Just ordered a used G9 on Amazon. I had one several years ago but sold it because I simply had too much camera gear and decided to stick with my FF Canon. I'm getting back into photography now that my kids are playing sports. I know the G9II has the better focusing system but I don't recall having any issues focusing with the G9 when I had it. Then again I wasn't shooting 10 and 11 year olds running around on the soccer and football fields. We shall see how it (and I) keeps up with the fast action with the 200mm f2.8 Panasonic lens mounted to it. I couldn't bring myself to pay close to $2k for the g9ii when I could get a used G9 for $500.
Couldn't agree more Grant - the old G9 is still a great camera. The range of features available are mind-blowing, and it's capable of delivering some excellent image quality in good light. Even in low light, with the PL 25mm f1.4 or PL 15mm f1.7, images can look good at ISOs up to 3200. IMHO, its only faults are weight and size, so I tend to use the GX9 for most street and day-to-day photography, and save the G9 for when I can take it in the car!
You are offering people good advice here Grant. While I like what Panasonic have done with the mk II, as an owner of the mark 1 I don't feel the need for anything better. Maybe you could argue the phase detect AF, but I use my G9 mostly for motorsport and sometimes wildlife with the 100-400 Pana-Leica lens and the keeper rates are pretty good. As long as I use the focus limiter, it locks on quick and accurate and does a good job even for birds in flight (which are quite high contrast against the sky if you think about it). With all the latest firmware updates, the Animal detect AF does a great job of mistaking race motorcycles for animals, locks on and tracks really well. At 6 frames per second, does an additional 2-3% on your keeper rate make it worth an upgrade? With used prices where they are, its hardly worth selling one if you have it and if you don't have one, its a flying bargain!
Hi, Richard. Are examples of your motorsports photography on-line? That is something I would like to get into and I also have a G9. Which lenses do you use wirh the G9 for motorsports?
@@marcuswarren1320 Hi Marcus, I don't have any of the racing stuff up online yet, I do have a footprint on 500px, but its mostly street stuff from around London, right now I'm a bit distracted by other projects. Re: using the G9, great choice of rig, its every bit as good if not better than the Nikon DSLR's I used to use. Lens wise I have experienced the Zuiko 75-300 4.8-5.7, which is light, versatile and a bit underwhelming in terms of output (in my opinion). It struggles if the light drops. I then tried the PL 100-400 f4-6.3. That lens has nicer output, but I didn't really get along with it ergonomically. After the smaller Olympus, it felt like a bit of a chore and took some of the fun way. Now I'm using the Zuiko 40-150mm f4 Pro, which is fantastic and works perfectly on the G9 without glitches. If you are trackside, that is all you'll need. If you are back in the stands, you'll need something in the 200-300 equivalent range, so I now back up the 40-150 with an old film Zuiko 200mm f5 lens, which is tiny and super sharp (gives 400mm equiv ff) There is an F4 version of that lens too, a bit bigger, but still excellent. It also takes converters, so I have the MC14, which turns it into 560mm equivalent reach. MF lenses are fine on the G9, it has a great viewfinder with good peaking, just remember to set the focal length of the manual lens in use (G9 throws up a screen to set it when you turn the camera on with a manual lens attached👍), this tells the IBIS what it's working with. Pre-focusing at a point on the track works well with MF lenses, just set it, point and blast away in continuous shooting mode. If you want a one lens solution without high cost, just get the Panasonic 100-300 lens, its probably good enough.
Great vid Grant. I have a G9 and it’s mighty mighty. It’s actually too much camera for my needs so reluctantly I’ve put it up on FB Marketplace. The upside, for me, is that I’ve sourced an immaculate GX8 that you remember fondly I believe✌️
I have been considering moving up to a G9 II but I'm still happy using my G9. In fact, just returned from a video shoot in New Mexico and the G9 (as always) performed like a champ. Never rely on shooting in auto and you will not be disappointed.
Experimenting with Fujifilm X-H2, but my G9 and Panasonic Leica + Olympus lenses are my go-to walking around camera. Incredible how much more the APS-C glass and camera weigh. As another commenter suggested, it is likely to find a home for photo-journeys transported by car/truck. They can have my G9 when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.
