the the teleconverters are exclusive for the 200mm (i bit like the Olympus MC-14 for the 40-150mm / 300mm), or are compatible with other Lumix/Leica lenses?
the Teleconverters are exclusive to the 200mm as of now. due to the designs, they need to set into the lens structure, so existing lenses are physically not compatible.
Hello there, I noticed that the g9 is recording 1080p at 28mbs longgop compared to the 100mbs of gh5, is it gonna effect the quality of the video if yes how much?anybody knows? thank you
Charbax Yeah but their A7iii already overdue, im hoping for 36 Mp 10 FPS A7iii hehehehe They always react to strong players from Canon, Fuji, Panny, Nikon. G9 > A9 almost similar in name, its possible Sony would see this as an attack...
I don't quite understand Sony's cameras without the S and R, and I wonder why Sony can't just do a good hybrid. I'm hoping Sony can figure out in A7Smark3 and in A7000 hopefully to be launched by CES 2018 to not overheat with unlimited recording length at 4K60 with 10bit HLG and H265 codec option that is TH-cam-compatible, new larger battery life, always better video autofocus (somehow better than anything else out there), better sunlight viewable flippable Panasonic-like LCD and with full speed backup Dual SD card slots, etc etc.
My analogy : Sony is leading member of Fantastic Four (RubberMan) together with Fuji, Panny, Oly. Ahahha Their mission is dethrone Dr. Canikon, while giving rooms & opportunity to fellow members of Fantastic Four to grow and improving themselves.
Great Video not sure what camera you used to record it but it made his shirt pattern freak out wonder if its filmed with a Sony as I don't get that on my GH5
..thumbs up - you did a great job! I see me buying this lens ;-) . By the way I have sold my a7RII because of the MegaPixel. I make very often composed images and my Photoshop and Lightroom did not like the Sony files. I like to shoot with Panasonic (ergonomics). I really use the GH5 for stills..
Only from that window I would have liked to see the rest of the house. Me, living lately in Arizona and California, I am a sucker for this East Coast- Deep South delicate homes, flooded with green around, with delicate windows and porches.
I'm in conflict, internal conflict. Not sure how I'm feeling right now. A little bit buyers remorse as I just bought the GH5 a month ago. Although, the more I use it the more I like it BUT...didn't really NEED the full video capability of the GH5, but I wanted the latest technology mft camera and didn't care for the M1.2, so I pulled the trigger... when I REALLY wanted the G9, but the damn Panasonic people (yes, you Sean) did an outstanding job at keeping this camera a secret until they sold a boat load of GH5s. AND Hugh's "Camera of the Year" :) Ok, now I will wait to see the real world results, there will be lots of reviews coming and Hugh don't hold back on this, I want the truth. I'll either keep the GH5 or sell it and I'll either buy the G9 or the Sony (since I'm only invested in 1 mft lens). Great video guys, enjoyed it, well done and I hope the Scotch flowed afterwards.
You can always sell the GH5.... Yeah, I always felt that GH line was no good for stills as it was too video focused and G7 was "baby brother" for E-M1. Now the G9 really is what G7 should have been... Still oriented camera.
Hello Three Blind & Sean, Thank you for your video. I read comments but didn't find all informations, then I take the opportunity here: I'm not pro but I want to move to a better image in photo and video mainly for family trip, sports, landscape, wildlife. I have a Mavic Pro, Gopro, crane V2 with sony rx100 compact. I want to find best camera for 55% photo and 45% video in 4K60p would be great. Until now I look on GH5 and also on Sony brand which is more expensive for less ergonomic and usefull functionalities but better autofocus. About GH5, I think is mainly video rather then photo. About G9, I don't know... seems very good but after 10min of video in 4K/60p, what's happen ? Can we restart the camera, wait 2min and then go again for 10 min ? What about profile ? I use protune (gopro) and Dcinelike (Mavic). What will be the profile on G9 ? Thank you to help
Contrast focusing is fine because of help from depth from defocus? Doesn’t this mean that you have to buy only panasonic lenses otherwise you lose this help, and the dual IS. So much for anyone with Olympus lenses
I use an Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 Pro and a Olympus 60mm Macro with my GH5 and I have found the focusing to be fine for photography, maybe ever so slightly slower than using Panasonic lenses, but nothing really noticeable I have also found the lack of IS on the lenses not to be an issue either, except maybe using the macro lens handheld, but I did handhold the 12-40 at 12mm in low light in a forest for over 1 second at ISO 200 and got a sharp image with no blur.
I think you are correct. I have a G80/85 with a mix of Panasonic/Leica and Olympus lenses. The DFD and Dual IS only works on the Panasonic lenses and in fact the Dual IS does not work on my Panasonic 100-300mm lens which I could really do with!
I would be interested in the Panasonic Reps thoughts on this. It couldn't be they only want you to buy Panasonic lenses!! Love the claim that phase detection development has reached the end of development. Phase plus standard contrast detection would allow complete freedom of choice of any lens physically capable of being attached as in other camera systems.
Glad you've had such good results with you setup. I still feel Panasonic will eventually go to contrast plus phase focusing sometime in the future. I would be happy if my Panasonic lenses could all be updated to dual IS!!
2 years on and by far still the best in depth look into the amazing G9....
😊🙏🏻
I've just come across this video. It's great! I loved the way that both participants simply couldn't hide their infectious enthusiasm, with a real struggle to remain sounding calm and professional.
Great Panasonic rep, and great interview. Only planned on watching the first few minutes, but it was so engaging that ended up watching the whole thing
Props for the Panasonic guy's lens internals tattoo!
Mr Gijs Sean’s a great guy.
That is definitely shining through in this video. He's very passionate about the products and very clearly not just a tech guy but also a photographer himself.
How many ED elements? Any nano crystal coatings? :-)
Thanks for the kind words!
