Panasonic has been ignoring photographers for years, focusing almost exclusively on video features. But the G9 Mark II was supposed to change that—a camera built specifically for photographers who felt left behind. Here's the twist: it accidentally became one of Panasonic's best video cameras too.
After extensive real-world testing across Southern Alberta, shooting everything from wildlife to portraits to studio work, this camera surprised us in ways we never expected.
The GH6 Problem That Needed Solving
Before we dive into what makes the G9 Mark II special, we need to understand the problem it solves. The GH6 was an incredible video camera with a fatal flaw for photographers: terrible dynamic range below ISO 800.
From ISO 100 to 799, pushing shadows resulted in excessive noise and poor image quality. Once you hit ISO 800 and above, the camera performed beautifully—on par with contemporary cameras. But that low-ISO limitation made it nearly unusable for serious photography.
The G9 Mark II uses a similar 25-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor (non-stacked), so the big question was: would it have the same problem?
The answer: No. The G9 Mark II delivers significantly better dynamic range at lower ISOs, with improved shadow recovery, less color noise, and cleaner overall image quality. This is exactly what photographers needed.
What Panasonic Asked Photographers (And What They Said)
When designing the G9 Mark II, Panasonic actually asked photographers what they wanted. One question stands out:
"Do you want a fan in the camera?"
The response was apparently violent. Photographers essentially said, "Hell no. If you put a fan in this camera, we'll riot."
So Panasonic relented. The G9 Mark II has no fan—you can even see where the vent holes are sealed up. This makes the camera quieter for photography and removes an unnecessary feature for still shooters.
But here's where it gets interesting: the lack of a fan doesn't hurt video performance as much as you'd think.
Body Design: Familiar But Refined
The G9 Mark II shares its body design with the S5 II, with some thoughtful modifications:
What's good:
- Additional custom button next to the lens mount
- Comfortable grip (though not the most comfortable)
- White balance, ISO, and exposure compensation dials readily accessible
- Twin UHS-II SD card slots (sufficient for both photo and video)
- Ruggedized, freeze-proof body
- Weighs just 680 grams (about 1.5 pounds)
What's missing:
- No locking button on the mode dial (easy to accidentally change settings)
- Top dials are easily bumped (especially problematic for video shooters who keep changing shutter angle unintentionally)
- 3.69 million dot EVF is good but could be higher at this price point
The original G9 had a unique, aggressive design with a truly excellent high-magnification EVF and a locking mode dial. The G9 II trades that character for consistency with Panasonic's current lineup.
The Screen Controversy
The G9 Mark II features a fully articulating screen—the same as the S5 II and original G9. While this works well for video and some photography situations, many photographers prefer a tilting screen that doesn't require extending away from the body.
Ironically, the GH6 (the video-focused camera) has a hybrid tilt-and-articulate screen that photographers would probably prefer. It seems like Panasonic prioritized design consistency with the S5 II over photographer-specific ergonomics.
Photography Performance: Built for Action
Burst Shooting That Delivers
- 10fps with mechanical shutter (with continuous AF)
- 60fps with electronic shutter (with continuous AF)
- 75fps without autofocus
The buffer is impressive: shooting RAW at 60fps, you get approximately 3 seconds of continuous shooting (around 200 frames). At 10fps mechanical, the camera essentially shoots forever without filling the buffer.
Pre-Burst Mode for Wildlife
The G9 Mark II includes an excellent pre-burst feature that captures 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 seconds before you press the shutter at 60fps with autofocus.
This is brilliant for wildlife and action. Instead of firing constantly and hoping to catch the moment, you can wait until something happens, then press the shutter. The camera saves frames from before you reacted, compensating for human reaction time.
For a heron catching a fish or a bird taking flight, you capture the decisive moment even if your timing isn't perfect.
Computational Photography Features
The G9 Mark II brings several computational modes from the GH6:
Handheld High-Res Mode: Shoot handheld and create up to 100-megapixel images by combining multiple frames. The detail improvement is noticeable, and you get better noise performance as a bonus. Use a tripod for even better results.
Live Composite Mode: Perfect for night photography. The camera takes multiple exposures and intelligently combines highlighted areas while leaving shadows alone—essentially HDR for long exposures.
That said, the OM System OM-1 still leads in computational magic with features like Live Bulb (watch your long exposure build in real-time) and Live ND (mimic long exposures without filters or tripods).
Stabilization: Eight Stops of Magic
Panasonic claims 8 stops of stabilization—their best ever—and it puts the G9 Mark II on par with OM System cameras, which have been the gold standard.
In real-world shooting, the stabilization is noticeably more effective than previous Panasonic bodies. Handheld shots at slower shutter speeds are consistently sharp, expanding your shooting envelope significantly.
Autofocus: Phase Detection Finally Arrives
The G9 Mark II is technically the third Panasonic camera with phase-detect autofocus (after the S5 II and S5 IIX), but it actually performs slightly better—probably due to the faster sensor readout.