Thanks for the interesting video. I’m a keen amateur stills and video photographer and have two G9s - I sort of ‘inherited’ one. I normally carry the one I’ve dedicated to video in a cage and the stills one around my neck or clipped to my backpack strap. I have big, clumsy hands and although I found my G7 a great camera, the controls did not fall to hand. The G9 is spot on. A little heavier, but the main advantage for me with MFT is in the lightness of the lenses. I carry four normally: the stunning 1.4 25mm Leica prime on the video one and for stills, a choice between my 45mm 2.8 Leica macro prime, and two zooms, going for the total of 14mm to 300mm (28 to 600 in old money, my two primes being 50mm and 90 per 35mm). Despite being in my dotage, with a duff back, I can carry all that, plus necessary extras, without problems in my ‘fisherman’s vest’. I’ve been a photographer for years, going from a 35mm Voightlander Vito B, via a couple of 6x6 twin lens reflexes, then onto 35mm SLR and now full digital. With just four lenses, I feel I can attack any imaging requirement. My G9 is by far the most enjoyable camera to use and the images are faultless. One hand-over from my days of 6x6 TLRs is that I spend a fair amount of time getting the image I want clear in my mind so I still only take a couple of goes at an image. I use RAW, so slight exposure deficiencies are not a problem. I under-expose by a stop normally. The G9’s stabilizer is all but magic. I still can’t get over how effective it is. The menus were a little daunting at first, but with the ‘My Menu’ option I put what I frequently us on the list permanently and add ones I use for a specific shoot. I delete them afterwards so as not to clutter the menu. Cons? Hardly any. I frequently forget that I set up something, like focus stacking (that’s superb) or similar, and I always tell myself I must remember to switch it off. You could say it was just my error, but there should be a beep, siren or voice, telling me ‘don’t be an idiot.’ The G9 is a great camera. I thoroughly recommend it for both still and video.
I saw Amazon is selling the G9 brand new with a kit lens for $650. Not sure how long it will last, but it's an amazing camera for that price. My G9 still gets regular use alongside the GH6.
Gotta say, I was a bit distracted when I clicked on this vid. I thought it was about the GX9. 😄 The G9 is an 'almost got 'im' to me. All lined up to be my big wildlife shooter and then the G9ii got announced. Then I was going to preorder that and somehow ended up with an OM-1 in my hands... There's a theme here - I'm too easily distracted. I need to stay away from people who jangle bunches of shiny keys. Still much respect for Lumix and the G9, but I think that ship has sailed for me, for now. If OMDS crashes and burns (knock on wood) and I drop my OM-1 down a well (knock my head with wood) I may end up getting a G9iii or G9iv. 🤔
Just got the G9 a couple of weeks ago then saw your video! I was looking at the G9ii but for the price difference I couldn't justify the better AF and a couple of other nice things on the model. Plus I like the top LCD screen and ergonomics of the original G9 better as opposed to sticking the m43 G9ii into an S5 body - Panasonic did a cheap cost cutting move there which disappointed me. I have access to a friend's GH5ii (and might get my own) so use that for longer video and live streaming so I think you can combine these two at an amazing price!
I'm just waiting for funds to transfer from my savings to my bank account and then I'll be getting a brand spanking new Lumix G9ii. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my trusty Lumix GX9, except it's not weather sealed, which really annoys me sometimes. Also, some of the lenses I have (Sigma 16mm F1.4, Olympus 8-25mm F4, and Olympus 12-200mm F3.5-6.3) are a little top heavy on the GX9 and would suit the G9ii better. I did think about going for the older G9, especially as you can now pick it up for ridiculously low prices, brand new, especially since 'm not that bothered about the new hybrid focusing system - the GX9 served me well enough with DFD, but then I think I'll probably have buyer's regret for not getting the G9ii with all the latest bells and whistles. So G9ii here I come! And I'm keeping my GX9, by the way. I'll just be using my smaller lenses on it.
I do mainly nature/plant/flower/macro photography, currently with gx85. I need a bigger body for the larger lenses, but I love small form factor. Am torn between g9 vs g85. Is focus peaking on the g9 better with its hi(er)-res viewfinder?
As of now I shoot my Olympus E-M1X with the Sigma Prime Trio for portraits and some creative shots. The 16 and 30 can focus very close. I have debated trading in the E-M1X to get a G9 o.g. I've heard Panny boy and Sigma trio work well together.
G9 prices appear to have fallen again. If you’re mainly a photography person there is not really a reason to upgrade. I like the g9 body better than the g91ii.
I want one! I shoot street and have the GX9 for that, but been toying around with wildlife and birding for 2 years. Now that the GX9II is out, I wasn't sure about it since I have the Fujifilm XH2S which is phenomenal for most things, but...I love Panny boy too. Decisions!
Purchased a second Jody on sale on 2020. So I have two now. When I need better tracking af I use the m1x but for anything else the g9 is just unsurpassed. Best ergonomics in cameras I had in many years
Just ordered a used G9 on Amazon. I had one several years ago but sold it because I simply had too much camera gear and decided to stick with my FF Canon. I'm getting back into photography now that my kids are playing sports. I know the G9II has the better focusing system but I don't recall having any issues focusing with the G9 when I had it. Then again I wasn't shooting 10 and 11 year olds running around on the soccer and football fields. We shall see how it (and I) keeps up with the fast action with the 200mm f2.8 Panasonic lens mounted to it. I couldn't bring myself to pay close to $2k for the g9ii when I could get a used G9 for $500.
G9, because I love the top lcd screen.
Couldn't agree more Grant - the old G9 is still a great camera. The range of features available are mind-blowing, and it's capable of delivering some excellent image quality in good light. Even in low light, with the PL 25mm f1.4 or PL 15mm f1.7, images can look good at ISOs up to 3200. IMHO, its only faults are weight and size, so I tend to use the GX9 for most street and day-to-day photography, and save the G9 for when I can take it in the car!
just bought mine yesterday. best monitor i've ever owned. no contest
You are offering people good advice here Grant. While I like what Panasonic have done with the mk II, as an owner of the mark 1 I don't feel the need for anything better. Maybe you could argue the phase detect AF, but I use my G9 mostly for motorsport and sometimes wildlife with the 100-400 Pana-Leica lens and the keeper rates are pretty good. As long as I use the focus limiter, it locks on quick and accurate and does a good job even for birds in flight (which are quite high contrast against the sky if you think about it). With all the latest firmware updates, the Animal detect AF does a great job of mistaking race motorcycles for animals, locks on and tracks really well. At 6 frames per second, does an additional 2-3% on your keeper rate make it worth an upgrade? With used prices where they are, its hardly worth selling one if you have it and if you don't have one, its a flying bargain!
Hi, Richard. Are examples of your motorsports photography on-line? That is something I would like to get into and I also have a G9. Which lenses do you use wirh the G9 for motorsports?
@@marcuswarren1320 Hi Marcus, I don't have any of the racing stuff up online yet, I do have a footprint on 500px, but its mostly street stuff from around London, right now I'm a bit distracted by other projects. Re: using the G9, great choice of rig, its every bit as good if not better than the Nikon DSLR's I used to use. Lens wise I have experienced the Zuiko 75-300 4.8-5.7, which is light, versatile and a bit underwhelming in terms of output (in my opinion). It struggles if the light drops. I then tried the PL 100-400 f4-6.3. That lens has nicer output, but I didn't really get along with it ergonomically. After the smaller Olympus, it felt like a bit of a chore and took some of the fun way. Now I'm using the Zuiko 40-150mm f4 Pro, which is fantastic and works perfectly on the G9 without glitches. If you are trackside, that is all you'll need. If you are back in the stands, you'll need something in the 200-300 equivalent range, so I now back up the 40-150 with an old film Zuiko 200mm f5 lens, which is tiny and super sharp (gives 400mm equiv ff) There is an F4 version of that lens too, a bit bigger, but still excellent. It also takes converters, so I have the MC14, which turns it into 560mm equivalent reach. MF lenses are fine on the G9, it has a great viewfinder with good peaking, just remember to set the focal length of the manual lens in use (G9 throws up a screen to set it when you turn the camera on with a manual lens attached👍), this tells the IBIS what it's working with. Pre-focusing at a point on the track works well with MF lenses, just set it, point and blast away in continuous shooting mode. If you want a one lens solution without high cost, just get the Panasonic 100-300 lens, its probably good enough.
Great vid Grant. I have a G9 and it’s mighty mighty. It’s actually too much camera for my needs so reluctantly I’ve put it up on FB Marketplace. The upside, for me, is that I’ve sourced an immaculate GX8 that you remember fondly I believe✌️
Yes, I am still a G9 user. Perhaps slightly confused by other options available, but will stick to what I have / learn to master it more.
I have been considering moving up to a G9 II but I'm still happy using my G9. In fact, just returned from a video shoot in New Mexico and the G9 (as always) performed like a champ. Never rely on shooting in auto and you will not be disappointed.
Experimenting with Fujifilm X-H2, but my G9 and Panasonic Leica + Olympus lenses are my go-to walking around camera. Incredible how much more the APS-C glass and camera weigh. As another commenter suggested, it is likely to find a home for photo-journeys transported by car/truck. They can have my G9 when they pry it from my cold, dead hands.
I'm keeping my G9 and putting the dough towards better m43 glass rather than a new body. Thanks for the video!
Amazon Aus has this camera on a great Black friday deal of $1099 aud.
Does the G9 still have the video recording limit of 10 min in 4K ?
Thanks for the interesting video.
I’m a keen amateur stills and video photographer and have two G9s - I sort of ‘inherited’ one. I normally carry the one I’ve dedicated to video in a cage and the stills one around my neck or clipped to my backpack strap.
I have big, clumsy hands and although I found my G7 a great camera, the controls did not fall to hand. The G9 is spot on. A little heavier, but the main advantage for me with MFT is in the lightness of the lenses. I carry four normally: the stunning 1.4 25mm Leica prime on the video one and for stills, a choice between my 45mm 2.8 Leica macro prime, and two zooms, going for the total of 14mm to 300mm (28 to 600 in old money, my two primes being 50mm and 90 per 35mm).
Despite being in my dotage, with a duff back, I can carry all that, plus necessary extras, without problems in my ‘fisherman’s vest’. I’ve been a photographer for years, going from a 35mm Voightlander Vito B, via a couple of 6x6 twin lens reflexes, then onto 35mm SLR and now full digital. With just four lenses, I feel I can attack any imaging requirement. My G9 is by far the most enjoyable camera to use and the images are faultless.
One hand-over from my days of 6x6 TLRs is that I spend a fair amount of time getting the image I want clear in my mind so I still only take a couple of goes at an image. I use RAW, so slight exposure deficiencies are not a problem. I under-expose by a stop normally.
The G9’s stabilizer is all but magic. I still can’t get over how effective it is. The menus were a little daunting at first, but with the ‘My Menu’ option I put what I frequently us on the list permanently and add ones I use for a specific shoot. I delete them afterwards so as not to clutter the menu.
Cons? Hardly any. I frequently forget that I set up something, like focus stacking (that’s superb) or similar, and I always tell myself I must remember to switch it off. You could say it was just my error, but there should be a beep, siren or voice, telling me ‘don’t be an idiot.’
The G9 is a great camera. I thoroughly recommend it for both still and video.
I saw Amazon is selling the G9 brand new with a kit lens for $650. Not sure how long it will last, but it's an amazing camera for that price. My G9 still gets regular use alongside the GH6.
What??? WOW!!!
@@grantrobertdavies looks like that sale is over. It's possible they will do it again. Honestly, that's not a bad price for a used body.
@@mattfowlerkcamazon then it would be new
Gotta say, I was a bit distracted when I clicked on this vid. I thought it was about the GX9. 😄
The G9 is an 'almost got 'im' to me. All lined up to be my big wildlife shooter and then the G9ii got announced. Then I was going to preorder that and somehow ended up with an OM-1 in my hands... There's a theme here - I'm too easily distracted. I need to stay away from people who jangle bunches of shiny keys.
