Hi Jeremy, loved your review, I would really appreciate your advice. I found my wildlife photos taken with the kit zoom lens looked soft so I upgraded to the semi-pro Leica 100-400mm lens, but the images still look very soft if I try to enlarge them, certainly my wife’s Canon 7D with 100-400mm M2 L series lens has pin sharp images even if enlarged, yes I know she has a bigger sensor but the difference is astounding. Any idea why- I do try to shoot on at least a shutter speed equivalent to the native ( not 35mm equivalent) focal length hand held which with the image stabilisation in camera & in lens should negate any movement blur. I wonder if I’m using the right focus option- can you suggest what I should be using.
Hard to say! Could be a couple different factors. The 100-400 is decently sharp, but not the sharpest out there. But if you're getting very soft images consistently, I'd say it might come down to motion blur. At 400mm, the crop is the same as if it was that 800mm FF, so just remember to take that into account with shake and movement. If you're only getting very soft images only half the time, it might come down to missed focus as it's easy for a lot of models to just slightly miss focus constantly. Hope that helps! But honestly hard to know unless I tried it myself.
Upgraded to a G9 recently from an Olympus E-M0 mark iii and I’m loving it- your videos convinced me to pick one up. I just wanted to say the quality of your content really is excellent and engaging- I can easily see your channel becoming huge in the future
That's awesome! I'm glad to have influenced you towards that camera, I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks so much for the encouragement as well! I really hope to keep inspiring, teaching, and growing. It's always encouraging to me getting comments from people like you that believe in this channel, so thank you!
I also bought the 100-300 (vs. 100-400) for being compact and great reach. Great summary! Btw your sound sounds so ambient like I'm at the mall food court. B)
These larger sensor cameras have barely any zoom compared to small senzor superzoom cameras like Panasonic FZ82 or Nikon P1000. Please correct me if I'm wrong. At least the G9 has 4k 60fps! That's nice!
It wouldn't be considered "zoom", but essentially smaller sensor cameras need less glass to reach further, which is why you get cheaper and cheaper costs on the same focal reach as you get smaller sensors. Those superzoom get a ton of reach with low cost but you compromise by using cheap glass of course. The G9 is definitely a solid budget camera though! I recommend it to a ton of people in that mid-low budget range.
Have mine for a couple of years as second camera with the 100-400 Pana-Leica. Great camera for everything exept birds in flight for which is horrible. Even with the latest firmware it is absolutely hopeless for BIF, otherwise love the camera.
hey.. I am planning to buy this Camera for Making RUclips Videos documentary style and also for Photography .. How the Video Quality and How's the Kit Lense???
Hey man! The camera is definitely the best in the $1,000 budget range in my opinion, but of course more money you spend will always get you better. The kit lens is very average however and I would recommend buying a better lens for yourself!
Hi Jeremy, i purchased the sigma 150-600 contemporary not too long ago, does the Lumix G9 fit directly onto the lens or is there an adaptor mount i need? Also, do you know if the G9 has a batter grip?
Hey Christopher! There is an adapter you need, I have a video in which I demonstrate how it works. I'll attach it below. ruclips.net/video/lVZkgULvgL8/видео.html Also, the G9 does have a battery grip, you can buy one at a link below like this: amzn.to/3Jefb3t
I realized today that I need a macro option for while I’m out in the field to capture the small details as well. Is there a good quality compact option for that? Ps I had a great Christmas thanks 🙂
Tbh I personally don’t own or have never tested macro lenses for the G9 so I couldn’t give you a personal rec that I can vouch for! However, I do know of some that theoretically should be good and I had considered in the past, would you like me to send you any of those links?
Thank you! Yes I would say for that budget range, it is a good choice for landscape shooting as well. They have a pixel-shift mode on it that allows 80MP shots on a tripod as well which is pretty cool for landscapes.
Wondering how you like your backpack. What made you decide on the one you’re using? How do you find it working for you after some time? Is it really tough or does it show wear and tear? I’m still looking for the perfect one.
I love my backpack! Here is a little bit more detailed of a video I made on it and I’d definitely recommend checking it out. It’s very tough and I have really beat it up while it still keeps. Check out the video below! ruclips.net/video/-tnqu7T_hHg/видео.html
The G9 is a great camera. I have it and agree that value for money it can't be beaten. Of course it's not ideal for all scenarios (no camera is) but it's ideal for my uses. I use the 7-14, 14-140 and 100-400 (which covers an incredible 14 to 800 FF equivalent focal length) and I have some fast primes for lower light or shallow depth of field scenarios. I think the autofocus is excellent for stills. DFD AF is currently not so good for video, but I mostly shoot manual so not a big issue for me. Obviously if AF video is a big part of what you do then the G9 is not the best camera for you. 🙂
Most definitely and agree with everything you said! Glad you've loved your experience with it so far! DFD is definitely their biggest flaw haha, but I shoot MF as well so it's not a big deal for me.
