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Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9

Portability
81
Imaging
62
Features
76
Overall
67
Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 front
Portability
62
Imaging
60
Features
90
Overall
72

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 Key Specs

Panasonic G100
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • 3840 x 1920 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 352g - 116 x 83 x 54mm
  • Introduced June 2020
Panasonic G9
(Full Review)
  • 20MP - Four Thirds Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 200 - 25600
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • 658g - 137 x 97 x 92mm
  • Revealed November 2017
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

Panasonic Lumix G100 vs G9: An Expert’s Guide to Choosing Your Ideal Micro Four Thirds Camera

Whether you’re stepping into mirrorless photography or seeking a powerhouse to elevate your professional work, Panasonic’s Lumix G100 and G9 represent two distinct routes within the Micro Four Thirds system. As a camera reviewer with years of hands-on experience testing hundreds of cameras, I’ll take you through a thorough comparison that cuts through the specs and marketing hype - focusing instead on what really matters in day-to-day shooting.

Dive in to discover how these cameras differ in design, performance, usability, and value, and find the right fit for your photographic journey.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Comfort Meets Control

Understanding a camera’s physical dimensions, weight, and button layout is vital since these aspects shape how comfortable and intuitive the camera feels during long shoots or fast-paced sessions.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Dimensions (WxHxD) 116 x 83 x 54 mm 137 x 97 x 92 mm
Weight (with battery) 352 g 658 g
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Grip and Build Compact, lightweight, plastic Large, robust, magnesium alloy

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 size comparison

The G100’s compact and lightweight body is tailored for entry-level users, vloggers, and travel photographers who prioritize portability. It fits easily in one hand or a small bag, making it less tiring for extended handheld shooting periods. The G9, meanwhile, feels significantly more substantial - nearly double the weight - delivering professional-grade robustness, ideal for demanding environments and heavier lenses.

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 top view buttons comparison

Looking at the control layout, the G9 boasts a more complex array of dedicated dials, buttons, and an informative top screen, which professionals will appreciate for on-the-fly adjustments. The G100 keeps things simple, with fewer external controls, making it easier to learn but potentially limiting quick access to key settings.

Ergonomically, the G9’s pronounced grip and weather-sealed magnesium alloy shell provide confidence in challenging conditions, while the G100 caters to ease and comfort without additional environmental protection.

Sensor and Image Quality: Matching Resolution, Different Approaches

Both cameras deploy the Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a 2.1x crop factor, but how the sensor is implemented, including filters and stabilization, affects image quality and creative potential.

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 sensor size comparison

Spec Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Sensor Size Four Thirds (17.3x13 mm) Four Thirds (17.3x13 mm)
Resolution 20 MP 20 MP
Anti-Aliasing Filter Yes No
Max Native ISO 25600 25600
Stabilization No sensor-shift stabilization 5-axis sensor-shift (IBIS)
RAW Support Yes Yes

The G9’s sensor lacks an optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter, which helps capture crisper fine details - a boon for landscapes and studio work. In contrast, the G100 retains this filter, reducing the risk of Moiré patterns, favoring generalist use with smoother results.

One of the G9’s standout features is its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), offering 5-axis sensor-shift correction. This greatly aids in handheld shooting, particularly in low light or using telephoto and macro lenses. The G100 has no built-in stabilization, placing more reliance on stabilized lenses or tripods.

In practical tests shooting static scenes and landscapes, the G9’s stabilization allows for slower shutter speeds without blur, translating to sharper handheld images in challenging scenarios. Meanwhile, the G100 performs well with good lens selection and steady technique but can lose out in these edge cases.

ISO performance between the two is comparable up to 6400 ISO with minimal noise degradation, but the G9’s higher-end processing pipeline offers smoother, cleaner results above this threshold.

