Panasonic Lumix GX9 - top 5 reasons to buy

We bought the Panasonic Lumix GX9 mirrorless digital camera - here is why we chose it

our Panasonic Lumix GX9
Our new Panasonic Lumix GX9 mirrorles micro four thirds camera

Test and Review blog is growing each day and we definitely have higher demand for better quality digital equipment. That is why we decided to start with freshening up our camera selection, starting with the premium mirrorless digital camera Panasonix Lumix GX9.
Lumix DX-GX9M
Panasonic Lumix DX-GX9M set - lens and battery kit 
With so many options on the digital camera market it was really a tough choice and buying the GX9 happened pretty much emotionally after comparing it with models from Sony, Fuji, Olympus, Canon and Nikon.

Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 camera specifications
TYPE
TypeDigital Single Lens Mirrorless camera
Recording mediaSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card/(Compatible with UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards)
Image sensor size17.3 x 13.0 mm (in 4:3 aspect ratio)
Lens mountMicro Four Thirds mount
IMAGE SENSOR
TypeLive MOS Sensor
Total pixels21.77 Megapixels
Camera effective pixels20.30 Megapixels
Color filterPrimary color filter
Dust reduction systemSupersonic wave filter
IMAGE STABILIZATION SYSTEMImage sensor shift type (5-axis / 4-stop*), Dual I.S. compatible/*Based on the CIPA standard [Yaw/Pitch direction: focusing distance f=60mm (35mm camera equivalent f=120mm), when H-FS12060 is used.]
RECORDING SYSTEM
Recording file format
Still imageJPEG (DCF, Exif 2.31), RAW
4K PHOTOMP4
Motion pictureAVCHD Progressive, AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Audio 2ch)/MP4: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC (Audio format: AAC (2ch)
Aspect ratio4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1
Image qualityRAW, RAW+Fine, RAW+Standard, Fine, Standard
Color SpacesRGB, AdobeRGB
File size(Pixels) -Still Image
4:35184x3888(L) / 3712x2784(M) / 2624x1968(S) / 3328x2496(4K PHOTO)
3:25184x3456(L) / 3712x2480(M) / 2624x1752(S) / 3504x2336(4K PHOTO)
16:95184x2920(L) / 3840x2160(M) / 1920x1080(S) / 3840x2160(4K PHOTO)
1:13888x3888(L) / 2784x2784(M) / 1968x1968(S) / 2880x2880(4K PHOTO)
File size (Pixels) -Motion picture**
MP4**[HD] 1280x720HD/30p: 10Mbps/HD/25p: 10Mbps
MP4**[4K] 3840x21604K/30p: 100Mbps/4K/25p: 100Mbps/4K/24p: 100Mbps
MP4**[Full HD] 1920x1080FHD/60p: 28Mbps/FHD/50p: 28Mbps/FHD/30p: 20Mbps/FHD/25p: 20Mbps
AVCHD**[Full HD] 1920x1080FHD/50p: 28Mbps, 50p recording/FHD/50i: 17Mbps, 50i recording/FHD/25p: 24Mbps, 50i recording (sensor output is 25fps)/FHD/24p: 24Mbps, 24p recording
Continuous recordable time (Motion picture)**AVCHD [FHD/50p]/Approx. 90 min (rear monitor), 80 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS35100/Approx. 80 min (rear monitor), 80 min (LVF) with H-FS14140/AVCHD [FHD/50i]/Approx. 90 min (rear monitor), 80 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS14140/Approx. 90 min (rear monitor), 90 min (LVF) with H-FS35100/MP4 [4K/30p, 4K/25p]/Approx. 70 min (rear monitor), 70 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS14140/Approx. 80 min (rear monitor), 70 min (LVF) with H-FS35100
Actual recordable time (Motion picture)**AVCHD [FHD/50p]/Approx. 45 min (rear monitor), 40 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS35100/Approx. 40 min (rear monitor), 40 min (LVF) with H-FS14140/AVCHD [FHD/50i]/Approx. 45 min (rear monitor), 40 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS14140/Approx. 45 min (rear monitor), 45 min (LVF) with H-FS35100/MP4 [4K/30p, 4K/25p]/Approx. 35 min (rear monitor), 35 min (LVF) with H-FS12032 / H-FS12060 / H-FS1442A / H-FS14140/Approx. 40 min (rear monitor), 35 min (LVF) with H-FS35100
WIRELESS
WiFiIEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2412 MHz - 2462 MHz (1-11 ch), Wi-Fi / WPA / WPA2, Infrastructure mode
BluetoothBluetooth® v4.2 (Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE))
QR code connection / Password-less connectionYes / Yes (ON / OFF selectable)
VIEWFINDER
TypeLCD Live View Finder (2,760k dots equivalent), Tiltable
Field of viewApprox. 100%
MagnificationApprox. 1.39x / 0.7x (35mm camera equivalent) with 50 mm lens at infinity; -1.0 m-1
Eye pointApprox. 17.5 mm from eyepiece lens
Diopter adjustment-4.0 - +3.0 (dpt)
Eye sensorYes
FOCUS
TypeContrast AF system
DFD technologyYes
Post FocusYes
Focus StackingYes
Focus modeAFS (Single) / AFF (Flexible) / AFC (Continuous) / MF
Starlight AFYes
AF modeFace/Eye Detection / Tracking / 49-Area / Custom Multi / 1-Area / Pinpoint/(Full area touch is available)
AF detective rangeEV -4 - 18 (ISO100 equivalent)
AF assist lampYes
AF lockYes (AF/AE LOCK button)
OthersOne Shot AF, Shutter AF, Half Press Release, Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion picture recording), Eye Sensor AF, AF+MF, MF Assist, Touch MF Assist, Focus Peaking, Touch AF/AE Function, Touch Pad AF, Touch Shutter
EXPOSURE CONTROL
