It has been some time since we have had a brand new Micro 4 Thirds physique from Lumix, and with the model’s current concentrate on its full-frame cameras and lenses, many had been starting to surprise what the longer term holds for the small type issue ecosystem.
These worries have confirmed to be unfounded, although, as with the discharge of the Lumix G9ii, which introduces part detect autofocus for the primary time, together with a few new lenses, the system is extra interesting than ever.
I received the chance to take the pint-sized powerhouse for an early take a look at drive, and listed below are my first impressions.
First impressions
We have solely used the Lumix G9ii for a short while, however upon first impressions, we expect it simply is likely to be the perfect Micro 4 Thirds physique ever made.
Value and availability
The Lumix G9ii is priced at £1699 / €1899 in Europe and can start transport later in November 2023. Contemplating that the Lumix GH6 carries the next MSRP, and continues to be bought at round this value, I can think about the G9ii being extraordinarily in style with anybody who has already invested in MFT glass.
Design
Dimensions: 134.3×102.3×90.1 mm Weight: 658g Full-size HDMI, twin SD card slots, USB-C for energy and exterior recording
The Lumix G9ii adopts a brand new design that is rather less G9, and a bit of extra S5II. Gone are the sloping angles on the highest panel, changed by a flat prime that appears a contact extra fashionable, in my eyes. Additionally gone is the LCD settings panel, which some customers are certain to overlook. Instead, you get a way more distinguished report button, which hints at this digicam’s hybrid chops, and a drive choose wheel, in addition to the standard PASM dial.
Across the again, issues are a bit of extra acquainted, with a lot of the similar buttons current, even when they’ve shifted positions very barely. What’s new, although, is the AF-selection joystick, which now helps 8-direction enter, reasonably than 4-directions on the unique G9. The placement of the attention sensor has moved, too. It is now on the prime of the EVF eyecup which ought to lead to fewer unintentional activations, and in my testing thus far, it appears to work as marketed.
The EVF is in any other case unchanged, however the flip-out touchscreen LCD display has been given a bump in decision. It is now 1840k dots in comparison with 1040k on its predecessor. In observe, it really works properly, it is not prone to blow your thoughts, however I am unable to think about anybody complaining about it, both.
In terms of connectivity, the G9ii is extraordinarily well-equipped. You get two SD card slots, a full-size HDMI output and separate headphone and microphone sockets. There is a USB-C port, changing the archaic micro-B port of the G9, and it is full-featured. You need to use it to cost the digicam, energy it in use with USB-PD and even report on to a conveyable SSD.
Photographic efficiency
25.2MP photographs, 8-stop IBIS, PDAF As much as 75fps digital shutter / 14fps mechanical 100MP handheld excessive res mode, As much as 1.5-sec pre-burst
The G9ii is able to capturing 25.2MP photographs, up from 20.33MP on the G9, however that is not the thrilling half. As a substitute, the large draw right here is the transfer to a part detection autofocus system, identical to we noticed on the S5ii / S5iiX. For years that is one thing that Micro 4 Thirds shooters have been begging for, and it has lastly arrived.
The opposite massive distinction is the improved in-body picture stabilisation system, which now compensates for as much as 8 stops of motion, in comparison with 6.5 stops on the older mannequin. My testing session happened in the midst of the day, and on a really sunny day at that, so I did not have the chance to push the IBIS to its limits, however I am trying ahead to discovering out extra after we get a retail mannequin in for testing.
One other benefit of this improved IBIS is that it permits the seize of 100MP stills by shifting the sensor – and it may do it handheld. Often, this method requires the digicam to be positioned on a tripod, so that is fairly a novel addition. That is one other characteristic that I’ve nonetheless but to strive, however I am trying ahead to seeing the way it works within the full assessment.
Additionally new to this mannequin, is the inclusion of 19 built-in picture kinds, which work rather a lot like Fujifilm’s movie simulation modes. Crucially, the listing consists of Leica Monochrome, a well-liked profile with those that shoot on Leica’s expensive digital our bodies – and it is nice to see it seem on this comparatively inexpensive Lumix choice.
My hands-on session happened at a safari park, and I shot virtually solely with the Lumix 100-400mm f4-6.3 ASPH to stand up shut and private with the animals. The digicam was put into animal eye-detect autofocus mode, and it did a sterling job with even essentially the most unusual-looking creatures. The one actual hiccups occurred when an animal was behind a wire fence, however that is typical of nearly each autofocus system on the market.
I am going to want to check the digicam in a greater variety of lighting, and with some topics that are not animals, earlier than delivering any sort of significant verdict, however because it stands, I am impressed. I primarily shoot on a GH6, and the picture high quality could be very comparable, in truth, it is most likely the identical sensor. Nonetheless, the autofocus is on an entire new stage, which implies the share of usable photographs captured was means increased than I am accustomed to.
Video efficiency
As much as 5.3K60 / 4K120 in 10 bit 4:2:2 Inner ProRes recording, V Log and anamorphic help Improved energetic picture stabilisation with perspective distortion correction
Despite the fact that the G9 was initially pitched as a photography-first digicam, the strains are really blurred with the G9ii, this digicam is simply as spectacular for video, if no more spectacular. Lumix has included every little thing you could possibly need and extra, together with exterior SSD recording, high-framerate video, 10-bit 4:2:2 color in most modes and V Log put in proper out of the field.
In comparison with the present MFT video favorite, the GH6, it appears the one main distinction is a barely decrease framerate at 1080p (240fps reasonably than 300fps) and the shortage of a fan to maintain issues cool underneath prolonged capturing. For what it is price, I by no means noticed any overheating warnings capturing in direct daylight with G9ii, however this was with admittedly quick clips.
I primarily caught to pictures for my transient testing session, however I did seize just a few 4K 120fps clips, and I am very impressed with the standard. After all, these clips had been additionally shot with animal eye-detect autofocus, and it carried out brilliantly, particularly contemplating the difficult circumstances of capturing via fences.
Stabilisation seems good from what I can inform, too, however with such a protracted lens hooked up the IBIS was working time beyond regulation. I am trying ahead to seeing the way it fares within the 12-35mm zone, as I’ve a sense it is going to impress.
First impressions
The Panasonic Lumix G9ii is shaping as much as be the perfect Micro 4 Thirds digicam so far. The arrival of phase-detect autofocus is a game-changer, and the IBIS has the potential to be a number of the greatest in enterprise, too. To not point out the worth, which could be very aggressive, particularly with specs resembling these.
Should you like the thought of carrying smaller, lighter and extra inexpensive lenses, with out sacrificing usability or picture high quality, then this has the potential to be the digicam of selection. It is secure to say I am enthusiastic about it, however I am going to reserve correct judgment till I’ve had extra time with it. Hold an eye fixed out for the complete assessment.