You may not be a professional in that you do not get paid for taking photographs, but your analysis of the equipment and capabilities is entirely professional. A very informative video, thank you!
I used to be an APSC user; I have tried sony, canon, and fuji.. now I end up using M43, and I love it!! I think the curiosity will always be there if you haven't tasted the other system. for me, M43 is the best system for me because when it comes to travel, all I need is a small camera, a small lens, and ibis. I got it all in M43.. anyway, thanks for the video, can't imagine all the trouble you went through to record it using a different profile and lens..
Thanks for the comment! Honestly I was still curious and would occasionally day dream about switching systems. Your comment helped stave off that desire for maybe a few more months haha. I don’t need to own it - I just want to try it for a bit but camera availability and variety here is depressing.
Very good lens choice. I have these 3 lenses plus the amazing Leica 8-18 f2.8-4 along with the GX9 & G9. I tend to pair the 15mm with the GX9 and take everywhere a lot of the time in a tiny lowepro bag. The GX9 will give the same IQ as G9 just lacks pro features such as weather sealing, better battery life, better ergos & higher quality buttons, duals card slots, better EVF etc & has no 4k crop.
You have everything you need. Your analysis is awesome and practical. Enjoy your camera gear. For profesional, it is more about about your craft, skill and crativity, even your camera is already pro. I used to have Sony APSC, Fujifilm cameras. Now i’m settling down to GH5ii.
Hi. I like your argumentation; ”do I need to buy another system, no - do I want to test/feel another system, yes”. I struggle with it myself. Why are we never 100% happy? The M4/3 system is more than capable for casual shootings, light as well. So many pros and not so many cons. More people should work with theirselves to suppress the desire to just buy more things, and to reach a point where they are happy. Me included. Thank you.
Well, you gave exactly the reasons that I also bought a GX9 and similar lenses. The kit 12-60mm zoom has been replaced with the 12-60 mm, f/2.8-4 Leica which is slightly faster, the 15mm f/1.7, and the 25mm f/1.4. You gave some good reasons for considering the 35-200 mmm f2.8. I'm not all that bothered with the higher ISO issue as I was a photographer in the old film days and noise (or grain) is part of the photographic process; so, I just live with it. But rarely need to go past ISO 3200 anyway with most shots. BTW, the B&W parts were a welcome change..
I probably should’ve stayed b&w all the way through with that awful background. I had just enough time to record and everything else became secondary. I should try and be a bit more conscious next time…
Very interesting video. I have a gx9 and 15mm being delivered tomorrow. I know you have moved on but this video is still a good video. It is particularly effective because you switch lenses and color profiles every few minutes. That maintains interest from those of us with short attention spans. I wish you good fortune with what ever your future choices are, but I am giving the GX9 and 15mm the stage right now. Let the smallest and lightest unit win out! There are so many good choices today, none of them is a bad choice!
Thanks for the video, the different video profiles are really helpful! Been loving my GX9 since I bought it earlier this year. Tried my hand on some wild life photography (100-300mm), the AF isn't really great for it but the quality is pretty decent. I think this camera system is still best fitted for street (15mm Leica) and travel (14-140mm) photography. Totally agree on the budget part of M43 lenses, looking to get the 42.5mm f1.7 for portraits and maybe a ultra wide for landscape.
Super honest review. Always remembering what you need it for and not falling for could be good for.. I love my GX9 and PL 15/1,7. Also got the original Sony A7C. Got a lot of a bit too clumpsy Sony lenses. Samyangs 45/1.8 is nice and light. Should probably try to find a Zeiss 35/2,8. That would match the A7C perfectly. Only Fujifilm I’ve got is an old X100S. Not that nice. Gives about the same as GX9 + 15/1,7 but that combo is sooo much better! My GM1 is cute, but a little bit too small to handle if you don’t just leave it to full auto. The tiny kit lenses 12-32 and 35-100 are also surprisingly sharp. M43 system is really fun.
I was checking out a few GX9 videos and came across yours. So far, my favorite. It's simple, yet thorough. FYI, I currently have all 3 systems, meaning Full Frame, APSC and M43 (I also have the Lumix G9). But I was looking at the GX9 as a smaller and lighter version of the G9 for street photography. I find myself using my G9 more than any of my other cameras. I just really like that camera and the features it offers. And as far as the lenses go...you just can not beat the selection, price and size of the M43 system. I can easily carry 3-4 lenses (and some of them are telephoto) with me anywhere I go. They are that small and light in size. As a note, I do plan to sell my APSC (I never use it anyway) but I'll keep the Full Frame. It does have it's advantages. Thanks!
I can see myself owning both M43 and full frame too. Perhaps only a budget mirrorless one with affordable native and 3rd party lenses. I’d have to somewhat justify investing in full frame as a hobby. What I’m curious is having owned all 3 systems, if you had to choose one for everything photography related, which one would you go for?
@@QawiemJamil I'll start by saying for most of my Photography life I used APSC and M43 cameras, Canon and Lumix respectively. Last year I gently stepped into Full Frame by purchasing the Canon RP. Since I don't shoot professionally and photography is just a hobby (and therapeutic) is the main reason I chose the RP. FYI, I don't do video at all. I got both the Camera and Kit Lens (RF 24-104 F/4.0-7.1) new for under $1000 around Black Friday timeframe. I chose stay with Canon because I like the colors and the vast array of lenses to choose from, RF, EF, Sigma, Tamron etc.. As far as which one I would choose for everything photography...hmm it's subjective of course but for me I would have to say you get the best of all worlds with Full Frame, just my thought. But lenses can be quite expensive as you already know. But my G9 is still my favorite.
Interesting video. Thank you. I have the GX9 with lenses. Bus before that, I consider the Fujifilm X-pro2. Which is APS-C. But that gear, is way more bulky and more expensive. Fujifilm cameras are maybe better. Their sensors are awesome. Better than anything else. If I win the lottery. Than I go for Fujifilm 😊. But for now, I’m happy with the GX9. 👍.
