Panasonic Lumix G95 Review

It may be said that Panasonic has contributed more to the development of mirrorless technology than any other company. After all, it was the company that introduced the very first mirrorless camera. Subsequently, it developed its G-series of cameras and lenses in various areas, generating some of the most well-liked video-centric mirrorless possibilities we’ve seen thus far.

The S series is not a replacement for the more established line; the demand for models that are smaller, lighter, and more easily accessible is still there. Although the focus may now be on what the company does with its newer S series, having recently launched the S1R and the S1, it is not a replacement for the more established line.

The Panasonic G85, also known as the Panasonic G80, is an excellent upper-entry-level mirrorless offering with outstanding image quality and a wide-ranging feature set to recommend it; however, after two and a half years, certain elements are starting to look a little bit dated. The Panasonic G90, also known as the Panasonic G90, is an excellent upper-entry-level mirrorless offering with outstanding image quality and a wide-ranging feature set to recommend it.

Therefore, the time has come for something new to take its place, and while the G95 / G90 isn’t technically a replacement for the G85 / G80, it does, in essence, go on from where those models left off.

Features

Since quite some time ago, Panasonic has begun outfitting its G-series cameras with 20.3 megapixels Four-Thirds sensors; the G95 is the most recent model to receive this upgrade. Even though some people would consider this inferior to the 24 or 26-megapixel sensors that are commonplace in many other cameras that are priced similarly, it is at least an improvement over the 16-megapixel sensor that is housed within the G85.

This is the same sensor found inside the G9, which is still the company’s flagship photo-oriented camera in the series. It operates over an ISO range of 200 to 25,600 and can take photos. To take more explicit pictures, Panasonic has deleted the optical low-pass filter included in earlier versions that used the same sensor. Additionally, image stabilization has been integrated into the body of the camera.

This technology is known as Dual I.S. 2, and it promises five-axis correction to a maximum of five stops, which appears to be unchanged from the G85. This system can be used as-is when the lens you’re using does not have image stabilization, but if you partner it with a stabilized lens, the two systems will work together.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Build Quality

The Panasonic G95 and G90 both have a design reminiscent of DSLRs. They both have a viewfinder positioned in the middle of the camera, a robust grip, and twin command dials to facilitate quick and easy control.

It has been said that the ergonomics and usability have been enhanced compared to the G85/G80, which may be why the new camera is somewhat larger in each dimension (and a touch heavier too).

That is wonderful if you want to use longer lenses, as you will have strong support from the large grip, but if you don’t, you might want to check at the GX series of cameras, such as the GX9, since if you don’t, you won’t need the more extended support.

The G95 / G90 isn’t relatively tiny for a Micro Four Thirds body, even though it is smaller than the G9; putting the camera body next to the full-frame Nikon Z6 shows that they are nearly the same size; however, the G95 has the advantage of having lenses that are much smaller than the G9.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Autofocus

Compared to the focusing system found in the G85, Panasonic has not made any substantial modifications to the one found in the G95 and G90 cameras based on the information provided in the specification sheet. It is still based on the contrast-detect AF principle and still uses the Depth From Defocus (DFD) technology. DFD is a technology that compares two images with different depths of field to quickly drive the system to where it needs to be. It is said that this has been tweaked for the new model, but it is still based on the contrast-detect AF principle.

The lower measurement of -4EV for the AF working range indicates that it should work well when lighting conditions drop. However, the continued absence of phase-detect AF distinguishes Panasonic’s models from its peers. Panasonic’s peers now use both phase- and contrast-detect systems in a hybrid-focusing setup.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Performance

There is a minimal delay when starting up the Panasonic G95 / G90, and the camera is ready to begin shooting pretty much as soon as you are. When navigating the menus or adjusting to the exposure settings, the camera does not respond slowly at any point, and its responsiveness is on par with what you would anticipate.

In our tests, the camera maintained its maximum burst rate for 30 consecutive raw + JPEG frames when a fast UHS-II card was installed. The camera retained its maximum burst rate for 39 raw edges when used. This is slightly less than the 45 frames that Panasonic claims the camera is capable of.

JPEGs can be captured for as long as necessary and are written instantly to the card; At the same time, raw files take significantly more time, and the camera remains operational, which is not something that every camera can boast. JPEGs may be accepted for as long as required.

The LCD screen appears securely attached to the body and can be detached without causing any problems. Additionally, the fact that it can be entirely rotated so that it faces the front is convenient for video users who wish to film themselves.