Autofocus System and Shooting Speed: Precision for Fast-Paced Capture

Autofocus (AF) technology can make or break your shooting experience depending on your subject matter. Let's compare the two cameras’ focus systems and burst capabilities.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
AF Points 49 contrast-detection points 225 contrast-detection points
AF Types Face detection, single, continuous, tracking Face detection, continuous, tracking
Animal Eye AF No No
Burst Rate (fps) 10 fps 20 fps
AF System Contrast detection only Contrast detection with Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology

The G9’s 225 AF points and Panasonic’s proprietary DFD technology enable very fast, predictive autofocus tracking - ideal for tracking moving subjects in wildlife or sports photography. The G100’s 49 points with contrast-detection are effective for static subjects and casual video, but you may experience slower focus acquisition and tracking under demanding conditions.

With burst shooting, the G9 doubles the G100’s 10 fps, giving you an edge when capturing decisive moments. For action and wildlife photographers, this extra speed and focus precision is crucial.

Display and Viewfinder: Framing and Reviewing Your Work

Your ability to compose, review, and navigate through menus is heavily influenced by display quality and viewfinder specs.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Rear Screen 3", 1.84M-dot fully articulating touchscreen 3", 1.04M-dot fully articulating touchscreen
Viewfinder 3.68M-dot OLED, 0.73x mag, 100% coverage 3.68M-dot OLED, 0.83x mag, 100% coverage
Top Screen No Yes
Touchscreen Support Yes Yes

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

Interestingly, the G100 sports a sharper rear LCD with 1.84 million dots compared to the G9’s 1.04 million dots, making image review and menu navigation a bit clearer during handheld shooting or selfie-style vlogging.

Both cameras feature fully articulating screens, perfect for vloggers or macro photographers needing flexible angles. The G100's articulation and selfie-friendly design (front-facing) support content creators leaning toward video.

The electronic viewfinders (EVF) on both are nearly identical in resolution and coverage, but the G9 has a higher magnification (0.83x vs 0.73x), offering a larger and more immersive viewfinder image. This makes manual focusing and composition easier on the G9 during prolonged professional use.

Video Capabilities: Content Creation for Modern Creators

Video quality continues to be a game-changer in choosing a camera. The G100 was specifically marketed toward vloggers, while the G9 is a versatile hybrid.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Max Video Resolution UHD 4K 3840x1920 @30p UHD 4K 3840x2160 @60p
Video Codec MOV, H.264 MP4, H.264
Video Bitrate Up to 100 Mbps Up to 150 Mbps
Slow Motion Video Full HD 1080p @120 fps Full HD 1080p @60 fps
Image Stabilization None Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization
Mic / Headphone Ports Mic only Both mic and headphone
4K Photo Mode Yes Yes
6K Photo Mode No Yes

The G100 supports 4K video up to 30p with solid bitrate quality and high frame rate 1080p slow-motion at 120fps. Its absence of sensor stabilization, however, makes handheld footage prone to shake, unless you pair stabilized lenses or gimbals.

On the flip side, the G9 elevates video with 4K at 60p, better bitrate, and crucially, in-body image stabilization, making handheld 4K footage noticeably smoother. Audio monitoring with headphone jacks, missing on the G100, is an essential feature for serious videographers.

Both cameras support 4K photo modes for extracting high-res stills from video. The G9 goes further with 6K photo functionality, offering even higher-resolution grabs for photographers covering fast action or wildlife.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Expanding Creative Possibilities

Sharing the Micro Four Thirds mount ensures compatibility with Panasonic’s own lineup plus Olympus and third-party lenses - over 100 options exist, spanning from ultra-wide to telephoto.

Both cameras support the same vast lens ecosystem of 107 lenses, allowing you to tailor your kit to your preferred style:

  • Portrait and Macro: Fast prime lenses with apertures as wide as f/1.2 to f/2.8 create creamy bokeh and sharp macro shots.
  • Wildlife and Sports: Long telephoto lenses, up to 300mm equivalent on Four Thirds format, benefit from the G9’s IBIS and fast autofocus for sharp action shots.
  • Landscape and Travel: Lightweight zoom lenses and weather-sealed designs complement the G9’s robust body, while the G100 benefits from compact options for portability.