Light metering system1728-zone multi-pattern sensing system
Light metering modeMultiple / Center Weighted / Spot
Metering rangeEV 0 - 18 (F2.0 lens, ISO100 equivalent)
Exposure modeProgram AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual
ISO sensitivity (Standard Output Sensitivity)Still image: Auto / Intelligent ISO / 100 (Extended) / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 / 12800 / 25600 (Changeable to 1/3 EV step)/Creative Video Mode: Auto / 100 (Extended) / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 / 3200 / 6400 (Changeable to 1/3 EV step)
Exposure compensation1/3 EV step, ±5EV (when set with the menu) (±3 EV for motion picture), ±3EV (when set with the dial)
AE lockYes (AF/AE LOCK button)
WHITE BALANCE
White balanceAWB / AWBc / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Incandescent / Flash / White Set 1, 2, 3, 4 / Color temperature setting 1, 2, 3, 4
White balance adjustmentBlue/Amber bias, Magenta/Green bias
Color temperature setting2500-10000K in 100K
SHUTTER
TypeFocal-plane shutter
Shutter speedStill image: Time* (Max. 30 minutes), 1/4,000 - 60 *Bulb mode is possible with the "Image App" remote control via Bluetooth./Electronic shutter: 1/16,000 - 1/Motion picture: 1/16,000 - 1/25
Self timer10sec, 3 images / 2sec / 10sec
BRACKET
AE bracket3, 5, 7 images in 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV step, max. ±3 EV, single/burst
Aperture Bracket3, 5 or all positions in 1 EV step
Focus Bracket1 to 999 images, focus steps can be set in 10 levels
White balance bracket3 images in blue/amber axis or in magenta/green axis
PANORAMA SHOTPanorama ShotYes (Standard / Wide)
4K PHOTO**
Burst speed30 frames/sec
Exif informationYes (Each JPEG image cropped out of the 4K burst file complies with EXIF.)
Marking functionAuto / Face Priority / Motion Priority / Off (Manual) (in 4K Burst mode and 4K Burst (S/S) mode)
Loop rec functionYes (in 4K Burst (S/S) mode)
BURST SHOOTING
Burst speed[Mechanical shutter]/AFS/MF: H: 9 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View) *When H-FS12032 is used./AFF/AFC: H: 6 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View) *When H-FS12032 is used./[Electronic shutter]/AFS/MF: H: 9 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)/AFF/AFC: H: 6 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)
Number of recordable imagesMore than 30 images (when there are RAW files with the particular speed)/More than 100 images (when there are no RAW files)/(depending on memory card type, aspect, picture size and compression)
TIME LAPSE SHOTTime Lapse ShotYes
STOP MOTION ANIMATIONYes
FLASH
Flash typeTTL Built-in-Flash, GN6.0 equivalent (ISO200 ・m) / GN4.2 equivalent (ISO100 ・m) (Reference), Built-in Pop-up
Flash ModeAuto*, Auto/Red-eye Reduction*, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off *For iA, iA+ only.
Synchronization speedLess than 1/200 second
Flash output adjustment1/3EV step ±3EV
Flash synchronization1st. Curtain Sync., 2nd Curtain Sync.
Synchronization for flash dimming and exposure compensationYes
Wireless controlYes (When using DMW-FL200L / FL360L / FL580L (sold separately)), Wireless Channel: 1ch/2ch/3ch/4ch
SILENT MODEYes
REAR MONITOR
TypeTFT LCD monitor with static touch control, Tiltable monitor
Monitor size7.5cm (3.0-inch) / 3:2 aspect
PixelsApprox. 1,240k dots
Filed of viewApprox. 100%
Monitor adjustmentBrightness, Contrast, Saturation, Red Tint, Blue Tint
LIVE VIEW
Digital zoom2x, 4x
Extra Tele ConversionStill image: Max. 2x/Motion picture: 2.7x (FHD), 4.0x (HD)
Other functionsLevel Gauge, Real-time Histogram, Guide Lines (3 patterns), Center Marker, Highlight display (Still image / motion picture), Zebra Pattern (Still image / motion picture)
DIRECTION DETECTION FUNCTIONYes
FUNCTION BUTTON
REC4K Photo Mode / Post Focus / Wi-Fi / Q.MENU / Video Record / LVF/Monitor Switch / LVF/Monitor Disp. Style / AF/AE LOCK / AF-ON / Preview / One Push AE / Touch AE / Level Gauge / Focus Area Set / Zoom Control / Operation Lock / Dial Operation Switch / Photo Style / Filter Select / Aspect Ratio / Picture Size / Quality / AFS/AFF / Metering Mode / Bracket / Highlight Shadow / i. Dynamic / i. Resolution / Min. Shtr Speed / HDR / Shutter Type / Flash Mode / Flash Adjust. / Wireless Flash Setup / Ex. Tele Conv. / Digital Zoom / Stabilizer / I.S. Lock (Video) / 4K Live Cropping / Snap Movie / Motion Pic. Set / Picture Mode in Rec. / Sound Rec Level Adj. / Silent Mode / Peaking / Histogram / Guide Line / Zebra Pattern / Monochrome Live View / Constant Preview / Live View Boost / Rec Area / Step Zoom / Zoom Speed / Sensitivity / White Balance / AF Mode/MF / Drive Mode / Rec/Playback Switch / Off / Restore to Default
PLAYWi-Fi / LVF/Monitor Switch / Rec/Playback Switch / 4K PHOTO Play / Delete Single / Protect / Rating 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / RAW Processing / 4K PHOTO Bulk Saving / Off / Restore to Default
IMAGE PROTECTION / DELETE
ProtectionSingle / Multi or Cancel
