By some measures (mostly calendar centric) the Panasonic G9 micro four-thirds camera is getting long in the tooth having been announced in 2016. But a raft of meaningful firmware updates have kept this camera as up to date as anything else in the market today. It's a powerful photographic tool and it's also an extremely effective video camera. I used two of them on two major projects in 2018 and pressed them into good service for plenty of gimbal-powered video in 2020. The camera features a 20 megapixel sensor, fast focusing (with the right lenses), a robust and weather resistant build quality and a great viewfinder. I love the color that I get straight out of the camera in Jpeg. If I have to mess with raw files they are great too!
The lens is a 25mm, speedy, Leica-designed but Panasonic built, fast aperture lens. The one I currently own is the second generation (the most current) and while the optical design is reported to be the same as the first one many improvements were made to the AF capability of the lens when used with DFD capable m4:3 cameras. My only idea for improvements to the lens would be to cut down on the size of the supplied lens hood. It's pretty big. But then again --- no flare from glancing light.
The lens is a perfect match for the G9. Together they are reasonably light, easy to handle, fast to focus and capable of very high color discrimination, which might just be more valuable to the image quality of a file than many other parameters that get more press. In a way, it's the classic "good camera/standard lens" combo that most of us started with in the days when Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax film cameras came in "kits" along with a 50mm, standard lens. This is the micro four-thirds variation. And it works perfectly if that's the way you first got into photography. Except, perhaps, the lens is better...
I went out this morning, after swim practice, because I could feel the cabin fever induced by the wretched heat and I wanted to be outside playing with a camera. The G9+25mm combo made a lot of sense since it is small and light to carry compared to a full frame camera and a big, standard zoom. The battery life is really good and the camera seems indifferent to the heat.
For some strange reason everywhere I looked I saw architectural and urban-scape stuff today. So that's what I photographed. My first impulse was to go completely black and white but that fell apart after the first block walked because the sky was actually beautiful this morning and I couldn't resist the color dynamics. I did shoot some stuff in black and white but I really think I should stick to color or at least shoot raw+Jpeg with the Jpegs being black and white. Then, after I get back to the studio, I can make up my mind at my leisure....
Lead in to a question:
I know a lot of my readers came to the blog because of our early reporting on all things micro four thirds but I'm curious how many who are still here are continuing to resist the lure of full frame and APS-C camera and still enjoy shooting with the smaller sensor format (and the delicious assortment of lenses).
????? It would be interesting to know since the internet makes it seem as though everyone throughout the world has rushed to grab hold of big sensor cameras. I get sidetracked by the promise of a performance difference but when I go out and shoot with a favorite camera like the G9, along with a really great lens, I just don't see much room for meaningful improvements.
Hey! Look! We still have trains in America.
I wonder if we could somehow learn to transport people with them?
Wouldn't that be a great idea?
We're 42 days in a row over 100° and the power is still on. It's a miracle.
I guess our governor knows that he's toast if the power goes out this Summer.
So, I walked and looked at stuff. I shot with that absolutely fun camera. It made me re-think everything I've bought and sold over the past three years. What an interesting series of odd decisions. Probably should have paused in 2018 and just enjoyed this happy format. It seems more "futuristic" than other formats. Not so much like a revised relic from the film age. Don't tell Leica I wrote that.....
36 comments:
I couldn't resist the FF allure after a number of years of m43 use, but I saw the light again and came back. My main use cases are in nature: birds, flowers, butterflies, animals on occasion, and intimate landscapes, so I need a lot of reach. The lens that mostly lives on the G9 is the PL 100-400, which is a very useful 200-800 equivalent range in a relatively light package. I love using it as a pseudo-macro; I can stand off at 10 feet and get "closeups" with it. I've got a GX9 also; same sensor as the G9 in a significantly smaller size. Its main lens is the little Panny 14-140 for general walk-around use. Also have the PL 12-60 and 8-18, both of which have excellent IQ. Just amazing what this ancient technology can do, isn't it?