A very comprehensive review, thank you! Actually one of the better ones on RUclips. Although the camera is not new, I consider to buy it for travel photography, since my trusty Canon 80D incl. gear is way to bulky to carry it around everywhere. I’m shooting stills only, so I do not worry about all the video features it doesn’t have.
This is a very good review. I'm a previous M43 user. Currently, I'm using the Fuji system. One thing I can say is, I do miss M43's portability. I miss it very much. But for portrait, I think Fuji's system is better, especially with the 56mm f1.2 lens. For now, I'm planning to have both. Retain Fuji, and have the M43. I only have 2 lenses for the Fuji system. For travel, I think M43's zoom lenses are more viable.
Yes i do. It's worth considering. I don't have any experience testing those 2 lenses you mentioned. But based on what i see in flickr, personally, i think fuji's 56 1.2 has a better imaqe quality. Not to take anything against those 2 lenses.
The GX-9 can be used by a professional, thus is professional. It is great for street photography and your family shots. Yes, the dynamic range is less than most APS-C and FF cameras, so do take note of settings -- perhaps shoot more to the right on exposure, and/or bracket the shots, if concerned about perfection. The battery life is low, but how many times does one shoot over a couple hundred shots? The flippy screen I find annoying, but your results might vary. I don't like flippy swing outs on the streets, at all. The flip down and up is great. Lumix screens and menus are responsive. For single point auto-focus, the contrast detect works like a charm, as it is accurate and fast. For videos -- yep, I haven't the clue, as I don't do videos. It may not be a best video camera. If you use only short lenses, then a Fujifilm camera, or say a Canon RP works well, but I don't trust the Canon's Dual-Pixel as much to get the single shot as I do the Lumix Contrast detection. Lens offerings on MFT are numerous. The Fujifilm X-T30 II might be a good -- I don't know, but rumor has it ;)) Really, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Lumix, OM, Ricoh, and those I might have forgotten, all work fine. Limitations being the operator, or in some cases lighting -- dynamic range for portraits and scenic / architecture. For street use and family or vacation use, the GX-9 should do the trick! Enjoy the day, and family, Loren
Thanks for sharing, Loren! Every system has its pros and quirks. and then going further, each camera has its own pros and quirks (I use quirks instead of cons because all cameras are capable of giving you a good image). Figure out what you need (probably the most difficult part!), and learn what different systems and cameras excel at. There's absolutely no need to overpay for cameras, but it is worthwhile to invest in good lenses.
Hey! Leica lenses specifically designed for the Panasonic cameras (micro four thirds mount) are all autofocus lenses as far as I know. It's the Leica-M lenses that are manual focus I believe and need to be adapted to the micro four thirds mount. Upgrading from a GX1 will be a massive improvement in every department that I can imagine (except maybe size, weight and form factor since that's so subjective..) even if it's just to the GX7 or GX8. You're gonna be spoiled for choice!
I don’t have any dynamic range problems with the GX9. Shoot in raw, and in contrasty situations shoot at -1 EV. I also own a full frame Z6ii, and for most things you really can’t tell which camera shot which picture. The Sony a7c is a mess, nowhere near the functionality and usability of the GX9. And Fuji’s aps-c sensor is barely larger than micro4/3, not to mention that many raw converters can’t handle their files.
Thanks for the honest review. I have an X-T4 that I use for more serious stuff, but lately I've been looking into small cameras that can be an EDC. I was gonna buy the Ricoh GRiii until I found out it had horrible dust issues, and most compact cameras as well. The X-T4 is easily usable up to 6400 but I generally don't like to push it up to 12,800. My rule of thumb is FF 12,800, and every step down the sensor size is 1 stop lower max ISO. If you used 3rd party processing software to denoise I think 12,800 could be used, or perhaps use the internal jpeg engine. Now I'm just contemplating if I should get the new Fuji 18mm f/1.4 which is $999. Or a GX9 + 14mm f/2.5 for around the same price. The GX9 combination would 100% be more portable since it's close to a smartphone size, but the image quality from the Fuji is going to be more superior. On days when I have a backpack it's fine, but I don't want to attract attention with a Fuji camera when I'm out at the supermarket or grabbing a snack from convenience stores.
That 18mm f/1.4 is a hefty lens tho! My instinct would be to stick to the same system especially if you already have a lens collection. If i were to analyse your thought process, you’d probably be less than satisfied with that GX9 combo, regardless of the form factor that it offers. I think you’re better off looking into the X-E4 + a small lens or the X100V. My friend just got the latter and he’s absolutely raving about it. The straight out of camera workflow + compact size is a breath of fresh air having only used Sony full frame. The current gen fujis have arguably the best aps-c sensor so going to a micro four thirds with a f/2.5 could take some getting used to. The only advantage with going GX-9 over a smaller fuji is the stabilisation imo. You could also use camerasize.com to get an idea of the size and weight for each option you’re considering.
@@QawiemJamil Yeah the 18 1.4 is not too bad, but a lil chonky and definitely not pocketable. My daily driver is the Sigma 18-35 on an adapter so that's a behemoth. Or the 35mm f2. I did consider the X-E4, just wish it had a bit more buttons. They removed the AF selector switch for some weird reason. The X100V is also something I'm keen to try, but the prices are a lil steep. I'm also more comfortable with the 28mm equivalent. I'm not too worried about the EDC image quality as long as it's better than a smartphone to be honest. Though the 18mm f/1.4 is a better lens to shoot with when I'm out with my girlfriend. I'll try the comparisons out on the site you suggested. Thank you :)
@@blakemartin1700 I just stuck with the XT4 and 18mm f1.4. It's a little hefty, but the 1.4 has been a blessing in dark locations. I bought a LightPix Q2 flash for some occasions too. My main reasons would still be the colour and ease of editing photos in-camera when travelling without a laptop. I rented a Sony A7Riv and the 35mm 1.4 GM, but never quite liked it and I still very much prefer my Fuji kit.