I think he's got a Leica Nocticron 42.5mm tatoo also..
Thank you for making this informative and long form interview Hugh. This level of in depth conversation is rare. I appreciate it, as it has assisted me with my research regarding the G9
Ross Waugh glad you found it helpful!
A superb overview and interview. It is rare to see an interviewer and an interviewee with so much synergie on any topic, let alone a technical one. I would say that Panasonic has an excellent ambassador in Sean and a very exciting new product, from what I've just heard, in the G9 AND the 200mm.
Christopher Wheeler Thanks so much for the kind words. More coming with Sean, so stay tuned!
I'm sold, this G9 has all the ergos and features I want, I love my canons, but for wildlife having a 100-400mm that is an effective 400-800mm lens is awesome, attached to a body that has all the dials and joysticks, and IBIS is incredible!!!! That has a tilt flip touchscreen, shoot 4k and super slow motion, it doesnt get any better than that, they just blew everyone else out of the water in one shot, only shortcoming would be no eye AF, limitations of a 4/3 sensor.... but I think I can live with that especially with that 70MP mode
Must resist changing my beloved G85 for the G9. I really enjoy this interview style to present new products. Watched the whole thing.
Did you give in? 🤭
Great work Hugh, thanks for taking the considerable effort to do this. I am a Panasonic shooter since 2013 with the GH3, and also a Sony shooter with a complete a99ii kit. From what you are showing me, the G9 is what I have been looking for. Except... I just took a new day job, and about 1/3 of my efforts is to get a video strategy off the ground. This is a small manufacturing company. They have no equipment yet, and we will use my gear for the first few months, until I figure out what to suggest for purchase. We won't need the cinematic features of the GH5, but I will be using 4k, if only for the pan and zoom in post to 1080. I can almost live with the 10 minute limitation for this, but sometimes, I will need to put it on a tripod and record longer than 30 minutes in 1080. I am really hoping Panasonic reconsiders this, or at least give us a paid way to open up the recording lengths. Truthfully, I think that a 30 minute limit at 4k and unlimited at 1080 is the way to go.
Chris Witzgall Thanks for watching, Chris. I hear you - though you can always circumvent the recording limit with an external recorder (especially if you already have one!). Much testing to do on the G9 (have one in house right now), but am pretty clogged up at the moment so can’t tell you yet about the practical differences between the two cameras when it comes to AF and IBIS - the two primary imaging characteristics that in theory distinguish the two when highest frame rate, recording limits and bit/color depth are not the top priorities. For me, no recording limit is why if I had to do it all over again and could only have one camera I’d still do the GH5. But we’re looking closely at the G9 as a third camera (we also use an a6300, and the latest Sony glass is just extraordinary).
One of the best interviews I have watched!
Thats a pretty comprehensive rundown on the specs of the G9, which I had the chance to handle yesterday, and it is truly amazing, very much the camera that could sway dslr users to Lumix, with the top plate LCD and controls general design makes it feel so familiar straight away.
Great interview. I enjoyed it a lot. Just ordered the G9 to go with my GX9! Gonna sell off my full frame stuff (I'm not a professional just an involved enthusiast).
Enjoyed this very much! Good content from Panasonic rep, and I enjoyed your interview style. Compelling - glad you posted the links for ordering. Thanks.
+Jim Bean Thanks so much for watching and supporting our work!
Just came across this video, Hugh. Really nice interview and Sean is clearly a great product manager for Panasonic. I really liked both yours and Sean's down-to-earth comments and inisghts. Additionally, I recently shot with a G9 at the Sacramento Zoo for about 90 minutes and I came away very impressed with the camera. I can fully substantiate yours and Sean's comments. The top four attributes I really liked in using the G9 were 1) its responsiveness; its Canon 1D-class fast. For a sports shooter, responsiveness is key 2) The AF system was also very fast 3) I really liked the camera body design, build and control layout and most importantly, overall handling of the camera shooting in the *real world* 4)loved the shutter mech. As good as the Fuji X-H1s. If I weren't wdded to the Fujiflm system, I'd be looking really hard at the G9.
Stephen Scharf Always appreciate your commentary Stephen. G9 is terrific, especially when comparing the price and size (no need for a battery grip) against X-H1 for an all-around hybrid. But that Fuji glass at the price...
Yes. The G9 body/controls is very reminiscent of my Canon 1D's, which is fine functionally; it felt right at home. For me, though, the "analog" controls for the Fuji system are a big plus of the experience, and the X-H1's camera frame is stronger, stiffer, and more robust than the G9's (it will need to be able to mount the forthcoming Fuji 200mm f/2., which will be a BEAST). And then, there are those lenses. On the whole, though, both systems are *VERY* nice, though. Once again, we are "suffering" from an embarrasment of riches these days. Amazing time to be a photographer.
This was such an excellent discussion. Huge thanks to you, Hugh and to Sean for this very informative chat about the new Panasonic cameras. I want a GH5+9, OK?... I want one camera that combines the best of both of these cameras! I have to admit, I was sold on the GH5 for the 10 bit video and various other features, but since I'm a professional photographer, mainly, the G9 is impossible to ignore. Crap. Now I think I want them both, damn you, Panasonic, but wait, that's just what you want, isn't it? Well, I believe I truly want the G9 now. If I could buy it today, I would, somebody get me one now and I'll buy the damn thing! I do so many static scene photos, landscape shots, etc, that the super high res composite shots will be killer. I'd like to see some of them on my 5K iMac first though. OK, so I have to admit that I consumed the better part of a bottle of rather nice wine while watching this video, but prior to that, I was about to pull the trigger on a GH5. I think I'll wait a bit now.. Thanks again for a great video, from your newest subscriber. Cheers!
This is a very informative 54 minute video. Both you guys did an impressive session that I value greatly. I've already had my hands on a G9. A pre-order seems likely.
