Administrators Andrew Reid Posted January 11, 2018 Administrators Share Posted January 11, 2018 Was thinking of doing a review of the G9. The G85 was a good bargain. This time, price has shot up. I like the ergonomics of the body better than the GH5 - The top-LCD and layout changes make for a more comfortable camera There is no lag when finishing a clip. You hit record and it stops immediately The EVF is massive... However, has anybody else noticed the DRAMATIC pincushion distortion in the viewfinder... It's really not nice. Very distracting. AF seemed better than the GH5. It was as quick to do a one-time AF-S in movie mode as in stills mode. GH5 is slower to do that. The AF during 4K was not up to Sony or Canon's best, but it was again seemingly better than the GH5 in the brief time I tried it out. Does not come close to A7R III for video AF overall though. Pic profiles... The lack of Hybrid LOG Gamma is a shame. Sony did not feel the need to pull SLOG or HLG from their flagship stills camera (A7R III)... Panasonic apparently did. But then again, Sony did not include them in the A9 so they are not entirely sane either. All in all, G9 or GH5? I'd say GH5. Now they are practically the same price, but one is 10bit with HDR and one is 8bit SDR, it's a bit too silly to lose that for the sake of slightly better body handling and AF. And the BIG viewfinder with that much distortion gives me pause for thought as well. I am all for big viewfinders, but do you really want so much pincushion in EVERY shot? Orangenz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinegain Posted January 11, 2018 Share Posted January 11, 2018 Yeah, it's pretty pincushioney. And it does weird things when it autofocuses, like you get some very weird noise which you don't get back on the display. Otherwise, yeah, it doesn't quite live up to the features of the GH5... but, I like the idea of having it as dedicated and very capable stills cam and still shoots nice, albeit a bit restricted video... most importantly: with up to 6.5 stops of IBIS... to compliment the more cinema style GH5S, that's used in more of a production manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 How does the 60fps raw burst mode compare to the E-M1 ii? Does the G9 buffer cap out at the same 48 frames? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Bowgett Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 15 hours ago, Andrew Reid said: Was thinking of doing a review of the G9. The G85 was a good bargain. This time, price has shot up. I would guess that Panasonic has reshuffled their line-up with this release, and that eventually they'll release a G90/G95 that's an update of the G80/G85 with the 20MP sensor added. But yeah, the GH5S is clearly the one they're targeting at video users right now. It sounds like, whether by accident or design, with the the G9 they've managed to produce a camera that has a similar set of strengths and drawbacks to most DSLRs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeys Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 20 hours ago, Andrew Reid said: However, has anybody else noticed the DRAMATIC pincushion distortion in the viewfinder... It's really not nice. Very distracting. It's been said in quite a few places. I'll need to take a look. This really isn't the G80's successor, as the number of digits implies. That'll be the G90. Since I still do mostly stills this might be a good idea for me. Hopefully the viewfinder isn't that bad; I've lived with the GH3's viewfinder for years now so this will be an upgrade regardless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Hartman Posted January 12, 2018 Share Posted January 12, 2018 I say skip the Panasonic offerings altogether. "Wha" you say? Outrageous sir! Because you know, and I know as soon as someone releases the same feature set with that coveted bigger sensor and better AF, (which the bar is low) everyone's going to be offloading their G-whatever on eBay like a distant memory, and thus the sickness of perpetual gear-acquisition rages on. I have the sickness too. But I'm starting to ween myself from those shackles and it feels absolutely liberating. Instead, I'm reinvesting in my current setup and investing more time, energy and money into learning more about the filmmaking process outside the camera. I thought buying new gear would scratch some of that itch, but it does not. Yeah, the joy of holding something new is exciting, but the shelf life on this is very short. Kisaha and Aussie Ash 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeys Posted January 13, 2018 Share Posted January 13, 2018 15 hours ago, Matthew Hartman said: I say skip the Panasonic offerings altogether. "Wha" you say? Outrageous sir! Because you know, and I know as soon as someone releases the same feature set with that coveted bigger sensor and better AF, (which the bar is low) everyone's going to be offloading their G-whatever on eBay like a distant memory, and thus the sickness of perpetual gear-acquisition rages on. I have the sickness too. But I'm starting to ween myself from those shackles and it feels absolutely liberating. Instead, I'm reinvesting in my current setup and investing more time, energy and money into learning more about the filmmaking process outside the camera. I thought buying new gear would scratch some of that itch, but it does not. Yeah, the joy of holding something new is exciting, but the shelf life on this is very short. I think once you're set in a system it's not so bad; I've been on the GH3 for over 4 years now and I'm just looking at the G9, which will be something that'll stay with me for another 4-5 years. Once you know what works for you, the sickness tends to fade away while you concentrate on getting the best from what you have. It takes time to learn your tools, so working on that instead of changing gear every 12 months is definitely better for you in the long run. I'd say it took me about 3-4 months to get a certain level of understanding of the raw files from the GH3, and that's nowhere near mastery levels, I feel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Andrew Reid Posted January 15, 2018 Author Administrators Share Posted January 15, 2018 On 12/01/2018 at 6:42 PM, leeys said: It's been said in quite a few places. I'll need to take a look. This really isn't the G80's successor, as the number of digits implies. That'll be the G90. Since I still do mostly stills this might be a good idea for me. Hopefully the viewfinder isn't that bad; I've lived with the GH3's viewfinder for years now so this will be an upgrade regardless! It is actually the G80's successor. The zero in the G80 comes from a short-lived and idiotic naming scheme to identify out grey market imports. It's really a G8. But they called it G80/G85 depending on region. The range though, goes all the way back to G1. And G6 was very similar product in relation to GH2. Same sensor, similar video features. What has changed is the price... no longer is it targeted at sub-$1000 consumer market. On 13/01/2018 at 12:48 PM, leeys said: I think once you're set in a system it's not so bad; I've been on the GH3 for over 4 years now and I'm just looking at the G9, which will be something that'll stay with me for another 4-5 years. Once you know what works for you, the sickness tends to fade away while you concentrate on getting the best from what you have. It takes time to learn your tools, so working on that instead of changing gear every 12 months is definitely better for you in the long run. A very good point. People should dive deep as they can into their stuff and buy camera books, lights, LUTs, learn more and more, rather than splash out every 6 months. I am a guilty one but I have no choice, need to constantly keep on cutting edge of the latest gear to keep the blog fresh. But certain things I have kept hold of for a long time... like the 1D C and Samsung NX1. Really comfortable with them and know them inside out. Kisaha 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leeys Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 19 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said: It is actually the G80's successor. The zero in the G80 comes from a short-lived and idiotic naming scheme to identify out grey market imports. It's really a G8. But they called it G80/G85 depending on region. The range though, goes all the way back to G1. And G6 was very similar product in relation to GH2. Same sensor, similar video features. I really don't think it is, but we'll see. I'm thinking it's a split to another tier. So basically: GH-series: Hybrid line G-series: SLR-style line GX-series: Soapbar-style line Then you get the number of digits 1 digit: Top tier 2 digits: Middle tier 3 digits: Low-end tier Cinegain 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Andrew Reid Posted January 15, 2018 Author Administrators Share Posted January 15, 2018 Well, I'm telling you it is. Panasonic told me directly! Orangenz 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinegain Posted January 15, 2018 Share Posted January 15, 2018 Whut. No more entry level does-it-all-quite-well sub 1000 bucks cam like the G80/85? I mean, that was already an up from the G7 both in price, but as well capability, but to leave that segment to the GX-range alone, seems a little... strange. The gap between that and a G9 is quite big... and apparently they don't have a problem with diversifying their line-up, so they really think they can push people towards a G9 like that? Hum... IronFilm 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Andrew Reid Posted January 16, 2018 Author Administrators Share Posted January 16, 2018 Market just isn't there for the cheaper stuff any more. Sony did same thing with A6000 -> A6300 -> A6500. Massive price hikes. Samin 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aldolega Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 The G85 has a bit more competitive lifespan in it, but by PhotoKina time Sony will have another a5000- or a6000-series out or announced, and Canon will probably have a 90D. Panasonic will need a G85 replacement with the 20MP sensor, 4K60 8-bit, and still with IBIS of course, and still under a grand, preferably with a kit lens, to compete. The G9 can keep the crazy photo framerates to justify its price, and the GH5/GH5s can keep the 10-bit and high bitrates. jase and IronFilm 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronFilm Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 7 hours ago, leeys said: I really don't think it is, but we'll see. I'm thinking it's a split to another tier. So basically: GH-series: Hybrid line G-series: SLR-style line GX-series: Soapbar-style line Then you get the number of digits 1 digit: Top tier 2 digits: Middle tier 3 digits: Low-end tier 43rumors has said this in the past, there is some logic to it, and I hope that is what Panasonic will do (as I'd like to see a G900!! ha). But who knows, might need to watch the next couple of product releases to see if this follows this pattern. Or not. 18 minutes ago, Andrew Reid said: Market just isn't there for the cheaper stuff any more. Sony did same thing with A6000 -> A6300 -> A6500. Massive price hikes. And sadly the Sony a5100 has never got updated :-( A cheapie a5300 with 4K would have been nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