Dick
I sold off my Olympus kit for a not as good Fuji XT-3 kit. Big mistake. I now have a small Nikon Z kit which I am pretty happy with. That said, I wasted real money to gain some small improvements. Trading is always a slippery slope.
Kirk
Still have the G9. Updated to firmware 2.6. I use the custom settings for monochrome, color, and 4k photo settings. If you keep a body, one can acquire lenses instead of replacing the body. Mostly use the 20mm and 50-200 2.8-4.0 pl. Don't use a strap; carry everything in a small bag with water, etc. Used most days/nights. Only problem has been pieces of the rubber(?) cover has come loose twice and fallen off. Glued them back on. Perfectly suitable for the small, 9x9 or 9x12, prints that I make or screen use.
Jay
I can add an opinion -I have a FF camera that I never use and that is very nice but was basically a total waste of money (I don't make big prints and rarely take photos in very low light). I use my Olympus E-M 1 ii if I need a telephoto lens, otherwise an iPhone. Sometimes I don't even travel with a dedicated camera anymore. For most of my amateur needs the iPhone is now enough.
Jeff
Sticking with M43. The largest that I print at home is on Super B paper and I have never felt that the format has let me down, even when the source camera is a GF1. Currently using, in chronological order, two IR-converted GF1s, a GX8, and a G9, with an assortment of lenses, PL, P, and adapted film camera one's.
I recently returned from a detour into Fuji world, a used XT1, then a new X100V, selling the latter to pay for the G9.
I also just bought a low mileage Nikon D700. Just picking it up reminds me why I prefer M43.
Still with m4/3 -- currently a G9, G85 and GX8.
In the time I've owned Panasonic I've bought three full frame systems -- two Sony, one Nikon. None of them lasted longer than 3 or 4 months. The benefits were tiny, the difference in size, weight, and price were much much larger.
I do like a high resolution full frame for tabletop still life, but that's a tiny part of what I do and sensor-shift high res pretty well covers my needs.
Still in the m4/3 world. Digressed briefly into the Fuji X-T3 world, but abandoned that and added an Olympus OM-1 to my Pen-F digitals. Happy with the results, size/weight. Don't need more resolution with high-res if I need it. It all juts makes sense.
Still using the G9 and the 12-35 and 35-100 mm 2.8 lens. Also have the Olympus f1.2 primes which are wonderful. Taking a trip in the RV down the coast for a week will be taking the 100-400mm for surfing photos and the prime lenses to capture everything else. Also taking the Ricoh GR 3x for those walks when I don’t want or need to carry a larger camera. Been shooting 4/3 since 2008, still happy with the G9 can’t see me upgrading for a while, although I would love to see a new Pen f or GX 9 style camera released. That might be hard to resist.
I originally got into photography with a Pentax SV in 1966 and have always had an SLR up until 2006 when I bought a Canon Pro1. I found this a big improvement over my SLR. It's main failing was excessive noise once you got to ISO 200 and above. The 8 mpx certainly wasn't a problem.
I bought the original Olympus EM5 as a runout model with the 12-50mm kit lens and a 40-150mm tele and was extremely happy them. I did upgrade to a 12-40mm f2.8 lens later.
Recently the EM5 started to give minor problems so I bought a second hand EM5 mk2. I can't imagine wanting anything else. Since receiving the EM5 mk2 the minor problems with the original EM5 have cleared up so I have a backup.
I am a regular follower of your website and enjoy your opinions and insights on photography and gear in general.
John Stephens
Still with M4/3 as in Panasonic G9. Unfortunately, I haven’t made nearly enough use of it thanks to the derailment of activities in the larger world by Covid and a few medical blips of my own. The time has come, however - or will when the heat wave eases. Then I get to see which really calls to me: the G9 or my daughter’s Nikon Z50. We now live close enough that I can borrow it. APS sensor as deployed by Nikon always looks exceptionally good to me.
