It’s been six years since Panasonic launched the Lumix G9, a “pro-level” Micro Four Thirds camera that aimed to combine high-quality stills performance with (almost) the impressive video capabilities of the GH series. Now, finally, the new G9II aims to take that high-end hybrid concept to the next level with a slew of improvements—as you’d expect given the long wait.
Like the full-frame S5II and S5IIX, the G9II no longer has an autofocus system based only on contrast detection and instead boasts a full-featured hybrid (phase-detect plus contrast-detect) AF system, becoming the first Micro Four Thirds camera in the G series to do so. Featuring 779 phase-detect AF points and 315 contrast-detect AF points, the new AF system includes subject recognition technology powered by AI that recognizes cars, motorcycles, and animal eyes in addition to human and animal detection modes—and Panasonic claims it works faster, too.
Resolution has also seen a boost with the introduction of the new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS image sensor (up from the G9’s 20.3MP), which is supported by a more powerful processor, delivering up to 60fps burst shooting with continuous AF via the electronic shutter (for up to 200 RAWs or RAWs+JPEGs). When using the mechanical shutter, the G9II manages a respectable 14fps AF-S and 10fps with AF-C. Pre-burst recording ensures that the camera captures the first 1.5 seconds before fully pressing the shutter.
On the video side, the G9II can capture 5.8K/30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video using the full 4:3 sensor, 5.7K/30p video in 17:9 aspect ratio, and C4K/4K/120p 10-bit 4:2:0 video. The camera supports Apple ProRes 422 and 422 HQ recording to an external SSD via USB and features a full-size HDMI socket for output to an external recorder. The 5-axis in-body image stabilizer is CIPA-rated to 8 stops. To round things off, you get a 3.86M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder with 0.8x magnification, a 3-inch 1.84M-dot fully articulating touchscreen, and dual UHS-II card slots.
Available from retailers such as Backscatter, the Panasonic Lumix G9II has a body-only price of $1,900. It is also available in a kit with the 12–60mm f/2.8–4.0 zoom lens for $2,500.
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PRESS RELEASE
The LUMIX G9II
Capture the Decisive Moment
Newark, NJ (September 12, 2023) – Panasonic is proud to announce the launch of the LUMIX G9II digital mirrorless camera, equipped with a new sensor and Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) technology. The LUMIX G9II is the first camera in the Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G Series to feature PDAF technology.
In line with the growing need to produce highly creative artwork and photography using diverse methods, this new model creates high-resolution, high-quality images and rich colors straight out of camera. Furthermore, with a new auto-focus technology that combines Panasonic’s accumulated expertise in recognition technology with PDAF, and a high-speed burst shooting mode that ensures decisive moments are always captured, this new model boasts significantly improved power and high-speed performance. The camera supports photographers from various fields using a system that can be combined with the compact and lightweight LUMIX G Micro Four Thirds lenses for ultimate flexibility.
- New Sensor and New Engine Boasting Outstanding Photographic Performance
- PDAF technology implemented in LUMIX G Series for the First Time
- Flagship Micro Four Thirds Model for Still Images with Improved High-Speed Performance and Ergonomics
The new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor and new engine produce high-resolution images in outstanding quality with rich color tones, while the hybrid PDAF technology enables accurate auto-focus and high-speed tracking of fast-moving subjects. Moreover, burst shooting at 60 fps in AFC mode and SH pre-burst recording*1 that begins before the shutter is released ensures that the decisive moment is always captured, even with dynamically moving subjects.
LUMIX’s popular image stabilization system is further improved, combining 8-stop*2 B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer), 7.5-stop*3 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, and advanced Active I.S. for incredible video image stabilization. Together, these functions provide even greater support for handheld shooting of dynamic scenes that would previously have been difficult to capture. In addition, creators can enjoy enhanced monochrome photo styles with new LEICA Monochrome and REAL TIME LUT for preferred color settings. Through this next-generation digital mirrorless camera, Panasonic intends to respond to the needs of creators who are pursuing methods of creative expression that go beyond the boundaries of photography and videography.
Main features
- Equipped with a new sensor, new engine, and the first PDAF implementation in LUMIX G Series for outstanding photographic performance and high-speed response
- New 25.2-megapixel Live MOS Sensor for high resolution and high-speed response (13+ stop*4 V-Log/V-Gamut, Dynamic Range Boost*5)
- New engine that achieves natural, three-dimensional textured images and ensures high-speed processing of high bitrate video
- Use of new AI-powered recognition technology (developed using deep learning technology) for real-time auto-focus recognition that now recognizes cars, motorcycles, and animal eyes for improved precision in subject recognition
Advanced high-speed performance to ensure decisive moments is always captured
- Burst shooting at 60 fps in AFC mode and reinforced buffer memory for continuous burst shooting over three seconds for ensuring the capture of targeted moments
- SH pre-burst recording*1 that can begin shooting up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released and take approximately 113 consecutive shots
- Robust image stabilization system with 8-stop*2 B.I.S. (Body Image Stabilizer), 7.5-stop*3 5-axis Dual I.S. 2, with perspective distortion correction for video, and high mode for advanced Active I.S.
- Highly-mobile camera system combined with the compact, lightweight, and diverse range of LUMIX G Series lenses
New modes expand the possibilities of creative photography
- REAL TIME LUT function enabling personalized color expression through use of LUT files
- Enhanced monochrome mode with newly added LEICA Monochrome for deep black-white contrasts
- Hand-held 100-megapixel High Resolution mode and Live View Composite mode to expand the range of photographic options
A launching point for video creation
- 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K (4:3) full sensor recording/ 5.7K (17:9) enables flexible framing options for various social media formats
- 4:2:0 10 bit C4K/4K 120p/100p enables slow motion videos
- Apple ProRes*6 video, which delivers high image quality at low compression, reducing the load on the computer during post-production and allows non-linear editing without transcoding, streamlining your workflow from start to finish.
- Recording and playback are supported using an external SSD via USB
- Active I.S. Technology corrects shake when shooting on the move
Pricing and Availability:
The LUMIX G9II will be available at valued channel partners in early November for $1899.99 MSRP.
*1 When the ambient temperature is high or Pre-Burst recording is performed continuously, even if you press the shutter button halfway, Pre-Burst may not operate to protect the camera from overheating. Wait until the camera cools down.
*2 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=120mm), when H-ES12060 is used.
*3 Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=140mm (35mm film camera equivalent f=280mm), when H-FSA14140 is used.
*4 When shooting video at a setting of over 60 fps (including slow and quick mode), the luminance range provides 12+ stops.
*5 The dynamic range boost will not function when shooting video at a setting of over 60 fps (including slow and quick mode), when using the SH burst function for still images, and when combining slow shutter speeds of more than 1/15 seconds with ISO.
*6 Apple and ProRes are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.- Please see the website for video performance information, details, and specifications of the LUMIX G9II.
