‘Not in their plans to do so’. A surprising comment from the LUMIX rep on a ‘The Camera Store’ video a few months ago around the S9 and some comments on the MFT side. Suspect it would sell well.
@@gordon3988 lumix has abondoned mft. They just dont say it out loud. Its been more than three years since they released a new lense , no updated lenses, no lense firmware updates for their phase detect af cameras. My mft lenses newest firmware is from 2018… gh7 users are supposed to buy the super expensive 10-25 and 25-50 f1.7 lenses and the rest of the lineup will be sold until nobody wants their outdated contrast af focus cameras anymore. As a gh7 user with many lumix cameras in my place i am very disappointed.
People seem largely disappointed which is understandable. I think Panasonic made this super minor update because of the EU legislation. They added USB-C and at the same time a couple of other minor updates. By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. Maybe someone already mentioned this in another comment.
Hey Matti, Yes I believe these two "new" cameras are partially due to EU legislation, and partially due to replacing components that are no longer available (or maybe getting close to) so Panasonic can continue to sell them. So as my video title, despite the new model number (as Panasonic already used the G95D) it is really just a minor update
There was enough demand for new G90s, that Panasonic felt it was worthwhile to bring out a new USB-C model?! I'll buy your USB-C sockets, Panasonic. Just put them in a GX9ii.
Great review as always, Richard. Seeing DFD on a new camera in 2024 is a real shame - they missed the opportunity to upgrade an affordable camera with killer autofocus in the same form factor - that would have been a huge update for this type of camera body; even if they capped the video resolution to 4k. Your summary at the end was spot on. The community wanted something like the GX85 or S9 body - hopefully its in the works. Great stuff again mate 💪
I agree entirely. I love my G95 for being small and having fun features , but I was hoping for more than USB-C to meet the EU rules!! Phase Detect AF was key to add. Oh well, like a Cubs Fan - Next year.....
Hey Shane, Yes this camera is really just a "minor" update (as my title), I believe to meet the EU regulations and replace some components that are no longer available so Panasonic can continue sell them. But I do really worry it means we won't see any small brand new micro-four thirds camera for a while. Yes A lot of people want a compact micro four thirds camera, I believe Panasonic know that too. But like I mentioned in my other video, I think it's not as straightforward as "just add PDAF" to a GX85. I've been pushing them to make such a camera too. I personally think S9 body with micro four thirds sensor + mechanical shutter + hotshoe would be great. However I have a feeling if Panasonic makes one, then the price may not be what people want to see.
@@TheRealRichardWong Your last point is the real issue, Richard. What people feel is a fair price for a used camera, may not translate into new camera prices. The GX80/85 was launched over 8 years ago at a kit price of £600. The 16mp sensor was already seen as old fashioned, and shops sold them with 12-32mm in 2018 for £350 (I bought one), presumably because they weren't selling well. Allowing for inflation, GX80 would cost £800 today without any other development, so we could expect a new Lumix m43 ILCC compact to sell for £1k+ with some of the things people are asking for.
So basicaly lumix did nothing with this update.. i own 6 lumix cameras but i am very disappinted with this conpany. No phase detect autofocus, 8 bit, no 4k60 , crop in 4k .. This camera more or less is the same as my g81 from 2016. There is absolutely no reason to buy this camera in 2024. Meanwhile there still is no l-mount to mft adapter and the firmware of my mft lenses is from 2018.. no updates for phase detect af in g9 and gh7, no new or updated lenses. Lumix does absolutely nothing for mft users these days..
This is a budget camera. There is not a single manufacturer who has a camera with 4k60, IBIS and phase detect AF for $850 lol. You want all that? Get a G9II
@michaelbell75 you can get a old g9 for this kind of money and it has everything g97 is missing... I would not buy a camera with bad autofocus anyway.. its 2024!. You can get phase detect af in stone age old and super cheap sony 6000...
@@andersistbesser A6000 has no IBIS, terrible LCD, no features overheat quickly the list goes on. and XM5 you mentioned doesn't have IBIS or EVF. Both deal breakers for a lot of people
Still in love with my G85 from 2018 and I don't see any significant upgrade here in the G97 apart from USB-C charging which is disappointing. G9 II or S5 II are great upgrades though
OM-System/ Panasonic is really missing out on getting that Fuji X100 crowd. Micro 4/3 is the perfect system for a street photography/travel camera. I get they want to appease the vloggers and casual shooters but come on, give the loyal fans something to talk about. A followup to the GX9 would be perfect
Good job showing it Robert. I've used a lot of Lumix cameras over years, I really enjoyed my G85 and G90 but upgraded to S5 and I love it. A G85/G90 with PDAF would be the PERFECT BEGINNERS CAMARA but seeing Panasonic not actually upgrading the AF but some random stuff feels disappointing. I understand that's to match the legislations etc(and get rid of overstocked parts), but they missed an opportunity to take over the "1st real camera" buyer market. Keep those videos coming
Very Interesting Stuff :) Great Video - and great photos too, I love your use of colour :) Yeah man, its just missing that new autofocus and updated sensor, they could of really been onto something!!! - kinda like a mini gh7 or g9ii :)
If the G97 had the PDAF and 25MP sensor this body would undercut the G9ii sales. This announcement is a big yawn. LUMIX will not receive my money for this body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Great video Richard. It's like Olympus when they decided to make the PEN EPL 10, which was the same as the 9 with minor updates. Yet, USB-C is welcome while more to do with EU compulsory ruling for charging cable and connector. So I guess they won't be able to sell anything new if they don't update them to USB-C. Pricing also not the most attractive to be honest, at least in the UK. For £100 more, you have the Fuji X-M5, Hybrid AF, bigger 26 MP sensor, Video wise, 6.2K open gate, 4k 60. Ok, it doesn't have weather sealing or IBIS or EVF, so it depends on your shooting style.
hey Jimmy, the XM5 is definitely a great little camera! If i don't already have a XH2 (and a XT3!), i would be tempted to get one. Let's hope Panasonic or OM System will create a brand new compact camera that can bring excitment to micro four thirds users who love the compactness of the micro four thirds system.
Thanks! People complaining about this arent being realistic. This is a budget camera. There is not a single manufacturer who has a camera with 4k60, IBIS and phase detect AF for $850. You want all that? Get a G9II. This camera is fine for its price point and intended audience.
i don't think is unrealistic to expect this to have the current generation sensor with phase detection autofocus and modern video specs even if it would have to be sightly more expensive. If Fujifilm which also has a small market share can do it with their X-S20 and M5 I don't see why panasonic can offer something comparable.
I completely agree. People want the latest tech at a budget price, doesn’t work like that. I just don’t like that Panasonic is acting like these announcements are groundbreaking. S5D and a G97 are not anything to phone home about. We are all waiting for a followup to the S1 series and maybe a GX9 followup on the M4/3 end .
They missed a trick. I don't agree with this argument that PDAF makes the camera larger, that makes no sense. Oly made the E-M5 III and OM-5, it is the same size as the G9x. The Fuji X-M5 is even smaller with a larger sensor. Where is the LUT feature? This isn't getting new users into the Pany eco-system. This is laziness by Pany. They don't want to spend the time and effort. The G97 is still a great camera for many, that is for sure. But it doesn't inspire.
For other companies maybe not, but for Lumix, the only processor they have that supports PDAF is the processor on S5II, GH7 which has higher power requirement as Richard said. Other companies may not have this issue as they have been doing PDAF for ages. Unfortunately not for panasonic.
