CAMERA TEST
Panasonic’s 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds flagship gains phase-detection autofocus in a familiar body design. Andy Westlake puts it to the test
Panasonic’s Lumix G9II is a stills/video hybrid camera designed for serious enthusiast photographers. Notionally, it’s a successor to the Lumix G9 from late 2017, but in reality, it’s a completely new camera. In many ways, it’s better seen as a Micro Four Thirds version of the full-frame Lumix S5II, sharing almost exactly the same body and much of the technology.
Built around a new 25.2MP Four Thirds sensor, the G9II boasts some impressive specs, being capable of shooting still images at up to 75 frames per second and recording video at up to 5.7K resolution and 60fps. However, its headline update is the addition of phase-detection autofocus, rather than the proprietary depth-from-defocus (DFD) system Panasonic used before. This is joined by the firm’s latest subject-detection system, promising a huge leap in capability over the original G9.
The Lumix G9II is available either body only for £1,699, or in various lens kits, with the premium Leica DG 12-60mm F2.8-4 ASPH OIS being arguably the best option at £2,249. While this is dramatically higher than the G9’s current street price, it’s cheaper than its closest Micro Four Thirds competitor, the OM System OM-1. However, it’s in the same ballpark as both top-end APS-C cameras such as the Fujifilm X-H2, and affordable full-frame models like the Canon EOS R8. But with its smaller image sensor notionally placing it at a disadvantage in terms of image quality, is there still space for a high-end Micro Four Thirds model in a competitive market?
Features
Panasonic has based the G9II on a new 25.2MP sensor, which presumably is related to that used by the video-focused GH6, but now with phase detection added for autofocus. With a standard sensitivity range covering ISO 100-25,600, it promises improved image quality compared to older 20MP MFT models. The top shutter speed is 1/8000sec, or 1/32,000sec with the electronic shutter.
Autofocus employs 779 phase-detection points arranged across the entire frame.
Continuous shooting is available at 75fps using the electronic shutter with focus fixed, or 60fps with continuous AF. Switch to the mechanical shutter, and this drops to 14fps with AFS and 10fps with AFC.
