
The Panasonic GX9, despite being several years old, still holds its ground against some of the most impressive cameras in the market today. Particularly gaining attention in the street photography niche, this camera is emerging as a strong alternative to the Fujifilm X100V. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the GX9’s key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance.
Panasonic GX9 Key Specifications
Spec | Details |
---|---|
Sensor | 20MP Micro Four Thirds |
Video | 4K 30fps, Full HD 60fps |
Display | Tiltable touchscreen |
Viewfinder | Tiltable electronic viewfinder |
Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF system |
Image Stabilization | 5-axis in-body stabilization (IBIS) |
Continuous Shooting | Up to 9fps |
Weight | Approx. 407g (including battery and memory card) |
Dimensions | 124 x 72.1 x 46.8 mm |
Price | Around $500 (used) |
๐จ Excellent Image Quality and Color Profiles
The GX9 boasts a 20-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, resulting in sharp, detailed images. This represents an improvement in resolution and clarity over its predecessor, the GX80/85. You can check out image samples in the flickr GX9 group.
Natural Color Profiles
The GX9 offers various color profiles, but two stand out:
- Natural Profile: Provides less saturated images, leaving more room for post-processing.
- Vivid Profile: Ideal for getting great JPEG images straight out of the camera.
Panasonic’s color science is highly regarded, particularly for its accuracy in reproducing real-life colors. Compared to the Fujifilm X100V, the GX9 offers more natural colors and greater flexibility for post-processing.
High-Quality 4K Video
The GX9 can shoot 4K video at 30fps or Full HD at 60fps. While it’s 8-bit recording, the image quality is impressive and the results are satisfying. The inclusion of IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) allows for stable handheld shooting.
๐ Ergonomic Design and Excellent Handling
The design of the GX9 is remarkably well-executed. Built with a solid metal body, it exudes a premium feel. The robust build, reminiscent of Leica cameras, instills confidence in users.
Compact Size and Moderate Weight

With dimensions of 124 x 72.1 x 46.8 mm and weighing about 407g, the GX9 is highly portable. This makes it ideal for street photography or travel, where carrying a camera for extended periods is necessary.
User-Friendly Button Layout

The button layout is intuitive, with the autofocus switch on the back, and mode and exposure compensation dials on top. The exposure compensation dial, in particular, has just the right amount of resistance to prevent accidental adjustments.
Tilt Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

The GX9 features a tiltable touchscreen and electronic viewfinder. The screen tilts up and down, which is particularly useful for low or high-angle shots. The electronic viewfinder also tilts, though opinions on the practicality of this feature are divided.
๐ก Powerful Features and Performance

Despite its compact size, the GX9 packs an impressive array of features. This versatility allows it to be used in various scenarios, from street photography to general snapshots, and even for professional purposes.
Fast Autofocus System
The GX9 uses a contrast-detect autofocus system. For still photography, keeping the IBIS on and maintaining a shutter speed above 1/200 should yield satisfactory results in most situations. However, in video mode, occasional hunting may occur, so manual focus might be preferable.
5-Axis Image Stabilization (IBIS)
The 5-axis in-body image stabilization system in the GX9 showcases Panasonic’s excellent technology. This feature is particularly useful in low-light environments or when using telephoto lenses.
Wide Lens Selection
One of the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds system is the wide variety of lenses available. Not only can you use Panasonic’s own lenses, but Olympus lenses are also compatible. Some recommended lenses for street photography include:
- Panasonic Leica 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0
- Olympus 17mm f/1.8
- Panasonic 25mm f/1.7
For a zoom lens, the Panasonic 12-60mm is highly recommended.
๐ Battery Life and Memory Card
The GX9 uses a relatively small battery. While battery life is decent, it’s advisable to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions. Turning off the camera when not in use can help conserve battery life.
The camera has a single memory card slot, which means simultaneous backup is not possible. However, this shouldn’t be a major issue for most users.
๐ GX9 vs Competitors Comparison
The GX9’s main competitors include the Fujifilm X100V, Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, and Sony A6400. Let’s compare the GX9 with each to highlight its strengths and weaknesses.
1. GX9 vs Fujifilm X100V

- Sensor: GX9 (Micro Four Thirds) < X100V (APS-C)
- Lens: GX9 (Interchangeable) > X100V (Fixed)
- Design: GX9 (Modern) โ X100V (Retro)
- Price: GX9 ($500) < X100V ($1400)
While the X100V is beloved for its larger sensor and unique design, the GX9 offers lens interchangeability and a more affordable price point. Both cameras excel in street photography.
2. GX9 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

