The G9 Mk2 has been launched and it safe to say, the era of so-so hybrids is over, maybe also the period of M43 being seen as a lesser option in a world of what to compromise choices.
Numbers like 5.7k/10 bit/422, 4k/120/10 bit, 800mbs/240p/1080, built in Log, ProRes, phase detect AF and better overall specs mean the OM-1 (in my opinion) has its match in a stills camera, and the GH6 and S5.2 as video cams.
All this, no catch?
Compared to the OM-1 it is now offering class leading AF, stabilising, resolution, hand held high res, ergonomics, screen resolutions and probably more, but I got lost after the first five minutes of better and more specs.
It is also cheaper than the GH6 or OM-1.
As a video cam, well where do you start.
I guess mostly with “yes” far more often than “no”.
All-i, internal ProRes, direct power in and storage out to SSD via usb-c, 6k internal, VLog (full), 10 bit/422 in almost all frame rates and resolutions, video interface support (wave form, vectors, anamorphic etc), near faultless AF, best in removable-lens-camera stabilising, are all a yes.
There are a few minor no’s, but compared to all other cams in this space, they are minor or still better than other options.
To me the Pana engineers were given the following parameters;
Beat anything previously offered in M43 or APS-C crop formats in a true hybrid camera.
Dominate the M43 specialist feature sets, like hand held hi-res, more efficient stabe, better implementation of expanded dynamic range etc.
Develop the already much liked S5 II improvements with the advantages of the smaller sensor.
Offer a camera that can match the OM-1 in stills, then kill it in video.
Make a camera that can match the GH-6 in video, then beat it in stills.
Make a camera with the same six year staying power of its predecessor.
Remove the “built in compromise” vibe of previous offerings like limited record time, accessory or firmware reliant upgrades, paid for Vlog. In essence take away the “yes…but’s”. In other words, raise our expectations into the future.
Blow our minds.
From what I have seen-read, it is a GH6 killer except for the internal fan, an OM-1 killer-period, an S5 mk2 killer with better video specs internally than the S5 even with off board support, a cost to features all-brand killer.
What can’t it do?
Match full frame super shallow depth of field and their top end high ISO performance. Does it have enough here? I think so, because the lenses available are enough and affordable in practical terms and other benefits match it.
We always want more, so it is rare when hopes are exceeded.
The S5 is still relevant for me for these two above considerations (just), the older G9’s as decent colour matched B-cams (with limits, but enough), the EM1’s are my work horse stills cams. The BMPCC4K, Sigma FP and off board recorders are out as irrelevant and to some extend even now dated options.
It even fits in the S5 cage!
I will be going here in November, chasing the dream of the one camera that does it all.