Great review. I wish autofocus and ISO could be a bit better, it's natural, but when I used the GH1 all was enough, now the Gx9 should be enough. If something is missing it's reminding me I'm forgetting some primal photography rules, assisted MF should be enough. I love the 14-140mm for travel and the 25mm 1.7, light and cheap. I have some more lens like the 100-300mm for wildlife but the 140mm serve me most of the times. Comparing gx9 with gh1 and gx800, it's heavy but the stabilized video is impressively good. I prefer the camera layout of the g90 but gx9 in the compact package to travel is great and I never had a problem with light rain, easy to protect if the weather goes bad. It's true that there's few videos about the GX9. I bought mine used for 350$ with extra batteries and a new 14-140mmii for 400$, I think its pros are very nice. I'm still in doubt if a superwide lens is worth the money bcz most of the time I like to stitch photos.... but 42.5mm is definitely in the buy list.
The GX series feels like a good compromise between all the other categories of Lumix cameras, at least for the casual shooter like me. I recently got the 42.5mm f/1.7 and I am happy with my purchase. However, I was actually eyeing the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 but considered native lenses to always be the safer choice in terms of performance. I’d have to try it out myself to see which one is better - but you can’t beat the price of the 42.5mm tho.
Thank you so much for the information, but please 🙏 I need assistance, I just got the Lumix Gx9 and please can recommend me good prime lenses and their brand name.
In some ways, we are all spoiled by the high iso of digital cameras vs the 100 to 400 iso of film that I used growing up. Try carrying just one prime lens, a simple light, and using the view finder for a month,
I have a GX9, a Pen F, an X100v and a canon RP: the X100v definitely has better dynamic range, but autofocus makes you want to punch in your face. Also I don't particularly enjoy the cold tones and the unnatural sharpness of the images. The RP is a different beast, with Dynamic range not very good but really able to flex it's muscle when it comes to high ISO performances. Do I think M43 is redundant? If I had to chose one single system, it would probably be it. When you start looking for GOOD glasses, Full Frame and APSC are WAY more expensive and the amount of subpar lenses is much more common, even at high prices. Don't always look at the greener lawn of your neighbors: autofocus in M43 is as snappy as it gets, and the eye recognition of the GX9 is definitely better and more reliable the Fuji. If you need super fast and sticky CAF, the EM1mklll will cover you for a fraction of the cost of a FF sport camera. I wouldn't recommend m43 only for people who need to shoot often at night.
I've had apsc dslr and I'm more happy now with m43 pic qa is more than enough for amator and size is perfect for travel fotography, The only downside is lack of fast universal zoom like 17-55 2.8 for dslr (anyway it would be big and havy).
Exactly! I find myself wanting faster primes and zooms (to make up for the disadvantages of the sensor size) but then I’d have to deal with heavier and bulkier lenses, which defeats the purpose of the small form factor of the GX-9
I'm trying to decide between M4/3 gX9 and Canon M50 II. I think I would go with M4/3, the cameras have more features (ibis, post focus, 4k photo, etc) and the overall system is smaller, for me size and weight are a key factor. I have a Canon G1X MK2 and a Sony RX100. In the M4/3 world you have from near pocket camera (GM1, Oly PEN, etc) to pro level weather sealed pro cameras (GH5, EM1, etc). If you keep the lenses you can get used cameras for every need. Thanks for your video!!
Well said! I was tempted by the Canon M cameras too. I like the form factor of the M6. Lack of IBIS was probably the biggest reason that I decided against it, with the lens choices and support being second to that. If Canon makes an M6 mark iii with IBIS and flippy screen, I might reconsider. Lens choices still wont be as good m43, but I can probably make it work.
I'm not ready to switch to another system because it means giving up my lenses and all the benefits that comes along with it such as size and portability, especially on the telephoto end (which I own and use quite frequently) - BUT I am strongly considering upgrading to a more pro body because my needs have changed, and I'm starting to ask more and more from my camera, particularly extended long exposure sessions for astrophotography. Planning to drop another video regarding using LUMIX cameras in astrophotography, and I'll share my thoughts then!
I don't think so. But I do think they offer some form of in-camera post-processing option for it, but it has to be in 4K photo mode if I am not mistaken.
you're welcome! I'm sure you'll love the GX9. I'm hopeful for a successor - or at least a compact camera from Panasonic with a new sensor. Would love a clear upgrade path. The current rumors are promising! Hopefully we'll learn more when the GH6 comes out.
@@QawiemJamil for all as i know: the gx9 is a new gx8 but put in a gx80 body. Panasonic refreshed their Design strategy with that so all new gx cameras will come out with that form factor but with premiums like the tilt Viewfinder. So the Design of gx7 and gx8 being bigger just died. The gx10 if they will call it like this, will be like the gx9 with improvements in Design and technic and so on. But the Design generally will not change anymore. What u see on gx9 is what that series want to be or better said: what Panasonic want it to be...this ist the final direction Panasonic ist going with GX. And i love it...😉
You will not be disappointed. The GX9 i really nice. I use it more or less everyday. My whife uses a G9 but I stick with my GX9. Love the tilt viewfinder but would love to have the resolution the G9 has in its viewfinder. Maybe the GX10 vill give us that. ……… Go GX9ers ………. ;-)
@@andreassilverbris9924 i Hope so too. Well yes the G9 has the better Viewfinder but theres no tilt and the most important for me: the gx9 is smaller. I use a PeakDesign fieldpack V2 with a PeakDesign capture camera Clip. The gx9 fits perfectly in the bag with the 14mm f2.5 + 25mm f1.7 + Leica 12-60mm. And if i want then i clip it outside on the PD capture clip so i could take one more lense. But then it looses its lightweight advantage...so most times i go with 14mm+12-60 + take a 0,5L Coca-Cola with me. ☺️ When i compare Lumix to Sony Alpha 6xxx series then i always choose Lumix. In the past when the a6000 came out: only full HD, no Touchscreen, no in-body stabilizer... The gx80 therefore had a Touchscreen, 4k and dual IS and that for less Money. Now today you need a6600 for dual IS wich is way more expensive than a GX9. In my opinion you get more bang for the Buck with Lumix. And you were right, im Not disappointed. I couldnt bei happier with a camera.☺️
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t! It looks so good. I think it depends on the lens selection, or whether you’re already invested in the Nikon system.