My main cameras are a Lumix G9 and Olympus EM1-3, but I also use a Nikon D810 occasionally since I like the familiarity of an SLR at times. I buy camera gear based on what I shoot and what I do with the files. My subjects are mainly cars, trains and trolleys, so no need for fast or extreme focal-length lenses, or cameras with crazy-high ISO performance or fame rates. Plus I prefer the 4:3 format to 3:2. Likewise, all I generally do with my files is post them on Flickr or make 8.5x11 prints. I've shot with numerous M43, APS-C and 35mm sensor cameras and really don't see a difference in my output.
Since digital I have only owned Olympus, first 4/3 then later switching to m4/3s. (Oh wait, I had a Sony R1 and a Canon G3 at the very start of digital.) I have never felt the need for more sensor or weight. Now and then I think I could have fun with an older used "full-frame" Canon body and the cheap 50/1.8 for landscape use but I don't get any farther than online browsing. It's a cliché but it's not the size of the sensor that's holding me back. And I don't have enough wall space to ever print anything larger than 11x14. Professionals have other requirements, obviously, but I don't.
I use m43 for my idle snapshooting around the yard, but started like most of us older readers with 35mm film…57 yrs ago. I acquired 645 equipment as I thought I might get into professional stuff or for better landscapes. As digital got going added Canon and a couple L lenses, happy but found focus issues adapting legacy lenses on the DSLR unless I used the cumbersome liveview. The mirrorless solved that and I used many legacy lenses, even 645, on a couple Sony APS bodies. Then switched to m43 with EM5ii and later EM1’s. Frankly the IBIS is a godsend, HiRes works, and the size is a plus. Dallied with a FF Nikon Z, 24MP, but sent it back as it simply was not as comfortable for me as my Olys and the image quality wasn’t any order of magnitude better. Neither do I really like the Fujis I have; again it is a comfort and ease issue, although I love the XH1 shutter. Nothing new for several years, and it may be like buying a new truck. What I have works.
I decided that, as the amateur I am, my Oly EM1-mkII is more than sufficient for everything I do. Even thinking about buying the 12-100...
Still µ43rds only, except a 135mm film OM-2N.
Mine is an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mk2 because I prefer a swivel-up display to one that goes sideways. My wife as the E-M5 Mk2, both still metal bodies, and we love them.
At the moment I have my wife's 20mm/1.7 Panasonic lens which I prefer to the 25mm/1.4 PanaLeica. She is using my very nice and also metal Olympus 17mm/1.8 because that has a faster AF.
It's all that we need, really.
I'm still using micro 4/3, ... well again. I left it and went up to APS and full frame and then went back to micro 4/3. I prefer the size and weight.
Still using Micro Four Thirds. It doesn’t seem to be holding me back in any way. I’ve thought about a Panasonic full frame with the 24-105 f/4, but that’s a lot of money. Micro Four Thirds is sufficient for my stuff, and I’m comfortable with it.
I've been using M43 exclusively since 2013, without regret or feeling the need for more or better. Back when I was younger, I switched systems almost as many times as you have, but eventually I learned that being a better photographer was more about improving me than it was about getting a better camera.
I was recently working with a friend, giving him a tutorial on raw file processing. He shot with a Nikon Z7II, and he kept marveling at how much better my images looked from such a small sensor. As an old film guy, like me, he always believed bigger was better. And that's true in very specific circumstances. He bought a G9 with the Leica 12-60 lens and was blown away, and has since sold all of his Nikon gear.
The G9 is the best still camera I have ever used from a UI standpoint, and still quite capable and relevant even with the GH6 in the house. And the Leica lenses made by Panasonic are all quite sublime in the way they handle color and contrast, while being realistically sharp at every aperture.
For what I do, the format is much more than sufficient. And I have many huge wall wraps, billboards, double page spreads, and big prints to prove it.
Mike, eerily I have found pretty much the same thing. The g9 with Leica lenses is a hard combo to beat.
I have been following you for a long time and I really can't remember if it was because of micro 4/3's or your explanations on how you a approach a particular job which I always enjoyed. I use my Lumix Gx8 primarily for travel but also have converted one to infrared which I use to work with in the film days. I still shoot full frame Nikons since my first Nikkormat in 1970. I have used various medium format film cameras as well as 4x5, but with age comes the desire to travel a little lighter!
