Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 adds to GX-series line of compact mirror-less cameras. The camera has a 20-megapixel sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, new software processing modes, built-in Bluetooth, as well as additional controls on the body, which manage the work with the camera. For the most part, the GX9 looks like an upgrade from the GX80 rather than an evolution of the older GX8.
The Lumix DC-GX9 features a 4/3 Live-MOS sensor at 20MP. There’s no low-pass filter in front of the sensor, and the Venus Engine image processor is responsible for fighting moiré and other artifacts. This solution allows the Lumix DC-GX9 to capture bright, detailed shots with accurate color reproduction. Sensitivity range of the sensor ranges from ISO 200 to 25600, with the option to expand to ISO 100 in the lower limit
The Lumix DC-GX9 uses a 49-point contrast AF system with DFD Depth From Defocus to boost AF speed and precision by letting the camera focus on the subject in as fast as 0.07sec. Additional autofocus modes such as Face/eye detection, Precision AF, Time Lapse AF, and Advanced Low Light AF will help you get superior results in a variety of shooting conditions.
The Lumix DC-GX9 boasts image stabilization based on Dual I.S, which combines 5-axis stabilization in the camera body with 2-axis optical stabilization in the lens, which helps combat the effect of “shake” in the frame. In low-light conditions, the system lets you take smoother, sharper photos with shutter speeds up to four stops slower than usual. Stabilization is effective for both still and movie shooting, including 4K video in Wide and Tele modes.
In addition to built-in stabilization, the Lumix DC-GX9 has improved mechanical shutter performance by tweaking the electromagnetic drive, greatly reducing unwanted vibrations that occurred when opening and closing the shutter on previous models and resulted in a slight blurring of details in the frame.
The range of shutter speeds when operating the mechanical shutter is 60 to 1/4000 second, or you can use the electronic shutter, which extends this range to 1/16000 second. The longest exposure of 30 minutes is achieved when using Bulb mode. Maximum continuous shooting at 9 fps, with a clip capacity of up to 30 RAW files and 100 JPEG files.
The Lumix DC-GX9 has a magnesium alloy body and compact dimensions. A low-profile grip is located on the front, which will only be comfortable with smaller lenses. An extra grip, which will be available as an accessory, is provided to hold the camera securely when using heavier lenses.
There are many different controls on the body that make the camera easy to use, allowing you to easily and quickly change the settings you want without having to consult the settings menu every time. There is a focus mode switch on the back, a mode dial combined with an exposure compensation dial, the shutter button also has a selector dial and another selector dial located in the upper right corner of the body. Completing the picture are three function buttons that let you set up quick access to frequently used functions.
Tripod socket and battery compartment on the bottom of the body along with a slot for a standard SD card. There’s a cover on the right side that hides the microHDMI port and microUSB. When opened, the cover does not hinge outward as usual, but is gently recessed into the body. The battery capacity is sufficient for 260 shots, if necessary, it can be charged directly through the microUSB port using an external power source.
The Lumix DC-GX9 features a 3-inch touchscreen with LiveView mode and an electronic video snapper to make shooting easier. The screen has a resolution of 1.240 thous. Dots and can tilt up to 80 degrees up and 45 degrees down.
Resolution of the video viewfinder is 2.760K. The camera has a wide field of view and a 100% field of view at 0 magnification.7h. The viewfinder can be tilted back 90 degrees and has a power-saving feature that automatically puts the viewfinder to sleep when not in use.
In addition, there is a special wide eyecup for the video viewfinder which will be available as an accessory. The Lumix DC-GX9 also has a built-in flash that’s effective at distances up to 6m at ISO 200 and a hot shoe.
The post-processing software in the Lumix DC-GX9 includes a wide range of creative filters and modes, including 4K Photo, Post Focus and Focus Stacking as standard. In addition to these, the camera received three new modes: L.Monochrome D with Grain Effect, Sequence Composition and Auto Marking.
L. Monochrome D. offers enhanced adjustments for deeper blacks in black-and-white film simulations, while the Grain Effect feature adds a slight graininess to the images to enhance the effect. Sequence Composition mode lets you combine multiple 4K photos into a single photo, while Auto Marking mode lets you quickly select the best photo from a series of images thanks to special markers.
Sequence Composition
Auto Marking
The Lumix DC-GX9 can shoot 4K/30 fps video at bitrates up to 100Mbps. The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 LE, which allows you to quickly transfer photos to external devices, remotely manage the camera with a smartphone, as well as add geometric marks on pictures taken.
Price and availability
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 goes on sale in early March. Camera price complete with new 12-60mm F3 lens.5-5.6 will be $999. An optional wide viewfinder eyecup will be available for $19, and an optional grip for $59.
What are the standout features of the new mirrorless camera Lumix DC-GX9 by Panasonic and how does it compare to other models in the market?