Supporter danielm Posted 27 December, 2023 Supporter Share Posted 27 December, 2023 (Google English Translation from the original french version) At the end of 2017, the digital photo world is still in full swing and particularly in the category of “mirrorless” devices. A first step in the traditional pro DSLR pond was launched by Olympus and its OM-D E-M1 model in 2013, the true pioneers in the field. Until then, Panasonic owed its reputation mainly to its highly prized GH series devices due to their cinematographic (video) qualities. But now this Lumix G9 finally takes up the challenge of professional photography. The Panasonic Lumix G9 in its original version, since replaced by the clone of the Lumix S5II retrofitted into G9 Mark II for the M4/3 format, remains an exceptional digital camera from several points of view. Its robust construction makes it suitable for intensive use in a difficult environment. For those who have experience with analog cameras categorized for professional use from the film era, it is easy for them to measure the extent of the technical progress made since the introduction of digital sensors in recent decades, whether in terms of autonomy of use, performance in terms of photographic parameters and the final iconographic result. In short, there is a world of difference even if visually these two very distant generations of models have certain similarities. In the category of M4/3 sensor devices, the Lumix G9 remains a giant in both its dimensions and its weight. You may need a little extra strength training to carry this beast around all day. On the other hand, the Lumix G9 is not particularly discreet in appearance even if the triggering of its shutter remains almost inaudible. Moreover, this trigger has an extremely "professional" sensitivity to which you have to adapt well or risk endlessly and involuntarily machine-gunning your subject. Note that the central switch of the Lumix G9 surrounds the shutter button. The grip is comfortable and reassuring for this type of device. It can be enhanced by the addition of the BGG-9 vertical power grip which doubles the energy autonomy of the G9 while adding a vertical shutter release suitable for portrait framing. The viewing comfort of the Lumix G9 is excellent either via the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or via the rear screen (LVF) even for glasses wearers like me. The ergonomics of the device are well designed with regard to access and operation of the various control keys and dials and the rear touch screen. The multifunction controller (joystick) is more difficult to handle given its position further away from the rear viewfinder. Several parametric features such as sensitivity, white balance, exposure compensation, focus type and choice of focus point, etc. are directly accessible. The information on the control screen located on the top of the box is very practical and can be back-illuminated if necessary. Note the small protuberance provided for the rear support of the photographer's right thumb which ensures a better hold on the Lumix G9. The Lumix G9 menu is very elaborate but remains well illustrated and easy to navigate. The effort of its French presentation deserves to be highlighted. The device has very wide configuration latitude both via its menu and its quick-access interface (buttons, dials, joystick, touch screen). Fortunately, pre-configuration of the Lumix G9 is possible via the "Custom" modes, which allows the photographer to specialize the use of the camera with a turn of the Mode dial, which is very relevant when you move from photography to landscape, portrait or action for example. The Lumix G9 is powered by a dedicated battery and gives the device good autonomy, often equivalent to a day's work for a photographer. This autonomy can be doubled by adding the optional BGG-9 power handle. The device can also be connected directly to an independent power supply, which can be very practical for external assignment and when traveling. The Lumix G9 accepts two SD format memory cards with UHS-II writing speed. The device has HDMI, USB-C, microphone and headphone (3.5mm) input ports, PC flash and TTL HotShoe. WiFi and BlueTooth connectivity is also offered via the Panasonic app available for smart phones and tablets. In use Getting started with the Lumix G9 is quick and easy and its parametric approach is logical and competent. Of course its configuration can be complex if you wish, but conversely the device can be used in a very simplified way. The rather extreme sensitivity of the trigger requires to be tamed at first. The electronic viewfinder is sumptuous in its clarity and definition and offers very complete information that can be limited if necessary. At the limits of the image frame, we can note a slight silhouette effect, certainly due to its compression. The eye relief of the electronic viewfinder is high and adds comfort for eyeglass wearers. The Lumix G9 is heavy if we compare it to the usual average weight of other M4/3 format devices but in the category of professional models, this is not surprising given its resistance to adverse conditions and its endurance in very intensive use. Its grip is also excellent but the use of both hands is essential, particularly for a prolonged shooting session. The interface is very varied, practical and almost entirely reconfigurable although in this case it is necessary to remember the modified purposes of the different controls of the Lumix G9. The rear focus type swap lever is very effective. The direct keys for ISO sensitivity and WB white balance are also very suitable. The multi-functional rotary controls located at the front and above the device are relevant even if the one above proves less accessible than if it had been positioned completely at the rear as for most models of this camera category. The autofocus is also competent, especially in its stopped version (AF-S) and can be modulated in different ways depending on the types of subjects covered. In continuous mode, some fluctuation in the electronic viewfinder display could be distracting but cannot be interpreted as an inability to obtain precise focus. Likewise, the Tracking Focus algorithm is not error-free, especially when the movement of the main subject turns out to be erratic and therefore less predictable. Finally, autofocus can sometimes suffer in low light when the Lumix G9 is paired with lenses with smaller maximum apertures. The rear screen of the Lumix G9 is completely adjustable and foldable for protection. Its definition is good both for taking pictures and for reviewing recorded files. The display can be configured to the needs and tastes of the photographer. Side view of the screen is possible and usable. However, there is a delay of approximately one second when you start viewing a recorded photo (Review mode). The Lumix G9's light meter responds well to different lighting situations and can be configured differently depending on your preferences for full, centered, or spot reading. Its responsiveness is adequate to changes in brightness. The automatic white balance is reliable with a small bias towards cold colors which can be partly attenuated via a warmer automatic mode (AWB-Warm). The fact remains that with artificial lighting coming from multiple varied sources of color temperature, the system will struggle to find the right balance, which very few current digital devices can do well, it must also be emphasized. The color rendering of the Lumix G9 does not differ fundamentally from other M4/3 models from Panasonic. It is rather neutral or natural a priori offering less vibrancy than renderings from other camera manufacturers which often add vibrancy and contrast when saving the image in JPEG file format. Of course, a multitude of different chromatic rendering biases are available on the Lumix G9 menu and it is up to the user to determine their relevance or not for their creative approach. The monochrome modes are very well formulated by the Lumix G9 which is also a trademark of Panasonic products. Please note that this brief review of the Panasonic Lumix G9 does not cover its video features. ***** Overall, we can measure the progress made in the evolution of the M4/3 digital image sensor format by the appearance of professional devices such as the Panasonic Lumix G9. It would be in vain to try to establish that a professional device model could meet everyone's requirements, but we can say that the Lumix G9 is certainly at the higher level of these in terms of its ergonomics and its on-board functionalities. Even replaced by the G9 Mark II recently, this original version of the Lumix G9 remains relevant and much closer to the initial philosophy of the M4/3 format just like its alter-ego of the OM System, the OM- D E-M1 (II & III). Combined with optics of the same professional level, the Panasonic Lumix G9 will undoubtedly prove to be a relevant, durable and pleasant tool to use. Panasonic Illustrations / Photos Daniel M 1 A trace of light that survive a little further than the actual moment of flash. photodanielm.blogspot.com Daniel M on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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