DeleteSingle / Multi / All / Except Rating
PHOTO STYLEStandard / Vivid / Natural / Monochrome / L. Monochrome / L. Monochrome D / Scenery / Portrait / Custom
CREATIVE CONTROLExpressive / Retro / Old Days / High Key / Low Key / Sepia / Monochrome / Dynamic Monochrome / Rough Monochrome* / Silky Monochrome* / Impressive Art / High Dynamic / Cross Process / Toy Effect / Toy Pop / Bleach Bypass / Miniature Effect / Soft Focus* / Fantasy / Star Filter* / One Point Color / Sunshine*/*For photos only.
PLAYBACKPlayback function30-thumbnail display, 12-thumbnail display, Calendar display, Zoomed playback (Max. 16x), Slideshow (All / Picture Only / Video Only, duration & effect is selectable), Playback Mode (Normal / Picture Only / Video Only), Protect, Rating, Title Edit, Face Recognition Edit, RAW Processing, 4K PHOTO Bulk Saving, Light Composition, Sequence Composition, Clear Retouch, Text Stamp, Resize, Cropping, Rotate, Video Divide, Time Lapse Video, Stop Motion Video, Rotation Display, Picture Sort, Delete Confirmation, Creating Still Pictures from a Motion Picture
PRINTDirect PrintPictBridge compatible
INTERFACE
USBUSB 2.0 Micro-B
HDMI***microHDMI TypeD / VIERA Link/Video: Auto / 4K / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 576p/Audio: Stereo
Audio video outputNo
MicrophoneStereo, Wind Noise Canceller: OFF / Standard / High
SpeakerMonaural
LANGUAGEOSD languageJapanese, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish
POWERBatteryLi-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1025mAh, 7.4Wh) (Included)/USB power charging
DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT
Dimensions (W x H x D)124 x 72.1 x 46.8 mm / 4.88 x 2.83 x 1.84 inch (excluding protrusions)
WeightApprox. 450g / 0.99 lb (SD card, Battery, Body)/Approx. 407g / 0.90 lb (Body only)/Approx. 517g / 1.14 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS12032 lens included)/Approx. 585g / 1.29 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS35100 lens included)/Approx. 652g / 1.44 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS12032 + H-FS35100 lenses included)/Approx. 560g / 1.23 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS1442A lens included)/Approx. 660g / 1.46 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS12060 lens included)/Approx. 715g / 1.58 lb (SD card, Battery, H-FS14140 lens included)
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
Operating temperature0℃ to 40℃ (32°F to 104°F)
Operating humidity10%RH to 80%RH
STANDARD ACCESSORIES
Software・ The software to edit and playback images on computer is not bundled with this camera. To do this, PHOTOfunSTUDIO is available for download at Panasonic website using computer connected to the Internet./https://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/soft/download/d_pfs10ae.html (For Windows)/・ The software to process RAW file on computer is not bundled with this camera. To do this, SILKYPIX Developer Studio is available for download at Ichikawa Soft Laboratory's website using computer connected to the Internet./https://www.isl.co.jp/SILKYPIX/english/p/ (For Windows / Mac)
Standard accessoriesDC-GX9 Kit/Battery Pack, AC Adaptor, USB Connection Cable, Hot Shoe Cover, Shoulder Strap, Body Cap/・ The DC-GX9 Operating Instructions for advanced features is available for downloaded at Panasonic LUMIX Customer Support Site using PC, smartphone or tablet connected to the Internet.
NOTE** About motion picture recording / 4K PHOTO recording
NOTE- Use a card with SD Speed Class with "Class 4" or higher when recording motion pictures in [AVCHD] or [MP4 (under 28Mbps)].
NOTE- Use a card with SD Speed Class with "UHS-I UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)" when recording motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K] or [4K PHOTO].
NOTE(SD speed class is the speed standard regarding continuous writing.)
NOTE- Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds with [AVCHD] in Europe.
NOTE- Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds or the file size exceeds 4GB with [MP4] in [FHD] [HD].
NOTE- Recording stops when the continuous recording time exceeds 29 minutes and 59 seconds with [MP4] in [4K].
NOTE- MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [4K]:
NOTE- When using a SDHC memory card: You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately.
NOTE- When using a SDXC memory card: You can record a motion picture in a single file.
NOTE- MP4 motion pictures with [MP4] in [FHD] [HD]:
NOTE- You can continue recording without interruption even if the file size exceeds 4 GB or 30 minutes, but the motion picture file will be divided and recorded/played back separately.
NOTE- When the ambient temperature is high or continuous recording is performed, the camera may stop the recording to protect itself. Wait until the camera cools down.
NOTE*** For [4K] video output, use an HDMI cable that has the HDMI logo on it, and that is described as"4K compatible".