Jackie Semple We had fun! Just beginning to play with a G9 now. I like it.
I am glad to hear that Panasonic is going to be giving photographers more features etc on their cameras. I was beginning to wonder whether they were becoming obsessed with the video side of things. I'm sure the GH5 was shipped as a 'video camera' for tax/import duty purposes. I use the G80 which is great anyway for stills and video which I do both.
Excellent video, thanks. I am interested in the G9 but am slightly put off by the lack of an official in-house service centre in the UK. The only company that services them let me down.
The G9 with the Leica 100-400mm zoom allows hand held pics of sports and birds at equivalent full focal length of 831mm.
Nothing comes close to that especially when considering weight and size (length).
Four years after, the g9 sells for almost half of the original price, but you look almost the same!. By the way, I do love my g9, and I’m still a subscriber.😉
This bodes well with GH5 owners, too: if Panasonic is able to improve CDAF implementation via software tweaking and bring it out through firmware upgrades based upon user feedback, then we'd see steady (if slow) improvements to video autofocus tracking in the GH5!
but seems they say the AF improvements here are for photos only, not for video..
Thanks for explaining benefits of 200 mm f2.8 with 2x converter (to also get to 800mm) versus Panasonic Leica 100-400. Excited for G9 and happy to order in January with Voigtlander 42.5 to capitalize on my personal toy/ doll collection and sightseeing. First Panasonic lens on my wish list is 12mm to get those magazine vacation shots where life happens fast ; )
Thanks for this. Defiantly the best info on the G9 I have seen. I do like where Panasonic are going with their cameras and I quite like this camera. I love the new 200mm lens too as a wildlife shooter the idea of having dual IS 2 and a x2 teleconverter to make it a 400mm f/5.6 and still be sharp, is great to know, although it is way above my price range unfortunately.
My biggest wish for Panasonic is that they would make a much better AF system for their cameras that works like Phase Detect or Dual Pixel, that would really be a big improvement and as from what Sean said, it seems the AF only works best for Panasonic lenses with DFD and no other MFT lenses benefit from it as well.
I use a GH5 and have used a GH4 and I know how good the AF is for photography, even with Olympus lenses the GH5 AF works very well when taking photos and I quite like it, maybe not as fast as using Panasonic lenses when using other AF lenses like Olympus lenses, but still quite good. Contrast AF works fine and often quite well for photography most of the time, but as Sean said, its poor at tracking moving subjects without getting the pulsing in the background and or losing focus and although I am hoping as they said, it is actually improved on the G9 and not hype like it was with the GH5, only time will tell.
Its fine for these photo orientated Panasonic cameras but they can't keep using the same AF system all the time. When it comes to video, the current AF system should be changed to make it work better on their future GH line for video since that is what the GH cameras are designed for.
You need tracking AF for shooting videos if you don't want to or it isn't feasible to manual focus like following fast moving or unpredictable moving subjects. This is why so many complained about the video AF on the GH5. So although fine now for the G9, for the GH6, I really hope they replace the contrast detect with something better that can actually lock focus on moving subjects without the constant focus pulsing or losing focus, but I am going slightly off topic as the GH line is for video while this camera is for photography.
For all those in the comments complaining about the video features being limited on the G9, that is because the GH5 is the video orientated camera and they wouldn't want to hurt those who bought the GH5 for that reason and hurt sales of it, the G9 is the high end photography equivalent. If you really want video features that much on MFT, get a GH5. I have a GH5 and I am quite happy with it as I shoot more videos than photos, but from knowing what the G9 has, the only thing I wish was in the GH5 had is the high resolution mode.
As an MFT user-I have the Panasonic G80/85 the contrast AF is what I think hold the system back. They can call it DFD or whatever, and claim that every new camera has the fastest AF ever, but is it accurate? I have taken lots of images with my G80 and on the whole I am pleased with the image quality, however some images that I thought I had nailed the focus in fact the camera had focused elsewhere. They definitely need some sort of phase detection AF system like the Olympus OMD cameras. I notice that the new Sony RX10 iv bridge camera has phase detection & contrast, 24fps burst mode-insane!
My experience is that the GH5 AF (and by extrapolation the G9, though I'll find out in the coming days) is excellent for stills -- it SMOKED my Canon 1D (the original) and before anyone says "yeah, that's a 15 year old camera" please remember that it was the camera of professionals. When it comes to video AF, Panny really does have a distance to cover to match Sony and Canon -- and at this moment, I don't know how they'd do it. Doesn't bother me because of what I shoot, and I have Sony gear as well. "Best tool for the job" and all that. :)
This is one of the most entertaining interviews I have ever seen. Thx. Please Panasonic give us a 10mm prime lens 2.5 or faster would be great. Have a nice one
Watched the whole interview. Fantastic to watch.
😊🖖🏻
Superb interview Hugh! Really damn good. I would have loved to know if the GH5 firmware R&D is finished or if it is still ongoing. Could some of the G9 AF firmware improvements be ported over to the GH5? This is really the only area left that the GH5 to needs help in. Thanks again, this is truly one of the best GH5/G9 video's on TH-cam today.
Cliff Totten Thanks, Cliff! I believe that updating the GH5 any way they can makes good business sense for Panasonic, so as long as it’s possible I suspect they will - but that’s just conjecture.
resolution isn't always about printing large but it also is great when you are cropping images. When you have enough resolution, you can crop and not see a dip in image quality. Having more megapixels is a luxury to have.
Fair enough!
True, but if you have to crop that heavy, did you really get the shot? But of course, tidying up a decent shot that needs to fill the frame more without it looking like trash is pretty handy!
