Panasonic Surprises with New G9

2017.11.08

Today Panasonic surprised everyone with the launch of a new flagship mirrorless digital camera. Now being called a DSLM, for Digital Single Lens Mirrorless, this new mirrorless provides a number of technological improvements aimed at professional photographers.

The Panasonic Lumix G9 is based on the same 20 megapixels LiveMOS sensor found in the GH5 yet without an Anti-Alias filter. A new Venus Engine processor has been highly optimized to improve rendering of images and throughput as well as autofocus. For the first time on a Panasonic mirrorless, the G9 offers Super-High-Resolution capture of 80 MP by shifting the sensor and stacking 8 individual exposures into an extremely high-resolution image.

The new image processing pipeline uses 3D LUTs to accurately interpolate colors from the Bayer sensor output. It also introduces a completely revamped noise-reduction system that preserves more details to render textures more natural.

When using an electronic-shutter, the G9 imaging-sensor and Venus Engine together combine to take full-resolution bursts at 60 FPS with focus locked on the first frame or 20 FPS with continuous autofocus. The internal buffer can hold 60 RAW files but with dual high-speed SDXC UHS-I slots, the G9 can capture bursts of 600 JPEG images.

A completely new algorithm offers ultra-high-speed Contrast-Detect AF at 225 points using Panasonic's unique Depth-From-Defocus (DFD) technology. The sensor is read at 240Hz to continuously drive autofocus and is sensitive down to a best-in-class -4 EV.

Mechanically, the G9 is a completely different camera than the GH5. It has a new mechanical-shutter that can shoot continuously at 9 FPS and is made to last for at least 200K actuations. The sensor is mounted on an ultra-precise 5-axis image-stabilization that delivers by itself up to a class-leading 6.5-stops of Image Stabilization.

The body of the G9 is ergonomically-designed for stability and efficiency. It offers a deep grip and triple control-dials, plus stacked Mode and Drive Mode dials. The rear of the G9 offers both a rotating 3" touchscreen LCD plus the largest and most precise EVF of all. The built-in EVF in the Panasonic G9 offers an unmatched 0.83X magnification and an incredible resolution of 3.6 Megapixels. It shows 100% coverage and features an essential Eye-Start sensor. In very low-light, the EVF simulates an infrared display to reduce eye-strain and improve visibility. A backlit top Status LCD adds visual information needed by photographers.

Panasonic made their Lumix G9 very durable with a magnesium allow body that is fully weathersealed and freezeproof down to -10C. All controls have seals to keep dust and moisture out. This mirrorless offers both a hot-shoe and sync-port for external lighting but no built-in flash.

The G9 offers an very complete set of connectivity features. Builtin WiFi, Bluetooth 4.2 LCD, USB 3.0, 4K HDMI output, Wired Remote Port, Stereo Input and Stereo Output. A new battery gives the G9 a battery-life of 380 shots-per-charge. This can be extended to more than double in Power-Saving mode that runs the displays at 30 FPS instead of 60.

The Panasonic Lumix G9 is scheduled to ship in January 2018 for a retail price of $1700 USD or $2300 CAD. Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo are all ready to take preorders at these links. Using the links provided here gives you the same low price and great service as everyone else while helping support Neocamera.

Simultaneously with the new camera, Panasonic announced the Leica DG Elmarit 200mm F/2.8 lens. This bright telephoto prime lens is ideal for sport photographers and should be very suitable for wildlife when combined with an extender. Panasonic actually includes a 1.4X unit with this lens which is also compatible with a 2X one.

The Leica DG Elmarit 200mm F/2.8 Power OIS is optically stabilized while being compatible with Dual IS 2 in recent Panasonic mirrorless cameras. It can focus down to 1.15m with a focus-limiter that sets the minimum focus distance to 3m. It comes with an optional tripod color to support its hefty 1.2kg weight.

This lens will make its appearance in January 2018 too for a suggested price of $3000 USD or $3900 CAD. Follow the Panasonic Leica DG Elmarit 200mm F/2.8 Power OIS link here for preodering options as they become available.

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