Panasonic LUMIX G7 vs Panasonic LUMIX G97
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP), in-body stabilisation and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX G7 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G7 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 410g (14.5 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
- ✓You shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, Log and no clip limit.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 launched at $699, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX G7 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G97 has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G7 is 410g (14.5 oz) vs 530g (1.17 lb) — 120g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Resolution: 20.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX G97 vs 16MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G7 or the Panasonic LUMIX G97 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP), in-body stabilisation and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX G7 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G7?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G7 if you value portability — at 410g (14.5 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if you shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks. Choose it if you shoot handheld — in-body stabilisation lets you use slower shutter speeds and steadies video, which the other body can't do without a stabilised lens. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G7 and the Panasonic LUMIX G97?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, Log and no clip limit.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Digital Live MOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 16 MP | 20.3 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | − |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | − |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 8 fps | 9 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | − | V-Log L |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| Mic Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | − |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 49 | − |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 49 |
| Low Light AF | -3 EV | − |
| Eye AF | No | Yes |
| Animal AF | No | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.36M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.7x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | v4.0 | v5.0 |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | USB-C |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $699 |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | − |
| Dimensions | 125×86×77 mm | 130.4×93.5×77.4 mm |
| Weight | 410g (14.5 oz) | 530g (1.17 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 360 shots | − |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 360 shots | − |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLC12 | − |