Sir, there are several camera review individuals on TH-cam whose reviews I view on a regular basis. Not that you need my stamp of approval but you are one of my top two. I actually look forward to your reviews, solid observations, well spoken, no b.s., and knowledgeable. Is it safe to say that if I have a Panasonic G9 and a Sony A7R2 or A73, I should be set camera wise if I mainly shoot portrait and street photos? Again, GREAT reviews. PEACE from the STL.
Delighted you enjoy our work. Short answer: absolutely!
Thank you for the response sir!
I got up at 3am to get some work done and ended up watching this whole thing instead. Doh! :) The G9 looks interesting and I appreciate Panasonic's continued effort to push boundaries (also nice to see them giving early access and a sit-down to 3BME). The only thing that disappointed me here was the video recording limit. I get that it's stills-centric, but unlimited recording was definitely one of the things that led me to buy my G85.
Mark Thomson I’d love to see that, too!
Once you get a chance to play with this some more, I'd be interested in how you think it compares with the XT-2, a camera you have also strongly praised and that also seems more stills-oriented and I believe is slightly cheaper. Leaving aside the new lens-teleconverter combo, would you see these 2 cameras aiming at roughly the same market?
Thank you for a fantastic discussion and overview of the new Panasonic G9 photographers camera. I was totally unaware of this camera, but I'm super impressed with what you have presented today. Having purchased the GH5 and updated it with the 2.1 firmware I am still blown away with this camera. In your humble option Gordon, will it be easily justifiable to own both the GH5 and the G9? I have an insatiable appetite for good photographic and video graphic equipment and I have a real passion for both photography and videography. Your last comment to me was "You like your glass, don't you" so guess what lens I will be buying next. Many thanks Hugh for another great presentation.
I know that 200/2.8 is calling to you, William. As for the G9 as a second body to the GH5? Well - we're contemplating that, too. The 30 minute limitation of the G9 is an issue for us, but we do have the option of circumventing that by using an external recorder. If we don't mind the bulk and weight of the recorder with batteries and media (nor the elimination of 10-bit 4:2:2 -- which is not an issue, really, as we'd be preserving that option by retaining the GH5), then we'd basically be saving $300 which we could apply toward something else. Hmm...
I like your thinking Hugh and you are absolutely correct the 200/2.8 is calling me. $4,000.00 in Australia so I hope the voice does not get too hoarse in the mean time. Many thanks Hugh
I'm definitely interested in seeing how the camera performs after some hands-on testing. Glad to see some innovation though, and the price is fair. Totally different camera, but reminds me of the d500 almost.
Have one and will be posting in the coming days and weeks.
Really nice rundown!
Good work Panasonic!
I just hope that AFC at 20fps will not lose AF. I hope that poor AFC reputation is gone now!
The grips of my G9 is really fantastic! I feel like I could use it without a strap. However, it is just too crowded to not use one in Macau.
I know it's too much to ask, but can people *shut up* about the video features? Get the GH5 and be happy. Thanks.
I bought a cheap, gray market G7, with the goal of trying MFT out, and the Lumix line in general. I like just about everything about it except the ergonomics, which stink. Every single time I change hand/grip position, I hit some button or dial. It's just too small to use practically as a stills camera all day long. But as I was hoping, Panasonic kept coming out with new bodies, and this G7 seems great, and I lot more than I ever expected. Can't wait to try it out.
I have an LX100, which I love (for about 18 months now). Would the G9 be a good upgrade as I want to improve my photography, or is the step too small to consider the investment worthwhile?
Awesome video! Very in depth. So if the autofocus can be fixed with firmware does that mean we can expect a much needed autofocus update for the g85?
Interesting times! There's true advancement happening in the photo field with many manufacturer's, and at first i thought where is Panasonic heading with this, with high price tag and not that exciting first announcement... But through-out this video i'm starting to see the ambition, seems like a good call after all. They're pushing the stabilization (both body and lens to next level), software advancement leaps, etc. and aiming for new additional crowds. One might say why to specialize on either video or photography, but it seems most specialize on either / or anyways. Those who want the video, GH5 is there. Is G9 their next best thing when it comes to photography? Time will tell, but they're in good roll at the moment. Specializing, "simplifying", targeting might bring about the better fruit. And honestly, the camera with 200mm 2.8 and specified teleconverter seems like a good deal for those who are serious about it. Seems like a good lens + teleconverter, something that's been missing on m4/3 in the sea of zooms. Pop that on GH5, good stuff!
Of course, we still need the real-life experiences. Can the camera and lens deliver, but it's something to look forward to for sure! Excellent interview by the way, very well done!
And not to forget the biggest demand. Seeing how the mic port will left vacant for most G9 users. It screams for streaming music, of yeah some Bee Gee's when you're out in the safari. Some TH-cam from flip-screen when riding on the back of the truck. Wait wait now, did i say something about simplifying... That's for future.
Hmm, having said that i might've misunderstood the asking price. If the camera bundled with 200mm 2.8 + teleconverter would've been around 3000€, that's would've been fair and exciting many new users. but in other sources it seems that's just for the lens. The optics have to be REALLY top-notch and the stabilization amazing in order to justify it. Especially for a system that is eventually going obsolete, due to the small sensor. I'm guessing the sales for 300mm 4.0 haven't been that grand and this is even more expensive (albeit with teleconverter). Hmm, i'm a bit puzzled again...
I think Panasonic would have you compare it to, say, the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM -- which at $6,900 weighing in at a shade over four and a half pounds, is the closest full frame equivalent. I think this is not an unreasonable comparison, pending the 200/2.8's actual performance. If the 200/2.8 performs optically like the 400/4 and your distribution medium cannot take advantage of the greater resolution or your shooting situation does not require the better high ISO performance of the bigger sensors, the 200/2.8 at $3,000 will be an absolute steal. Those are a few big "ifs," but there you have it.
