Panasonic Lumix G9 Unveiled with 4K 60p Video – Will it Compete with the GH5?

NewsIndustry

by Adam PlowdenNovember 8^th, 2017

The new Panasonic Lumix G9 features desirable 4K 60p slow-motion filming in a camera geared towards wildlife photography, but what about video?

The Panasonic Lumix G9 offers a camera body packed with high-speed photography features including expandable megapixel count from 20.3MP to 80MP stills in JPEG/RAW – a feature that works by shifting the sensor and capturing 8 separate photos, which are then compiled into an 80MP image. But what does it offer on the video recording front?

The camera includes 4K 60p as well as the 5-axis Body Image Stabilization, both of which are big selling points with the GH5. Both HD and 4K resolutions are recorded in MP4 format, 4:2:0 colour sampling and 8-bit colour depth, lacking the 10-bit capabilities of the GH5. However, it is possible to record 8-bit 4:2:2 in 4K 30p via an external recording device.

High-speed video recording in ‘creative video mode’ is available in 4K up to 60fps at 100mbps, as well as 180fps at 20mbps in HD.

It’s worth bearing in mind that there are some recording limitations both in 4K UHD and in Full HD. Mostly importantly, the Panasonic Lumix G9 will only record up to 10 minutes of video in 4K UHD 50/60p in MP4 format. In other modes (Full HD, 4K 24/25/30p both in MP4 and AVCHD), recording will stop at 29 minutes 59 seconds.

The CINELIKE V and CINELIKE D photo styles are included in the G9, offering a flatter image profile for heavier post production. There is, however, no mention of V-Log L. Additionally, there is no 4K anamorphic mode.

The rear flip-out screen on the Panasonic Lumix G9 offers touch control, and the electronic viewfinder is very similar to the GH5, giving optimal preview quality. The ability to control the camera via WiFi and Bluetooth has been included too. On the interface and button control front, the layout is very similar to the GH5, also offering a thumb control wheel. Overall, the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 body design and size is very similar to the GH5.

Panasonic Lumix G9 – Key Video Specs

• 20.3MP Live MOS Micro Four Thirds Sensor.
• 4K UHD recording in 24/25/30/50/60p.
• Full HD recording in 25/30/50/60p.
• Long GOP compression.
• 4K UHD high-speed video recording up to 60fps.
• Full HD high-speed video recording up to 180fps.
• 5-axis Body Image Stabilization.
• CINELIKE D and CINELIKE V photo styles.
• Depth from Defocus AF.
• ISO sensitivity from 200-25600.
• Mini jack input for an external microphone.
• Flip-out rear screen with touch control.
• Dual SD card slots.
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Weighing in at 579g/1.27lb.

All things considered, it seems the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is more of a photo camera with good video capabilities, promising to work especially well as a crossover camera and making 4K video recording more accessible due to its price tag. Not that it’s essential to shoot in 4K all the time, of course…

For dedicated Micro Four Thirds system users, the Panasonic DC-G9 could be the mid-range photography-videography crossover camera that will sit nicely in a kit bag.

Could the Panasonic Lumix G9 be a B camera for your GH5, and would you choose it for stills and video work? Let us know in the comments.