@justint8115 Panasonic have a long history of making small bodies and fitting a lot of functionality into them. They can do this, it is not rocket science. The fact that other manufactures have done it, even many years ago, shows it is doable. Pany are lazy and cutting corners. It is not a good strategy because an entry level camera should pull new users into the system, not making an effort here will cost them much more in the future.
I just recently bought G100D for daily carry, was waiting forever for the latest sensor to trickle down into smaller body, but the recent promotion with free 9mm Leica lens is too good to pass. Quite surprised to wake up to a new MFT camera announcement, but oh well, it's quite disappointing. Aside of the limited controls and IBIS, the G100D has almost the same feature set as this, while being much smaller. So I guess I'm set with this until the next GX series update. Great review as always! I think this is still a good camera for those looking to buy into MFT system in 2024. We may wait more for the latest tech, but we basically have no options today between G100D and G9II, so this filled the gap.
yes. while i'm also a bit disappointed about the lack of changes and I wish it has PDAF, I still think it is great for people looking for a cheap camera.
Nice Test Richard.But i think without the PDAF is this a deal breaker for many fotografpher. Wich reason i should buy this cam when i get a better OM5 with many more specs like live ND and PDAF?
USB-C port? 🤣 But on a more serious note, OM5 is also a minor update of 2019 Olympus OM-D E-M5III, with similar amount (i.e. not much) of changes. Some would argue OM5 has more software changes but I myself just really don't like devices released in 2023 still use micro USB. I understand OM5 body only is now around $1k. But don't forgot it was launched at $1200 body only last year. While the G97 launch price is $850 WITH the 12-60 kit lens. And usually, Panasonic's camera price will drop a bit if you can wait 6-12 months.
Hi Richard👋🏻 here.. your best FOLLOWER from México 🇲🇽(6 years ago) ..totally agree with you!! fell short.. needed a better autofocus.. plus (i guess) Dual SD CARD bay.. i still have my loved G85 ..wich i found your Channe😅l.. at the end i think a G9 is a better option for entry (today) level ...because capabilities + price point!! Today i have 2 x GH6, G9II, G9 and little G85 with Leica & Zuiko lenses... Thanks for your great reviews!!👋🏻
dont think of the g97 as a "new camera model", its not supposed to be, think of it as a slight update to the g95 to keep it modern enough to sell. Lumix didnt want to make a new camera model thats entirely different, they didnt want to make a new camera at all really, they just needed to add some simple changes to the g95 to keep it up to date and those changes ended up being big enough change to call it a new model. its really just a g95 with the ability to connect to their modern app and use the modern usb standard like all the competitor brands models and they threw in a better screen cuz why not? if its being labeled as a whole new model then might as well make a few more cheap simple changes like the screen and such.
this is a budget camera. Sony's budget camrea at same price is A6400, it doesn't have IBIS, still uses micro USB, old LCD and missing a lot of features too.
@@petercavendish6935oh yeah Sonys budget camera you mentioned is from the same year as this one lol, no improvements at all 😂 check the Fujifilm XM5, sure no evf and no ibis but most people care about PDAF and that has it, either you like it or not, that’s a reality and it’s a necessity for most users, also the xm5 does not have a crop in its 10BIT 4K, it goes up to 60 and even 6.2K open gate and STILL in 10bit, things I bet lumix offers in this model right ? Oh yeah it doesn’t …
it's a very low key release, more like update of their budget lineup. That's why it's one week from Christmas. We should blame rumour sites for hyping things up.
It is really just a minor update so they can continue to sell the G90/95. Companies have different product lines, some are exciting and have new and fancy features like GH7, then some are just more or less boring updates but they do actually sells a lot as general consumers don't mind if there is nothing exciting. Look at the G100D, almost everyone said it's a terrible camera when G100 was released, but the G100D is still selling really well in some markets
I did my last wedding film video a week ago. I used the S5, S5ii and my old G85 and G95. I love my full-frame cameras, but my gawd holding on to them for several hours just made me appreciate carrying my 2 Micro 4/3s. And I've always thought, if they had great video autofocus, it would have been game over for the travel vlogging community. Not a lot of people understand how weight also adds a significant consideration when you film your travels, and as someone who uses S5ii, I can definitely say I'm okay switching to the G85/95 if they had PDAF. You're wasting your potential Panasonic.
What I like: The old 20MP sensor. File size is significant smaller than the new 25MP sensor and image quality for that target group is very good. What I do not like: Lack of PDAF. But looking at the feature set and lack of PDAF, Lumix seems to plan this G97 model to be offered longterm at a much lower price than list price. There is room for more models with PDAF. The G97 will end up at around 499.- in a few months and a new PDAF model will be available probably between 999.- and 1199.- I hope that Panasonic does not wait too long for the release of such a MTF PDAF model below the G9ii.
I have been waiting for ages for the update to the G90. I have a G90 and love the size and weight, but was hoping for version with the new autofocus and less crop in video. But the G97 doesn't have either. What a disappointment. 😢
@@TheRealRichardWong I use it mostly for travel photography and landscapes. I have a G9 too, but for a lot of the time I prefer the G90 because of its smaller and lighter build, which I find ideal to wander about with in my hand. The autofocus is excellent for photos, so it's not a huge problem that it doesn't have the better autofocus in video as I don't use it much for video, but would have been nice for when I do.
One of your best and most helpful videos for me was: How to take better photos with Huawei smartphone? Huawei Camera App Settings explained. Now I have an Honor Magic 6 Pro and would love to see a video from you about the camera app.
I bought the GX9 in 2024 as my „new“ travel camera for 550€. I combined it with the Leica lenses 9mm and 15mm, both f1.7 and the lumix 30mm f2.8 macro. This is such a great kit for landscape, nature, traveling and even astro works well if i use my light tripod. I don’t see any reason to buy a new camera with almost the same „old“ features for the double amount of money. Oh, and i want to sell my Lumix S1 and S5 on the same day when a new S1 Body will be launched.
Quite hate the camera industry now, if u compare the phone from 2019 and now, there are so much improvement. In camera we have the same thing for 6 7 year😂😂
@ yeah actually I think it makes more sense to have S9 with M43 sensor, so that it can have EVF and the smaller sensor does not seem to be a big problem for its target audience.
Yes I think we will. But I don't expect GX9 size, my guess is a S9 body as it is probably the smallest body that can fit the latest generation processor/motherboard/battery. Hopefully, we will have a mechanical shutter. But then I also won't expect it to be much cheaper than G9II because.. it's basically the same camera just with a different form factor.
This is basically the "must have USB-C by EU law" required model. Nothing new for MFT. I guess the only "good" thing is that they bothered doing a USB-C refresh at all. But man is MFT in trouble with all these non upgrades or abandoned cameras. In the mean time Fuji releases an X-M5 with what was the premium sensor for XT3/XT4 in a very small package that is quite quite video capable also and has better AF/image quality. Eh MFT.
7 годин тому
I like the flash :) It's hard to get excited about this new model, it's not bad, but it shows Panasonic's lack of "focus" on what the market is asking for.
Fair and well done review! Like you I was disappointed with g97, especially not incorporating PDAF but realized it is still a nice camera for photos and some limited video needs. Small, with effective IBIS, an EVF and its weather resistant. Not bad, but a missed opportunity, essentially a 6 year old camera to be released in 2025! I suspect the ‘should have been what MFT produced camera’ Fuji X-M5 will be wildly more popular, despite missing some of the attributes here.
Panasonic's web site says that the G97 will be available in late February 2024 for US$849.99. I'm thinking someone is so accustomed to writing 2024 that they made a mistake.
Do you think they will update the camcorder WXF1 which has a twin cameras with an USB C like these new updated but same camera lineups or it won't and safe to buy?