Nice job! They are so confident in the ability of this autofocus system! Since you have Panasonic ear, why don't you suggest that they do a training video on the autofocus system? I have a GH 5 it is a fantastic camera and I have learn to use the auto focus well enough not to abandon the system but not by much. They always claim things I can not achieve maybe there is something I'm doing wrong? Autofocus for stills before the update worked ok and still does after. Autofocus for video was a problem before the update and I see little improvement. But maybe it's because I am only an amateur and need to be trained?
This was a great review. I purchased my G9 because of it. Keep them coming and thanks again!
Derrick Matthews Enjoy!
51:44 Squirrel runs by exposing secret location
Very impressive offering for the sports and wildlife photographers. I hope they throw the rest of us a bone next year now that they have satisfied the high frame rate and high ISO crowd.
Nice Job Hugh: As a committed Lumix m43 user; this is very exciting!
Thank you! Yes, this really is exciting. DARN IT.
I'm excited! I have been waiting for several years on a combination of technology, features, ergonomics, and LENS selection before investing in a new system. This looks like the jumping point.
It really is an impressive combo.
Hey guys i just got the G9, was super disapointed to find out the raw files are not supported by lightroom or Photoshop, any idea when this will be fixed up?
If this was out a month ago, i probably would have bought it over my GH5. Ah who cares, the GH5 is still friggin' awesome, and i mostly shoot landscapes anyway! I wouldn't hate it if it were to adopt that boost to the dynamic range though.
Nice this is the only G9 video I will watch and need to watch! Thanks I now know everything I like to know. Love it that they use the GH3 4 5 battery! That is a big selling point for me. Nice they make teleconverters now. Is it like olympus where it goes into the lens a bit? or can it use on some other lenses too?
Can’t say that I had enough time with it to look. But stay tuned!
The only compatible lens at the moment will be the 200mm f2.8 because of indeed they go a bit into the lens
Would be nice to hear are these Olympus and Panasonic teleconverters compatible to each others? Like does the panasonic one fit and work with the 40-150mm PRO and vice versa?
As IMHO I am getting frustrated how Panasonic and Olympus needs to compete in this kind matters!
Like could they come together up with a C-AF system that is totally radical compared to anything previously? A DFD has a nice ideas and presentation what it can do, but then in reality you don't really get it. OSPDAF has benefits for speed and accuracy but then some special cases you pay for it. I am more up to the DFD direction (fully digital one) but done dozens of tests in different environments, days, places side by side, conclusion is that it just ain't there as the OSPDAF is, but then again it has so much potential. And I really hope that G9 is the one that brings it up!
m4/3 coaliation needs to get together as soon in 1-2 years Canon and Nikon are all in for mirrorless and they will drag their lens catalog with the existing users and it is a bloody war for marketing people!
as always, pleasant and informative. Thanks too to our guest, Sean, who is extremely knowledgable and brings it across in a very clear way; what is the idea of the tattoo, though ... endoscopy? sorry, couldn't help myself :(
I have to admit that while I'm not a tat kind of guy, Sean's are two of the best I've ever seen (the other was an homage to Banksy). Sean wears his passion on his sleeve. Literally.
it's really OK. Popeye carried an anchor on his arm, didn't he :) great vid, looking forward to user reviews. I have 2 digital cams and 1 of them is the FZ2500. So video is already provided for.
Beauty camera. My only question is when does the G85 replacement come out? Spring/summer 2018?
Haven't had a chance to watch it all yet, but like others have commented this video seems to be the best one out there regarding the G9.... One question that does come to mind though - have they announced a price with that Leica 12-60 lens as a kit package?
White Wulfe Thank you! But no, not yet.
It would be great to have same body as g9 with a full frame sensor in it! G9mkii, come on Lumix!
QUESTION: can I record 2x 6min in 4k60fps with G9? Or it will stop in the SEC recording at the 4th min?
The forth guy is trying to sell me functioning video autofocus in an alley
The lack of phase-detect autofocus in this camera is disappointing...especially if you're like me and invested in Olympus glass. And Panasonic doesn't (can't?) profile Olympus lenses for DFD autofocus.
The only reason the G9 is even tempting is that Olympus OM-D E-M1 is not great for video. Even the OM-D E-M1 Mark II is less than ideal for video. But those cameras do have PDAF, and that helps a lot with sports and wildlife, which I tend to shoot quite a bit of.
I like what he said about image stabilization at the telephoto end. I think that also has applications for video as well, especially when it comes to sports and wildlife. I can shoot video with my 12-40mm PRO handheld, but not with my 40-150mm f2.8 PRO (let alone my 75-300mm II). It's simply too shaky despite my E-M1's impressive IBIS. And the fact that my E-M1's IBIS can't work in concert with the IBIS on, say, the Panasonic Leica 100-400mm or the 50-200mm makes those less appealing replacements for my existing lenses.
One thing - The G9 has a 30 minute record limit whereas the G85 is limitless? This is a head-scratcher for me.
Only just seen this video! My guess: European countries impose a tax on video cameras (i.e. anything which can shoot 30 mins+). The Euro versions of the G85 (G80/G81) have the 29:59:59 limit, to avoid the tax. I am guessing that Panasonic have decided that the G9 will be the same version (and model number) in all territories, which is a good call, but a side effect is the video limit to keep the price down.
agreed...head-scratcher. Also surprised that only movie modes are MP4 or AVCHD
Absolutely BRILLIANT interview Hugh! I've thought about the GH5, but now, rethinking the G9. I was attracted by 4K 60P, but capped at 10 minutes. But then, I usually don't shoot continuous longer than 10 minutes and never 30 minutes. I'd be interested in what video features it does or does not have, along with the quality of the faster fps in 1080P. Again, a wonderful interview!
Thank you, Anthony. Sounds like for you the primary issues remaining may be codec and bit depth: I don't believe the '9 has ALL-I at 400mbps, and I know it is not spec'd at 10-bit.
