Panasonic Lumix G97
Panasonic · Mirrorless · 20.3 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
Score Breakdown
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UNSCORED
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 | |
|---|---|
About This CameraThe 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 Despite an outdated contrast-detect autofocus system, reviewers praise its first-rate detail rendition and sharp kit lens, making it an excellent entry-level hybrid choice for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. | |
| 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 |
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 |
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. | 30 fps |
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 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
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. | 490300 |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 9 fps045 |
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 |