It's funny to hear that you're not professional but not recomend it for professional use. I use my GX9 for wedding and event documentation. i still get paid.
Fair point. You can get paid making social media content using a phone. Depends on the scope of the job. What I'm saying is that while it is in no way inadequate at producing quality images, it's hard to argue that pros aren't better off with a camera body that has better pro features, regardless of sensor size or release date. Things like a second SD card slot for redundancy, weather sealing, or a bigger battery can be very valuable pro features. There are other cameras out there that I think are better value for pros, but it doesn't make the GX9 a complete no go.
@@QawiemJamil what if all that feature you mention you in a profesional camera above, we never use or i not really need it while working. Such as weather resistance because i never go to jungle, large mega pixels sensor because all client need is a soft copy. I think just because don't have some feature a in camera, we can't use it for professional work. We just need to consider the capability of our camera.
I have fujifilm xs10, l would say the difference is very small with ISO and autofocus for moving subjects is actually not so good, I had Panasonic g80 and it was better 👍
The low light performance can be mitigated by using fast glass like the PL15mm lens and the IBIS. qwm jml mentions there isn’t flip screen. This is a photography camera with very good video. There isn’t any reason this body should have a flip screen. This is a small & lightweight body. With that you get small batteries. Buy a couple generic Cheap batteries. Have the PL15mm lens. A winner and reasonably priced. I have the 25mm f1.7 lens. I didn’t spend the extra money for the PL lens. The 35-100mm f2.8 is very good and I use it all the time. Yes the M43. Lenses are small and light. They are very good and relatively cheap. One feature I love is the L monochrome D jpeg B&W setting. It is my favorite B&W setting. It is better than Fuji’s Acros with the red filter. I use both Fuji and Panasonic. Both are good. You can’t go wrong with either brand. For a small and lightweight camera you can’t go wrong with the Panasonic GX9. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
haha that's one way to do it! I think every system and every brand has something to offer. Something it does better than the rest. For those who do a bit of everything, I can imagine how it would be hard to stick to just one brand and system.
I know you are sharing your experience about low light performance. But let me tell you, these shot at iso 6400 f5.6 etc...The result is not that much difference on a full frame equivalent in price, sadly thats how it is..you can see yourself these wedding photographers are using flash themselves because they r having a hard time with the crappy light there. A real upgrade to these low light shots r FF bodies worth 1600$+ but 3 years ago easily 2400$ +. But then also FF glass is so expensive as compared to m43 system. Where can you get a sharp 20mm (40mm fov in FF) f1.7 with I.O.S. for only 300$, this type of things do nt exist in FF lens. FF leica glass are like 3-7000$+ lol where here its like 500$+ Also the size of the body, it fits in your pocket is u got a small lens :D
Thanks for sharing! Some people focus too much on what they think they will gain but perhaps overlook what they could lose going from one format or system to another.
The GX8 was such a better camera than the GX9 - it was maybe much too good for Panasonic and as the direct companion to the GH5 which has the same sensor and a lot of other things! The GX8 was just created as a smaller and more photo oriented camera than the GH5 but even the video quality of this camera is excellent. GX9 is nothing I would have chosen! It is just so far below the GX8 it simply doesn't makes sense.
The GX8 was designed to be a flagship camera if I'm not mistaken, so I can see where you are coming from. But they've positioned the GX series at a lower ranking now, and hence at a lower price bracket, which I honestly don't mind. The things lost as a result, are things I wouldn't miss anyway EXCEPT the remote port because I can't set time-lapse shots for exposures of more that 1 minute, which is annoying but a simple firmware upgrade can fix. Anyway, knowing that I'm getting the latest version of the sensor, image processor and AF algorithms, was a good enough reason for me to choose the GX9 over the GX8. The GX8 can be found at similar, and even higher, prices than the GX9 on the used market, so it comes down to price and what the user values more.
You may not be a professional in that you do not get paid for taking photographs, but your analysis of the equipment and capabilities is entirely professional. A very informative video, thank you!
What a compliment! Thank you 🙏
The most honest and precise review about m43 panasonic I found on youtube
Finally an honest and informative review and analysis, no joke, i was looking for a video like this for 2 days now, glad i found this.
I'm glad it was useful!
I used to be an APSC user; I have tried sony, canon, and fuji.. now I end up using M43, and I love it!! I think the curiosity will always be there if you haven't tasted the other system. for me, M43 is the best system for me because when it comes to travel, all I need is a small camera, a small lens, and ibis. I got it all in M43.. anyway, thanks for the video, can't imagine all the trouble you went through to record it using a different profile and lens..
Thanks for the comment! Honestly I was still curious and would occasionally day dream about switching systems. Your comment helped stave off that desire for maybe a few more months haha. I don’t need to own it - I just want to try it for a bit but camera availability and variety here is depressing.