- Sensor: GX9 (20MP) โ E-M10 IV (20MP)
- Video: GX9 (4K 30fps) โ E-M10 IV (4K 30fps)
- Design: GX9 (Compact) < E-M10 IV (Slightly larger grip)
- Price: GX9 ($500) โ E-M10 IV ($700)
Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds system and have similar specifications. The E-M10 IV offers a better grip, but the GX9 is more compact and affordable.
3. GX9 vs Sony A6400

- Sensor: GX9 (Micro Four Thirds) < A6400 (APS-C)
- Autofocus: GX9 (Contrast AF) < A6400 (Hybrid AF)
- Video: GX9 (4K 30fps) < A6400 (4K 30fps, S-Log)
- Price: GX9 ($500) < A6400 ($900)
The Sony A6400 offers a larger sensor and superior autofocus system, but it’s more expensive and slightly larger. The GX9 provides similar image quality in a more compact and affordable package.
๐ธ Real-World Experience and Sample Images
After extensive use, the GX9 proves to be an excellent camera for street photography and everyday snapshots. Its compact size and light weight make it comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Street Photography Samples

This image was captured using the GX9’s Vivid profile. It showcases the camera’s ability to capture sharp details and rich colors.
Low-Light Shooting Samples

Thanks to the GX9’s IBIS and good high-ISO performance, it’s possible to capture clean night shots handheld.
Landscape Photography Samples

The GX9’s 20MP sensor performs admirably in landscape photography, preserving both highlight and shadow details.
๐ ๏ธ Firmware Updates and Support
Panasonic has provided regular firmware updates for the GX9, improving its performance and adding new features. However, there are concerns about Panasonic reducing support for the Micro Four Thirds system.
Latest Firmware Update Features
- Improved autofocus performance
- New photo styles added
- Enhanced stability in video recording
Users can download and install the latest firmware from the Panasonic official website.
๐ฐ Price-to-Performance Ratio

One of the GX9’s biggest strengths is its excellent value for money. At around $500 (used), it offers professional-level image quality and a wide range of features. This makes it a highly competitive choice compared to other cameras in a similar price range.
Key Advantages for the Price
- High-quality 20MP sensor
- 4K video recording
- 5-axis IBIS
- Tilt screen and EVF
- Compact size and lightweight
These features make the GX9 an attractive option for beginners, intermediate users, and professionals looking for a second body.
๐ Tips for Beginners

The GX9 is user-friendly for beginners. Here are some tips for those new to the GX9:
Start with Auto Mode: The GX9’s Intelligent Auto mode produces excellent results in most situations.
Experiment with Color Profiles: Try alternating between Natural and Vivid profiles to find your preferred settings.
Utilize Touch Focus: Use the touchscreen for quick and easy focusing.
Take Advantage of IBIS: Keep the image stabilization on for sharper images.
Shoot in RAW+JPEG: This allows for post-processing flexibility while also having ready-to-use JPEG files.
๐ Pros and Cons Summary
Pros
- Excellent image quality and color reproduction
- Compact size and lightweight
- 4K video capability
- 5-axis IBIS
- Tiltable touchscreen and EVF
- Great value for money
- Wide selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses available
Cons
- Small battery capacity
- Single SD card slot
- Autofocus performance in video mode could be improved
- Sensor size slightly behind the latest models
๐ Conclusion: Purchase Recommendation

The Panasonic GX9 remains a highly competitive camera in 2024. It’s particularly well-suited for users who enjoy street photography, travel, and everyday snapshots. Its compact size, excellent image quality, diverse features, and reasonable price point are its biggest strengths.
We highly recommend the GX9 for beginners, intermediate users, and professionals looking for a second body. However, if you’re after the latest technology or focus primarily on professional video production, you might want to consider other options.
The GX9 serves as an excellent alternative for those who find the X100V’s price point challenging, and it fully leverages the advantages of the Micro Four Thirds system. If you’re interested in street photography or seeking a balance between portability and image quality, the GX9 comes highly recommended.
If you’re considering a purchase, check out the Panasonic official website for more detailed information. It’s also a good idea to try it out at your local camera store. With the GX9, your photographic journey is sure to become even more enriching.