Panasonic G9 II vs GH6

Five years after the G9, Panasonic has launched the G9 II, which represents a significant technical advance without sacrificing the compactness or weight of the previous model. The sensor has been increased to 25MP, which sharpens the resolution, and the initial ISO starts at 100, ensuring better detail reproduction in low light conditions. On the video front, this camera shoots up to 5.7K at 60 fps, with the possibility of modifying colourimetry in real time thanks to LUTs, while the Leica Monochrome mode guarantees deeper, more expressive black and white.

One of the most striking developments concerns autofocus: for the first time, a Lumix G combines phase detection with contrast detection, whereas the G9 was limited to the latter mode. With 315 AF points, the system gains in precision and responsiveness, even with complex movements. In burst mode, the G9 II achieves 75 fps with AF-S and 60 fps with AF-C, thanks to a buffer capable of 200 consecutive shots. The 5-axis stabilisation has also been improved, offering a gain of 8.5 stops, a real asset for easier handheld shooting.

Ergonomically, the adjustable screen remains in the same vein as the G9, but the OLED viewfinder has been upgraded with 3.68 million dots for more comfortable aiming. What's more, the ability to record directly to SSD is a big plus for streamlining post-production. The G9 II is aimed at discerning photographers and professionals who want a top-of-the-range Micro 4/3 body that combines robustness, performance and technical advances in both still and video capture.

In February 2022, Panasonic unveiled the Lumix GH6, a camera that marks a significant evolution in the manufacturer's Micro 4/3 range. Equipped with a 25.2 MP sensor, it surpasses the GH5 II in terms of resolution, while retaining the advantages that made its predecessor such a success: excellent stabilisation and weatherproofing. Its video performance is particularly noteworthy, with the ability to shoot in 5.8K at 30 fps.

The GH6's design combines sturdiness and ergonomics, offering a comfortable grip despite weighing in at 823g, slightly more than the GH5 II. A notable development is the presence of two types of memory card slots: one for SD UHS-II and the other for CFexpress type B, the latter being essential for the most demanding video modes. The autonomy is slightly reduced, allowing 360 shots per charge. The 3.68 million-dot electronic viewfinder and 1.84 million-dot steerable touchscreen remain, guaranteeing a high-quality user interface.

Fans of action photography will be delighted with the GH6's burst mode, which can shoot at speeds of up to 75 fps with an electronic shutter. Without completely breaking the mould, this camera stands out as a top-of-the-range, versatile hybrid capable of satisfying the needs of photographers and videographers alike. Demonstrating the relevance and longevity of the Micro 4/3 mount, the GH6 is a complete, high-performance tool for the most demanding content creators.