Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2017 | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
08/11/2017 | 25/05/2021 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 137 x 97 x 92 mm | 139 x 98 x 87 mm |
| Camera weight | 658 g | 727 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20 MP050 | 20.33 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5184 x 3888 | 5184 x 3888 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
17.3 x 13 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
20 fps045 | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
4:3 | 4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
6044080 | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 1600080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
2250300 | 2250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✓ | ✓ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 368000009900000 | 368000009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 6K |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
3840 x 2160 | 4992 x 3774 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, AVCHD, MOV | MOV, MP4 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 18400001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✓ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | DMW-BTC13 | DMW-BLK22 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
400 shots1505000 | 400 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II edges out the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 with a score of 73/100 compared to the G9’s 70/100. Both cameras share common specifications such as being mirrorless, having the same launch price of $1699, and similar dimensions. The GH5 II is slightly larger at 139 x 98 x 87mm, while the G9 measures 137 x 97 x 92mm.
The GH5 II has a more recent release date in 2021, making it the more advanced option compared to the G9, which was released in 2017. This could mean improved features and technology in the newer model. However, the G9 is lighter, weighing 658g compared to the GH5 II’s 727g, which might be an advantage for those who prefer a more portable camera.
Taking these factors into account, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II is the winner due to its higher score and more recent release, while the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 still has its merits for those seeking a lighter camera.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II emerges as the winner in the optics comparison with a score of 68/100, a 3-point lead over the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9, which scored 65/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, Venus Engine processor, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization.
The GH5 II outperforms the G9 in a few key areas. Firstly, it has a slightly higher megapixel count of 20.33, which allows for more detailed images. Additionally, the GH5 II has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 79, compared to the G9’s score of 71. This higher score indicates better overall image quality and performance in various lighting conditions.
On the other hand, the G9 has a faster shooting speed of 20 frames per second, compared to the GH5 II’s 12 frames per second. This makes the G9 more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife photography.
In terms of optics, the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II is the superior choice due to its higher megapixel count and better sensor performance. However, the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 offers a faster shooting speed, which may appeal to photographers who prioritize capturing fast action. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II in video capabilities, scoring 83 out of 100 compared to the GH5 II’s 74. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K video resolution, built-in time-lapse functionality, and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps for the G9 and 30fps for the GH5 II.
The G9’s higher score is due to its superior video frame rate, as it can shoot at 60fps, while the GH5 II is limited to 30fps. This allows the G9 to capture smoother and more detailed video, especially in fast-moving scenes. Additionally, the G9’s maximum video dimensions of 3840 x 2160 offer high-quality footage that is suitable for most users.
On the other hand, the GH5 II boasts a higher maximum video resolution of 6K and larger dimensions of 4992 x 3774, which may appeal to professional videographers or those requiring ultra-high-resolution footage. However, its lower frame rate may be a drawback for some users, as it may result in less smooth video.
In terms of video performance, the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 is the better option for most users due to its higher frame rate and overall video score. Its 4K resolution and 60fps capabilities provide smooth and detailed footage suitable for a variety of applications. The GH5 II may be more appealing to those seeking extremely high-resolution video, but its lower frame rate and overall score make it a less versatile choice for general video recording.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 with a feature score of 85/100 compared to the G9’s 83/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a 3-inch touchscreen, flip screen, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. Neither camera has GPS functionality.
The GH5 II boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,840,000 dots, giving it an advantage over the G9’s 1,040,000-dot screen. This higher resolution delivers a clearer, more detailed image preview and better menu navigation. The GH5 II’s superior screen resolution contributes to its higher feature score.
On the other hand, the G9 still offers a competitive set of features and performs well in various aspects. However, it does not surpass the GH5 II in any specific category. Both cameras excel in their respective areas, but the GH5 II maintains a slight edge due to its improved screen resolution.
In comparing the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II, the GH5 II takes the lead with a higher feature score, primarily because of its superior screen resolution. While the G9 remains a strong contender, it does not outshine the GH5 II in any particular area. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras will depend on the user’s priorities and preferences. If screen resolution is a critical factor, the GH5 II is the clear choice. However, if other factors are more important, the G9 remains a viable option.
The Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II have an equal storage and battery score of 71/100. Both cameras feature two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility. They also have the same battery life, providing 400 shots per charge. USB charging is available in both models.
The Lumix DC-G9 utilizes a DMW-BTC13 battery type, while the Lumix DC-GH5 II uses a DMW-BLK22 battery type. However, this difference in battery type does not impact the performance or battery life of the cameras.
Since both cameras have identical storage and battery specifications, neither camera outperforms the other in this category. Therefore, potential buyers should consider other factors, such as general specifications, optics, video, and additional features, when deciding between the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 or the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II: