Rumour has it that Panasonic is just about ready to replace its flagship Lumix G9 Micro Four Thirds camera, with the updated compact camera allegedly inheriting some of the most impressive features of the full-frame Lumix S5 II. An exact release date is still unknown, but the new M4/3 camera is likely to launch before the end of 2023.
Panasonic’s Lumix G9 Micro Four Thirds system camera was introduced back in 2017 as a fantastic option for photographers and hybrid shooters looking for a lightweight system for on-the-go work. In the four years the G9 has been around, it’s become a bit long in the tooth. Fortunately, recent rumours suggest that the Lumix G9 II is on the way to replace the G9 before the end of 2023, according to The New Camera.
Unfortunately, concrete specifications aren’t available for the G9 II just yet, but speculation and comments by Panasonic representatives have suggested that the camera maker will make use of the same hybrid AF technology found in the Lumix S5 II full-frame mirrorless camera.
The Lumix G9’s flagship specifications and features, like 4K 60 fps video, 6.5-stop IBIS, and high-speed burst shooting, already put it in a competitive position among the modern crop of compact mirrorless cameras, especially considering its price and compact nature.
An updated AF system would address one of the biggest complaints from G9 users — the slow, outdated contrast-detect autofocus system. An update to the G9 camera might also open the doors for Panasonic to introduce updates to the likes of the popular, compact Lumix GX9 all-rounder.
Buy the Panasonic GX9 with 12-32 mm and 45-150 mm lens kit on Amazon.
Julian van der Merwe – Magazine Writer – 293 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022
My interest in tech started in high school, rooting and flashing my Motorola Defy, but I really fell down the rabbit hole when I realised I could overclock the i7 930 in my Gigabyte pre-built PC. This tinkering addiction eventually lead me to study product design in university. I think tech should improve the lives of the people using it, no matter the field. I like to read and write about laptops, smartphones, software and trends in technology.
Julian van der Merwe, 2023-07-25 (Update: 2023-07-25)