To those who wait.
You know I love my G9 and consider it a solid performer, but I’ve been wondering if might be the end of the line for a Lumix stills photographer.
It isn’t. Here’s the new boss –
Funny, the G9 has no model badge on it at all. It’s so stealthy!
So here’s me waxing on about this new development –
It’s not any bigger than the original G9, but does have similar ergonomics and a host of new features and improvements – 8-way joystick instead of 4-way, 25 megapixel sensor with hybrid Phase-detection autofocus, Animal and Human eye detection, hand-held high-resolution (HHHR) mode now capable of producing 100 megapixel files and a blistering 60-frames-per-second burst speed with Continuous Autofocus and electronic shutter. It also has INSANE video capabilities which is to be expected with Panasonic. Phew!
What’s changed? Well the body. The sinuous and sexy G9 has become more like Robocop. And the tiny little switch in front that controlled (for me) electronic and mechanical shutters is gone (sob!). Also the top LCD panel which I used occasionally, but not enough to miss. And, alas, the battery is also different and I won’t be able to use my collection of…what? six batteries. Ugh. Battery life hasn’t improved, but many of the video modes need a higher voltage than the old ones were capable of so new ones are needed. I’m of two minds about this – I get that battery tech needs to keep up with demands of the camera, but bringing two kinds with me is going to have its own issues.
We do get an improved LCD panel on the back which is always welcome as well as some Leica Monochrome sexiness in the shape of a camera style which replicates the famous high-contrast black and white settings, something I’m anxious to try. We also get “unlimited” video recording. I put quotes around that because this camera is weather sealed and has no cooling vents, fins or fans like the GH6 or the S5 series. On the whole I greatly prefer having weather sealing so no regrets there. Under normal conditions I can’t see exceeding the heat-dissipation capabilities of this camera. Also we have upgraded UHS-II SD card slots for faster writing from the buffer. Definitely need to investigate new memory cards for this bad boy.
So, when I add this to the stable it will be good. I don’t plan to trade in the G9 since I love it and have wanted to have two high-end bodies on hand for certain situations (post coming soon about this). Since I’ve been shooting more and more video, the need for two bodies has become more pressing and I’m glad that I can have two such capable cameras in my bag.
Update!
Just finished watching the Lumix USA live stream and it confirmed my idea that the new body will only make my old lenses better. Unlike OM Systems, Panasonic doesn’t limit certain camera functions to just certain lenses (read expensive ones). That means all the pre-burst capture and other high speed goodness will work just fine even though 3 of my lenses are 10 years old or more. Some of that benefit will depend on the lens motor design – linear motors like in the 100-400mm will be quicker than lenses that don’t use linear motors, but all the features and stabilization will function. Just as I thought. Another reason I’m very glad I waited for this camera.
