LUMIX G9 has the best image quality of all the LUMIXGs. This newcomer combines speed and reliability, making theG9 the perfect choice for wildlife and action photography. At the heart of the G9 is a 20.3 megapixel sensor, which works with the latest Venus Engine to deliver exceptional image quality, with great detail, low noise, fantastic color and clarity.
The best image quality in the history of LUMIX cameras
In terms of image quality, the LUMIX G9 surpasses the LUMIX GH5, the new flagship for photographers delivering the highest image quality in the history of the LUMIX G family of mirrorless cameras. The new 20.3Mpix Digital Live MOS sensor without low pass filter brings out the best in lenses, while the Venus Engine image processor delivers precise yet natural colors thanks to Multipixel Luminance Generation and Intelligent Detail Processing.
Gradient gradients are optimized according to sensor characteristics, resulting in a wider dynamic range, while anti-reflective coating reduces ghosting and flare. Three-dimensional color management system takes into account not only hue and saturation, but also color brightness to achieve accurate color reproduction in both dark and light parts of an image, with special attention to the color of the sky and human skin. Improved Noise Reduction system detects noise even more accurately and preserves detail, resulting in more natural texture, especially when shooting at medium light sensitivities.
New high-resolution shooting mode combines 8 images taken with sensor shift to produce an 80MP 10368×776 photo – And, without any additional effort, the image can be saved not only in JPEG format, but also in RAW format. This mode is ideal for tripod landscape photography.
Improved in-camera image stabilization and Dual I technology.S.
Body I image stabilization technology.S. Even better now, it’s easy to get sharp images with the LUMIX G9, even when shooting handheld at slow shutter speeds. Panasonic’s engineers have developed a new algorithm that more accurately calculates camera movement, taking into account the data from the gyroscope, image sensor and accelerometer – all this allows you to more accurately determine the effect of hand shake “shake” and correct it, ensuring sharp images when shooting at shutter speeds 6.5 stops slower than usual. Now with Body I image stabilization technology.S. Enable shooting in situations that previously made it impossible, such as handheld photography with an 800mm telephoto lens 35mm camera equivalent .
The combination of the B.I.S. and O.I.S. enables the company to realize Dual I five-axis image stabilization technology.S. 2, which effectively suppresses even heavy camera movement – this approach is especially useful when shooting with a telephoto lens and in low light conditions, as it allows you to use a shutter speed 6.5 stops longer than usual.
Dual I Five-Axis Optical Image Stabilization System.S. 2 is available for still and video shooting, as well as 4K video. Panasonic’s LUMIX G family of digital cameras includes many lenses and most of them will be compatible with Dual I technology.S. At the same time, the image stabilization system B.I.S. works even if the lens is not equipped with optical stabilization for example, when using cine lenses .
Ultra fast and accurate autofocus system
DFD Depth From Defocus technology, which estimates the distance to the subject by evaluating two images taken at different sharpnesses, taking into account the optical characteristics of the lens attached to the camera. The combination of this technology and the contrast AF system, and the increased sensor poll rate up to 480 fps has made it possible to achieve the fastest focusing speed approx. 0.04 s*2 and superb full-resolution continuous shooting speed when using the electronic shutter: 60 fps in AFS mode and 20 fps in AFC mode.
In addition, the Venus Engine uses the new Deep Learning processor to detect the human body instead of just the face and eyes. There is a new function AF Point Scope which helps to zoom in on the far objects to make sure they are in focus.
New focus points have been added from 49 to 225 and all the usual face/eye recognition, tracking AF, spot AF and area AF. Any of the 225 focus areas can be set and their size can be adjusted to suit the shooting conditions. All focus operation is controlled with the new thumb joystick so you no longer have to take your eye away from the viewfinder or lift your finger from the shutter release button.
The LUMIX G9 also has the ability to fine-tune the autofocus system by changing the autofocus sensitivity, the sensitivity of switching between AF areas, the degree of subject motion prediction – there are four preset options to meet the most common shooting conditions.
Unmatched ease of shooting in the field
The LUMIX G9 offers the highest performance in its class*1 20.3 Mpix shooting speed: 20 fps in AFC mode and 60 fps in AFS mode. The unobstructed viewfinder during shooting makes this mirrorless camera ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, while its enhanced tracking autofocus mode keeps the subject out of focus. There is also a new pre-shooting function, it starts shooting in 0,4 sec. before the shutter release button is pressed.