I don't think it uses DfD for video. The Movie "Continuous AF" is more of a follow-focus that keeps your focus point (subject) in focus. It is not a form of tracking neither. The G7, GH4, etc also do this. It's not a flaw. The Movie focus is deliberately slower reacting for smoother transitions. For video it is often better to switch to manual focus. The movie mode focus is for cinematic follow focus. Try switching to AFC. The G9 is a stills camera, it lacks the movie bells and whistles of the GH5. For slow bursts the AFS will focus every frame so quickly it's not worth using AFC. Tracking does work but what it does is move the focus point, it can and will track bursts, if you keep the birdie in the frame. It's often a case of knowing what your camera does, and when it does it and why it does it.
I would buy another Panasonic if they changed the AF system. I don't understand why they haven't listened to their clients. I think I'll wait on the next series and if they don't change anything, hello Canon or Sony.
@@JeremyNeipp So, did you keep the G9? You see, I consider that Sony has a larger sensor, but no IBIS(as far as I know). G9 has a smaller sensor, but is stabalized. But, the AF, is hit/miss. I know that it is better than other Pana's. So, maybe it is all about a tradeoff.
I have kept it but it’s a backup cam for me for a few years now, I’m on Panasonic’s FF line with the S1R, so I’m still in the Panasonic world but just upgraded
Hi Jeremy, loved your review, I would really appreciate your advice. I found my wildlife photos taken with the kit zoom lens looked soft so I upgraded to the semi-pro Leica 100-400mm lens, but the images still look very soft if I try to enlarge them, certainly my wife’s Canon 7D with 100-400mm M2 L series lens has pin sharp images even if enlarged, yes I know she has a bigger sensor but the difference is astounding. Any idea why- I do try to shoot on at least a shutter speed equivalent to the native ( not 35mm equivalent) focal length hand held which with the image stabilisation in camera & in lens should negate any movement blur. I wonder if I’m using the right focus option- can you suggest what I should be using.
Hard to say! Could be a couple different factors. The 100-400 is decently sharp, but not the sharpest out there. But if you're getting very soft images consistently, I'd say it might come down to motion blur. At 400mm, the crop is the same as if it was that 800mm FF, so just remember to take that into account with shake and movement. If you're only getting very soft images only half the time, it might come down to missed focus as it's easy for a lot of models to just slightly miss focus constantly. Hope that helps! But honestly hard to know unless I tried it myself.
Upgraded to a G9 recently from an Olympus E-M0 mark iii and I’m loving it- your videos convinced me to pick one up. I just wanted to say the quality of your content really is excellent and engaging- I can easily see your channel becoming huge in the future
That's awesome! I'm glad to have influenced you towards that camera, I'm sure you'll love it. Thanks so much for the encouragement as well! I really hope to keep inspiring, teaching, and growing. It's always encouraging to me getting comments from people like you that believe in this channel, so thank you!
obligatory comment to support this cool dude's channel! Also he's pretty handsome too!
Lol, thanks for the mandatory comment, I won’t tell people how much I’m paying you haha.
A very useful video, Jeremy, thank you. I am curious about the auto focus, esp for wildlife. Do you have a video which talks about it?
I also bought the 100-300 (vs. 100-400) for being compact and great reach. Great summary! Btw your sound sounds so ambient like I'm at the mall food court. B)
Thank you for the compliment! Glad you also like your 100-300mm.
I’ll be looking to get another Lumix camera body within 2021.
Also, Do you have any places of recommendation for Barn Owl Photography ?
That's awesome! Best of luck on choosing your new camera. Where do you live? It depends where you are to see if I know of any spots.
@@JeremyNeipp Pittsburgh, Pa.
Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the Pennsylvania area, look around on ebird though and you might have some luck.
I guess the 100-300mm is fast with the autofocus on the G9 right ?
These larger sensor cameras have barely any zoom compared to small senzor superzoom cameras like Panasonic FZ82 or Nikon P1000. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
At least the G9 has 4k 60fps! That's nice!
It wouldn't be considered "zoom", but essentially smaller sensor cameras need less glass to reach further, which is why you get cheaper and cheaper costs on the same focal reach as you get smaller sensors. Those superzoom get a ton of reach with low cost but you compromise by using cheap glass of course. The G9 is definitely a solid budget camera though! I recommend it to a ton of people in that mid-low budget range.
Which lens would have the largest zoom for this camera?
Depends on what you’re paying, but the Olympus 100-400 w/ 1.25 extender built in is the highest native option
Have mine for a couple of years as second camera with the 100-400 Pana-Leica. Great camera for everything exept birds in flight for which is horrible. Even with the latest firmware it is absolutely hopeless for BIF, otherwise love the camera.
Happy with my G9 but now I want full frame, too.
