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Panasonic Lumix G97
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Panasonic · Mirrorless · 20.3 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video

Panasonic Lumix G97

KEY FACTS
BrandPanasonic
Announcement dateDec 2024
Released2024
Camera weight530 g
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Exceptional value at entry-level price point with competitive features
+Proven 5-stop Dual I.S. 2 stabilization system ideal for handheld stills and video
+Sharp detail rendition from 20.3MP sensor without anti-aliasing filter
+Versatile Micro Four Thirds system with access to extensive lens ecosystem
+Weather-sealed, durable DSLR-style body comfortable for extended use
+Unlimited 4K 30p video recording with pre-installed V-Log L
Worth Knowing
−Contrast-detect autofocus system is slower and less capable than hybrid or phase-detect systems, struggles in low contrast and dim lighting
−Limited to 49 AF zones with large inaccurate focus boxes compared to rivals
−Single SD card slot—no backup storage or simultaneous photo/video recording
−8-bit H.264 video without 10-bit or All-Intra options limits advanced video grading capabilities

General

Brand
Panasonic
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
Dec 2024
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2024
Camera weight
530 g
Camera type
Mirrorless
Read our notes on general
The Panasonic G97 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a 20MP CMOS sensor that combines in-body and in-lens stabilization to reduce shake by up to five stops. An updated refresh of the 2019 Lumix G95/90, with a higher-resolution rear screen, the video recording limit removed, and a new USB-C port for charging and power, it targets both videographers and photographers on a budget. Despite an outdated contrast-detect autofocus system, reviewers praise its first-rate detail rendition and sharp kit lens, making it an excellent entry-level hybrid choice for content creators who prioritize value and build quality.

Sensor

Type
20.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
Mount
Micro Four Thirds (MFT)

Autofocus

System
Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) contrast-detect
AF Points
49 points
AF Speed
0.07 seconds

Image stabilization

Type
5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (in-body + in-lens)
Compensation
up to 5 stops

Shutter

Mechanical
1/4,000 second
Electronic
1/16,000 second
Bulb
up to 2 minutes

Shooting

Burst Rate
9 fps with single AF (locked), 6 fps with continuous AF
Buffer
Over 27 RAW images or 600+ JPEG images

Display

Viewfinder
2,360k-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, 0.74x magnification
LCD
3.0-inch articulating touchscreen, 1,840k-dot resolution

Video

Recording
UHD 4K at 30p/24p, FHD slow-motion (4x), quick-motion (8x)
Time Limit
Unlimited
Bit Depth
8-bit H.264
Features
V-Log L, HDMI output, no crop in 4K
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K

Battery

Rating
CIPA 290 shots per charge
Power Saving Mode
870 shots per charge (3x)
Type
DMW-BLC12 Li-Ion

Storage

Card
Single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-II slot

Connectivity

USB
USB Type-C

Build

Design
DSLR-style with substantial grip

Optics

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.3 MP050
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
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 Four Thirds
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

Features

Screen size
3.0"
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.
Yes
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes