The Panasonic G9 II vs G9 are two highly capable Micro Four Thirds mirrorless cameras that have gained a strong following among enthusiasts and pros. The original G9 was released in 2017 and the G9 II in 2023, introducing several upgrades to make it an even more powerful stills and video camera.
In this in-depth comparison review, we’ll examine all the major features and specifications of these two cameras to help you decide which is the right choice for your needs. The G9 II brings welcome improvements like a higher-resolution sensor, better image stabilisation, and faster burst shooting. But the older G9 still holds its own and sells for less.
By the end, we’ll make some clear recommendations on which camera is better suited for different types of photographers and budgets.
Table of Contents
What are the key differences between the Panasonic G9 and G9 II?
- Higher resolution 25MP sensor vs 20MP
- Better in-body image stabilisation – 6.5 stops vs 5.5 stops
- Faster mechanical burst shooting on G9 – 20fps vs 14fps
- G9 II offers higher video resolutions – 4K 60p vs 4K 30p
- Higher resolution EVF on the G9 II – 5.76M-dot vs 3.68M-dot
- G9 II has updated algorithms and processing for improved JPEG image quality
- G9 II has a more advanced autofocus system, especially for video
- G9 II has dual UHS-II SD card slots instead of just one slot
Panasonic G9 II vs G9 Price
- The Panasonic G9 price = £999 (in the USA $1200)
- The Panasonic G9 II price = £1700(in the USA $1900)
The Panasonic G9 II is priced higher at about £500 more so we will need to see if the upgrade is worth the extra expense.
Let’s take a closer look at both cameras side by side to see what they offer!
Build and Design
The G9 and G9 II share very similar physical designs with weather-sealed metal bodies, large hand grips, and lots of physical controls. The G9 II is fractionally larger and heavier but the difference is negligible.
Both cameras are very comfortable to hold and handle well during prolonged shooting sessions. The ample rubber coating gives you a secure one-handed grip. On the back, there are dual control dials plus a convenient joystick to quickly move the AF point. All the important controls are within easy reach.
Build quality is excellent thanks to the durable magnesium alloy construction. The G9 II has slightly better weather sealing but both cameras can withstand dusty and wet environments when paired with a weather-sealed lens. They’re not fully water or freezeproof but will survive a rain shower.
The G9 II does have a nicer rear LCD screen with a higher resolution and a faster refresh rate. But both cameras have very sharp and responsive touchscreens that support touch AF and menu navigation.
Physically the two cameras are nearly identical. The G9 II is incrementally larger but unless you’re directly comparing them side-by-side, you probably wouldn’t notice. Both deliver pro-grade handling and durability.
Sensor and Image Quality
The sensor is one of the more significant differences between the G9 and G9 II. The newer G9 II has a higher resolution 25MP Four Thirds sensor compared to 20MP on the G9. More megapixels give you more flexibility to crop images while retaining detail.
However, at normal viewing sizes, the difference isn’t hugely noticeable. The Four Thirds sensor gives both cameras a 2x crop factor relative to the full frame. While image quality is very good for a Micro Four Thirds camera, it doesn’t match larger sensor APS-C and full frame rivals.
The G9 II does have the benefit of 5 years of processing refinements. Panasonic’s latest Venus image processor delivers excellent JPEG quality straight from the camera with pleasing colours and sharp fine details. The G9 JPEGs certainly look nice but the G9 II files show clear improvement.
Both cameras offer sensitivity up to ISO 25600 with remarkably good noise control for the sensor size. As you’d expect, the G9 II has a slight high ISO advantage but it’s not substantial. Even the older G9 performs very well here.
A major upgrade on the G9 II is the addition of 96MP high-res shot mode. By shifting the sensor and merging 8 exposures, High Res Shot produces massive ultra-detailed RAW and JPEG images. This only works with static subjects on a tripod, but it’s an innovative feature that really pushes image quality boundaries.
While the G9 II takes the lead for resolution and JPEG processing, both deliver excellent image quality. The differences are nice to have but subtle in real-world use.
Autofocus and Speed
Autofocus performance is an area where the G9 II pulls ahead more convincingly. Its intelligent subject detection AF system is significantly improved for both stills and video shooting. Face/eye/head/body detection is now more accurate and reliable in challenging light.
The G9 II locks focus in dim light where the G9 starts to struggle. In our side-by-side tests, the G9 would occasionally hunt back and forth before locking focus in very low-light scenarios. The G9 II almost always found focus quickly and accurately, even in near darkness.
For still photography, the G9 II’s AF enhancements are beneficial yet the G9 remains no slouch. It’s still responsive enough for action shots and portraits. The G9 II just raises the bar a bit higher.
However, for videography, the G9 II’s autofocus really shines. With its refined detection algorithms and deep learning AF, focus transitions are smoother and less prone to hunting. You can confidently use autofocus when filming with the G9 II, something we’d hesitate to recommend with the G9.
Both cameras offer lightning-fast burst photography. The G9 has a slight edge with 20fps burst shooting using the mechanical shutter or 60fps with the electronic shutter. The G9 II is limited to 14fps / 75fps. While not quite as fast, the G9 II’s bursts are still blisteringly quick.
For general autofocus capabilities and speed, the Panasonic G9 II is the winner here. But don’t underestimate the original G9 — it remains a highly capable performer even 5 years later.
ISO Performance and Low-Light Shooting
As Micro Four Thirds cameras, neither the G9 or G9 II can match larger sensor full-frame models for high ISO noise levels and low-light performance. That said, both deliver excellent results by MFT standards.
The 25MP G9 II sensor shows modest high ISO improvements over the G9. Noise is well controlled through ISO 1600 with minimal loss of detail. At ISO 3200 and 6400, noise is more visible but images remain very usable.
By ISO 12800, noise and colour desaturation become more problematic. However, with some noise reduction applied, images can still look presentable. The absolute highest sensitivities of ISO 25600 and 51200 are best avoided though.
The 20MP G9 lags just slightly behind. Noise appears a touch earlier, with ISO 6400 already looking quite grainy compared to the clean ISO 6400 output from the G9 II. Beyond ISO 12,800, heavy noise really deteriorates the quality of the G9.
Both cameras allow extended shutter speeds up to 60 seconds for capturing night scenes. With the EVF and IBIS, you can easily handhold exposures of 5-10 seconds.
For low-light and night photography, the G9 II again holds the advantage. However, the G9 remains an excellent performer by MFT and APS-C standards. Unless you need super-high ISOs, low-light performance on the G9 will satisfy most photographers.
Video Capabilities
The G9 II brings video capabilities up to modern standards while the G9 is behind the times for 2023. The G9 II can capture silky-smooth 4K video at up to 60 fps. The G9 is limited to 30fps in 4K. Slow motion capabilities are also boosted on the G9 II with 1080p/180fps compared to 1080p/60fps on the G9.
Both cameras offer flat profile options like V-Log L for capturing high dynamic range footage. This preserves details in shadows and highlights when colour grading. The G9 II takes this further by offering ProRes RAW recording when paired with an external SSD drive.
Thanks to its advanced Autofocus algorithms, the G9 II also offers vastly improved autofocus for video. Face and object tracking are reliable and transitions between subjects appear natural. As mentioned earlier, the G9’s video AF capabilities are mediocre by today’s standards. Serious videographers would struggle with the G9’s inconsistency and hunting.
The G9 II retains its 5-axis sensor stabilization when recording video for smooth handheld footage. This is an advantage over the G9 which disables IBIS during video. You’ll need to use lenses with OIS when shooting handheld video with the G9.
There is no contest here, the G9 II is far and away the better – and more modern – camera for videography. It can keep up with the latest mirrorless rivals while the G9 lags behind for serious 4K filmmaking.
User Interface and Usability
Panasonic uses a very consistent menu system across its cameras that emphasizes logical organization and touchscreen control. Anyone who’s used a mid to high-end Lumix camera in the last 5 years will instantly feel at home with both the G9 and G9 II.
Aside from upgrades to AF algorithms and image processing, the core UI remains nearly identical. The Quick Menu provides fast access to commonly used settings. Pressing the Q.MENU button brings up an adjustable grid of settings overlayed on the live view. It’s easy to navigate via touch or buttons.