I would like a new entry level camera had 4k without crop and PDAF but it looks like there is no sensor available that can do this. On the other hand, the price point at the start with kit lens is pretty low so this camera is a great solution for starting below $1000.
@@angeloplayforone I know that there are sensors that can to 4k without crop but not in the low cost area of MFT. The Z50 has 4k30p without crop but it has no IBIS. Hand held Video without good stabilization is always a bit jittery. The sensor in the OM-5 and EM1-III has PDAF and can do 4k60p without crop. If this sensor could be used in low cost cameras like the G97 it would be great.
@@Ulrich.Bierwisch The OM sensor is an old sensor, more then 8 years ago. It is time to fit it into the OM-10. Problem is that OM Digital Solutions does not have any meaningful R&D, so they are afraid to canabilize the OM5 sales if they use this 8 years old sensor in the OM-10. Unfortunately for them Nikon, Canon and Fuji are moving full steam ahead releasing cameras. Nikon sensor is a derívate of the 10 year old D500 sensor only with PDAF pixel on it. The problem is not the image sensor, but the image processor, as Richard Wong said. Other manufacturers has old image processor that supports PDAF that they can use. Problem for Lumix is that the danced to much the DFD song and now PDAF is a breaking feature and they don’t have it in all their cameras. Nikon z30, z50, Zfc and Z50 m2 all has PDAF. Canon R100, R50, R10 all are using PDAF.
@@angeloplayforone The IMX269 cant read the 16:9 area for 4k30p fast enough from the full width of the sensor. The image processor can't help to get the ad-conversion faster. The IMX272 from the OM-5 can read 4k60p from the full sensor but this also need the image processor to be faste enough to handle the amount of data. This sensor can do up to 1 billion ad conversions per second. This amount of data has to be de-bayered and re-scaled to 4k and squeezed into an h.264 or h.265 codec. When the GH5 and EM1-II came out and I made this calculations I was shocked that this was possible in such a small camera at this price. A lot of today's cameras are still not at this level. If you look closer, a lot of them have crop or line skipping at 4k60p. At 15:19 you can also see how good the IBIS works for video. The CIPA measurements for stills don't tell how good the stabilization is for video. Panasonic is on a complete different level in this category. I don't know if this is much improved over the G95 or if it is the same.
20:00 „Final thoughts (a bit of disappointment)” - as for me G90/95 (and now 97) are „good enough” and actually the only change I would expect in newer model would be even better sensor. No, the current one isn't bad - but if we could get more crispy picture with better microcontrast and with less noise, it would be excellent. Other than that such „old” (6 years) camera meets my expectations. And look, you're calling such capable gear „entry-level camera”! 😅 And yes - probably you're right - just we need to realize, what „entry-level” means today.
Hahaha while people hate fujifilm XM5 does not has EVF and stabilisation as a deal breaker, This G97 has both features. I should be grateful and wait its price to go down as so many people dislike this camera. I’m sure those haters will buy XM5 and ZVE10 II..
Great video Richard, such a waist of a camera from Lumix, you spoke beautifully about it, Lumix should be extremely great full to you for that, but to put it simply, if Fujifilm can put out a $800 camera that can have PDAF, 6.2K open gate, DCI 4K up to 60fps with proper log, FLog2, and 10bit in a SUPER compact body with a bigger sensor, Lumix shouldn’t have a problem doing even more, with the added bonus of IBIS, really really mediocre from Lumix, I kind of was hoping to stick in the M4/3 system since I love it but I guess I’ll stick with the FF Lumix ecosystem as well as my Sony Ecosystem, I know the GH7 and G9II are outstanding, I had the GH6 and loved it but I wanted something more compact, and they won’t deliver, such a stubborn company that despite critics and everything they lost for not listening to their customers, they decide to go back to that same hole…
XM5 doesn't have EVF, IBIS thought, two very important features for a lot of photographers. G97 is same price as the A6400's street price today which was a 2019 release. A6400 doesn't have IBIS, crappy LCD screen, micro USB and a lot of even older parts. Sony is not even updating that or releasing any entry model camera.
@ oh and PDAF is not important for photographers ? It’s marketed as a Hybrid camera right ? 10bit video, 4K 60, no crop in 4K, open gate and more of those things are not important either ? Yes you are comparing it to a Sony a6400 which came out at the same year this camera did, oh wait, that was the G95 which has the same specs right ? Todays user wants PDAF and more video specs, most people don’t care for evf, do you have a camera with one ? Do you actually use it ? And ibis is not needed if the camera is in a tripod or you Could use a gimbal, and the XM5 at least has digital IS so it’s not a total lost, oh and it’s $800 for a better APSC sensor with more resolution and SO many better specs, I’m not going to argue this, it’s just common sense really
One thing that has disappointed me in all cameras in general is that the companies treated their products like "toasters", with little long term support. I think, for example, if their software teams were better organized, they should still be able to support cameras back as far as the G85 with firmware updates. Certainly, not all new features would be in all cameras, but many "newer" features are probably within the abilities of older cameras. This can be done by organizing design teams around a conditional "master program design" staring at a generalized program model that all the design teams have and just filling in the part that each team is assigned. On another matter, the DFD auto-focus is particularly unfortunate since it is the "beginner" who needs it more than a more experienced photographer. But if they can under-cut the price of the competition (Canon R50?), it might be worth it.
"when I was younger"....hahahhaa Panasonic has the M43 market to itself so its taking its sweet time to releases. Olympus might be sold to Huawei, it will be a spymaster camera :)
they should do a new GX7, with the new sensor and phase detection. And they can even drop the viewfinder to lower the cost. Something like S9 but with M43 at price noticeably lower than G9ii. This upgrade feels like a waste of time for Panasonic R&D. (anyway I already bought G9ii, which is great but big for tiny M43 lenses)
but if it's a new GX with new PDAF (and therefore the latest processor, motherboard, battery..etc) and especially same sensor, then the price would be the same as a G9II isn't it? If it uses the 20MP sensor, then it can be a bit lower. However I have a feeling people will then complain it's the same sensor
@@TheRealRichardWong not really. The difference should be like the difference between S5iix and S9, which is roughly 36% - that's a significant difference to my taste.
I'd like to see in „Settings” menu of new cameras the option: „use DIN rather than ISO for speed display”. Nowadays we have still higher and higher ISOs in our cameras, and as a result we count more and more zeros (like ISO 51200 or even 204800). That's not practical anymore! Why not again use logarithmic units which DIN scale offers? So on the display I would read „24° DIN” instead of „ISO 200”, „27° DIN” instead of „ISO 400” and so on (each 3 DIN more means the speed has doubled). DIN offers way more practical units to display the speed of the sensor than ISO numbers, that presently are becoming incredibly long.
I would have paid that amount for a GM body with those specs… a g90 body though? Some of the rebates for the G9ii have put it within spitting distance of that.
Ah, my beloved got another insignificant facelift, this time to comply with EU regs. Poor thing. Well at least it's not being completely discontinued, as I thought it would be given how it's nowhere to be seen in stores. Technical note - the G90 and G95 are not exactly the same. The G95 has an LCD screen whilst the G90 has a much better OLED screen. This was rectified with the G95D I think. Thanks for bringing up the fact that log is beneficial in 8bit as well though. However, what's the situation with powering thought USB? I don't mean power delivery, just powering (helping the battery). DP review says the port cannot be used for powering but the G90 can do it.
oh yes the G90/95 has a different screen :) Re powering through USB. I believe you can do it. Unfortunately I've already returned the camera to Panasonic so can't confirm that for you.
No 10 bit, no decent af, no 4k 60fps , crop at 4k - what a wasted opportunity lumix . Look at fuji xm5 .they had punched all latest tech into a entry level body .
This seems like only a very modest update from the ancient Panasonic G85 that was released way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth in 2016? It's a tough spot they're in I suppose, because on one hand people are complaining about how expensive cameras are, and the lack of low end models. But then when a camera gets released which fits into this category (US$850 with the kit lens) then people hate upon it for being so boring and lacklustre. I guess the big problem is you can too easily just get a second GH5 or G9 instead at this price point. But if Panasonic went any cheaper they'd be making a loss on the G97?! Why though can't Panasonic at least offer 10bit internal recording? As after all the old GH5 & G9 can do it, which are the main secondhand competitors vs buying a G97 new.
Cameras without PDAF and 4K60fps are absolutely uninteresting in 2024. Also I'd prefer a camera with the GX8 formfactor. Make it small and light. Remove the mechanical shutter. Include proper multi exposure software for HDR. And please give us something better than JPG. Something with 10bit.
I had hoped that a successor to the gx80 would appear but was disappointed. 4k with 1.25x cropping???? Panasonic shame on you! I have waited so long for this. So it's time to say goodbye to the MFT. You have to run away because this ship is sinking.
Sadly, nobody is going to buy this. Unless people are ALREADY invested in m43 lenses, people new to photography or video are going to pick the Canon and Sony models that have a larger size sensor, better autofocus, and sell for LESS than the G97. Leading up to today's announcement, I was worried that Panasonic was going to announce that it was leaving the camera business. Instead, we get the G97. I can't tell which is worse :(
But we need to remember, this is a camera targeting entry-level market. If you compare Lumix with Sony, the launch price of G97 kit is virtually the same as the A6400 kit today (from B&H) so they are competing in the same market. ($847 vs 848) A6400 was launched in 2019, same as G97's predecessor G90/95. (The G90 launched price was $1199 for the kit while A6400 kit was $1,000) So while the G97 is really just a G90 with minor update, its price is also the same as the Sony A6400 today, but remember the Sony has not received any update at all. If you want best AF, esp for Video, then yes sure go with the Sony. It has always been Panasonic's weakness with DFD. But there are many reasons to get the G97 instead. It has IBIS, updated specs like USB-C, Bluetooth, better screen. It also has more features like live view composite, 4k photo mode and a lot more compact size lens choices. The G100D seems to be doing really well in some countries (e.g. Japan), and that camera has very similar specs as the G97, just a different form factor.
It is completely unacceptable to not have included the updated AF system. This smacks of Panasonic wanting shill off unused stock. I think they are in a bad place, I can't see the camera division being around for much longer. The writing is on the wall.
Looks like this is something Panasonic could of done with a software update to there current cameras, just adding a "7" to the end of the name doesn't made a new camera. nothing to see here move on very disappointing 😢 Thanks Richard
Surprisingly Panasonic just shows disdain to the customers with such a bad camera. That G97 has the exact same settings and capabilities of the G85 that is 7 years old now. That's bad.
I am disappointed. There are many good cameras that offer more at a very low price. Comparing to Panasonic itself there are great promotions for the S5D in my country and I would choose the S5D over the G97 because of the image quality. I have the impression that M4/3 is dying - small, relatively cheap but with new possibilities cameras are needed to revive this system.
Really? Who has a camera with 4K60, IBIS and phase detect AF for under $850? because I'd buy it right now. There isnt one, not even close. They are all $1,500+
YEAH THE LACK OF PHASE DETECT IS A HUGE DROP...............BUT...........WHO IS THIS CAMERA FOR AT $850? IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A WINNER WITH PHASE DETECT BUT NO WORRIES THERE ARE OTHER BRANDS OUT THERE. THE CANON 90D IS A BETTER DEAL THAN THIS EVEN THOUGH IT CAME OUT IN 2019.
Panasonic need to release a modern successor to the GX85. A truly compact rangefinder style camera with a modern low-light sensor, PDAF, and the rest.
I agree. I've been asking the same thing every time I talk to them too!
‘Not in their plans to do so’. A surprising comment from the LUMIX rep on a ‘The Camera Store’ video a few months ago around the S9 and some comments on the MFT side. Suspect it would sell well.
@@gordon3988 lumix has abondoned mft. They just dont say it out loud. Its been more than three years since they released a new lense , no updated lenses, no lense firmware updates for their phase detect af cameras. My mft lenses newest firmware is from 2018… gh7 users are supposed to buy the super expensive 10-25 and 25-50 f1.7 lenses and the rest of the lineup will be sold until nobody wants their outdated contrast af focus cameras anymore. As a gh7 user with many lumix cameras in my place i am very disappointed.
People seem largely disappointed which is understandable. I think Panasonic made this super minor update because of the EU legislation. They added USB-C and at the same time a couple of other minor updates. By the end of 2024, all mobile phones, tablets and cameras sold in the EU will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C charging port. Maybe someone already mentioned this in another comment.
People forgot this is a low key release, refresh of an entry level model. Price is same as A6400 from 2019 and still uses micro USB and no IBIS
Hey Matti, Yes I believe these two "new" cameras are partially due to EU legislation, and partially due to replacing components that are no longer available (or maybe getting close to) so Panasonic can continue to sell them. So as my video title, despite the new model number (as Panasonic already used the G95D) it is really just a minor update
There was enough demand for new G90s, that Panasonic felt it was worthwhile to bring out a new USB-C model?!
I'll buy your USB-C sockets, Panasonic. Just put them in a GX9ii.
Great review as always, Richard. Seeing DFD on a new camera in 2024 is a real shame - they missed the opportunity to upgrade an affordable camera with killer autofocus in the same form factor - that would have been a huge update for this type of camera body; even if they capped the video resolution to 4k. Your summary at the end was spot on. The community wanted something like the GX85 or S9 body - hopefully its in the works. Great stuff again mate 💪
I agree entirely. I love my G95 for being small and having fun features , but I was hoping for more than USB-C to meet the EU rules!! Phase Detect AF was key to add. Oh well, like a Cubs Fan - Next year.....
Hey Shane, Yes this camera is really just a "minor" update (as my title), I believe to meet the EU regulations and replace some components that are no longer available so Panasonic can continue sell them.
But I do really worry it means we won't see any small brand new micro-four thirds camera for a while. Yes A lot of people want a compact micro four thirds camera, I believe Panasonic know that too. But like I mentioned in my other video, I think it's not as straightforward as "just add PDAF" to a GX85. I've been pushing them to make such a camera too.
I personally think S9 body with micro four thirds sensor + mechanical shutter + hotshoe would be great. However I have a feeling if Panasonic makes one, then the price may not be what people want to see.
@@TheRealRichardWong Your last point is the real issue, Richard. What people feel is a fair price for a used camera, may not translate into new camera prices. The GX80/85 was launched over 8 years ago at a kit price of £600. The 16mp sensor was already seen as old fashioned, and shops sold them with 12-32mm in 2018 for £350 (I bought one), presumably because they weren't selling well. Allowing for inflation, GX80 would cost £800 today without any other development, so we could expect a new Lumix m43 ILCC compact to sell for £1k+ with some of the things people are asking for.
All you had to do was to put PDAF on it, Lumix... what a dumb move.
Agree 100 %, would have been my backup camera for sure. What a shame
This camera was largely ignored when it came out so there must be a pile of these in stock and they're trying to get rid of those.
@@bemboing4338 It is a nice camera, the body is pretty good. But I agree that without even the LUT feature, this is not a properly updated model.
@@bemboing4338 and due to EU regulations they have to sell it with USB-C
Is this the Lumix december announcement? Yiikes.
Same GH5-II sensor? No PDAF? I would guess they had a bunch of old left-over IMX272 sensors that needed a new home??
So basicaly lumix did nothing with this update.. i own 6 lumix cameras but i am very disappinted with this conpany. No phase detect autofocus, 8 bit, no 4k60 , crop in 4k .. This camera more or less is the same as my g81 from 2016. There is absolutely no reason to buy this camera in 2024. Meanwhile there still is no l-mount to mft adapter and the firmware of my mft lenses is from 2018.. no updates for phase detect af in g9 and gh7, no new or updated lenses. Lumix does absolutely nothing for mft users these days..
This is a budget camera. There is not a single manufacturer who has a camera with 4k60, IBIS and phase detect AF for $850 lol. You want all that? Get a G9II
@michaelbell75 you can get a old g9 for this kind of money and it has everything g97 is missing... I would not buy a camera with bad autofocus anyway.. its 2024!. You can get phase detect af in stone age old and super cheap sony 6000...
@@andersistbesser Not talking about used cameras. This is a new camera.
this is a budget camera. Sony's budget camrea doesn't have IBIS, still uses micro USB, old LCD and selling at same price.
@@andersistbesser A6000 has no IBIS, terrible LCD, no features overheat quickly the list goes on. and XM5 you mentioned doesn't have IBIS or EVF. Both deal breakers for a lot of people
Still in love with my G85 from 2018 and I don't see any significant upgrade here in the G97 apart from USB-C charging which is disappointing. G9 II or S5 II are great upgrades though
Been rocking mine since mid 2017 and have given up on Panasonic releasing the newer sensor and PDAF in any photo centric product G80/90 sized.
OM-System/ Panasonic is really missing out on getting that Fuji X100 crowd. Micro 4/3 is the perfect system for a street photography/travel camera. I get they want to appease the vloggers and casual shooters but come on, give the loyal fans something to talk about. A followup to the GX9 would be perfect
Why doesn't Lumix listen to the community.
We want a Gx9ii with Lut, 24MP and PDAF. Only Video Performance.
Thats literally a GH7 tho….
Good job showing it Robert. I've used a lot of Lumix cameras over years, I really enjoyed my G85 and G90 but upgraded to S5 and I love it. A G85/G90 with PDAF would be the PERFECT BEGINNERS CAMARA but seeing Panasonic not actually upgrading the AF but some random stuff feels disappointing. I understand that's to match the legislations etc(and get rid of overstocked parts), but they missed an opportunity to take over the "1st real camera" buyer market. Keep those videos coming
thanks for watching! Let's hope we will see a perfect entry camera one day
Very Interesting Stuff :) Great Video - and great photos too, I love your use of colour :) Yeah man, its just missing that new autofocus and updated sensor, they could of really been onto something!!! - kinda like a mini gh7 or g9ii :)
Thank you, glad you like the video and photos!
If the G97 had the PDAF and 25MP sensor this body would undercut the G9ii sales. This announcement is a big yawn. LUMIX will not receive my money for this body.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Great video Richard. It's like Olympus when they decided to make the PEN EPL 10, which was the same as the 9 with minor updates. Yet, USB-C is welcome while more to do with EU compulsory ruling for charging cable and connector. So I guess they won't be able to sell anything new if they don't update them to USB-C. Pricing also not the most attractive to be honest, at least in the UK. For £100 more, you have the Fuji X-M5, Hybrid AF, bigger 26 MP sensor, Video wise, 6.2K open gate, 4k 60. Ok, it doesn't have weather sealing or IBIS or EVF, so it depends on your shooting style.
hey Jimmy, the XM5 is definitely a great little camera! If i don't already have a XH2 (and a XT3!), i would be tempted to get one.
Let's hope Panasonic or OM System will create a brand new compact camera that can bring excitment to micro four thirds users who love the compactness of the micro four thirds system.
Jimmy, thank for your reply. You wrote the same point I wanted to say to Richard. The Fuji X= M5 is an excellent entry level camera.
we all want a GX85 with PDAF.....still waiting
Thanks! People complaining about this arent being realistic. This is a budget camera. There is not a single manufacturer who has a camera with 4k60, IBIS and phase detect AF for $850. You want all that? Get a G9II. This camera is fine for its price point and intended audience.
i don't think is unrealistic to expect this to have the current generation sensor with phase detection autofocus and modern video specs even if it would have to be sightly more expensive. If Fujifilm which also has a small market share can do it with their X-S20 and M5 I don't see why panasonic can offer something comparable.
@@KathyXie The X-S20 is a $1,300 camera and the X-M5 doesnt have IBIS. So neither is comparable.
@@michaelbell75 XM5 doesn't have EVF as well
I completely agree. People want the latest tech at a budget price, doesn’t work like that. I just don’t like that Panasonic is acting like these announcements are groundbreaking. S5D and a G97 are not anything to phone home about. We are all waiting for a followup to the S1 series and maybe a GX9 followup on the M4/3 end .
This feels like the MFT version of the S5D release.
It is. They are just making sure that they can keep selling this in EU due to the mandatory type C regulation.
No, I understood the S5D and they actually gave an upgrade in the gimbal compatibility that could be attractive. THis... I don't at all get.
They missed a trick. I don't agree with this argument that PDAF makes the camera larger, that makes no sense. Oly made the E-M5 III and OM-5, it is the same size as the G9x. The Fuji X-M5 is even smaller with a larger sensor. Where is the LUT feature? This isn't getting new users into the Pany eco-system. This is laziness by Pany. They don't want to spend the time and effort. The G97 is still a great camera for many, that is for sure. But it doesn't inspire.
For other companies maybe not, but for Lumix, the only processor they have that supports PDAF is the processor on S5II, GH7 which has higher power requirement as Richard said. Other companies may not have this issue as they have been doing PDAF for ages. Unfortunately not for panasonic.
@justint8115 Panasonic have a long history of making small bodies and fitting a lot of functionality into them. They can do this, it is not rocket science. The fact that other manufactures have done it, even many years ago, shows it is doable. Pany are lazy and cutting corners. It is not a good strategy because an entry level camera should pull new users into the system, not making an effort here will cost them much more in the future.
4K crop😢
I agree. A crop with 4K is not acceptable.
Also 30fps in 4K is not enough. Every new camera in 2024 or later should do 4K60p.
I just recently bought G100D for daily carry, was waiting forever for the latest sensor to trickle down into smaller body, but the recent promotion with free 9mm Leica lens is too good to pass.
Quite surprised to wake up to a new MFT camera announcement, but oh well, it's quite disappointing. Aside of the limited controls and IBIS, the G100D has almost the same feature set as this, while being much smaller. So I guess I'm set with this until the next GX series update.
Great review as always! I think this is still a good camera for those looking to buy into MFT system in 2024. We may wait more for the latest tech, but we basically have no options today between G100D and G9II, so this filled the gap.
yes. while i'm also a bit disappointed about the lack of changes and I wish it has PDAF, I still think it is great for people looking for a cheap camera.
Nice Test Richard.But i think without the PDAF is this a deal breaker for many fotografpher.
Wich reason i should buy this cam when i get a better OM5 with many more specs like live ND and PDAF?
USB-C port? 🤣 But on a more serious note, OM5 is also a minor update of 2019 Olympus OM-D E-M5III, with similar amount (i.e. not much) of changes. Some would argue OM5 has more software changes but I myself just really don't like devices released in 2023 still use micro USB.
I understand OM5 body only is now around $1k. But don't forgot it was launched at $1200 body only last year. While the G97 launch price is $850 WITH the 12-60 kit lens. And usually, Panasonic's camera price will drop a bit if you can wait 6-12 months.
You are right with the price.I will not say the g97 is a bad cam.
I just happy that Panasonic isn't abandoned micro 4/3 camera.❤
When someone is cobbling together parts... they are abandoning those things.
Hi Richard👋🏻 here.. your best FOLLOWER from México 🇲🇽(6 years ago) ..totally agree with you!! fell short.. needed a better autofocus.. plus (i guess) Dual SD CARD bay.. i still have my loved G85 ..wich i found your Channe😅l.. at the end i think a G9 is a better option for entry (today) level ...because capabilities + price point!! Today i have 2 x GH6, G9II, G9 and little G85 with Leica & Zuiko lenses... Thanks for your great reviews!!👋🏻
dont think of the g97 as a "new camera model", its not supposed to be, think of it as a slight update to the g95 to keep it modern enough to sell. Lumix didnt want to make a new camera model thats entirely different, they didnt want to make a new camera at all really, they just needed to add some simple changes to the g95 to keep it up to date and those changes ended up being big enough change to call it a new model. its really just a g95 with the ability to connect to their modern app and use the modern usb standard like all the competitor brands models and they threw in a better screen cuz why not? if its being labeled as a whole new model then might as well make a few more cheap simple changes like the screen and such.
Thanks Richard. No shade on you - but this feels less Lumix, more Lame-ix.
this is a budget camera. Sony's budget camrea at same price is A6400, it doesn't have IBIS, still uses micro USB, old LCD and missing a lot of features too.
@@petercavendish6935oh yeah Sonys budget camera you mentioned is from the same year as this one lol, no improvements at all 😂 check the Fujifilm XM5, sure no evf and no ibis but most people care about PDAF and that has it, either you like it or not, that’s a reality and it’s a necessity for most users, also the xm5 does not have a crop in its 10BIT 4K, it goes up to 60 and even 6.2K open gate and STILL in 10bit, things I bet lumix offers in this model right ? Oh yeah it doesn’t …
it's a very low key release, more like update of their budget lineup. That's why it's one week from Christmas.
We should blame rumour sites for hyping things up.
It is really just a minor update so they can continue to sell the G90/95. Companies have different product lines, some are exciting and have new and fancy features like GH7, then some are just more or less boring updates but they do actually sells a lot as general consumers don't mind if there is nothing exciting.
Look at the G100D, almost everyone said it's a terrible camera when G100 was released, but the G100D is still selling really well in some markets
I did my last wedding film video a week ago. I used the S5, S5ii and my old G85 and G95. I love my full-frame cameras, but my gawd holding on to them for several hours just made me appreciate carrying my 2 Micro 4/3s. And I've always thought, if they had great video autofocus, it would have been game over for the travel vlogging community. Not a lot of people understand how weight also adds a significant consideration when you film your travels, and as someone who uses S5ii, I can definitely say I'm okay switching to the G85/95 if they had PDAF. You're wasting your potential Panasonic.
What I like: The old 20MP sensor. File size is significant smaller than the new 25MP sensor and image quality for that target group is very good.
What I do not like: Lack of PDAF.
But looking at the feature set and lack of PDAF, Lumix seems to plan this G97 model to be offered longterm at a much lower price than list price.
There is room for more models with PDAF. The G97 will end up at around 499.- in a few months and a new PDAF model will be available probably between 999.- and 1199.-
I hope that Panasonic does not wait too long for the release of such a MTF PDAF model below the G9ii.
I don’t think they will do this. The GH6 will cover this pricepoint in the next 3 years.
Talking about updates. Is there a G100 or G110 update planned by Panasonic?
I have been waiting for ages for the update to the G90. I have a G90 and love the size and weight, but was hoping for version with the new autofocus and less crop in video. But the G97 doesn't have either. What a disappointment. 😢
I can understand your disappoinment. I would be the same if I was you. Just curious doing you use your g90 more for video or photo?
@@TheRealRichardWong I use it mostly for travel photography and landscapes. I have a G9 too, but for a lot of the time I prefer the G90 because of its smaller and lighter build, which I find ideal to wander about with in my hand. The autofocus is excellent for photos, so it's not a huge problem that it doesn't have the better autofocus in video as I don't use it much for video, but would have been nice for when I do.
as an owner of the G100, G85, GH6 and an S5 (OG) i really don't need another DFD-AF cam from lumix at all
still waiting for a "mini G9 ii" :)
One of your best and most helpful videos for me was: How to take better photos with Huawei smartphone? Huawei Camera App Settings explained. Now I have an Honor Magic 6 Pro and would love to see a video from you about the camera app.
I bought the GX9 in 2024 as my „new“ travel camera for 550€.
I combined it with the Leica lenses 9mm and 15mm, both f1.7 and the lumix 30mm f2.8 macro.
This is such a great kit for landscape, nature, traveling and even astro works well if i use my light tripod.
I don’t see any reason to buy a new camera with almost the same „old“ features for the double amount of money.
Oh, and i want to sell my Lumix S1 and S5 on the same day when a new S1 Body will be launched.
I realy enjoy usb charging. That's a small but great feature! Can you use the camera while charging? Can you use it as a web-cam?
everyone's complaining about DFD but the egregious thing here is 8 bit video. that's just canon-esque purposeful feature withholding.
Quite hate the camera industry now, if u compare the phone from 2019 and now, there are so much improvement. In camera we have the same thing for 6 7 year😂😂
Do you think Panasonic will ever make another GX series camera?
No.
I am hoping for the G9ii guts in a S9 body. I’m hoping to win the lottery. Which hope is more likely?
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
@ yeah actually I think it makes more sense to have S9 with M43 sensor, so that it can have EVF and the smaller sensor does not seem to be a big problem for its target audience.
Yes I think we will. But I don't expect GX9 size, my guess is a S9 body as it is probably the smallest body that can fit the latest generation processor/motherboard/battery. Hopefully, we will have a mechanical shutter. But then I also won't expect it to be much cheaper than G9II because.. it's basically the same camera just with a different form factor.
This is basically the "must have USB-C by EU law" required model. Nothing new for MFT. I guess the only "good" thing is that they bothered doing a USB-C refresh at all. But man is MFT in trouble with all these non upgrades or abandoned cameras.
In the mean time Fuji releases an X-M5 with what was the premium sensor for XT3/XT4 in a very small package that is quite quite video capable also and has better AF/image quality. Eh MFT.
I like the flash :) It's hard to get excited about this new model, it's not bad, but it shows Panasonic's lack of "focus" on what the market is asking for.
Fair and well done review! Like you I was disappointed with g97, especially not incorporating PDAF but realized it is still a nice camera for photos and some limited video needs. Small, with effective IBIS, an EVF and its weather resistant. Not bad, but a missed opportunity, essentially a 6 year old camera to be released in 2025! I suspect the ‘should have been what MFT produced camera’ Fuji X-M5 will be wildly more popular, despite missing some of the attributes here.
Panasonic's web site says that the G97 will be available in late February 2024 for US$849.99. I'm thinking someone is so accustomed to writing 2024 that they made a mistake.
Oh haha i heard it's first quarter 2025 so definitely not 2024
Do you think they will update the camcorder WXF1 which has a twin cameras with an USB C like these new updated but same camera lineups or it won't and safe to buy?
People who hoped for the big announcement of the S1 series successor are sooooooo disappointed ☹️
Public: S1H II !! S1R II
Panasonic - Yes here is a compact camera rivling canon Gx7 III and that...