I will wait for your review of the camera. You seem to "ask" the questions of the camera that I would ask, and you have no problem bringing the competition to the table for comparison. A wonderful interview with plenty of insight on what appears to be a ground breaking MTF camera. Bravo!
yes we like high resolution mode on the gh5 too!! great stuff!!
Awesome overview.
you did a nice interview, when I first looked at the time of the interview I said I'll look for 5 minutes, but I watched the whole thing.
I'm curious, with most of the camera companies coming out with a sports/ wildlife camera, I wonder, what % of people who buy interchangeable lens camera actually shoot sports and wildlife. any idea?
Hello. Regarding image quality in low light; what's about the pixel size on the sensor compared to the new A7R3?
So, if the changes for some improvements made in the G9 using the same engine and sensor as the GH5...does that mean some of these improvements can/will be added to the GH5? I realize the GH5 JUST did get a big firmware update, but will some other changes related to the G9 improvements be coming to the higher priced GH5? You know, the one we already bought/own? ;-)
I was so excited this week I found this video th-cam.com/video/0qzBWdaY634/w-d-xo.html that shows how to unlock record length limits on the G9. The comments said this works only past 29.59 for German/US/Japan versions of the camera, that other EU versions of the camera would remain at 29.59, but it would unlock 4K60 to 29.59 at least. So because of that hack I just bought a G9 (they're selling at around $1000 second hand) to try to get it to do unlimited recording (because supposedly the G9 has better IBIS and video AF than GH5), but sadly my German G9 is blocked at 29.59 according to the Qmenu. I will test it perhaps it does continue recording past the 29.59 anyway, but I guess not. So I may have to trade my German G9 for a US/Japanese version to get unlimited recording by this hack. But if the video AF is still near as bad as GH5 I would have to soon get rid of the camera for something with better video AF (and 4K60, flip out display, dual SD, long battery, etc etc) possibly A7000/A7Siii or X-H2 or GH6 or Canon R-Pro, or Nikon Z5 if Sony and the other camera makers don't disappoint somehow again like they just did with a6400, EOR RP, X-T30 which I think all are very lacking.
Excellent, informative interview.
Thanks so much for watching!
My Lumix bridge camera has better red color than my canon. I use my bridge camera, canon is just sports, but this gives me both. Good job !
As primarily a stills photographer the flip out screen is a deal breaker. Being able to quickly flip down the screen is essential for low angle shots or shooting over head...
Really? You know that once flipped out, the screen can be articulated fully to accommodate low angle & over head shots right? One of the main things I love about my GH4 is that it's 'flippy screen' is super-versatile to use @ low angle in portrait orientation for situations like self/remote portraits, etc. via the Lumix Image app.
When I'm shooting, I shoot a fair amount of things waist level a la Rolleiflex. The flip out screen is cumbersome to both flip out and work with. Once you flip it out its no longer directly behind the lens but off to the side which is disorienting. It's also vulnerable in that position to getting broken. I have a G85 and a GX7 and I love being able to just pull on the bottom of the GX7 screen and look down. IMHO the XT2/GFX has the best implementation of a moveable screen out right now...
As a GH5 user and one who generally taking stills, this makes me kinda sad. However, I'm guessing we are seeing where the GH6 will going in the future and beyond, maybe moving up to a 40MP+ sensor. Is this really the flagship though, or more a flagship for stills? I guess I'm trying to make myself feel better 🙄
Martin Pitt the G9 is definitely our STILLS flagship camera. The GH5 is still a great photography tool (I have, and will still shoot with both) but for those who are not interested in the video primary features have an option oriented toward photo in feature and design.
Sweet. Love my GH5. I probably would have went for this G9 if it had been available earlier this year when I bought the GH5 since my focus is not mostly on video. Anyway, the GH5 is already an outstanding stills camera. I have a large gallery full of wonderful images from the GH5. Very happy with it...but send a G9 to me for testing/review :-)
Hooked on Photography I'm sure you will find a second hand buyer for your GH5
It wouldn't make any sense to take the hit on the resale of a GH5 just to buy a G9, unless you REALLY, really needed the additional capabilities the G9 offers for stills. The GH5 is way more than 'close enough' in that regard. However, if the G9 and GH5 were both available back when I bought the GH5, I definitely would have picked the G9 for my needs/wants.
Put on a wishlist as backup camera with different lens to give GH5 breathing room.
They said that they share the same hardware (exept IBIS), just the software is different, so this means that Panasonic will be able to release a firmware update for the GH5 and get all those additional capabilities that the G9 has. I really hope that they can add the 80mpixel inbody for the GH5 too, cause I spend lot of time doing it in post, and is would be just stupid not adding it for the GH5...
Kinda where my thinking is. Panasonic has made me a cautious buyer now. I think GH5/G9 have same limited capabilities in the stills area... maybe slight nudge to G9, but not worth the loss. Better to keep it with 12-35 lens and use for video.
Hi guys.
I really enjoyed the video.
I have a request if Panasonic is opened to listen to it's customers.
Can you please implement for AF lenses, in manual focus mode a distance scale on the camera screen? There is a scale but without marked distance it's not very usefully.
Panasonic AF lenses are grate in AF mode but are a really pain to focus manually. Can you please remove the annoying rotation speed sensitivity (or at least give an option to disable it if desire). Coming from manual focus lenses, it's very had to focus with those Lumix AF ones. So basically, I just really wish an option to have a constant reliable rotation of the focus ring (like how manual focus lenses behave) regardless of how fast or slow I turn it and an option to select the degree of the rotation (like 45, 90, 180 degrees of rotation).
I understand the limitations of the continuous AF in video mode but please at least offer us a pleasant manual focus experience.
Thank you!
With best regards.
I really enjoyed this a month ago or whenever it came out and just tortured myself again as I wait for the G9 to be available. Well done (again), Hugh.