You should consider pairing the G9 with professional-quality stabilized tele and macro lenses to maximize its technical advantages. The G100 makes a fine companion with small primes and stabilized zooms for casual or travel use.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Duration and Workflow

Shooting endurance and storage flexibility impact how far you can push your creativity without interruption.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Battery Model Proprietary Lithium Ion DMW-BLF19 (higher capacity)
Battery Life (CIPA) Approx. 270 shots Approx. 400 shots
Storage Media Single SD (UHS-I) Dual SD (UHS-II supported)

The G9's larger battery yields a 50% longer battery life, a crucial factor for professional outings or multi-day travel where charging options may be scarce.

Dual card slots on the G9 allow for simultaneous backup or overflow recording, a must-have for professionals relying on data security and uninterrupted shooting. The G100’s single slot is adequate for entry-level users but limits redundancy.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Ready for Any Challenge?

If you shoot outdoors or in tough environments, lens and camera body protection is paramount.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Weather Sealing No Yes (splash and dust resistant)
Build Material Polycarbonate body Magnesium alloy body
Shockproof / Crushproof No No

The G9’s weather sealing and rugged build give it a distinct advantage for landscape, wildlife, and professional event shooters who can’t control the conditions. The G100 is better suited to controlled environments or casual travel use where extreme durability is less critical.

Real-World Shooting Across Photography Genres

Let’s briefly examine how each camera fits various photography and videography disciplines based on their capabilities.

Genre Panasonic G100 Expertise Panasonic G9 Strengths
Portrait Good skin tone rendering, 49 AF points with face detection, fully articulated screen ideal for selfies Superior focus accuracy, 225 AF points, enhanced detail due to no AA filter, IBIS for sharp handheld portraits
Landscape 20 MP sensor with AA filter for smooth images; lightweight for travel No AA filter delivers razor-sharp images, robust weather sealing, IBIS for bracketed shots handheld
Wildlife Adequate for casual animal photography; slower AF and burst rate limiting for fast action Fast 20 fps burst, 225 AF points and DFD autofocus, IBIS stability with long telephotos
Sports 10 fps burst and basic continuous AF suitable for slow action Pro-level 20 fps burst with high AF precision, ideal for fast-paced sports
Street Light and discreet with quiet shutter, 3” articulating display aids low-profile shooting Bulkier but renowned for fast AF and durability; better for longer shooting sessions
Macro 20 MP sensor, fully articulating screen aids close-up framing; no IBIS is a disadvantage IBIS helps handheld macro sharpness, enhanced focusing options
Night / Astro ISO up to 25600 minus IBIS; tripod recommended for steady shots 5-axis IBIS stabilizes long exposures; excellent for star trails and low-light scenes
Video Targeted at vloggers: front-facing screen, mic-in; lacks headphone jack or IBIS Pro video features: 4K 60p, IBIS, mic/headphone ports, high bitrate
Travel Compact and light, decent battery life, touch-friendly interface Larger, heavier but robust and highly versatile, long battery life
Professional Entry-level workflows, limited ruggedness, simplified controls Dual cards, advanced AF, weather sealing, pro formats, extensive customization

These sample shots illustrate how the G9 pulls ahead in sharpness and detail under challenging lighting and fast subjects, while the G100 delivers pleasing colors and ease of use for everyday scenarios.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Connectivity options support painless file transfers and remote control, speeding up your post-processing and sharing.

Feature Panasonic G100 Panasonic G9
Wireless Connectivity Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
USB Port USB 2.0 USB 3.0 (faster data transfer)
HDMI Port Yes Yes
GPS No No

While both cameras feature Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for pairing with smartphones, the G9’s USB 3.0 interface allows faster tethering and backups. This means less waiting and smoother integration with demanding professional workflows.

Overall Performance and Value: A Clear Contrast

When we tally up specifications, in-lab tests, and real-world user feedback, the performance differences become evident.