6K Photo mode so you won’t miss a scene, shooting at 30 fps and choosing the best shot aspect ratio 4:3 or 3:2 and saving it at 18MP. 4K PHOTO mode has also been improved to shoot photos at 60 fps at 8 megapixels. Depending on the shooting conditions, it is possible to select from the following modes: 6K Burst 4K Burst, 6K Burst Start/Stop 4K Burst Start/Stop and 6K Pre-burst 4K Pre-burst.
New image processor capabilities allow you to correct distortion and reduce noise in photos shot in 6K/4K mode after shooting, while analyzing the entire series of photos taken, which will have a positive impact on the quality of images shot at short shutter speeds at high sensitivity or when panning. In addition, the new sensor effectively suppresses the rolling shutter effect.
Innovative Live View viewfinder with high magnification and minimal response time
Live View Viewfinder is the most important element of a fast camera. The new LUMIX G9 features a zoom Live View viewfinder that zooms in close. 1.66×/0.83× 35 mm camera equivalent , and you can change the magnification to 0.7×, 0.77× and 0.83× according to the shooting conditions. OLED technology on the viewfinder for superior refresh rate 120 fps , minimal lag 0.005 sec and 10,000:1 contrast ratio with 3,680,000 dots – the frame stays sharp all over. The camera includes a night mode that reduces the brightness of the backlight in the dark, which greatly facilitates shooting at night, and a wide eyecup 21 mm convenient to use even if you wear glasses.
Intuitive operation
The top panel of the camera has the largest LCD information screen in its class to display basic shooting parameters and an Fn switch lets you quickly change saved settings. The LUMIX G9 also features a focus area selector joystick, focus control lever, and focus mode switch button on the body – all switches and buttons are positioned so you can use them without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.
Compact and rugged body
The magnesium alloy exterior of the DMC-G9 is a lightweight magnesium alloy body with moisture and dust resistance as well as frost resistance down to -10℃ thanks to its smart mechanical design and insulation of the switches, buttons, and components.
The LUMIX G9 has two SD card slots, with a choice of three recording modes: sequential recording, backup, or split. In sequential recording, once the first card is full, data will be recorded on the second card.
Data will be written to both memory cards at the same time when backing up. In the case of split copy, the data is automatically allocated to memory cards according to their type, for example, photos will be recorded on the first memory card and videos on the second one. Moreover, both connectors are equipped with recording indicators, so it’s easy to see which memory card is still recording and which can already be removed. USB power is available, extending recording time.
Other functions
3.0′′ tilt-up screen with 1,040,000 dots of resolution
The camera features a 3.0′′ swiveling touch screen display with 1,040,000 dots and 100% field of view. Special arrangement of red, green, blue and white pixels improves readability of the screen even on a sunny day. The monitor can be rotated up and down 270°, making it much easier to shoot from above and below. Night mode shooting is also available.
Bluetooth 4.2 and 5 GHz Wi-Fi IEEE802.11ac 2.4 GHz IEEE802.11b/g/n
The LUMIX G9 is equipped with Wi-Fi, enabling new ways to capture and share photos and movies. Once you install the Panasonic Image App for iOS/Android on your smartphone or tablet, you can control the camera, add geotags to your photos, and view and share your images.
Support for Bluetooth 4.2 BLE: Bluetooth Low Energy allows you to maintain a constant connection with your smartphone or tablet with minimal power consumption. It’s now possible to synchronize settings wirelessly with other LUMIX G9 cameras, which is especially useful for multi-camera shooting. A new standard IEEE802.11ac offers enhanced security and faster data transfer speeds.
The novelty will retail in March 2018 at a price of 129,999 Dollars.
The new Panasonic LUMIX G9 seems to be a game-changer for photographers, but I’m curious to know what sets it apart from other flagship mirrorless cameras. Can someone shed some light on its unique features and how it can enhance my photography experience?
Can you tell me more about the new features and improvements of Panasonic’s new flagship mirrorless camera, the LUMIX G9? How does it compare to other high-end mirrorless cameras currently available in the market?