Still much respect for Lumix and the G9, but I think that ship has sailed for me, for now. If OMDS crashes and burns (knock on wood) and I drop my OM-1 down a well (knock my head with wood) I may end up getting a G9iii or G9iv. 🤔
Just got the G9 a couple of weeks ago then saw your video! I was looking at the G9ii but for the price difference I couldn't justify the better AF and a couple of other nice things on the model. Plus I like the top LCD screen and ergonomics of the original G9 better as opposed to sticking the m43 G9ii into an S5 body - Panasonic did a cheap cost cutting move there which disappointed me.
I have access to a friend's GH5ii (and might get my own) so use that for longer video and live streaming so I think you can combine these two at an amazing price!
yes the G9 is my Baby for ever
I'm just waiting for funds to transfer from my savings to my bank account and then I'll be getting a brand spanking new Lumix G9ii. There is absolutely nothing wrong with my trusty Lumix GX9, except it's not weather sealed, which really annoys me sometimes. Also, some of the lenses I have (Sigma 16mm F1.4, Olympus 8-25mm F4, and Olympus 12-200mm F3.5-6.3) are a little top heavy on the GX9 and would suit the G9ii better. I did think about going for the older G9, especially as you can now pick it up for ridiculously low prices, brand new, especially since 'm not that bothered about the new hybrid focusing system - the GX9 served me well enough with DFD, but then I think I'll probably have buyer's regret for not getting the G9ii with all the latest bells and whistles. So G9ii here I come! And I'm keeping my GX9, by the way. I'll just be using my smaller lenses on it.
Great video, Grant. I only tested the G9 this year, but it was a great hybrid camera considering how inexpensive they now are. :) Good job.
Thanks Shane :) Appreciate It … Yeah man, it’s a great camera!!! and Still holding its own in todays market :) Thanks again… 📷 🎸
I do mainly nature/plant/flower/macro photography, currently with gx85. I need a bigger body for the larger lenses, but I love small form factor. Am torn between g9 vs g85. Is focus peaking on the g9 better with its hi(er)-res viewfinder?
G80/85 has smaller body and unlimited video. Other than that, I'd go for the G9
I hope for a GX10 in early 2024
Just bought a G9 ... With the firmware update, I think it may add a few years to it !!
As of now I shoot my Olympus E-M1X with the Sigma Prime Trio for portraits and some creative shots. The 16 and 30 can focus very close. I have debated trading in the E-M1X to get a G9 o.g. I've heard Panny boy and Sigma trio work well together.
I'm stuck between going for the 1X ($620), G9 ($420) or Em1 Mark II ($410)...would love to hear your thoughts
Nice review. 🎉
Quick note, 5:00 "handeling?"
Dunno, may be an Aussie thing... 😊
thanks
G9 prices appear to have fallen again. If you’re mainly a photography person there is not really a reason to upgrade. I like the g9 body better than the g91ii.
G9 Mk2 ich much too heavy, I use Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II!
I want one! I shoot street and have the GX9 for that, but been toying around with wildlife and birding for 2 years. Now that the GX9II is out, I wasn't sure about it since I have the Fujifilm XH2S which is phenomenal for most things, but...I love Panny boy too. Decisions!
Yeah, the XH2S will do everything!!! nice one :)
@@grantrobertdavies yeah, it's an amazing camera, but if I find the G9 for a good deal, I'll still grab one.
I ended up getting the G9!
The g9 can fulfill most needs. No real need to upgrade yet) for me)
Purchased a second Jody on sale on 2020. So I have two now. When I need better tracking af I use the m1x but for anything else the g9 is just unsurpassed. Best ergonomics in cameras I had in many years
Hi I'm shopping for a buget low light lumix camera is the g 85 or g95 okay?
Yes, definitely
Should I buy a Lumix G9 or Canon R10, Both are available at the same price to me, $850/.
I’ve never used a Canon R10 so I can’t comment sorry …
The G9 sounds like a great camera, but my GH6 is probably a lot better.
Hello, I love this camera for taking photographs, not making videos. The automatic focus on this camera is horrible.
Great Stuff …
P.s. We may have to come up with a time and place where "switchly" can be a correct term. 😂
Yeah :) totally…