Hey there, fellow photography enthusiast! If you’re reading this, chances are you’re standing at the crossroads of two incredible Panasonic cameras—the G9 and the GH5. I’ve been exactly where you are, scratching my head and wondering which one will truly elevate my craft. After spending countless hours with both cameras in various shooting scenarios, I’m here to break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Let me tell you, this isn’t just another spec comparison. I’ve shot weddings with these cameras, chased wildlife through national parks, and even tried my hand at some indie filmmaking. The Panasonic G9 vs GH5 debate is real, and I’m going to help you navigate it with real-world experience and honest insights.
Understanding the Core Differences
Before we dive deep into the nitty-gritty, let me give you the big picture. The Panasonic G9 and GH5 might share the same Micro Four Thirds mount and similar price tags, but they’re fundamentally different beasts designed for different creators.
The G9 is Panasonic’s answer to still photographers who demand speed, precision, and versatility. It’s like they took everything photographers love and packed it into a weather-sealed body that feels just right in your hands. On the flip side, the GH5 is a filmmaker’s dream—a video powerhouse that delivers cinema-quality footage in a mirrorless package.
I discovered this firsthand when I took both cameras to a wildlife photography workshop. While the GH5 performed admirably, the G9’s faster autofocus and higher burst rate helped me capture shots I would have missed with the GH5. But when I switched to shooting a short documentary, the GH5’s unlimited recording time and superior video features made all the difference.
Design and Build Quality: How They Feel in Hand?
Let’s talk about how these cameras actually feel when you’re out in the field shooting all day. Both cameras are built like tanks with weather sealing that lets you shoot in rain, dust, or freezing temperatures down to -10°C. I’ve shot with both in a sudden downpour during a wedding, and neither camera missed a beat.
Weight and Dimensions: The G9 tips the scales at 658g, making it noticeably lighter than the GH5’s 725g. I notice this difference after a full day of shooting, especially when I’m hiking to remote locations. The G9 is also slightly more compact at 137 x 97 x 92mm compared to the GH5’s 139 x 98 x 87mm.
Ergonomics: This is where the G9 really shines for photographers. It features a top LCD screen—a feature I’ve come to absolutely love for quickly checking settings without turning on the main display. The grip feels more substantial and comfortable in my hands, especially during long shooting sessions. The GH5, while still comfortable, lacks this top LCD and feels slightly bulkier.
Button Layout: Both cameras feature dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible) and an AF joystick on the rear. However, the G9 has a stacked shooting mode and drive dial, plus a new front function lever that makes changing settings on the fly much easier. I’ve found these small differences add up to a more efficient shooting experience when every second counts.
Viewfinder and Display: Framing Your Vision
The viewfinder and display are your windows to the world, and both cameras excel here—but in different ways.
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): The G9’s EVF is simply magnificent. With 0.83x magnification and a 120fps refresh rate, it’s one of the best viewfinders I’ve used on any mirrorless camera. Tracking fast-moving subjects like birds in flight or athletes in motion feels incredibly smooth and natural. The GH5’s EVF, while still very good at 0.76x magnification and 60fps, feels noticeably less responsive in dynamic situations.
One feature I absolutely love on the G9 is the ability to toggle between three different magnifications (0.83x, 0.77x, and 0.70x) via a dedicated button. As someone who wears glasses, this flexibility is a game-changer for comfortable viewing.
Rear LCD Screen: Here’s where the GH5 fights back. Its 3.2-inch rear LCD with 1.62 million dots outshines the G9’s 3.0-inch screen with 1.04 million dots. The difference is noticeable when reviewing footage or checking critical focus. Both screens are fully articulating, making them perfect for vlogging or shooting from odd angles.
Night Mode: The G9 has a secret weapon called Night Mode that I’ve found incredibly useful for astrophotography. When activated, it disables the green and blue channels, leaving only the red channel visible on the screen. This preserves your night vision while allowing you to compose shots in near darkness. The GH5 lacks this feature, making the G9 my go-to choice for night photography.
Image Quality: Sensor and Processing Power
Both cameras pack the same 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, so you might expect identical image quality. However, there are subtle but important differences that I’ve noticed in real-world shooting.
JPEG Quality: Panasonic tweaked the Venus Engine image processor in the G9, resulting in slightly better JPEG quality with improved color accuracy and noise reduction at high ISOs. I’ve shot landscapes with both cameras, and while the difference isn’t dramatic, the G9’s JPEGs often require less post-processing work.