webrunner5 Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 On 1/13/2018 at 6:48 AM, leeys said: I think once you're set in a system it's not so bad; I've been on the GH3 for over 4 years now and I'm just looking at the G9, which will be something that'll stay with me for another 4-5 years. Once you know what works for you, the sickness tends to fade away while you concentrate on getting the best from what you have. It takes time to learn your tools, so working on that instead of changing gear every 12 months is definitely better for you in the long run. I'd say it took me about 3-4 months to get a certain level of understanding of the raw files from the GH3, and that's nowhere near mastery levels, I feel. Heck you ought to move up to a GH4 then. Night and day difference. The G7 was a damn big difference to my GH3. I never really liked my GH3. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Andrew Reid Posted January 16, 2018 Author Administrators Share Posted January 16, 2018 9 hours ago, IronFilm said: 43rumors has said this in the past, there is some logic to it You are aware you used "43rumors" and "logic" in the same sentence there aren't you? Anyway if you want to trust 43rumors's strange belief in model numbers over what Panasonic say, god bless ya. 9 hours ago, IronFilm said: and I hope that is what Panasonic will do (as I'd like to see a G900!! ha). Yeah like we saw a cheap G700 and G800... oh wait, no we didn't. 9 hours ago, IronFilm said: But who knows, might need to watch the next couple of product releases to see if this follows this pattern. Or not. The pattern that doesn't exist?! 9 hours ago, IronFilm said: And sadly the Sony a5100 has never got updated :-( A cheapie a5300 with 4K would have been nice. Hence my point... Low-end market is dead due to smartphones. Which is why the G9 is as high-end as it is, despite coming from a line that used to be half the price and more consumer orientated with G3 and G5 in particular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oliver Daniel Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 19 hours ago, Andrew Reid said: A very good point. People should dive deep as they can into their stuff and buy camera books, lights, LUTs, learn more and more, rather than splash out every 6 months. I am a guilty one but I have no choice, need to constantly keep on cutting edge of the latest gear to keep the blog fresh. But certain things I have kept hold of for a long time... like the 1D C and Samsung NX1. Really comfortable with them and know them inside out. This. I've took on the GH5 more than I have with any other camera. I look at other models and really, really think whether it's completely necessary to buy. You have to separate the urge from the logic of making the right purchase. Everyone here will admit that camera porn gets in the way. Your regular camera purchases are justified as you run a blog, sell guides and colour profiles. For the rest of us - it's best to get to know the camera you have for a substantial amount of time, learn grading, learn composition, learn lighting, learn how to inspire GREAT ideas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronFilm Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 5 hours ago, Andrew Reid said: The pattern that doesn't exist?! Because it is new? Thus wait and see. 5 hours ago, Andrew Reid said: Hence my point... Low-end market is dead due to smartphones. Which is why the G9 is as high-end as it is, despite coming from a line that used to be half the price and more consumer orientated with G3 and G5 in particular. Canikon sell many times more entry-mid APS-C DSLRs than they do FF Plus additionally companies need an affordable entry point to get more people into their system starting out, thus those cameras act as feeders into the next level up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Hartman Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 On 1/15/2018 at 12:20 PM, Andrew Reid said: I am a guilty one but I have no choice, need to constantly keep on cutting edge of the latest gear to keep the blog fresh. I just want to say thank you for this blog. As an NX1 user it gives me and many a rare place to call home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ntblowz Posted January 16, 2018 Share Posted January 16, 2018 19 hours ago, IronFilm said: And sadly the Sony a5100 has never got updated :-( A cheapie a5300 with 4K would have been nice. A5100 already over heats in 1080p, can’t imagine what 4K will be like in the same body. i already moved on from a5100 to iphone and never look back, 240fps slowmo, long life with power bank and doesn’t bloody overheat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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