MoffatCreative right there with you!
The g9 sensor looks more 4:3 than the gh5s, why is that? thought it would be the exact same sensor
I don't think we should call the Hi-Res Mode processing "stitching." Stitching is a very good, nicely evocative name for putting together panoramas. This is more like blending, overlaying, integrating, or just plain assembling. I say it "blends them".
"Compositing?"
Nah, compositing is a Photoshop thing... and it's not catchy. That's the problem "Blending" too, I will admit... "Weaves?"
At about the 29:00 minute mark, Shawn mentions the G85 "technically" having a record limit, but is able to shoot past it (much like the GX85, which records until the card is full or the battery dies). Despite the posted record limit of 29:59, is the North American version of the G9 able to record beyond 29:59 or will the recording stop automatically?
Jeffery Saddoris It will stop. But: you can use an external recorder to get past it.
I do wish they would put an interlock on the card door. Too many times I have pulled cameras like this out of my bag or off my Spider belt and had the door pop open in the process. There is a reason why other pro cameras have locks on those doors.
Fantastic Hugh. Thank you.
Thank YOU for watching and your encouragement!
pixel shifting would make great macro or studio shots, and focus stacking in camera, my GOD THANK YOU PANASONIC!!!! but you could prolly use HIgh RES pixel shifting in very still landscapes, ice scapes, architecture, desert scapes, ect.... it can be useful for landscapes as long as the photographer is aware of its limitations
Please add function that user can switch between B.I.S. & O.I.S. when Lens with OIS but not supported DUAL I.S.,I have LEICA D 14-50mm and 14-150MM, and I can't switch MEGA OIS or BIS in my GH5.
Avoiding room echo (which was not bad) is much more about mic placement (the closer to the voice the better, like lav mic on their shirts) than skill with RX.
Agreed: I just got tired of futzing with the lav. I might have to reconsider.
Thanks, do you know what is the cool down time between videos? As the g9 is limited to 10 min 4k60 and 30min 4k30 what happens after the camera stops the recording at that limit, can you start the recording right away or do you have to wait (how long)?
CameraDeal I don’t know the answer, but perhaps Sean does.
Hi,
I have a question will the 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverter work also for the 100 - 400 lens?
Good question. It would be great if it did :-)
We'll find out soon enough!
Thanks for checking. I love my GH5 + 100-400 lens and a teleconverter to that would be awesome.
I think @Sean Robinson replied elsewhere in this comments section that it doesn't?
I did not find it.
Is the 4K60fps autofocus better than the GH5? The GH5 autofocus is horrible.
To be determined, but I'd guess not much has changed. OTOH, I believe Sean when he says that Panasonic is committed to improving it.
I'm not even through the whole video , dang DEEP !!
Hi Sean just wondering about the pre burst mode u mention that is similar to “pro capture” on Olympus - will it work on all pana lens? Thanks
pretty similar, and it works will (any) of our LUMIX lenses. Granted, I have not personally tested every LUMIX lens in the lineup. I WILL, but just haven't had the time. I know for instance that with the GH5, the focus transition function was not compatible with the 20mm F/1.7. So I will need to confirm 100%.
Thx for your reply Sean! I asked because Olympus version only work with certain model of their “pro” lens, so I would like to know if G9 got similar limitation; also wondering as I press the shutter, besides those (around) 15 “pre burst “ raw/Jpeg will be save, how many more could G9 continue to shoot if I keep hold the shutter ? And at what FPS and focus mode?
As a Nikon DSLR User and Olympus mFT user I will definetly agree that both cameras are fine gear. But now comes the but... Both cams have reached weight wise and size wise the dimension of at least a APS-C DLSR, which takes away the main reason (imho) for mFT: size and weight. And you need prime lenses to compensate for the increased DoF compared to APS-C or 35mm, which are also big and heavy. So I don't see the advantages any more really
Dirk Tannhäuser I understand. But look at the size of those primes, full frame vs. MFT. Look at the IBIS and video assists of MFT vs FF.
Is the new IBIS needed to get the new 80mpixel shots? So could it be added in the GH5??
Any word if the the teleconverters are exclusive for the 200mm (i bit like the Olympus MC-14 for the 40-150mm / 300mm), or are compatible with other Lumix/Leica lenses?
the Teleconverters are exclusive to the 200mm as of now. due to the designs, they need to set into the lens structure, so existing lenses are physically not compatible.
Hello there, I noticed that the g9 is recording 1080p at 28mbs longgop compared to the 100mbs of gh5, is it gonna effect the quality of the video if yes how much?anybody knows? thank you
Hm. It does sound like DFD will only work with Panasonic lenses. Any confirmation on that?
Love the camera design & features.
Definitely a strong player from Panny.
Cant wait till Sony fight this G9 with A7iii 36Mp.
Sony already presented their photo cam A7R mark3, right?
Charbax
Yeah but their A7iii already overdue, im hoping for 36 Mp 10 FPS A7iii hehehehe
They always react to strong players from Canon, Fuji, Panny, Nikon.
G9 > A9 almost similar in name, its possible Sony would see this as an attack...
I don't quite understand Sony's cameras without the S and R, and I wonder why Sony can't just do a good hybrid.
I'm hoping Sony can figure out in A7Smark3 and in A7000 hopefully to be launched by CES 2018 to not overheat with unlimited recording length at 4K60 with 10bit HLG and H265 codec option that is TH-cam-compatible, new larger battery life, always better video autofocus (somehow better than anything else out there), better sunlight viewable flippable Panasonic-like LCD and with full speed backup Dual SD card slots, etc etc.
My analogy :
Sony is leading member of Fantastic Four (RubberMan)
together with Fuji, Panny, Oly. Ahahha
Their mission is dethrone Dr. Canikon, while giving rooms & opportunity to fellow members of Fantastic Four to grow and improving themselves.
