Panasonic G9 vs GH5: Best Mirrorless for Stills & Video

Introduction

Hey, friends! If you’re torn between the Panasonic G9 and GH5, you’re not alone—I get asked about this all the time at our photography hangouts. Both are stellar cameras from Panasonic’s Lumix lineup, but they cater to different passions. The G9 is my go-to for stills, especially when I’m chasing wildlife or action shots, while the GH5 is a video beast that filmmakers swear by. Let’s break down my experiences with these cameras to help you pick the one that’ll spark joy in your creative journey.

The Panasonic G9 vs. GH5 debate often boils down to your primary focus—stills or video. I’ve shot with both in various conditions, from dusty trails to rainy sets, and each has unique strengths. Whether you’re a photographer, videographer, or hybrid shooter, I’ll walk you through their differences and similarities. Grab a coffee, and let’s dive into what makes these cameras tick!

Panasonic G9 Vs GH5 Comparison

Design and Build: How They Feel in Hand

Both cameras are built like tanks, with weather sealing that lets you shoot in rain, dust, or cold without worry. The G9 is a bit lighter at 658g compared to the GH5’s 725g, which I notice after long days in the field. It also has a top LCD screen—a lifesaver for checking settings like aperture or battery life at a glance. The GH5 skips this but offers a larger 3.2-inch rear LCD with 1.62 million dots, perfect for reviewing footage or framing shots.

The G9’s grip feels slightly more ergonomic for my hands, especially with heavier lenses. Its buttons are well-placed for quick adjustments during fast-paced shoots. The GH5’s layout is equally intuitive, but its slightly bulkier body might feel more substantial for video rigs. Both have dual SD card slots, which I love for backing up critical shots.

Viewfinder and Display: Framing Your Vision

The G9’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a standout, with 0.83x magnification and a 120fps refresh rate. This makes tracking fast subjects—like birds or athletes—a breeze, with minimal lag. The GH5’s EVF, at 0.76x and 60fps, is still solid but feels less responsive in dynamic scenes. For wildlife, I lean on the G9’s viewfinder every time.

On the back, the GH5’s 3.2-inch LCD outshines the G9’s 3.0-inch screen in resolution (1.62M vs. 1.04M dots), which is great for video monitoring or precise focus checks. Both screens are fully articulating, ideal for vlogging or odd-angle shots. If video framing is your priority, the GH5’s display gives you an edge.

Image Quality: Sensor and Processing

Both cameras pack the same 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, so raw image quality is nearly identical—crisp details, good dynamic range, and solid low-light performance. However, the G9’s newer processing engine delivers slightly better JPEGs, with improved color accuracy and noise reduction at high ISOs (100-25600). Its Night Mode, which cuts green and blue channels in dark conditions, helps reduce noise further—a feature the GH5 lacks.

In practice, the difference is subtle. I’ve shot landscapes with both and been thrilled with the results. If you’re a raw shooter, you’ll see little difference, but for JPEGs or low-light work, the G9 has a slight advantage.

Autofocus: Tracking the Action

Autofocus is where the G9 pulls ahead for stills. Its Depth from Defocus (DFD) system locks focus in 0.04 seconds, and with firmware 2.0, it detects faces, bodies, and even animals—perfect for wildlife. I’ve nailed shots of deer in motion with the G9 that the GH5 might’ve missed. The GH5’s autofocus, at 0.05 seconds, is fast but struggles with erratic subjects like birds in flight.

Both cameras use 225 focus points and excel in controlled settings, like portraits or studio work. For video, the GH5’s face detection is reliable, but neither matches phase-detection systems from competitors. If action photography is your thing, the G9’s autofocus is a game-changer.

Burst Shooting: Capturing the Moment

The G9 is a speed demon, shooting 20fps with continuous autofocus and exposure, or 60fps with focus locked. This is ideal for sports or wildlife, where every frame counts—I’ve caught split-second moments like a hawk diving that would’ve been tough with the GH5. The GH5 manages 12fps with continuous autofocus, which is respectable but not in the same league.

Both cameras use an electronic shutter for these speeds, keeping things silent—a bonus for discreet shooting. For fast-paced genres, the G9’s burst mode gives you more chances to nail the perfect shot.

Image Stabilization: Steady as You Go

Panasonic’s 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 system is fantastic in both cameras, combining body and lens stabilization. The G9 claims 6.5 stops of correction, slightly better than the GH5’s 5 stops. In my experience, both deliver tack-sharp handheld shots, even at slower shutter speeds or with telephoto lenses. For video, the GH5’s stabilization is smooth, but the G9’s extra stop can make a difference in low-light stills.

Whether you’re shooting handheld vlogs or long-exposure landscapes, both cameras keep things steady. The G9’s edge is noticeable but not a deal-breaker.