Very good lens choice. I have these 3 lenses plus the amazing Leica 8-18 f2.8-4 along with the GX9 & G9. I tend to pair the 15mm with the GX9 and take everywhere a lot of the time in a tiny lowepro bag. The GX9 will give the same IQ as G9 just lacks pro features such as weather sealing, better battery life, better ergos & higher quality buttons, duals card slots, better EVF etc & has no 4k crop.
You have everything you need. Your analysis is awesome and practical. Enjoy your camera gear. For profesional, it is more about about your craft, skill and crativity, even your camera is already pro. I used to have Sony APSC, Fujifilm cameras. Now i’m settling down to GH5ii.
Hi. I like your argumentation; ”do I need to buy another system, no - do I want to test/feel another system, yes”. I struggle with it myself. Why are we never 100% happy? The M4/3 system is more than capable for casual shootings, light as well. So many pros and not so many cons. More people should work with theirselves to suppress the desire to just buy more things, and to reach a point where they are happy. Me included. Thank you.
Sony a6400 sensor, autofocus, auto iso and viewfinder in this body - perfect camera.
Well, you gave exactly the reasons that I also bought a GX9 and similar lenses. The kit 12-60mm zoom has been replaced with the 12-60 mm, f/2.8-4 Leica which is slightly faster, the 15mm f/1.7, and the 25mm f/1.4. You gave some good reasons for considering the 35-200 mmm f2.8. I'm not all that bothered with the higher ISO issue as I was a photographer in the old film days and noise (or grain) is part of the photographic process; so, I just live with it. But rarely need to go past ISO 3200 anyway with most shots. BTW, the B&W parts were a welcome change..
I probably should’ve stayed b&w all the way through with that awful background. I had just enough time to record and everything else became secondary. I should try and be a bit more conscious next time…
@@QawiemJamilnoone cares about the background, great vid still
Thank you for your honest video! you did an amazing job!
Very interesting video. I have a gx9 and 15mm being delivered tomorrow. I know you have moved on but this video is still a good video. It is particularly effective because you switch lenses and color profiles every few minutes. That maintains interest from those of us with short attention spans. I wish you good fortune with what ever your future choices are, but I am giving the GX9 and 15mm the stage right now. Let the smallest and lightest unit win out! There are so many good choices today, none of them is a bad choice!
No doubt you will enjoy it, as I did back then before I let my curiosity get the best of me haha.
Thanks for the video, the different video profiles are really helpful! Been loving my GX9 since I bought it earlier this year. Tried my hand on some wild life photography (100-300mm), the AF isn't really great for it but the quality is pretty decent. I think this camera system is still best fitted for street (15mm Leica) and travel (14-140mm) photography. Totally agree on the budget part of M43 lenses, looking to get the 42.5mm f1.7 for portraits and maybe a ultra wide for landscape.
Super honest review. Always remembering what you need it for and not falling for could be good for..
I love my GX9 and PL 15/1,7. Also got the original Sony A7C. Got a lot of a bit too clumpsy Sony lenses. Samyangs 45/1.8 is nice and light. Should probably try to find a Zeiss 35/2,8. That would match the A7C perfectly.
Only Fujifilm I’ve got is an old X100S. Not that nice. Gives about the same as GX9 + 15/1,7 but that combo is sooo much better!
My GM1 is cute, but a little bit too small to handle if you don’t just leave it to full auto. The tiny kit lenses 12-32 and 35-100 are also surprisingly sharp. M43 system is really fun.
I was checking out a few GX9 videos and came across yours. So far, my favorite. It's simple, yet thorough. FYI, I currently have all 3 systems, meaning Full Frame, APSC and M43 (I also have the Lumix G9). But I was looking at the GX9 as a smaller and lighter version of the G9 for street photography. I find myself using my G9 more than any of my other cameras. I just really like that camera and the features it offers. And as far as the lenses go...you just can not beat the selection, price and size of the M43 system. I can easily carry 3-4 lenses (and some of them are telephoto) with me anywhere I go. They are that small and light in size. As a note, I do plan to sell my APSC (I never use it anyway) but I'll keep the Full Frame. It does have it's advantages. Thanks!
I can see myself owning both M43 and full frame too. Perhaps only a budget mirrorless one with affordable native and 3rd party lenses. I’d have to somewhat justify investing in full frame as a hobby.
What I’m curious is having owned all 3 systems, if you had to choose one for everything photography related, which one would you go for?
@@QawiemJamil I'll start by saying for most of my Photography life I used APSC and M43 cameras, Canon and Lumix respectively. Last year I gently stepped into Full Frame by purchasing the Canon RP. Since I don't shoot professionally and photography is just a hobby (and therapeutic) is the main reason I chose the RP. FYI, I don't do video at all. I got both the Camera and Kit Lens (RF 24-104 F/4.0-7.1) new for under $1000 around Black Friday timeframe. I chose stay with Canon because I like the colors and the vast array of lenses to choose from, RF, EF, Sigma, Tamron etc.. As far as which one I would choose for everything photography...hmm it's subjective of course but for me I would have to say you get the best of all worlds with Full Frame, just my thought. But lenses can be quite expensive as you already know. But my G9 is still my favorite.
Interesting video. Thank you. I have the GX9 with lenses. Bus before that, I consider the Fujifilm X-pro2. Which is APS-C. But that gear, is way more bulky and more expensive.
Fujifilm cameras are maybe better. Their sensors are awesome. Better than anything else.
If I win the lottery. Than I go for Fujifilm 😊. But for now, I’m happy with the GX9. 👍.
A very comprehensive review, thank you! Actually one of the better ones on RUclips. Although the camera is not new, I consider to buy it for travel photography, since my trusty Canon 80D incl. gear is way to bulky to carry it around everywhere. I’m shooting stills only, so I do not worry about all the video features it doesn’t have.