M43 for 90% of what I do. Great format, great cameras, great lenses what more do you REALLY need?
Eric
I periodically slide over to B&H to put together a “dream” kit of Nikon Z gear. But it turns into a “nightmare” when I look at the benefits I would gain against the weight and cost of the kit. So I stick with my E-M1.3 and E-M5.3, which continue to give me great results.
Back in 2012 I switched from a Pentax FF to the Olympus E-M5 because I was somewhat unhappy with files from the Pentax and it's handling. Also, that was the time arthritis began in my hands, wrists and shoulders which made the heavier Pentax difficult to hold. After searching around, I came across your writings on m4/3 and dived in with much happiness and success. Fast forward to 2020 and my two battered and aging E-M5iis needed replacement.
After searching obsessively once more, I settled on a Fuji Pro-3 and a Fuji X100V. While I still love and carry around the X100V regularly when I'm just walking around, the XPRO-3 has, alas, fallen by the wayside. I just haven't been happy with it's colors and it's just a little too heavy/bulky for me.
So.... my interest perked up when you started talking about the Leica CL awhile back. I resisted the siren call for as long as I could but then gave in and picked up a used CL and a new Sigma 18-50mm zoom this last Winter. I'm really happy with this combo and just bought a used Leica 50-135 mm zoom. The only thing I miss is the Olympus IBIS, but there are workarounds and I still keep them in reserve. I'll be selling the XPO-3 and the Fuji 16-80mm lens to finance a second CL body. I've no interest in full frame as this combo is more than sufficient and at my age (late 70's), it's possible that the sadly now discontinued Leica CLs will outlast me!
I just upgraded to the GH5ii about a month ago. I've shot over 100,000 photos with my GH4. I have gotten my monies worth. That camera made my business millions of dollars. I thought about the GH6, but it was about $600 more than the GH5ii for vey little improvement (maybe the video is worth it if I was making video other than for the internet). Loving the photos from the GH5ii. I have much less post processing. Saves me time. I think my GH5ii is a winner. I have an XH-1 that gets no love from me (the biggest reason being it does not shoot in the aspect ratio I need).
I'm still on the m43-train and enjoy it. Recently I bought the OM-D 1 Mk3 and its fab coming from Mk1. I also bought the MC20-Converter for my 40-150 F2.8. The system is still light and very capable. I'm still a steady reader whether you write about Leica, swimming or again m43. Please keep it up. Cheers, Guido
It is M4/3 since the OMD 1. The light weight and stabilization just can't be beat and the lens selection is outstanding.
I have a friend who just bought a Fuji X-H2S and it lacks the hapsticks you talk about all the time.
The nice thing about µ43 for me is that I can choose my OOF depth. The standard f/4ish lenses have more depth of field than the film days, which I like - but I'm free to spend stupid amounts of cash for ultrafast glass and chase bokeh. I'm happy in the middle with f/1.4 primes and f/3.5-5.6 zooms, which keeps the budget and the kit comfortably small with great image qualities.
Still with m43. Started with an Olympus EPL1, which my son now uses for his art. Picked up an EP5 which haptic wise I love. When that packs up the EP7 looks good, and I'll definitely pick up the new OM systems 20mm lense. (The 20mm Panasonic is still my most used - though I do have a range of 8 primes and zooms we use across the two cameras)
Through the pandemic I've had a play with 35mm and medium format film through my Bronica and Pentax and Olympus Trip, which has been fun. The unobtrusiveness of the m43 cameras work best for me and my sitters.
Mark
Still using M 4/3 as the primary daily system, although a FF Pentax K-1 II and a complete set of Limited lenses are available but rarely used as they're just too darned inconvenient. Oh, there are also some late-model metal 5x7 and 4x5 view cameras around, along with a nice set of multi-coated computer-designed lenses.
All that said, an Olympus Pen-F or E-M1 Mark II are the cameras most often grabbed on the way out of the door.
Hey, Kirk.