Video Capabilities: Filmmaking Power

When it comes to video, the GH5 is the star of the Panasonic G9 vs. GH5 showdown. It records 4K 60fps with no time limit, supports 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording at 400Mbps, and offers V-Log L, HDR, and 6K anamorphic modes. I’ve used it for short films, and the color grading flexibility is incredible. It’s a favorite among indie filmmakers for good reason.

The G9 isn’t far behind, especially post-firmware 2.0, which added 10-bit 4:2:2 and V-Log L. But its 10-minute limit at 4K 60fps and 30-minute cap at 30p make it less practical for long takes. For video-heavy workflows, the GH5 is the clear choice.

Unique Features: What Sets Them Apart

The G9’s High Resolution Mode is a standout, combining eight images to produce 40MP or 80MP stills. I’ve used this for landscapes and architectural shots, and the detail is stunning—though it requires a tripod and static subjects. The GH5 doesn’t have this, but its video prowess compensates.

Another G9 perk is USB power and charging during recording, a lifesaver for extended shoots. The GH5 lacks this, though its USB 3.0 port is speedy for data transfer. These features might tip the scales depending on your workflow.

Connectivity and Battery Life

Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and file transfer, which I use to share previews with clients on the go. The G9’s USB 3.0 port supports tethered shooting, while the GH5’s HDMI output is great for external monitors. Battery life is similar—around 400 shots for the G9 and 410 for the GH5—but video drains them faster.

I always carry spare batteries, especially for video shoots with the GH5. Both support battery grips for extended shooting, which is a plus for long days.

Comparison Table

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key specs:

Feature	Panasonic G9	Panasonic GH5
Target Audience	Stills, sports, wildlife	Videography, hybrid shooting
Weight	658g	725g
Top LCD Screen	Yes	No
Viewfinder	0.83x, 120fps	0.76x, 60fps
Rear LCD	3.0″, 1.04M dots	3.2″, 1.62M dots
Night Mode	Yes	No
Autofocus Speed	0.04s, 225 points, animal detection	0.05s, 225 points, face detection
Burst Shooting	20fps (C-AF), 60fps (fixed)	12fps (C-AF)
Stabilization	6.5 stops	5 stops
High Resolution Mode	40MP/80MP	No
Video	4K 60fps (10min limit), 10-bit 4:2:2	4K 60fps (unlimited), 10-bit 4:2:2, 6K
USB Power	Yes, charge while recording	No

Decision-Making: Which One’s for You?

Choosing between the G9 and GH5 comes down to your creative priorities. If you’re a stills photographer, especially in fast-paced genres like wildlife or sports, the G9’s autofocus, burst speed, and High Resolution Mode make it the better pick. I’ve used it to capture fleeting moments—like a cheetah sprinting—that the GH5 might’ve missed.

For videographers or hybrid shooters, the GH5 is hard to beat. Its unlimited 4K recording, pro-grade video features, and larger LCD make it a filmmaking workhorse. I’ve seen friends produce cinematic shorts with it that rival much pricier setups.

Budget is another factor. The G9 is often more affordable, offering great value for stills-focused shooters. Also, since both use Micro Four Thirds lenses, your existing glass should work seamlessly—though check lens performance, as some optimize better for video or stills.

If you’re still unsure, rent both or check sample images and videos online (DPReview). Your shooting style will guide you to the right choice.

Final Thoughts

The Panasonic G9 vs. GH5 choice isn’t about which is “better” but which aligns with your vision. The G9 is my pick for stills, delivering speed and precision for dynamic scenes. The GH5 shines for video, offering tools that empower filmmakers to create stunning content. Try them out, explore sample work, and let your creative needs lead the way. Happy shooting!

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Is the G9 better for photography than the GH5?
Yes, especially for action and wildlife, thanks to faster autofocus, 20fps shooting, and High Resolution Mode.

2. Which is better for video?
The GH5, with unlimited 4K 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:2, V-Log L, and 6K anamorphic modes, is the video champ.

3. Can the G9 shoot 4K video?
Yes, but it’s limited to 10 minutes at 60fps and 30 minutes at 30p, unlike the GH5’s unlimited recording.

4. Which has better stabilization?
The G9 claims 6.5 stops vs. the GH5’s 5, but both are excellent for stills and video.

5. Is image quality different?
They use the same sensor, so raw quality is similar. The G9’s JPEGs have better noise reduction.

6. Are they weather-sealed?
Yes, both are dust-, splash-, and freeze-proof, great for outdoor shooting.

7. Can I use my Micro Four Thirds lenses?
Absolutely, both support the same lens mount, so your lenses are compatible.

8. Does the G9 have a top LCD?
Yes, it’s handy for quick settings checks; the GH5 doesn’t have one.

9. Which is better in low light?
The G9’s Night Mode gives it a slight edge for low-light stills.

10. Is the GH5’s LCD better?
Yes, its 3.2-inch, 1.62M-dot screen is sharper than the G9’s 3.0-inch, 1.04M-dot display.