Camera Comparison
Panasonic LUMIX G9 vs Panasonic LUMIX GH5
The bottom line
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 20fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 12fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
Where they differ
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 launched at $1,699, $298 under the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 shoots 20fps to the Panasonic LUMIX GH5's 12fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 is 658g (1.45 lb) vs 725g (1.60 lb) — 67g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G9 or the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 better?
These two are closely matched. The differences below are where they diverge — weigh the ones that map to how you actually shoot, and let price and handling break the tie.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G9 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 20fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 12fps would drop frames. 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 GH5?
Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G9 launched at $1,699, $298 under the Panasonic LUMIX GH5 — money that could go toward glass.
| 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 | 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 | 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 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 180p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log L / HLG | V-Log L / HLG |
| 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 | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 3.68M dots | 3.68M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.83x | 0.76x |
| 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 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.1 |
| Memory Card Slots | 2x SD UHS-II | 2x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $1,699 | $1,997 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 136.9×97.3×91.6 mm | 138.5×98.1×87.4 mm |
| Weight | 658g (1.45 lb) | 725g (1.60 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 400 shots | 410 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 440 shots | 500 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | DMW-BLF19 |