What works well:
- Human eye detection with reliable tracking
- Animal eye detection (tested successfully on dogs, horses, and even roosters)
- Cars and motorcycles for motorsports
- High hit rate in most shooting scenarios
The interface quirk: Human eye detection uses an old-school large box around the face with a crosshair (distracting). Animal detection uses a small green box directly on the eye (much better). Why the inconsistency? No idea.
Overall autofocus performance is very good—a massive improvement over any contrast-detect Panasonic. For wildlife, portraits, and action, it delivers the goods.
The Leica Monochrome Mode
Among all the color profiles available, one stands out: Leica Monochrome. The rendering is absolutely beautiful—so good that you'll want to shoot exclusively in black and white.
If you're serious about monochrome photography, this camera delivers stunning JPEG files straight out of camera. The tonal transitions and contrast are exceptional.
Video Performance: The Unexpected Star
Here's where things get really interesting. Panasonic insisted the G9 Mark II was "not specifically for video," but then gave it essentially every feature from the GH6.
Recording Capabilities
- All GH6 recording modes available
- Some highest-data-rate modes can't record to SD cards but work via USB to external SSD
- Same professional codecs and frame rates
The Dynamic Range Advantage
Remember that GH6 dynamic range boost mode that forced you to ISO 2000 in log? The G9 Mark II handles this much better.
At the native ISO 500 in log, the G9 Mark II shows significantly more dynamic range than the GH6. Even comparing the G9 II at ISO 500 to the GH6 at ISO 2000 with dynamic range boost enabled, noise levels are very similar.
Translation: You get better dynamic range without the usability compromises. For daytime shooting, you don't need as many ND filters.
Stabilization for Video
The improved IBIS translates beautifully to video. Standard stabilization provides natural handheld footage. Enable digital stabilization (with a small crop) and you eliminate that edge wobble you sometimes get with ultra-wide lenses on IBIS-only systems.
Boost mode makes static handheld shots look tripod-locked. It's genuinely impressive—some of the most stable handheld footage from any camera.
The Overheating Test
Without a fan, would the G9 Mark II overheat? Testing at normal room temperature (21°C):
- 5.8K open gate recording: 1 hour 36 minutes until battery died (no overheating)
- 4K 60p: 1 hour 36 minutes until battery died (no overheating)
- 4K 120p: 26 minutes before overheating (nearly 3 hours of playback at 24fps)
Unless you're regularly shooting 4K 120fps in hot climates, thermal management is excellent. Plus, battery life is about 50% better than the GH6—probably because there's no fan consuming power.
Better Than the GH6?
For many users, yes. The G9 Mark II offers:
- Phase-detect autofocus
- Better dynamic range at usable ISOs
- 50% better battery life
- Excellent thermal management for most scenarios
- All the same professional recording features
The GH6 advantages: the hybrid tilt-articulate screen, HDMI raw output to Atomos recorders, and truly unlimited recording in extreme heat (thanks to active cooling).
The Micro Four Thirds Value Proposition
At this price point, you can get entry-level full-frame cameras. So why choose Micro Four Thirds?
Lens size and weight: The system remains significantly more compact for travel and adventure photography.
Depth of field control: The deeper DOF can be an advantage for landscapes, travel, and situations where you want more in focus.
Reach for wildlife: The 2x crop factor gives you effectively double the focal length, making telephoto lenses more affordable and portable.
Video features: At equivalent prices, you're getting significantly more advanced video capabilities than full-frame alternatives.
G9 Mark II vs. OM-1: The Micro Four Thirds Showdown
These are the two flagship Micro Four Thirds cameras, and both excel:
G9 Mark II advantages:
- Slightly higher resolution (25MP vs. 20MP)
- Superior video capabilities
- Better hybrid camera overall
OM-1 advantages:
- More advanced computational photography (Live Bulb, Live ND)
- Potentially better for pure photography workflows
- Excellent stabilization and autofocus
Both are excellent wildlife cameras. Your choice depends on whether video matters and which computational features you value.
Who Should Buy the G9 Mark II?
Perfect For:
- Wildlife and bird photographers who want reach and portability
- Hybrid shooters who need both excellent stills and pro video
- Content creators wanting a do-it-all camera
- Travelers prioritizing compact size without sacrificing features
- Anyone already invested in Micro Four Thirds glass
Skip It If:
- You need absolute maximum low-light performance (full-frame wins)
- You shoot exclusively portraits requiring extreme bokeh
- You never shoot video (the OM-1 might suit you better)
- You want the largest possible sensor at any price
The Bottom Line
Panasonic set out to make a camera for photographers who felt ignored. They succeeded—the G9 Mark II is an excellent photography camera with improved dynamic range, reliable autofocus, and impressive burst capabilities.
But in the process, they accidentally created their best all-around video camera for most users. Better thermals than the GH6, improved battery life, phase-detect AF, and superior dynamic range at usable ISOs make it incredibly compelling for video work.
This is the rare camera that genuinely excels at both photography and videography without significant compromises in either discipline. If you're okay with the Micro Four Thirds sensor size and want a truly versatile tool, the G9 Mark II delivers.
Panasonic may have made this for photographers, but videographers should absolutely pay attention.
Are you considering the G9 Mark II, or are you committed to full-frame? Share your thoughts in the comments below!