The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera system has carved out a unique niche in the photography world, known for its compact design, flexibility, and image quality. Developed by Panasonic, this MFT system features a sensor size that is between the larger sensors of DSLRs and the more compact ones found in point-and-shoot cameras. This balance results in a camera system that is both lightweight and capable of producing stunning images. In this article, I’ll delve into my experience testing the Panasonic G9II and various lenses.
I had been quite dormant in photography other than shooting product photos. When the opportunity to work with MFT gear came along, I was excited for a new challenge. B&H Photo provided the equipment for this review. While I’m cautious about the term “review,” I prefer sharing my personal experience. With any tool, you’ll learn to harness its power. The G9II excels in photography and static-style vlogging.
Mastering Portraits with the Panasonic G9II
Capturing the perfect portrait of a Warmblood mare can be as challenging as it is rewarding. The nuances of head positioning and ear placement are crucial, and the Panasonic G9II’s rapid autofocus system makes this task significantly easier. Its precise focusing capabilities allow you to concentrate more on composition and timing rather than technical adjustments. Photographing such a dynamic subject often requires the coordination of multiple people, and the Panasonic’s efficiency in autofocus helps streamline this process; by setting the autofocus to animal, then eye, and continuous.
The horse portraits above were captured with the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens. This exquisite portrait lens delivers stunning bokeh, rich contrast, exceptional sharpness, and that distinctive “Leica Glow” we all adore. To fully exploit its capabilities, position yourself close to the minimum focus distance with your subject at an aperture larger than f/2, and ensure there is some separation between your subject and the background. Considering that this lens is currently priced under $600, its performance is truly remarkable. In fact, the three lenses discussed in this post are essential for anyone using a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system.
The Micro Four Thirds Sensor: Street Photography Excellence
One of the standout features of the MFT sensor is its resolving power, which is especially apparent in street photography. The image captured during sunrise on Worth Avenue, taken with an aperture of F/1.7, demonstrates the depth of field and detail that the MFT sensor can achieve. The Panasonic G9II’s sensor, paired with high-quality lenses, excels in capturing intricate details and vibrant colors in diverse shooting conditions.
Palm Beach’s Worth Ave
A Game-Changer for Enthusiasts
The combination of the MFT sensor with Leica glass delivers images that are not only sharp and colorful but also aesthetically pleasing with minimal effort. While some may argue that smartphones can match this quality, the dedicated experience offered by MFT cameras like the Panasonic G9II is unparalleled by phone cameras. These cameras are loved for their lightweight, compact form, and affordability. More importantly, great photography isn’t solely about technical prowess; it’s about capturing moments through an inspired lens.
All Along the Clock Tower
The clock tower’s time indicates that I took this photo at 7 a.m. Certain cameras and lenses encourage you to explore and enjoy the sights. The Panasonic setup is affordable and delivers excellent results. Whether you choose to use the viewfinder or the bright lcd screen, making compositions is a breeze. In fact most of my photos, I didn’t even crop.
Exploring the Zoom Lenses
Safari Testing in Progress…
Transitioning from prime lenses to a zoom lens can significantly change your photographic experience. The Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm f/4-5.6 II POWER O.I.S. lens introduces a new level of versatility. For someone accustomed to using only 35mm and 50mm prime lenses, the range and flexibility of this zoom lens are exhilarating.
The image stabilization with this zoom lens and camera combination works exceptionally well.
My MVP (Most Valuable Player) Lens Choice
Among the impressive range of MFT lenses, the Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. stands out as a personal favorite. Its aperture ring, focal length, and build quality offer exceptional value for its price, making it a must-have for enthusiasts. It’s the lens that just seemed to stay on the camera as a default.
Why Shoot an Ordinary Portrait When Your Friend is a World-Class Performer?
Panasonic Leica Lens 15mm DG Summilux ISO 100 F/2.8 1/400
When seeking new and exciting content to shoot, I reached out to my friend Nicole Winter. We’ve collaborated several times before, and we were both eager to work together again. Nicole was accustomed to me using a rangefinder and asking her to hold uncomfortable positions for extended periods—all in pursuit of the perfect shot. This time, with the Panasonic G9II’s autofocus, the process was much smoother for me. Although autofocus wasn’t flawless in variable lighting conditions (as seen in the photo above), the viewfinder’s feedback ensured I knew when it was locked on correctly. I set the autofocus to human with eye detection to improve accuracy.
Leica 15mm DG Summilux ISO 400 F2 1/60
Conclusion
My experience with the Panasonic Lumix G9II has been outstanding. The Micro Four Thirds system is alive, as evidenced by the G9II, the anticipated GH7, and the Leica D-Lux 8. The G9II proves to be a powerful tool for both photography and static video work, making it an excellent choice for vloggers with its flip-out LCD screen and microphone input. I extend my gratitude to B&H Photo for providing the equipment for this review—it has been a fantastic journey.
Links to everything used in this review:
Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens
Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 II ASPH. Lens
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 100-300mm Lens
Panasonic Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera
by Scott Morvay
**Notes, All images except Nicole’s link to the 43Addict Flickr Page