I would like a new entry level camera had 4k without crop and PDAF but it looks like there is no sensor available that can do this.
On the other hand, the price point at the start with kit lens is pretty low so this camera is a great solution for starting below $1000.
Nikon Z50 m2 has no crop in 4K video.
@@angeloplayforone I know that there are sensors that can to 4k without crop but not in the low cost area of MFT. The Z50 has 4k30p without crop but it has no IBIS. Hand held Video without good stabilization is always a bit jittery.
The sensor in the OM-5 and EM1-III has PDAF and can do 4k60p without crop. If this sensor could be used in low cost cameras like the G97 it would be great.
@@Ulrich.Bierwisch The OM sensor is an old sensor, more then 8 years ago. It is time to fit it into the OM-10. Problem is that OM Digital Solutions does not have any meaningful R&D, so they are afraid to canabilize the OM5 sales if they use this 8 years old sensor in the OM-10. Unfortunately for them Nikon, Canon and Fuji are moving full steam ahead releasing cameras.
Nikon sensor is a derívate of the 10 year old D500 sensor only with PDAF pixel on it.
The problem is not the image sensor, but the image processor, as Richard Wong said. Other manufacturers has old image processor that supports PDAF that they can use. Problem for Lumix is that the danced to much the DFD song and now PDAF is a breaking feature and they don’t have it in all their cameras. Nikon z30, z50, Zfc and Z50 m2 all has PDAF. Canon R100, R50, R10 all are using PDAF.
@@angeloplayforone The IMX269 cant read the 16:9 area for 4k30p fast enough from the full width of the sensor. The image processor can't help to get the ad-conversion faster.
The IMX272 from the OM-5 can read 4k60p from the full sensor but this also need the image processor to be faste enough to handle the amount of data. This sensor can do up to 1 billion ad conversions per second. This amount of data has to be de-bayered and re-scaled to 4k and squeezed into an h.264 or h.265 codec. When the GH5 and EM1-II came out and I made this calculations I was shocked that this was possible in such a small camera at this price. A lot of today's cameras are still not at this level. If you look closer, a lot of them have crop or line skipping at 4k60p.
At 15:19 you can also see how good the IBIS works for video. The CIPA measurements for stills don't tell how good the stabilization is for video. Panasonic is on a complete different level in this category. I don't know if this is much improved over the G95 or if it is the same.
Something fresh! 😮📸
kind of, kind of not 😅
20:00 „Final thoughts (a bit of disappointment)” - as for me G90/95 (and now 97) are „good enough” and actually the only change I would expect in newer model would be even better sensor. No, the current one isn't bad - but if we could get more crispy picture with better microcontrast and with less noise, it would be excellent. Other than that such „old” (6 years) camera meets my expectations.
And look, you're calling such capable gear „entry-level camera”! 😅 And yes - probably you're right - just we need to realize, what „entry-level” means today.
Hahaha while people hate fujifilm XM5 does not has EVF and stabilisation as a deal breaker, This G97 has both features. I should be grateful and wait its price to go down as so many people dislike this camera. I’m sure those haters will buy XM5 and ZVE10 II..
Great video Richard, such a waist of a camera from Lumix, you spoke beautifully about it, Lumix should be extremely great full to you for that, but to put it simply, if Fujifilm can put out a $800 camera that can have PDAF, 6.2K open gate, DCI 4K up to 60fps with proper log, FLog2, and 10bit in a SUPER compact body with a bigger sensor, Lumix shouldn’t have a problem doing even more, with the added bonus of IBIS, really really mediocre from Lumix, I kind of was hoping to stick in the M4/3 system since I love it but I guess I’ll stick with the FF Lumix ecosystem as well as my Sony Ecosystem, I know the GH7 and G9II are outstanding, I had the GH6 and loved it but I wanted something more compact, and they won’t deliver, such a stubborn company that despite critics and everything they lost for not listening to their customers, they decide to go back to that same hole…
XM5 doesn't have EVF, IBIS thought, two very important features for a lot of photographers.
G97 is same price as the A6400's street price today which was a 2019 release. A6400 doesn't have IBIS, crappy LCD screen, micro USB and a lot of even older parts. Sony is not even updating that or releasing any entry model camera.
@ oh and PDAF is not important for photographers ? It’s marketed as a Hybrid camera right ? 10bit video, 4K 60, no crop in 4K, open gate and more of those things are not important either ? Yes you are comparing it to a Sony a6400 which came out at the same year this camera did, oh wait, that was the G95 which has the same specs right ? Todays user wants PDAF and more video specs, most people don’t care for evf, do you have a camera with one ? Do you actually use it ? And ibis is not needed if the camera is in a tripod or you
Could use a gimbal, and the XM5 at least has digital IS so it’s not a total lost, oh and it’s $800 for a better APSC sensor with more resolution and SO many better specs, I’m not going to argue this, it’s just common sense really
Thanks for watching and comment Andy!
One thing that has disappointed me in all cameras in general is that the companies treated their products like "toasters", with little long term support. I think, for example, if their software teams were better organized, they should still be able to support cameras back as far as the G85 with firmware updates. Certainly, not all new features would be in all cameras, but many "newer" features are probably within the abilities of older cameras. This can be done by organizing design teams around a conditional "master program design" staring at a generalized program model that all the design teams have and just filling in the part that each team is assigned.
On another matter, the DFD auto-focus is particularly unfortunate since it is the "beginner" who needs it more than a more experienced photographer. But if they can under-cut the price of the competition (Canon R50?), it might be worth it.
"when I was younger"....hahahhaa
Panasonic has the M43 market to itself
so its taking its sweet time to releases.
Olympus might be sold to Huawei, it will be a spymaster camera :)
they should do a new GX7, with the new sensor and phase detection. And they can even drop the viewfinder to lower the cost. Something like S9 but with M43 at price noticeably lower than G9ii. This upgrade feels like a waste of time for Panasonic R&D. (anyway I already bought G9ii, which is great but big for tiny M43 lenses)
but if it's a new GX with new PDAF (and therefore the latest processor, motherboard, battery..etc) and especially same sensor, then the price would be the same as a G9II isn't it?
If it uses the 20MP sensor, then it can be a bit lower. However I have a feeling people will then complain it's the same sensor
@@TheRealRichardWong not really. The difference should be like the difference between S5iix and S9, which is roughly 36% - that's a significant difference to my taste.
There is a rumor that Panasonic will announce a new camera in January 2025.
I will not be surprised if it's gonna be G7D or G85D or GX9D. 😂
😅
I'd like to see in „Settings” menu of new cameras the option: „use DIN rather than ISO for speed display”. Nowadays we have still higher and higher ISOs in our cameras, and as a result we count more and more zeros (like ISO 51200 or even 204800). That's not practical anymore! Why not again use logarithmic units which DIN scale offers? So on the display I would read „24° DIN” instead of „ISO 200”, „27° DIN” instead of „ISO 400” and so on (each 3 DIN more means the speed has doubled). DIN offers way more practical units to display the speed of the sensor than ISO numbers, that presently are becoming incredibly long.
Is this the new camera that was coming this week slightly disappointing
I have a G7 and a gx80...why should i buy this?
I would have paid that amount for a GM body with those specs… a g90 body though? Some of the rebates for the G9ii have put it within spitting distance of that.
is it the same as G95D?
@@amanandapan9635 it's the successor of the G95D with only minor upgrades like USB-C charging and higher resolution display
No 10bit is crazy
$850 with the kit lens?❓🤔
No PDAF definitely is a dealbreaker for me. Rather have PDAF instead of IBIS. I can use gimbal it I need.