RAW Performance: For RAW shooters, the differences are minimal. Both cameras deliver excellent dynamic range and detail retention. I’ve pushed files from both cameras in post-processing, and they hold up remarkably well, even at ISO 6400.
ISO Performance: Both cameras share the same ISO range (100-25600, expandable to 100). In my testing, the G9 shows slightly better noise control in the upper ranges, but the difference isn’t enough to be a deciding factor on its own.
Autofocus: Capturing the Decisive Moment
Autofocus performance can make or break a shot, and this is where the G9 truly pulls ahead for still photography.
Speed and Accuracy: The G9’s autofocus system locks focus in an incredible 0.04 seconds, compared to the GH5’s 0.05 seconds. That might not sound like much, but when you’re shooting wildlife or sports, that split-second difference can mean the difference between a perfect shot and a missed opportunity.
Subject Detection: With firmware 2.0, the G9 gained the ability to detect not only faces and eyes but also entire human bodies and animals. This feature has been a game-changer for my wildlife photography. I’ve captured tack-sharp images of deer in motion and birds in flight that would have been nearly impossible with the GH5.
AF Point Scope: The G9 includes an AF Point Scope feature that lets you briefly switch to a magnified view of your focus point to ensure accurate focus acquisition. This is incredibly useful for macro photography or when shooting with wide apertures where precise focus is critical.
Low-Light Performance: Both cameras use the same DFD (Depth from Defocus) contrast detection system with 225 focus points. However, I’ve found the G9 performs slightly better in low-light situations, maintaining focus lock when the GH5 might start hunting.
Also Read: Panasonic Lumix GM1 vs GM5
Burst Shooting: Never Miss a Moment
If you shoot action, sports, or wildlife, burst shooting capabilities are crucial. This is another area where the G9 dominates for still photography.
Mechanical Shutter: With the mechanical shutter, both cameras perform similarly: 12fps with single autofocus (S-AF) and 9fps with continuous autofocus (C-AF). This is fine for moderate action but won’t satisfy serious sports photographers.
Electronic Shutter: Here’s where the G9 leaves the GH5 in the dust. The G9 can shoot up to 20fps with continuous autofocus and autoexposure, or an incredible 60fps with focus locked on the first frame. The GH5, meanwhile, offers no improvement with the electronic shutter beyond what it can do mechanically.
I’ve used the G9’s 20fps burst mode to capture incredible sequences of birds taking flight and athletes in mid-air. The ability to maintain focus throughout the burst makes it invaluable for action photography.
Buffer Depth: Both cameras have decent buffer depths, but the G9’s faster processing means it can handle longer bursts before slowing down. This is particularly important when shooting in RAW+JPEG mode.
Image Stabilization: Steady as You Go
Panasonic’s Dual I.S. 2 system is fantastic in both cameras, but the G9 has a slight edge that makes a difference in real-world shooting.
Stabilization Performance: The G9 boasts 6.5 stops of stabilization compensation, compared to the GH5’s 5 stops. In my experience, this difference is noticeable, especially when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds or with telephoto lenses.
I’ve tested both cameras with the same lenses, and the G9 consistently delivers sharper handheld images at slower shutter speeds. For example, I can reliably shoot at 1/15s with a 50mm lens and get tack-sharp images with the G9, while the GH5 might require 1/30s for similar results.
Video Stabilization: For video, both cameras offer excellent stabilization, but the GH5’s system is slightly smoother for panning shots. However, the G9’s extra stop of compensation makes it more versatile for handheld video work in challenging lighting conditions.
Video Capabilities: Filmmaking Power
This is where the GH5 truly shines and justifies its existence alongside the G9. If video is your primary focus, the GH5 is the clear winner.
4K Performance: Both cameras can record 4K video up to 60fps, but the implementation differs significantly. The GH5 offers unlimited 4K recording at 60fps, while the G9 is limited to 10 minutes at 60fps and 30 minutes at 30p. For serious filmmakers, this limitation alone might be a deal-breaker.
Bit Rate and Color: The GH5 supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording at up to 400Mbps, with V-Log L and HDR gamma profiles. This gives filmmakers incredible flexibility in post-production and color grading. While the G9 gained 10-bit 4:2:2 recording with firmware 2.0, it’s still limited to 150Mbps and lacks some of the GH5’s advanced video features.
Professional Video Features: The GH5 includes a host of professional video features missing from the G9:
- 6K anamorphic mode at 24fps
- Shutter angle setting
- Waveform and vectorscope monitoring
- Master pedestal control
- XLR audio input capability via optional adapter
I’ve used both cameras for video projects, and while the G9 holds its own for casual video work, the GH5 is in a different league for serious filmmaking. The color depth and dynamic range from the GH5’s 10-bit footage are noticeably better, especially when grading.
Unique Features: What Sets Them Apart?
Both cameras have unique features that might tip the scales depending on your specific needs.
G9 Exclusive Features:
- High Resolution Mode: This is perhaps the G9’s most impressive feature. By combining eight images with sensor shift technology, it can produce 40MP or 80MP stills. I’ve used this for landscape and architectural photography, and the detail is absolutely stunning—though it requires a tripod and static subjects.
- USB Power Delivery: The G9 can be powered and charged via USB while recording. This is incredibly useful for extended shoots, time-lapses, or when you’re away from power outlets for long periods.
- Night Mode: As mentioned earlier, this feature is invaluable for astrophotography and night shooting.
- Animal Detection: The ability to detect and track animals makes the G9 superior for wildlife photography.
GH5 Exclusive Features:
- Unlimited Recording: No time limits on video recording make it suitable for events, interviews, and any situation where you need to record continuously.
- Advanced Video Monitoring: Waveform and vectorscope displays help you achieve perfect exposure and color balance.
- Higher Bit Rates: 400Mbps recording provides better quality and more grading flexibility.
- Professional Audio: Support for XLR microphones via the optional DMW-XLR1 adapter.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Both cameras offer excellent connectivity options, but there are some differences worth noting.
Connectivity: Both cameras feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and file transfer. I regularly use both features to share previews with clients on location or to control the camera remotely for wildlife photography.
The G9’s USB 3.0 port supports tethered shooting, which is great for studio work. The GH5’s HDMI output is more suitable for external monitors, making it better for video production setups.
Battery Life: Battery life is similar between the two cameras—around 400 shots for the G9 and 410 for the GH5. However, video recording drains batteries much faster on both cameras. I always carry at least three spare batteries for a full day of shooting, regardless of which camera I’m using.
Both cameras support battery grips for extended shooting, which I highly recommend if you shoot professionally or in cold conditions.
Also Read: 50mm vs 24mm Lens
Real-World Performance: My Experience
Let me share some real-world scenarios where I’ve used both cameras and how they performed.
Wedding Photography: For weddings, I primarily use the G9. The faster autofocus, higher burst rate, and better low-light performance make it ideal for capturing those fleeting moments. However, I’ll often bring the GH5 as a second camera specifically for video clips and interviews.
Wildlife Photography: The G9 is my clear choice for wildlife. The 20fps burst rate with continuous autofocus has helped me capture shots I would have missed with the GH5. The animal detection feature is particularly useful for bird photography.
Filmmaking: When I’m working on video projects, the GH5 is my go-to camera. The unlimited recording time, higher bit rates, and professional video features make it superior for serious filmmaking. However, I’ll sometimes use the G9 for B-roll or when I need a smaller, lighter camera.
Travel Photography: For travel, I often bring both cameras. The G9 serves as my primary stills camera, while the GH5 handles video duties. The fact that they use the same lenses and batteries makes this setup very convenient.
Lens Compatibility and System Considerations
Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, so they’re compatible with the same extensive lens ecosystem. This is great news if you already invest in MFT lenses.
Lens Recommendations: Based on my experience, here are some lenses that work exceptionally well with both cameras:
- Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0: An excellent all-around lens that’s great for both stills and video.
- Panasonic Leica 42.5mm f/1.2: Perfect for portraits and low-light situations.
- Olympus 12-100mm f/4.0: A versatile zoom that covers a great range for travel and general photography.
- Panasonic 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3: Essential for wildlife and sports photography.
Video vs Still Lenses: While both cameras can use any MFT lens, I’ve found that some lenses perform better for video (with smoother focus transitions) while others excel for stills (with sharper wide-open performance). The GH5’s Dual I.S. 2 works particularly well with Panasonic’s Power O.I.S. lenses.
Price and Value Proposition
Pricing can vary, but generally, the G9 is slightly more affordable than the GH5. However, the price difference isn’t significant enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
Value for Photographers: If you’re primarily a still photographer, the G9 offers better value. You’re getting faster autofocus, higher burst rates, better stabilization, and unique features like High Resolution Mode at a slightly lower price point.
Value for Videographers: For videographers, the GH5 is worth every penny. The unlimited recording, higher bit rates, and professional video features make it a much more capable video tool.
Who Should Buy the G9?
The Panasonic G9 is the ideal choice for:
- Still photographers who prioritize speed and autofocus performance
- Wildlife and sports photographers who need high burst rates
- Landscape photographers who will benefit from the High Resolution Mode
- Hybrid shooters who do occasional video but primarily shoot stills
- Travel photographers who appreciate the lighter weight and better battery life
Who Should Buy the GH5?
The Panasonic GH5 is the perfect choice for:
- Filmmakers who need professional video features
- Video bloggers who require unlimited recording time
- Event videographers who shoot long ceremonies or interviews
- Hybrid shooters who do equal amounts of stills and video
- Professional videographers who need the highest quality footage possible
Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision
After extensive use of both cameras, I can tell you that there’s no clear “better” camera—it all depends on your specific needs and shooting style.
If you’re primarily a still photographer who occasionally shoots video, the G9 is your best bet. Its faster autofocus, higher burst rates, and better stabilization make it superior for capturing decisive moments. The High Resolution Mode is just icing on the cake for landscape and architectural work.
However, if video is your primary focus or you do equal amounts of stills and video, the GH5 is the clear winner. The unlimited recording time, higher bit rates, and professional video features make it a much more capable filmmaking tool.
My advice? If possible, try both cameras before making your decision. Rent them for a weekend and shoot with them in your typical scenarios. Your hands and your eyes will tell you which camera feels right for you.
Remember, both cameras are exceptional tools that can produce stunning results in the right hands. The best camera is the one that helps you realize your creative vision, whether that’s capturing the perfect still image or creating compelling video stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the G9 better for photography than the GH5?
Yes, absolutely. The G9 is significantly better for still photography, especially for action and wildlife. Its faster autofocus (0.04s vs 0.05s), higher burst rate (20fps vs 12fps), better stabilization (6.5 stops vs 5 stops), and features like animal detection and High Resolution Mode make it the superior choice for photographers.
Which camera has better video quality?
The GH5 delivers better video quality thanks to its unlimited 4K recording, higher bit rates (400Mbps vs 150Mbps), 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording, V-Log L support, and professional video features like waveform monitoring and shutter angle control. These features give filmmakers more flexibility in post-production.
Can the G9 shoot professional video?
Yes, the G9 can shoot professional-quality video, especially after firmware 2.0 added 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and V-Log L support. However, it’s limited to 10 minutes at 4K 60fps and 30 minutes at 30p, making it less suitable for professional video work that requires longer recording times.
Do both cameras use the same lenses?
Yes, both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, so they’re compatible with the same extensive lens ecosystem from Panasonic, Olympus, and other manufacturers. This makes it easy to switch between cameras if you already have MFT lenses.
Which camera is better for beginners?
For beginners focused on photography, the G9 is more user-friendly with its top LCD screen, better ergonomics, and simpler interface. For beginners interested in video, the GH5’s professional features might be overwhelming initially, but it offers more room to grow as your skills develop.
Can I use both cameras together?
Absolutely! Many professional photographers and videographers use both cameras together. They share the same lens mount, batteries, and similar controls, making them an excellent combination for hybrid shooting scenarios.
Which camera has better low-light performance?
Both cameras perform similarly in low light since they share the same sensor. However, the G9 has slightly better noise reduction in JPEG mode and its Night Mode feature makes it more practical for astrophotography and night shooting.
Is the GH5 worth the extra money for photographers?
For pure still photography, the GH5 is not worth the extra money over the G9. You’d be paying for video features you won’t use. The G9 offers better photography features at a lower price point.
Can the G9 replace a DSLR?
Yes, the G9 can easily replace a DSLR for most photographers. It offers better autofocus, higher burst rates, superior stabilization, and more advanced features than most DSLRs in a similar price range. The only potential drawback is battery life, but this can be mitigated with spare batteries or a battery grip.
Which camera is better for sports photography?
The G9 is significantly better for sports photography thanks to its 20fps burst rate with continuous autofocus, faster autofocus acquisition, and better subject tracking. These features make it much easier to capture fast-moving athletes in sharp focus.