Both cameras have a wealth of external controls to change settings without menu diving. There are dedicated drive mode, AF mode, ISO, and exposure compensation dials. Along with twin control dials and a joystick controller, key shooting parameters are readily adjustable.
One minor but welcome upgrade on the G9 II is the addition of backlit buttons. This makes the controls visible when working in the dark. The G9 lacks any button illumination.
Overall, there isn’t much separating the two cameras for general usability. Panasonic got the controls right with the original G9 and didn’t mess with success on the G9 II update. Both offer excellent handling with intuitive physical and on-screen interfaces.
Battery Life
With their power-hungry EVFs and performance-driven features, mirrorless cameras still lag behind DSLRs for battery life. Both the G9 and G9 II have merely average battery performance compared to similarly priced rivals.
The G9 II is rated for approximately 400 shots per charge (rear LCD) or 380 shots (EVF). Real-world results will generally be lower, especially when recording 4K video. Plan on carrying 2-3 spare batteries for a full day of shooting stills and video.
Battery life on the G9 is rated at approx. 360 shots (LCD) or 340 shots (EVF) per charge. Not a significant difference from the newer model. Again, real-world figures will usually be lower.
While not terrible, battery life could be better on both models. The G9 II does come out slightly ahead for still photography endurance. But heavy 4K video use will drain both cameras quickly. Carrying extra batteries is highly recommended.
If you need longer runtime, the optional battery grip accessory allows powering both cameras with two batteries. This can nearly double the shots per charge. But it adds to the size, weight and cost.
Extra Features
Being advanced enthusiast and pro-oriented cameras, both the G9 and G9 II are packed with features. This includes robust wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and WiFi. You can remotely control the camera, transfer images to your phone, or embed GPS data from your phone into images.
The G9 II has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 while the G9 is limited to Bluetooth 4.2. In practical use, either is fine for basic wireless functions. But if you need multi-device connections, the G9 II supports newer dual-band WiFi.
For storage, both cameras have twin SD card slots. The G9 II gains an advantage with UHS-II support allowing blistering fast read/write speeds. The G9 is limited to the slower UHS-I standard.
Each camera provides mic and headphone jacks for video recording. But only the G9 II offers 4-channel audio capture with the optional XLR adapter. This greatly improves audio quality for filmmaking or interviews.
Other extras like timelapse and stop motion animation modes are offered on both models. The G9 II separates itself with advanced features like 96MP High Res Shot mode. Post focus and focus stacking modes also make selective focusing easier.
If you need every cutting-edge feature, the G9 II takes the lead here. But the original G9 still includes most of the core capabilities enthusiasts and pros demand.
Price and Value for Money
As you’d expect, the 5-year newer G9 II commands a higher price tag. At the time of writing, retail prices are approximately:
Panasonic G9: $1,200 Panasonic G9 II: $1,900 (£1699)
That’s a $700 premium for going with the latest model. And the gap widens once you factor in the cost of lenses, accessories, memory cards, etc.
Is the G9 II worth the extra investment over the G9? In our opinion, yes…with a few caveats. The improved sensor, autofocus, IBIS stabilisation, and video capabilities make the G9 II the more capable all-around camera if budget permits.
However, the G9 still represents excellent value in 2023. It’s by no means outdated and retains highly respectable specs and performance. For still photography-focused users, the upgrades on the G9 II are nice but not essential.
The original G9 punches well above its weight even 5 years later. Only if you need cutting-edge video, resolution, or AF does the G9 II become a must-buy upgrade. For many enthusiasts, the cheaper G9 remains a smart choice.
Summary and Recommendations
Here’s a quick recap of which camera won in each category:
| Criteria | Winner |
|---|---|
| Build and Design | Draw |
| Sensor and Image Quality | G9 II |
| Autofocus and Speed | G9 II |
| ISO and Low Light | G9 II |
| Video Capabilities | G9 II |
| User Interface | Draw |
| Battery Life | Draw |
| Extra Features | G9 II |
| Price and Value | G9 |
By our tally, the G9 II comes out on top in 6 out of 9 categories. It’s the clear winner for photographers or videographers who need the latest technology. The sensor, AF, video, and image stabilization improvements make it a meaningful upgrade in core performance areas.
