MIRRORLESS: The new G9M2 is essentially a GH6 without the cooling system

BobKo

BobKo

Well-known member
We just got a G9M2 for my wife, who mostly does photography. It is an upgrade from her old GX8, which still works but is now around 8 years old and well-used. My first impression of the G9M2 is that it is smaller than I expected. It is no larger than a GH5, and it is definitely smaller/lighter than a GH6.

In setting up and testing the G9M2, it has all the same video settings as a GH6. It accepts an SSD plugged into its USB-C port, and it can record ProRes 4K video at up to 1.9Gbps. The G9M2 accepts 2 SD cards, where the GH6 takes 1 SD card and 1 CFexpress card. (Personally, I prefer 2 SD cards, since I have never used the CFexpress card in the GH6 for anything other than a test.) The G9M2 has an improved autofocus system compared to the GH6, but the GH6 (with its fan and heat dissipation system) can record high-quality video indefinitely. Like the GH6, the G9M2 can accept both mic- and line-level signals in its 3.5mm audio input. On the photography side, the two cameras seem about equal.

The big difference between the two is that the GH6 has an internal fan that lets it record high-quality video indefinitely, while the G9M2 may overheat and stop recording. The amount of time the G9M2 will take to stop recording depends on the video quality and ambient temperature, but it can probably record for at least 10 minutes before quitting. Because the G9M2 does not have a fan, it is smaller and lighter than the GH6.

Just my initial thoughts on the G9M2, as it compares to the GH6. It seems to be able to do everything the GH6 does, without the cooling system that the GH6 has.
 
I wonder if they are using the same sensor and if there is any image quality difference? Extra cost can sometimes mean extra processing which leads to more refined images.
 
What I've read is that Panasonic is tight-lipped about the source of the sensor. When I looked up the specs online, the G9M2's sensor is listed as 26.5 MP (25.2 MP effective), while the GH6's sensor is listed as 27 MP (25 MP effective). I'm thinking that the sensors may be similar in resolution but not strictly identical. The GH6 can create 100 MP photos using pixel-shift technology, while the G9M2 does 96 MP photos. So there seems to be some slight differences, but not many.

Meanwhile, I'm recording 5.7K video on the G9M2 right now, and the recording is at a little more than an hour. The camera is warm, but it is still recording. The SD card will be filled up at about 90 minutes, which I think is a pretty decent time for a camera that we were led to believe would have trouble recording long videos.

I'm thinking about making a YouTube video that explores the many similarities (and few differences) of the G9M2 and GH6.
 
Not including an internal fan or even using a heat sink is frustrating but I'm sure it's their way of insuring hybrid cameras don't compete against their dedicated video cameras.
 
I have never experienced streaking on my GH6. Not sure it is there on every one of them or I have not recorded in such conditions. I like the CFexpress cards and hope the update for the GH6 has two CFexpress. I hope that the updated GH7 ? and updated S1H X have the same body style to distinguish the video centric from hybrid models retaining the LCD type, fan etc but with PDAF, internal recording to CFxpress dual cards. Internal BRAW would be great.
 
Bobko I would also like to second the streaking test. This is something I have searched online extensively to see how they compare to the point that I thought about renting one just to check. Maybe I just got a bad (worse?) unit but I am hesitant pulling my GH6 out on jobs because the problem has been troublesome for me across the board.
 
I just wonder if this is specific to exposure settings. All my shoots are 5.7K, 60P, Vlog with boost ON. I shoot in the theatre mainly and exposure is set normally shutter priority/manual, auto gain with exposure control by highlight setting.
 
Ron Evans said:
I just wonder if this is specific to exposure settings. All my shoots are 5.7K, 60P, Vlog with boost ON. I shoot in the theatre mainly and exposure is set normally shutter priority/manual, auto gain with exposure control by highlight setting.
Click to expand...

I questioned that very thing but have found no discernible difference in regards to frame rate and resolution when recording internally. A lot of the shots that I have had ruined have been 4k120p but I can reproduce it at 5.7k24p as well. It's supposed to be ISO dependent being worse between ~1200-2000 but on my particular unit it seems to exist at most, if not all, ISO values.

Genuine question. With filming in the theatre are you often getting any light or reflections aimed directly at the camera? The problem is generated by having a light source, often in frame and usually pointed down the barrel in some way. For me I do a lot of nature work where I'm filming people in the woods or on a lake so I get a lot of reflections thrown at me. Though I've had it crop up too in very random scenarios in the shade where I can only guess it's bouncing off light filtered through trees.
 
Last edited:
I do not have lights directly at the camera. There is high contrast but not like the tests I have seen on the internet that are used to show the effect. To me those test are exposed for the surrounding dark areas and the light source is at or close to clipping. The last test I saw showed that using Vlog with boost On was the better solution for most situations. Since I always shoot with boost on and Vlog I am always at or just above 2000. So maybe in the sweet spot for my shoots and never see the issue. I use highlight exposure metering to make sure I do not clip and blow out actors faces etc so my iso level stays close to 2000.
 
I have only had my G9II for about a week and have not used it much. The AF seems really good, it has all of video setting the GH6 had basically. Two SD card slots (no CFX Express) You can record to a external drive, and some new stuff on camera. Not having a fan won't be an issue for me, or that flip up screen. Lumix is offering $500 off if you trade in, but you don't have to trade in anything. If you do then that is added on to the $500. I traded in the GH6.
 
The GH7 has a BSI sensor. The next best sensor is in the G9 II and rumors have it the GH7 and G9 II use the same sensor (but specs show the G9 II is NOT BSI. The GH6 sensor is not BSI and not the same as the G9 II and GH7 but, I gotta tell ya, the GH6 takes fantasic video. I own all three cameras and I will not be selling my GH6.
 
Hugh DiMauro said:
The GH7 has a BSI sensor. The next best sensor is in the G9 II and rumors have it the GH7 and G9 II use the same sensor (but specs show the G9 II is NOT BSI. The GH6 sensor is not BSI and not the same as the G9 II and GH7 but, I gotta tell ya, the GH6 takes fantasic video. I own all three cameras and I will not be selling my GH6.
Click to expand...
When I started this discussion, the GH7 had not yet been announced. But yeah... the G9ii's sensor is probably closer to the GH7's than the GH6, although there is not all that much difference between all three cameras. There was a much bigger jump from the GH5 to the GH6 than there was from the GH6 to the GH7.
 
QuickHitRecord said:
I can think of another dead giveaway: is the GH6's infamous streaking issue also present in the G9ii?
Click to expand...
Only rarely.
QuickHitRecord said:
I can think of another dead giveaway: is the GH6's infamous streaking issue also present in the G9ii?
Click to expand...
Watch this:
. The streaking was limited to very unusal situations, and using Low ISO's or turning on Dr boost @ ISO 2000 made it a non-issue. How many people use those six lens LED's or didn't use DR boost at 2000 and above with backlighting? Not many real videographers. At the current pricing , I think the Gh6 is an incredible value. Also Using PL lenses and the focus limiter works very well for AF (use it all the time for wildlife). If a camera does it outside of Vlog or with Vlog using DRboost I'd say you have a defective camera.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top