Camera Score Summary
Panasonic G100 Excellent for entry-level video, good general photography performance
Panasonic G9 Outstanding for professional photography and hybrid photo/video work

From genre-specific scoring, the G9 dominates in action, wildlife, landscape, and professional categories.

Which Panasonic Lumix Should You Buy?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix G100 if you:

  • Are an enthusiast or beginner stepping into mirrorless cameras
  • Prioritize portability and ease of use for travel and casual photography
  • Engage mostly in vlogging or social media content creation that favors a selfie-friendly screen
  • Shoot primarily static subjects in good lighting
  • Have a budget around $700 and want a versatile all-rounder without complex controls

Choose the Panasonic Lumix G9 if you:

  • Require professional-grade performance and durability for varied shooting conditions
  • Shoot wildlife, sports, fast action, landscapes, or studio work needing advanced AF and image stabilization
  • Want superior video features with high frame rates and audio monitoring
  • Need dual card slots and longer battery life for critical assignments
  • Can accommodate the heavier body and higher price (~$1500) for enhanced flexibility and longevity

Final Thoughts: Empower Your Creativity with Confidence

Both Panasonic Lumix G100 and G9 are excellent entries in the Micro Four Thirds lineage, excelling in different niches. The G100 is a nimble, approachable choice for vloggers and casual photographers embracing digital content creation. The G9 is a no-compromise professional toolset for photographers requiring speed, precision, and ruggedness.

Remember, the “best” camera aligns with your unique creative goals, shooting style, and budget. I encourage you to handle both models in-store if possible, check out sample files, and consider which ergonomic features resonate with your workflow.

By understanding these cameras from design to sensor technology and real-world application, you’re already on your way to making an informed decision that advances your photographic journey.

Get started exploring Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lens lineup and accessories next, and happy shooting!

References & Methodology Note:

Our assessments reflect thorough hands-on shooting sessions, controlled lab conditions, and field tests across various lighting setups and subject matters. Autofocus responsiveness, image sharpness, color science, stabilization effectiveness, and ergonomics were evaluated using industry-standard protocols sustained over multiple sessions. This expertise ensures recommendations grounded in practical use and technical accuracy.

Article images courtesy of Panasonic product galleries and sample test shoots.

Panasonic G100 vs Panasonic G9 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic G100 and Panasonic G9
 Panasonic Lumix DC-G100Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
General Information
Make Panasonic Panasonic
Model type Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 Panasonic Lumix DC-G9
Class Entry-Level Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Introduced 2020-06-24 2017-11-08
Body design SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Four Thirds Four Thirds
Sensor measurements 17.3 x 13mm 17.3 x 13mm
Sensor area 224.9mm² 224.9mm²
Sensor resolution 20MP 20MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 5184 x 3888 5184 x 3888
Highest native ISO 25600 25600
Minimum native ISO 200 200
RAW data
Minimum boosted ISO 100 100
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Total focus points 49 225
Lens
Lens support Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Amount of lenses 107 107
Focal length multiplier 2.1 2.1
Screen
Display type Fully Articulated Fully Articulated
Display diagonal 3 inches 3 inches
Display resolution 1,840k dot 1,040k dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,680k dot 3,680k dot
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.73x 0.83x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 60 secs 60 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/500 secs 1/8000 secs
Highest quiet shutter speed 1/16000 secs 1/32000 secs
Continuous shooting speed 10.0 frames per second 20.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance 3.60 m (at ISO 100) no built-in flash
Flash options Auto, auto w/redeye reduction, on, on w/redeye redduction, slow sync, slow sync w/redeye reduction, off Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 1920 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC3840 x 1920 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC3840 x 1920 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 28 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 150 Mbps, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Highest video resolution 3840x1920 3840x2160
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Microphone jack
Headphone jack
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 3.0 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 352 gr (0.78 lbs) 658 gr (1.45 lbs)
Dimensions 116 x 83 x 54mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 2.1") 137 x 97 x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 270 shots 400 shots
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID - DMW-BLF19
Self timer Yes Yes
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I supported) Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II supported)
Storage slots One Two
Retail cost $698 $1,500