As an eternal beginner photographer, my main equipment is the Pentax K-3III, but recently I have had more and more opportunities to take out my Lumix cameras, such as the full-size Lumix S5 and the micro four thirds Lumix G99 and Lumix GF10.
As for the S5, I acquired it with great enthusiasm, but I don’t have the financial resources to purchase a full-frame lens, so for the time being, my opportunities to use it will be very limited. However, the m4/3s are a valuable alternative for me when I don’t like to travel by car and hesitate to take the K-3III + star lenses out of the car because of its weight and size.
The small GF10 is a snapshooter while walking around town or an insurance to be taken out just in case when I travel without main cameras, while the G99 is a literal spare camera with almost full functions and performance that can be used in “shoot mode,” or perhaps even as the main camera when shooting telephoto-centric shots.
I’ve started to think that I may replace the G99 with the higher-end G9 pro, and that’s today’s topic.
![パナソニック｜Panasonic LUMIX G99D ミラーレス一眼カメラ ブラック DC-G99D-K [ボディ単体]](https://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/biccamera/cabinet/product/7277/00000010567719_a01.jpg?_ex=128x128)
Comparing the specs, there is not much difference between the G99 and the higher-end G9 pro. The sensors and image processing engines are (probably) the same, and the only noticeable advantages of the G9 pro are the continuous shooting performance, the number of AF measurement points, 4K60p, and dual slots. The G99, which is lighter and smaller, has an advantage in continuous shooting time.
For example, here is a comparison chart.
However, these spec comparisons are not the decisive factor for me (although I do care about it), as I don’t focus on video or dynamic shooting.
The first thing G99 frustrates me about the G99 is the lack of a joystick, which is present in the G9 pro. There are few buttons/switches and the controls are not very customizable. In short, I can’t operate it as I want to when I need to!
It is theoretically unfair to compare the flagship G9 to the mid-range G99 in this way, but since both models are still being sold as active models and there is little difference in retail price now, I think it is acceptable as a comparative comment in 2023.
When the G9 pro was released in 2017, I avoided it because of its high price and the fact that it was large and heavy for an m4/3 (almost the same weight as the Pentax K70 with APSC sensor I was using at the time). However, fortunately or unfortunately, the years have passed and this level of size seems to be commonplace, and the size of this camera has become commonplace. Then it is now possible to get it within a few tens of thousands of yen by trading in the G99. This may be the right time to make a decision.
Just as I was beginning to seriously consider the possibility of buying a G99, the following news came in.
Hmmm, I see.
It’s been 6 years since its release, so I guess they will come out with a new model. I see that the G9II is equipped with image phase detection AF (which I’m sure it will be)…
I guess I’ll have to wait and see. But the more attractive the specs of the “II” are, the more expensive it will be….
I was very much confused when I chose the S5, whose price dropped right after the S5II came out. This time how should I do between the G9II and the G9?