This is a very good review. I'm a previous M43 user. Currently, I'm using the Fuji system. One thing I can say is, I do miss M43's portability. I miss it very much. But for portrait, I think Fuji's system is better, especially with the 56mm f1.2 lens. For now, I'm planning to have both. Retain Fuji, and have the M43. I only have 2 lenses for the Fuji system. For travel, I think M43's zoom lenses are more viable.
You do know that Olympus has 45mm f1.2 and Lumix Leica Noctocrin F1.2
Yes i do. It's worth considering. I don't have any experience testing those 2 lenses you mentioned. But based on what i see in flickr, personally, i think fuji's 56 1.2 has a better imaqe quality. Not to take anything against those 2 lenses.
Hi there, in Singapore 😊
Thanks for your thoughts. Very comprehensive.
Sold my gx95 and have missed it since. Now looking for another gx9 or contiplating the g100 for it's low weight
The GX-9 can be used by a professional, thus is professional. It is great for street photography and your family shots. Yes, the dynamic range is less than most APS-C and FF cameras, so do take note of settings -- perhaps shoot more to the right on exposure, and/or bracket the shots, if concerned about perfection. The battery life is low, but how many times does one shoot over a couple hundred shots? The flippy screen I find annoying, but your results might vary. I don't like flippy swing outs on the streets, at all. The flip down and up is great. Lumix screens and menus are responsive. For single point auto-focus, the contrast detect works like a charm, as it is accurate and fast. For videos -- yep, I haven't the clue, as I don't do videos. It may not be a best video camera. If you use only short lenses, then a Fujifilm camera, or say a Canon RP works well, but I don't trust the Canon's Dual-Pixel as much to get the single shot as I do the Lumix Contrast detection. Lens offerings on MFT are numerous. The Fujifilm X-T30 II might be a good -- I don't know, but rumor has it ;)) Really, Canon, Sony, Nikon, Lumix, OM, Ricoh, and those I might have forgotten, all work fine. Limitations being the operator, or in some cases lighting -- dynamic range for portraits and scenic / architecture. For street use and family or vacation use, the GX-9 should do the trick!
Enjoy the day, and family, Loren
Thanks for sharing, Loren! Every system has its pros and quirks. and then going further, each camera has its own pros and quirks (I use quirks instead of cons because all cameras are capable of giving you a good image). Figure out what you need (probably the most difficult part!), and learn what different systems and cameras excel at. There's absolutely no need to overpay for cameras, but it is worthwhile to invest in good lenses.
Hello from New York City! Are Leica lens manual focus only? Thank you from a GX1 user looking to upgrade.
Hey! Leica lenses specifically designed for the Panasonic cameras (micro four thirds mount) are all autofocus lenses as far as I know. It's the Leica-M lenses that are manual focus I believe and need to be adapted to the micro four thirds mount.
Upgrading from a GX1 will be a massive improvement in every department that I can imagine (except maybe size, weight and form factor since that's so subjective..) even if it's just to the GX7 or GX8. You're gonna be spoiled for choice!
I don’t have any dynamic range problems with the GX9. Shoot in raw, and in contrasty situations shoot at -1 EV.
I also own a full frame Z6ii, and for most things you really can’t tell which camera shot which picture.
The Sony a7c is a mess, nowhere near the functionality and usability of the GX9. And Fuji’s aps-c sensor is barely larger than micro4/3, not to mention that many raw converters can’t handle their files.
Thanks for the honest review. I have an X-T4 that I use for more serious stuff, but lately I've been looking into small cameras that can be an EDC. I was gonna buy the Ricoh GRiii until I found out it had horrible dust issues, and most compact cameras as well. The X-T4 is easily usable up to 6400 but I generally don't like to push it up to 12,800. My rule of thumb is FF 12,800, and every step down the sensor size is 1 stop lower max ISO. If you used 3rd party processing software to denoise I think 12,800 could be used, or perhaps use the internal jpeg engine.
Now I'm just contemplating if I should get the new Fuji 18mm f/1.4 which is $999. Or a GX9 + 14mm f/2.5 for around the same price. The GX9 combination would 100% be more portable since it's close to a smartphone size, but the image quality from the Fuji is going to be more superior. On days when I have a backpack it's fine, but I don't want to attract attention with a Fuji camera when I'm out at the supermarket or grabbing a snack from convenience stores.
That 18mm f/1.4 is a hefty lens tho! My instinct would be to stick to the same system especially if you already have a lens collection. If i were to analyse your thought process, you’d probably be less than satisfied with that GX9 combo, regardless of the form factor that it offers. I think you’re better off looking into the X-E4 + a small lens or the X100V. My friend just got the latter and he’s absolutely raving about it. The straight out of camera workflow + compact size is a breath of fresh air having only used Sony full frame.
The current gen fujis have arguably the best aps-c sensor so going to a micro four thirds with a f/2.5 could take some getting used to. The only advantage with going GX-9 over a smaller fuji is the stabilisation imo. You could also use camerasize.com to get an idea of the size and weight for each option you’re considering.
@@QawiemJamil Yeah the 18 1.4 is not too bad, but a lil chonky and definitely not pocketable. My daily driver is the Sigma 18-35 on an adapter so that's a behemoth. Or the 35mm f2. I did consider the X-E4, just wish it had a bit more buttons. They removed the AF selector switch for some weird reason. The X100V is also something I'm keen to try, but the prices are a lil steep. I'm also more comfortable with the 28mm equivalent.
I'm not too worried about the EDC image quality as long as it's better than a smartphone to be honest. Though the 18mm f/1.4 is a better lens to shoot with when I'm out with my girlfriend.
I'll try the comparisons out on the site you suggested. Thank you :)
@@professionalpotato4764 what did you end up going for?
Also why not consider the 15mm f1.7?