Ah, my beloved got another insignificant facelift, this time to comply with EU regs. Poor thing. Well at least it's not being completely discontinued, as I thought it would be given how it's nowhere to be seen in stores.
Technical note - the G90 and G95 are not exactly the same. The G95 has an LCD screen whilst the G90 has a much better OLED screen. This was rectified with the G95D I think.
Thanks for bringing up the fact that log is beneficial in 8bit as well though. However, what's the situation with powering thought USB? I don't mean power delivery, just powering (helping the battery). DP review says the port cannot be used for powering but the G90 can do it.
oh yes the G90/95 has a different screen :)
Re powering through USB. I believe you can do it. Unfortunately I've already returned the camera to Panasonic so can't confirm that for you.
I hope it has PDAF
According to B&H, it doesn't 😥
watch the video
@adidabax6809 no point if it's same cameras
If by PDAF you mean Pretty Dumb Autofocus, then yes, it has it...
@marin_real_estate_photography no meant phase detect autofocus
No 10 bit, no decent af, no 4k 60fps , crop at 4k - what a wasted opportunity lumix . Look at fuji xm5 .they had punched all latest tech into a entry level body .
This seems like only a very modest update from the ancient Panasonic G85 that was released way back when the dinosaurs roamed the earth in 2016?
It's a tough spot they're in I suppose, because on one hand people are complaining about how expensive cameras are, and the lack of low end models. But then when a camera gets released which fits into this category (US$850 with the kit lens) then people hate upon it for being so boring and lacklustre. I guess the big problem is you can too easily just get a second GH5 or G9 instead at this price point. But if Panasonic went any cheaper they'd be making a loss on the G97?! Why though can't Panasonic at least offer 10bit internal recording? As after all the old GH5 & G9 can do it, which are the main secondhand competitors vs buying a G97 new.
Shooting sport action photos without PDAF nowaday is a nightmare.
DFD? Panasonic is obsessed with their most hated feature.
Not a camera I'll be considering, then.
I guess it's better than the G95 you can get for 150 USD less. But what's the point?
Cameras without PDAF and 4K60fps are absolutely uninteresting in 2024.
Also I'd prefer a camera with the GX8 formfactor. Make it small and light.
Remove the mechanical shutter. Include proper multi exposure software for HDR.
And please give us something better than JPG. Something with 10bit.
Stock clearance.
The company is closing soon...
Unfortunately, these moves lead me to these thoughts...
WTF. This camera has a 7 years old sensor. Why didn't they just put the new 25mp sensor?
Hands up, everyone who wanted a G _X_ 97? 🖐
No 4K 60p nor PDAF nor 10-bit video in Dec 2024. What's the matter with you, Panasonic?
This is a budget camera. Who has 4k60 with IBIS and phase detect AF for $850? Nobody.
@@michaelbell75 Fujifilm X-M5. 4K 60p, PDAF no EVF and IBIS.
@@spritual_enlightenment Nope. No IBIS, no deal.
I had hoped that a successor to the gx80 would appear but was disappointed. 4k with 1.25x cropping???? Panasonic shame on you! I have waited so long for this. So it's time to say goodbye to the MFT. You have to run away because this ship is sinking.
so panasonic sell to us a product from 2019 in 2024. well done panasonic good job
Still DFD? 😅
Wow, your final comments are depressing. All I need is a g100ii w pdaf, a g97 w pdaf, or a gx10 w pdaf.
Sadly, nobody is going to buy this. Unless people are ALREADY invested in m43 lenses, people new to photography or video are going to pick the Canon and Sony models that have a larger size sensor, better autofocus, and sell for LESS than the G97. Leading up to today's announcement, I was worried that Panasonic was going to announce that it was leaving the camera business. Instead, we get the G97. I can't tell which is worse :(
But we need to remember, this is a camera targeting entry-level market.
If you compare Lumix with Sony, the launch price of G97 kit is virtually the same as the A6400 kit today (from B&H) so they are competing in the same market. ($847 vs 848)
A6400 was launched in 2019, same as G97's predecessor G90/95. (The G90 launched price was $1199 for the kit while A6400 kit was $1,000)
So while the G97 is really just a G90 with minor update, its price is also the same as the Sony A6400 today, but remember the Sony has not received any update at all.
If you want best AF, esp for Video, then yes sure go with the Sony. It has always been Panasonic's weakness with DFD.
But there are many reasons to get the G97 instead. It has IBIS, updated specs like USB-C, Bluetooth, better screen. It also has more features like live view composite, 4k photo mode and a lot more compact size lens choices.
The G100D seems to be doing really well in some countries (e.g. Japan), and that camera has very similar specs as the G97, just a different form factor.
@@TheRealRichardWong a lot of people who commented here seem to fail in realizing that the camera is now aimed at the entry level. 😂
@@Hexlord People are expecting mid to top level spec but want the entry level price
Per favore inserisci la traccia audio in italiano. Grazie
It is completely unacceptable to not have included the updated AF system. This smacks of Panasonic wanting shill off unused stock. I think they are in a bad place, I can't see the camera division being around for much longer. The writing is on the wall.
Looks like this is something Panasonic could of done with a software update to there current cameras, just adding a "7" to the end of the name doesn't made a new camera. nothing to see here move on very disappointing 😢 Thanks Richard
Richard said the screen and Bluetooth are new. This are hardware upgrades.
Surprisingly Panasonic just shows disdain to the customers with such a bad camera. That G97 has the exact same settings and capabilities of the G85 that is 7 years old now. That's bad.
I am disappointed. There are many good cameras that offer more at a very low price. Comparing to Panasonic itself there are great promotions for the S5D in my country and I would choose the S5D over the G97 because of the image quality. I have the impression that M4/3 is dying - small, relatively cheap but with new possibilities cameras are needed to revive this system.
Really? Who has a camera with 4K60, IBIS and phase detect AF for under $850? because I'd buy it right now. There isnt one, not even close. They are all $1,500+
The G97 like S5D does not have phase detect autofocus.
@@michaelbell75Fuji and Nikon has PDAF at this price.
Better to buy a used G9
G9 has better specs, but it's bigger, heavier and not brand new so no warranty.
Baby G9 at entry level pricing? Amazing!
not even close. Buy a used G9
@richardgorski23 good luck finding one with less than 10k sc!
@@richardgorski23 if you can find a good working set for the same price! let me know if you do find one new. 😂
@@richardgorski23 you can't compare old with brand new
So basically a refeesh because EU won't let them sell this without a type C. What a pathetic product refresh.
they could have given 10 bit at least.......
So nothing to see here, they just back in stock 6 7 year old camera. This is problem with lumix, not much innovation
Another disappointing release from Panasonic.these changes aren't real.
You could say the same about the g90, so the disappointment is justified.
new lav mic?
This is a really dumb move. They have the PDAF already. this doesn't make any sense.
YEAH THE LACK OF PHASE DETECT IS A HUGE DROP...............BUT...........WHO IS THIS CAMERA FOR AT $850? IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A WINNER WITH PHASE DETECT BUT NO WORRIES THERE ARE OTHER BRANDS OUT THERE. THE CANON 90D IS A BETTER DEAL THAN THIS EVEN THOUGH IT CAME OUT IN 2019.
Is your caps lock broken?
Why...🤷♂️.. no innovation, all efforts in the FF arena now..😢
Disappointing
What a lazy trash update. If all they did was usbc and added phase detection autofocus that would have been a win. But, nope!
Waste of time, don’t bother.
Old tech new name. Lame product.