So, here are our top 5 reasons that made us buy the Lumix GX9 camera:

  1. Image quality - rated as one of the best mirrorless for street photography. It is pretty capable even with the stock lenses 12-60 that were included in the DC-GX8M kit (comes with battery pack as well).
  2. Stabilization - the 5-Axis Dual I.S. is a real game changer in this class. In one of the amazing video reviews of the GX9 compared to the Sony awesome (and also more expensive) A6500, the Lumix G9 performed as a class leading device. Just take a quick at the video:


We already had the chance to test the stabilization in normal photo shooting, handheld Full HD and 4k video and it really did an awesome job. Soon we will upload couple of sample videos with more details.
   3. Compact size - Panasonic Lumix GX9 is not the smallest camera in the segment but it definitely is quite small for its capabilities. It weighs just 450 grams and measures 124 x 72.1 x 46.8 mm in size.
Panasonic DC-GX9 - our purhcase quick review Panasonic GX9

  4. 4k vido recording - almost all of the alternatives that we liked in the same price category were pretty good but none could shoot proper 4k video. That is one big reason to buy the GX9. It records adequate 4k Ultra HD video clips with up to 20 fps.
4k video GX9
Panasonic Lumix GX9 with the kit lens Lumix G Vario 12-60

  5. Price - Panasonic Lumix GX9 is great value for money camera for the street photographer. We bought our DC-GX9M set with the LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm /F3.5-5.6 ASPH./ lens with POWER O.I.S. and also an extra battery, all for under 800 Euros. One of our alternatives was the Sony Alpha A6400 but it was at least some 20-30% more expensive.

Panasonic Lumix GX9 camera Panasonic Lumix GX9 top - hot shoe

Other thoughts

So far I would say we are really happy with the purchase of Lumix GX9. It is truly a capable mirrorless micro four thirds camera with compact size so I hope we would get as many pictures and videos as possible.
Of course the GX9 has some some downsides and minor cons which we will share in our full camera review later on.

For now, feel free to check the rest of our related camera topics:
In case you are interested in accessories for this camera, here is how the GX9 fits in the Rivacase 7450 camera bag.

And don't forget to share your opinion about the Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9 camera, we would love to hear from you!

Comments