@@blakemartin1700 I just stuck with the XT4 and 18mm f1.4. It's a little hefty, but the 1.4 has been a blessing in dark locations. I bought a LightPix Q2 flash for some occasions too. My main reasons would still be the colour and ease of editing photos in-camera when travelling without a laptop. I rented a Sony A7Riv and the 35mm 1.4 GM, but never quite liked it and I still very much prefer my Fuji kit.
Great review.
I wish autofocus and ISO could be a bit better, it's natural, but when I used the GH1 all was enough, now the Gx9 should be enough. If something is missing it's reminding me I'm forgetting some primal photography rules, assisted MF should be enough. I love the 14-140mm for travel and the 25mm 1.7, light and cheap. I have some more lens like the 100-300mm for wildlife but the 140mm serve me most of the times. Comparing gx9 with gh1 and gx800, it's heavy but the stabilized video is impressively good.
I prefer the camera layout of the g90 but gx9 in the compact package to travel is great and I never had a problem with light rain, easy to protect if the weather goes bad.
It's true that there's few videos about the GX9.
I bought mine used for 350$ with extra batteries and a new 14-140mmii for 400$, I think its pros are very nice. I'm still in doubt if a superwide lens is worth the money bcz most of the time I like to stitch photos.... but 42.5mm is definitely in the buy list.
The GX series feels like a good compromise between all the other categories of Lumix cameras, at least for the casual shooter like me.
I recently got the 42.5mm f/1.7 and I am happy with my purchase. However, I was actually eyeing the Sigma 56mm f/1.4 but considered native lenses to always be the safer choice in terms of performance. I’d have to try it out myself to see which one is better - but you can’t beat the price of the 42.5mm tho.
Thank you so much for the information, but please 🙏 I need assistance, I just got the Lumix Gx9 and please can recommend me good prime lenses and their brand name.
In some ways, we are all spoiled by the high iso of digital cameras vs the 100 to 400 iso of film that I used growing up. Try carrying just one prime lens, a simple light, and using the view finder for a month,
I have a GX9, a Pen F, an X100v and a canon RP: the X100v definitely has better dynamic range, but autofocus makes you want to punch in your face. Also I don't particularly enjoy the cold tones and the unnatural sharpness of the images.
The RP is a different beast, with Dynamic range not very good but really able to flex it's muscle when it comes to high ISO performances.
Do I think M43 is redundant? If I had to chose one single system, it would probably be it. When you start looking for GOOD glasses, Full Frame and APSC are WAY more expensive and the amount of subpar lenses is much more common, even at high prices. Don't always look at the greener lawn of your neighbors: autofocus in M43 is as snappy as it gets, and the eye recognition of the GX9 is definitely better and more reliable the Fuji. If you need super fast and sticky CAF, the EM1mklll will cover you for a fraction of the cost of a FF sport camera. I wouldn't recommend m43 only for people who need to shoot often at night.
Well said!
Thanks for this review! Love it!
You are so welcome!
I've had apsc dslr and I'm more happy now with m43 pic qa is more than enough for amator and size is perfect for travel fotography, The only downside is lack of fast universal zoom like 17-55 2.8 for dslr (anyway it would be big and havy).
Exactly! I find myself wanting faster primes and zooms (to make up for the disadvantages of the sensor size) but then I’d have to deal with heavier and bulkier lenses, which defeats the purpose of the small form factor of the GX-9
I'm trying to decide between M4/3 gX9 and Canon M50 II. I think I would go with M4/3, the cameras have more features (ibis, post focus, 4k photo, etc) and the overall system is smaller, for me size and weight are a key factor. I have a Canon G1X MK2 and a Sony RX100. In the M4/3 world you have from near pocket camera (GM1, Oly PEN, etc) to pro level weather sealed pro cameras (GH5, EM1, etc). If you keep the lenses you can get used cameras for every need. Thanks for your video!!
Well said! I was tempted by the Canon M cameras too. I like the form factor of the M6. Lack of IBIS was probably the biggest reason that I decided against it, with the lens choices and support being second to that.
If Canon makes an M6 mark iii with IBIS and flippy screen, I might reconsider. Lens choices still wont be as good m43, but I can probably make it work.
Very helpful - thanks.
So in the end, what do you plan to switch to? :)
I'm not ready to switch to another system because it means giving up my lenses and all the benefits that comes along with it such as size and portability, especially on the telephoto end (which I own and use quite frequently) - BUT I am strongly considering upgrading to a more pro body because my needs have changed, and I'm starting to ask more and more from my camera, particularly extended long exposure sessions for astrophotography. Planning to drop another video regarding using LUMIX cameras in astrophotography, and I'll share my thoughts then!
Cine V color look yum!
Good day, does the GX9 have a Live Composite feature? Thanks
I don't think so. But I do think they offer some form of in-camera post-processing option for it, but it has to be in 4K photo mode if I am not mistaken.
@@QawiemJamil Thanks for this.
great video. Thanks a lot
Does Lumix have S-AF + My fav setting on Olympus, especially w/ focus peaking, when doing close focusing.
Do you mean S-AF + MF? Basically yea, but I believe it falls under a manual focus assist feature. Its a setting where you turn on AF+MF
Ordered my gx9 Yesterday, my Girlfriend gets my gx80. Thx for video
you're welcome! I'm sure you'll love the GX9. I'm hopeful for a successor - or at least a compact camera from Panasonic with a new sensor. Would love a clear upgrade path. The current rumors are promising! Hopefully we'll learn more when the GH6 comes out.
