Panasonic LUMIX G9 vs Panasonic LUMIX GH4
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 (2017) moves ahead on burst speed (20fps vs 12fps), resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 20fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 12fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓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 shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Panasonic LUMIX G9 has in-body IS — slower handheld shutter speeds and steadier video without relying on stabilised lenses.
- ›Card slots: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 has dual slots for instant backup — the reliability paid work depends on.
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 shoots 20fps to the Panasonic LUMIX GH4's 12fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 is 560g (1.23 lb) vs 658g (1.45 lb) — 98g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G9 or the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 (2017) moves ahead on burst speed (20fps vs 12fps), resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP) and 4K frame rate (60p vs 30p). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GH4 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 20fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 12fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings smoother 60p 4K vs 30p and 10-bit internal colour. 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 shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G9 and the Panasonic LUMIX GH4?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 60p, 10-bit internal and Log.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Digital Live MOS | Digital Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 20.3 MP | 16 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 20 fps | 12 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 180p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log L / HLG | V-Log L |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 225 | 225 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -4 EV | -3 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | No |
| Animal AF | Yes | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.68M dots | 1.74M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.83x | 0.67x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.0 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | Micro USB 3.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,699 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 136.9×97.3×91.6 mm | 133.2×93.4×83.3 mm |
| Weight | 658g (1.45 lb) | 560g (1.23 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 400 shots | 500 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 440 shots | 500 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | DMW-BLC12 |