Haha most definitely, always a time to upgrade. I upgraded to the Panasonic S1R from the G9, you can check out my review of it below
ruclips.net/video/KzoZaIwKO2g/видео.html
hey.. I am planning to buy this Camera for Making RUclips Videos documentary style and also for Photography .. How the Video Quality and How's the Kit Lense???
Hey man! The camera is definitely the best in the $1,000 budget range in my opinion, but of course more money you spend will always get you better. The kit lens is very average however and I would recommend buying a better lens for yourself!
@@JeremyNeipp Thanks man
Hi Jeremy, i purchased the sigma 150-600 contemporary not too long ago, does the Lumix G9 fit directly onto the lens or is there an adaptor mount i need? Also, do you know if the G9 has a batter grip?
Hey Christopher! There is an adapter you need, I have a video in which I demonstrate how it works. I'll attach it below.
ruclips.net/video/lVZkgULvgL8/видео.html
Also, the G9 does have a battery grip, you can buy one at a link below like this:
amzn.to/3Jefb3t
Hey thanks for the reply! I sent back my other camera and I’m gonna try this set up and see how it goes. Much appreciated! Merry Christmas! 🎁
I hope you like it! Merry Christmas to you too and enjoy the New Year!
I realized today that I need a macro option for while I’m out in the field to capture the small details as well. Is there a good quality compact option for that? Ps I had a great Christmas thanks 🙂
Tbh I personally don’t own or have never tested macro lenses for the G9 so I couldn’t give you a personal rec that I can vouch for! However, I do know of some that theoretically should be good and I had considered in the past, would you like me to send you any of those links?
Great review.. is G9 great for landscape shooting ?
Thank you! Yes I would say for that budget range, it is a good choice for landscape shooting as well. They have a pixel-shift mode on it that allows 80MP shots on a tripod as well which is pretty cool for landscapes.
@@JeremyNeipp Cool ! Can't wait to see a huge upgraded from my G85 to G9 ! Thanks 🍻
No problem! I’m excited for you and your upgrade! You’ll have to let me know how you like it after a while.
Have been shooting landscapes for last 1 year with g9 ..really good one at the budget level
@@seephani1 sounds great. What lens you're using ?
What lens are you using?!?!
With the G9 I was using this lens right here!
ruclips.net/video/AmoCpiAIdpg/видео.html
Wondering how you like your backpack. What made you decide on the one you’re using? How do you find it working for you after some time? Is it really tough or does it show wear and tear? I’m still looking for the perfect one.
I love my backpack! Here is a little bit more detailed of a video I made on it and I’d definitely recommend checking it out. It’s very tough and I have really beat it up while it still keeps. Check out the video below!
ruclips.net/video/-tnqu7T_hHg/видео.html
The G9 is a great camera. I have it and agree that value for money it can't be beaten. Of course it's not ideal for all scenarios (no camera is) but it's ideal for my uses. I use the 7-14, 14-140 and 100-400 (which covers an incredible 14 to 800 FF equivalent focal length) and I have some fast primes for lower light or shallow depth of field scenarios. I think the autofocus is excellent for stills. DFD AF is currently not so good for video, but I mostly shoot manual so not a big issue for me. Obviously if AF video is a big part of what you do then the G9 is not the best camera for you. 🙂
Most definitely and agree with everything you said! Glad you've loved your experience with it so far! DFD is definitely their biggest flaw haha, but I shoot MF as well so it's not a big deal for me.
I don't think it uses DfD for video. The Movie "Continuous AF" is more of a follow-focus that keeps your focus point (subject) in focus. It is not a form of tracking neither. The G7, GH4, etc also do this. It's not a flaw. The Movie focus is deliberately slower reacting for smoother transitions. For video it is often better to switch to manual focus. The movie mode focus is for cinematic follow focus. Try switching to AFC. The G9 is a stills camera, it lacks the movie bells and whistles of the GH5.
For slow bursts the AFS will focus every frame so quickly it's not worth using AFC. Tracking does work but what it does is move the focus point, it can and will track bursts, if you keep the birdie in the frame.
It's often a case of knowing what your camera does, and when it does it and why it does it.
I would buy another Panasonic if they changed the AF system. I don't understand why they haven't listened to their clients. I think I'll wait on the next series and if they don't change anything, hello Canon or Sony.
I agree it is frustrating! I've just had to find ways to work around it. I really like everything about them as a brand except that one factor.
@@JeremyNeipp So, did you keep the G9? You see, I consider that Sony has a larger sensor, but no IBIS(as far as I know). G9 has a smaller sensor, but is stabalized. But, the AF, is hit/miss. I know that it is better than other Pana's. So, maybe it is all about a tradeoff.
I have kept it but it’s a backup cam for me for a few years now, I’m on Panasonic’s FF line with the S1R, so I’m still in the Panasonic world but just upgraded
Nice