@@QawiemJamil for all as i know: the gx9 is a new gx8 but put in a gx80 body. Panasonic refreshed their Design strategy with that so all new gx cameras will come out with that form factor but with premiums like the tilt Viewfinder. So the Design of gx7 and gx8 being bigger just died. The gx10 if they will call it like this, will be like the gx9 with improvements in Design and technic and so on. But the Design generally will not change anymore. What u see on gx9 is what that series want to be or better said: what Panasonic want it to be...this ist the final direction Panasonic ist going with GX. And i love it...😉
You will not be disappointed. The GX9 i really nice. I use it more or less everyday. My whife uses a G9 but I stick with my GX9. Love the tilt viewfinder but would love to have the resolution the G9 has in its viewfinder. Maybe the GX10 vill give us that. ……… Go GX9ers ………. ;-)
@@andreassilverbris9924 i Hope so too. Well yes the G9 has the better Viewfinder but theres no tilt and the most important for me: the gx9 is smaller. I use a PeakDesign fieldpack V2 with a PeakDesign capture camera Clip. The gx9 fits perfectly in the bag with the 14mm f2.5 + 25mm f1.7 + Leica 12-60mm. And if i want then i clip it outside on the PD capture clip so i could take one more lense. But then it looses its lightweight advantage...so most times i go with 14mm+12-60 + take a 0,5L Coca-Cola with me. ☺️ When i compare Lumix to Sony Alpha 6xxx series then i always choose Lumix. In the past when the a6000 came out: only full HD, no Touchscreen, no in-body stabilizer... The gx80 therefore had a Touchscreen, 4k and dual IS and that for less Money. Now today you need a6600 for dual IS wich is way more expensive than a GX9. In my opinion you get more bang for the Buck with Lumix. And you were right, im Not disappointed. I couldnt bei happier with a camera.☺️
I'm thinking about the new nikon Fc.
Retro and APC and I do like nikon's jpegs
I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t! It looks so good. I think it depends on the lens selection, or whether you’re already invested in the Nikon system.
cool vidéo 👏
Thank you!
The audio from the internal mic is not too shabby .
I agree. However, it was a relatively controlled environment. Not sure how it performs outdoors
GX9 and Sony go well together. (My Kit).
It's funny to hear that you're not professional but not recomend it for professional use. I use my GX9 for wedding and event documentation. i still get paid.
Fair point. You can get paid making social media content using a phone. Depends on the scope of the job. What I'm saying is that while it is in no way inadequate at producing quality images, it's hard to argue that pros aren't better off with a camera body that has better pro features, regardless of sensor size or release date. Things like a second SD card slot for redundancy, weather sealing, or a bigger battery can be very valuable pro features. There are other cameras out there that I think are better value for pros, but it doesn't make the GX9 a complete no go.
@@QawiemJamil what if all that feature you mention you in a profesional camera above, we never use or i not really need it while working. Such as weather resistance because i never go to jungle, large mega pixels sensor because all client need is a soft copy. I think just because don't have some feature a in camera, we can't use it for professional work. We just need to consider the capability of our camera.
I have fujifilm xs10, l would say the difference is very small with ISO and autofocus for moving subjects is actually not so good, I had Panasonic g80 and it was better 👍
The low light performance can be mitigated by using fast glass like the PL15mm lens and the IBIS. qwm jml mentions there isn’t flip screen. This is a photography camera with very good video. There isn’t any reason this body should have a flip screen. This is a small & lightweight body. With that you get small batteries. Buy a couple generic Cheap batteries.
Have the PL15mm lens. A winner and reasonably priced. I have the 25mm f1.7 lens. I didn’t spend the extra money for the PL lens. The 35-100mm f2.8 is very good and I use it all the time. Yes the M43. Lenses are small and light. They are very good and relatively cheap.
One feature I love is the L monochrome D jpeg B&W setting. It is my favorite B&W setting. It is better than Fuji’s Acros with the red filter.
I use both Fuji and Panasonic. Both are good. You can’t go wrong with either brand. For a small and lightweight camera you can’t go wrong with the Panasonic GX9.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I just keep every system. M43(gx85), APSC(Sony ZVE10), FF(Sony A7R3). Consider buying a Fujifilm but that thing's ridiculously overpriced.
haha that's one way to do it! I think every system and every brand has something to offer. Something it does better than the rest. For those who do a bit of everything, I can imagine how it would be hard to stick to just one brand and system.
I know you are sharing your experience about low light performance. But let me tell you, these shot at iso 6400 f5.6 etc...The result is not that much difference on a full frame equivalent in price, sadly thats how it is..you can see yourself these wedding photographers are using flash themselves because they r having a hard time with the crappy light there. A real upgrade to these low light shots r FF bodies worth 1600$+ but 3 years ago easily 2400$ +. But then also FF glass is so expensive as compared to m43 system. Where can you get a sharp 20mm (40mm fov in FF) f1.7 with I.O.S. for only 300$, this type of things do nt exist in FF lens. FF leica glass are like 3-7000$+ lol where here its like 500$+ Also the size of the body, it fits in your pocket is u got a small lens :D
Thanks for sharing! Some people focus too much on what they think they will gain but perhaps overlook what they could lose going from one format or system to another.
The GX8 was such a better camera than the GX9 - it was maybe much too good for Panasonic and as the direct companion to the GH5 which has the same sensor and a lot of other things!
The GX8 was just created as a smaller and more photo oriented camera than the GH5 but even the video quality of this camera is excellent.
GX9 is nothing I would have chosen! It is just so far below the GX8 it simply doesn't makes sense.
The GX8 was designed to be a flagship camera if I'm not mistaken, so I can see where you are coming from. But they've positioned the GX series at a lower ranking now, and hence at a lower price bracket, which I honestly don't mind. The things lost as a result, are things I wouldn't miss anyway EXCEPT the remote port because I can't set time-lapse shots for exposures of more that 1 minute, which is annoying but a simple firmware upgrade can fix. Anyway, knowing that I'm getting the latest version of the sensor, image processor and AF algorithms, was a good enough reason for me to choose the GX9 over the GX8. The GX8 can be found at similar, and even higher, prices than the GX9 on the used market, so it comes down to price and what the user values more.
Start off to upgrade your photographic skills, then deside on equipment!