And they're all Japanese.
So they're kind of like the gang of 4 Yakuza trying to dethrone the slow moving Sumo and the outdated Samourai.
Great Video not sure what camera you used to record it but it made his shirt pattern freak out wonder if its filmed with a Sony as I don't get that on my GH5
Tech Checker we used a GH5 as well!
Three Blind Men and An Elephant Productions Doh 😂 I’ve not had that effect on a shirt before love the channel keep up the great work 👍
Maybe I should have waited till the end before leaving a comment lol Android The App works ok on my iPhone maybe they have done an update now
..thumbs up - you did a great job! I see me buying this lens ;-) . By the way I have sold my a7RII because of the MegaPixel. I make very often composed images and my Photoshop and Lightroom did not like the Sony files. I like to shoot with Panasonic (ergonomics). I really use the GH5 for stills..
Thanks for watching!
Only from that window I would have liked to see the rest of the house. Me, living lately in Arizona and California, I am a sucker for this East Coast- Deep South delicate homes, flooded with green around, with delicate windows and porches.
I can't say much about it -- otherwise they'd kill me -- but I can say it's a lovely house and home. Very fortunate to be allowed to film there.
I'm in conflict, internal conflict. Not sure how I'm feeling right now. A little bit buyers remorse as I just bought the GH5 a month ago. Although, the more I use it the more I like it BUT...didn't really NEED the full video capability of the GH5, but I wanted the latest technology mft camera and didn't care for the M1.2, so I pulled the trigger... when I REALLY wanted the G9, but the damn Panasonic people (yes, you Sean) did an outstanding job at keeping this camera a secret until they sold a boat load of GH5s. AND Hugh's "Camera of the Year" :) Ok, now I will wait to see the real world results, there will be lots of reviews coming and Hugh don't hold back on this, I want the truth. I'll either keep the GH5 or sell it and I'll either buy the G9 or the Sony (since I'm only invested in 1 mft lens). Great video guys, enjoyed it, well done and I hope the Scotch flowed afterwards.
no scotch this time :-P
We didn't have a designated driver. ;) You will always get the truth from me as long as I'm honest with myself -- that's where it starts, right?
Maybe they will have an upadate for jpeg renderings for gh5
You can always sell the GH5....
Yeah, I always felt that GH line was no good for stills as it was too video focused and G7 was "baby brother" for E-M1. Now the G9 really is what G7 should have been... Still oriented camera.
Which sony bro
I stick through the entire 54m, didn't hear anything about the VFR? does it record 120, 180fps in 1080p?
The G9 will record 48fps at 4K24p, 60fps at 4K30P, and 180fps at 1080 30P. These are all conformed in camera.
Wow 48fps CRFTSHO are going to be happy.
48FPS is conformed to 24p for slow mo. It is not recording native 48FPS as an output.
So it's the variable frame rate mode exactly like the GH5? 1080p 24p can be used anywhere between 2-180fps? Did I get that right?
I know this question is for all the slow motion enthusiasts, and this G9 is more for stills, but I do both, just want to clarify
Does anyone know why it uses the old (and clunky) micro-USB connector instead of USB-C?
Are they gonna do something about the tripod mount un the battery grip of the Gh5??? They fix the new one but what about that?
to "fix" the grip for the GH5 would require a complete re-tooling and new part. sad to say, but it is what it is :-(
Noticed the squirrel in the background outside at 37.25min :) lol
Holy cow! Good eyes!
More like an eye for details :) haha
Hello Three Blind & Sean, Thank you for your video. I read comments but didn't find all informations, then I take the opportunity here: I'm not pro but I want to move to a better image in photo and video mainly for family trip, sports, landscape, wildlife. I have a Mavic Pro, Gopro, crane V2 with sony rx100 compact. I want to find best camera for 55% photo and 45% video in 4K60p would be great. Until now I look on GH5 and also on Sony brand which is more expensive for less ergonomic and usefull functionalities but better autofocus. About GH5, I think is mainly video rather then photo. About G9, I don't know... seems very good but after 10min of video in 4K/60p, what's happen ? Can we restart the camera, wait 2min and then go again for 10 min ? What about profile ? I use protune (gopro) and Dcinelike (Mavic). What will be the profile on G9 ? Thank you to help
Shooting with that 400m as prime lens would require to step like 100m away of the subject :D
Contrast focusing is fine because of help from depth from defocus? Doesn’t this mean that you have to buy only panasonic lenses otherwise you lose this help, and the dual IS. So much for anyone with Olympus lenses
I use an Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 Pro and a Olympus 60mm Macro with my GH5 and I have found the focusing to be fine for photography, maybe ever so slightly slower than using Panasonic lenses, but nothing really noticeable I have also found the lack of IS on the lenses not to be an issue either, except maybe using the macro lens handheld, but I did handhold the 12-40 at 12mm in low light in a forest for over 1 second at ISO 200 and got a sharp image with no blur.
I think you are correct. I have a G80/85 with a mix of Panasonic/Leica and Olympus lenses. The DFD and Dual IS only works on the Panasonic lenses and in fact the Dual IS does not work on my Panasonic 100-300mm lens which I could really do with!
I need to spend more time assessing this, as only one of my lenses - the 15mm Summilux -- is Leica. The other two are the Sigma 30/1.4 and Oly 75/1.8.
I would be interested in the Panasonic Reps thoughts on this. It couldn't be they only want you to buy Panasonic lenses!! Love the claim that phase detection development has reached the end of development. Phase plus standard contrast detection would allow complete freedom of choice of any lens physically capable of being attached as in other camera systems.
Glad you've had such good results with you setup. I still feel Panasonic will eventually go to contrast plus phase focusing sometime in the future. I would be happy if my Panasonic lenses could all be updated to dual IS!!