The Panasonic G9 was a brilliant Micro Four Thirds camera when it launched back in 2017 but it has clearly lost some of its shine in the four years since. Enter the G9 II, an intriguing update that looks to re-claim some of that lost ground with a nippy autofocus system, a host of video resolutions and frame rates and a wide range of features that will appeal to both photographers and filmmakers alike.
The most significant change is the addition of a 25.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor that offers a considerable boost in resolution over the original G9. This is paired with the Venus Engine, which promises to deliver “natural, three-dimensional textured images and high-speed image processing” that can keep up with the demands of 4K video shooting at 60fps.
That new engine also delivers a claimed 13 stops of dynamic range when shooting V-Log or V-Gamut video and allows the user to record externally to an SSD drive. The camera has the full-size HDMI port that filmmakers will appreciate as well and can record ProRes HQ at up to 5.7K internally and externally. There is even the option to add a DMW-XLR1 microphone adapter to enable professional audio recording.
Panasonic claims that the G9 II is its most advanced Micro Four Thirds camera to date. It certainly feels like it on first inspection with a robustly built body that sits comfortably in the hand and a ton of well-placed controls. It also boasts a slew of video shooting resolutions and frame rates, the ports you would expect to see and, thankfully, no glaring omissions when it comes to still photography either.
The AF system is a real highlight, with Panasonic promising blackout-free bursts of 60fps in continuous AF and electronic shutter mode or 10fps in mechanical shutter mode. A pre-burst function is available too, allowing users to shoot a set number of frames before the buffer fills so that they don’t miss the moment.
There are also 315 contrast detection focus points and 779 phase detection points for better subject tracking. This includes an improved animal eye AF system which will be very useful for wildlife and pet photographers while there are also new human face, car, and motorcycle detection functions too.
A 3.69 million dot OLED EVF is a big step up on the one found in the original G9. This offers a 0.83x magnification and a large 1.86m dot touchscreen. The camera can capture 4K and HD video at up to 60fps as well, and can be plugged into a computer using the USB-C connector for quick transfer.
The G9 II will be available in March 2020 and will cost £999 or $1,149 with a lens. The camera will be sold alongside the DMW-BLK22E battery grip and both options will be offered with a lens voucher worth £120. For more details, head over to the official Panasonic website.