You are partially to blame for my falling into the deep mu43 waters some years ago, after I read an intriguing series of posts you wrote, praising the virtues and abilities of the smallish and inexpensive Olympus Pen E-PL2. It was such a fun a capable little camera, almost more a toy to be played with than the more serious larger Pentax DSLR I was shooting with at the time. In fact, in its size and relative fun-ness to shoot with, that Pen - and most of my subsequent micro four thirds cameras - reminded me much more of the smallish (and equally fun) Pentaxes - both Spotmatics and MX's - that I shot with, on and off, for years, during the analog heyday of Tri-X waaaay back when.
Fast forward maybe a dozen or more years and I still love and favor m43 bodies and smallish lenses. My favorite right now I think is the diminutive but wonderfully usable GX9, the smaller sibling of your G9; I often shoot with the camera set at default to its intriguing internal l.monochrome.d black and white setting (which btw was developed, over several years, by a brilliant Japanese imagining engineer who was obsessed enough with Tri-X that he bought several old Pentax film cameras and shot hundreds and thousands of rolls of it - before evolving to the conclusion that to truly understand good monochrome film effects, one had to study prints and printing, and not the negatives...duh!). It continually reminds me of my father's ancient Leica's that I once shot with, in its simplicity and usability. Arguably, set semi-permanently to the l.monochrome.d setting, it comes closer to qualifying as a 'poor man's Monochrome' than any other camera I can think of.
I also use an E-P5 occasionally (the wonderful evolved and improved version of the old E-PL2) - and for longer or larger telephoto lenses, I still find the 1st generation E-M1 a brilliant camera.
So...it's all your fault, you and your damn bloody articles singing the praises of the EPL2, back in the relative dark ages. For those articles, I still owe you some serious debts and many thanks.
One of these days, I will wind up picking up a G9 (which I have resisted doing for years) and probably never put it down. But until then, my GX9 and EP5 have continued - and still continue - to surprise me, on a regular basis.
Hey Kirk,
Also joined the FF crowd nowadays, at least mirrorless with Nikon Z.
But for traveling and nature/wildlife my Oly m43 kit still rocks!
Looking into the statistics of my harddrive, I was astonished how much usage my OMD 1 mii and the trusty 12-100 lens gets.
Just recently I took exactly this combo (together with thenPana 100-300) to a trip to Afrika.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mhg-09/albums/72177720299946750
Martin
For me, the benefit of VSL for sure is Kirk’s writing and photography, but on the other hand I appreciate reading the comments and in this case all the positive arguments for m43, which I have been using and enjoying for some years now ( GX9 and some lenses ). It is very pleasant too, thereby getting to know some other blogs and websites of enthusiasts and outstanding professionals. Thanks Kirk and everybody.
Regards, Helmut the Austrian.
Stuck with Olympus since the early mirrorless days of the original EM5, now have loads of lenses and a new OM-1. Have dabbled with APS-C AND FF, but for my travel and wildlife work they are just too big, cumbersome and heavy. The image quality is plenty good enough for big prints (my largest was 4 feet x 3feet). Low light is the biggest problem (and always will be due to physics), but new software like DXO and Topaz has completely solved that issue for me. Still enjoy reading your blog irrespective of gear because of the wide ranging observations and good sense - keep it up.
My wife and I switched from Nikon DSLRs to Panasonic m43 cameras in spring of 2014. They was much more suited to the wildflower and wildlife photography that matters to us. Articles on this blog gave me confidence to make the change.
We are still using m43 cameras and don't expect to change.
Great post and great comments. During the past few years I went from Olympus, with a side trip to Sony and Fujifilm, to a Nikon. I gifted my Olympus and a couple of lenses to a daughter and bought a Nikon Z5 and four lenses. She does a lot of studio work. Last month I swapped my Z5 and lenses with her for the Olympus gear. She's happy, I'm happy. EM5 II with the Panasonic 40 1.7 for the win! Lightweight, ergonomics (not the menus) and jewel-like lenses make it work for me. The only other camera that appealed to me on this journey was the X-Pro3, which just sort of made sense to me. Guess I'm an old dog.
"Guess I'm an old dog." Aren't we all?
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