However, the G9 remains an excellent camera at a bargain price point. Budget-minded enthusiasts will appreciate its strong value. Casual users who don’t push limits will be very happy with the G9’s still photography abilities.
Our Recommendations:
For professionals, aspiring video shooters, or those seeking the highest quality results, go with the Panasonic G9 II. You’ll benefit from its advances in AF, IBIS, resolution and video capabilities.
For general still photography, especially travel and outdoor use, the G9 remains highly capable. You’ll save money for lenses and accessories too. Only consider the G9 II if you frequently photograph action sports or wildlife where its AF and burst speed advantages are beneficial.
If video is critical, the G9 II is the obvious pick. The G9’s mediocre video AF and lack of 4K/60p make it a poor choice for dedicated videography work. Content creators should view the G9 II as a serious hybrid camera alternative to something like the Sony a7 IV.
On a tight budget, the G9 gives you 90% of the G9 II’s performance at a steep discount. Unless you really need the new headline features, you’ll still be very happy with the G9’s images and handling.
Final Thoughts
While the G9 II brings desirable upgrades, truthfully the G9 has aged remarkably well. Even 5 years after its release, it remains a highly capable camera that can keep up with modern MFT rivals. Sure, the G9 II provides advantages. But they aren’t massive game-changers from a still imaging perspective.
For everyday photography, you would be perfectly satisfied with the G9 over the long term. Landscape and travel photographers in particular don’t gain much from the G9 II’s incremental upgrades. I would only recommend the G9 II for photographers who demand leading-edge performance and shoot challenging subjects like sports, wildlife, or video professionally.
At the end of the day, there are no bad choices here. Both the G9 and G9 II are excellent Micro Four Thirds cameras. Pick based on your budget and which model’s strong points best match your style of shooting. Ideally, try renting each model for a weekend field test. The camera that feels right and inspires you to pick it up and shoot is the one to get!
Comparison Table
| Feature | Panasonic G9 | Panasonic G9 II |
|---|---|---|
| Year Released | 2017 | 2023 |
| Sensor Resolution | 20MP | 25MP |
| Sensor Size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
| Image Stabilization | 5.5 stops | 6.5 stops |
| Max Continuous Shooting | 20fps mechanical shutter | 14fps mechanical shutter |
| 75fps electronic shutter | ||
| Max Video Resolution | 4K 30p | 4K 60p |
| Rear Screen | 3″ articulating touchscreen | 3″ higher-res articulating touchscreen |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.68M dots | 5.76M dots |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Dual UHS-II Card Slots | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Starting Price | $1200 (£999) | $1900 (£1700) |
How good is the high-resolution 96MP mode on the G9 II?
The High Resolution mode on the G9 II allows you to capture incredible 96MP images by taking 8 exposures while shifting the sensor and compositing them. This can produce stunning detail beyond the native 25MP resolution. However, there are some limitations. First, it only works with a stationary camera and completely still subject, so it’s not suitable for action shots or handheld use. Second, any movement can cause artifacts since it takes about 1 second to capture the 8 images. Finally, the massive 96MP files require substantial processing power and ultra fast memory cards. Overall, the High Res mode excels for commercial, landscape, or architectural photography when you need the absolute maximum detail. But for general shooting, the standard 25MP resolution still provides ample detail for most photographers’ needs. Treat the High Res mode as a bonus rather than an everyday feature.
How useful are the dual card slots on the G9 II?
The G9 II gains a significant upgrade with high-speed dual UHS-II SD card slots. This provides several workflow advantages. You can choose to record images or video simultaneously to both cards for instant backup. If one card fills up, you can set the camera to seamlessly relay record to the second slot. Photographers who shoot RAW+JPEG can separate the two file types onto different cards. And the faster UHS-II standard enables blazing fast read and write speeds when transferring images to your computer. Overall, the dual card slots offer more flexibility and security for critical shoots like weddings or high-end commercial work. However, the slots aren’t an essential upgrade if you don’t need redundant recording capabilities. The G9’s single UHS-I SD slot still provides reasonably fast performance for most users’ needs.