The clarity of the image and the accuracy with which it reproduces the scene are both up to the standard established at this price range, which is to say that they are excellent. In addition, it has a decent responsiveness to touch, which makes it easy to select the focusing point or alter the menu options.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Image quality

The absence of an optical low-pass filter contributes to the 20MP sensor within the G9’s ability to capture photographs with good levels of detail. We’ve seen this sensor before. The critical point is that this is controlled well as you rack up the ISO, with noise reduction doing its thing, but not too aggressively. Very slight noise can be seen in low-ISO images, but this is also true of many APS-C-based cameras; the important thing is that this is controlled well as you rack up the ISO.

The LUMIX G VARIO 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. is the kit lens that the majority of purchasers will end up using, and what makes it especially beneficial for people who do not already own any other Micro Four Thirds optics is the fact that it has a slightly broader focal range than is typical for kit lenses, even though it manages to remain relatively compact.

When left on their default settings, most cameras produce satisfactory results, with proper metering providing exposures that are well-balanced. While this can be readily corrected for in-camera (and even though it is feasible to get some of this detail back when editing raw files), highlights tend to roll off a bit too quickly.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Specs

Body type	SLR-style mirrorless
Body material	Magnesium alloy
Sensor
Max resolution	5184 x 3888
Image ratio w:h	1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels	20 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors	22 megapixels
Sensor size	Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm)
Sensor type	CMOS
Processor	Venus Engine
Color space	Primary color space
Color filter array	Primary color filter
Image
ISO	Auto, 200-25600 (expands down to ISO 100)
Boosted ISO (minimum)	100
White balance presets	5
Custom white balance	Yes (4 slots)
Image stabilization	Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes	IS system works together with stabilized lenses to improve shake reduction
CIPA image stabilization rating	5 stop(s)
Uncompressed format	RAW
JPEG quality levels	Fine, normal
File format	JPEG (Exif 2.31)Raw (Panasonic RW2)
Optics & Focus
Autofocus	Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lamp	Yes
Number of focus points	49
Lens mount	Micro Four Thirds
Focal length multiplier	2×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD	Fully articulated
Screen size	3″
Screen dots	1,240,000
Touch screen	Yes
Screen type	LCD
Live view	Yes
Viewfinder type	Electronic
Viewfinder coverage	100%
Viewfinder magnification	1.48× (0.74× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder resolution	2,360,000
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed	60 sec
Maximum shutter speed	1/4000 sec
Maximum shutter speed (electronic)	1/16000 sec
Exposure modes	ProgramShutter PriorityAperture PriorityManual
Built-in flash	Yes
Flash range	6.40 m (at ISO 100)
External flash	Yes (via hot shoe)
Flash modes	Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash X sync speed	1/200 sec
Drive modes	SingleContinuous4K PhotoPost FocusIntervalSelf-timer
Continuous drive	9.0 fps
Self-timer	Yes (2 or 10 secs, 10 secs x 3 shots)
Metering modes	MultiCenter-weightedSpot
Exposure compensation	±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing	±3 (3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)
WB Bracketing	Yes
Videography features
Format	MPEG-4, AVCHD
Modes	3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 20 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 28 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 60i / 17 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 24 Mbps, AVCHD, MTS, H.264, Dolby Digital
Microphone	Stereo
Speaker	Mono
Storage
Storage types	SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)
Connectivity
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
USB charging	Yes (can be charged from external power banks)
HDMI	Yes (micro-HDMI)
Microphone port	Yes
Headphone port	Yes
Wireless	Built-In
Wireless notes	802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2
Remote control	Yes (via wired remote or smartphone)
Physical
Environmentally sealed	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack
Battery description	Lithium-ion battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA)	290
Weight (inc. batteries)	536 g (1.18 lb / 18.91 oz)
Dimensions	130 x 94 x 77 mm (5.12 x 3.7 x 3.03″)
Other features
Orientation sensor	Yes
Timelapse recording	Yes
GPS	None

Panasonic Lumix G95 Verdict

The Panasonic G85/G80 was a camera that we cherished for its extensive feature set, superb performance, and sound output; here, with only a handful of modifications, the experience is just as good even though there were fewer changes made.

The Panasonic G95 and G90 have a high-quality build and feel excellent handling, and a satisfyingly quick response throughout their respective operations. The image and video quality are both typically sound as well, and the camera includes sensor-based stabilization may give it an advantage over its competitors who rely solely on this feature in the lens.

On the other hand, although being an improvement over the sensor found in the G85, the 20MP sensor doesn’t appear to be incredibly competitive compared to the 24MP and 26MP APS-C kinds seen in competitors.

The price may be the most significant obstacle in this situation; the G95/G90 is not a low-cost camera, particularly when paired with a lens. It appears to be priced a bit too much when considering the improvements made.

It is also being introduced into a market segment where intense competitors like the Fujifilm X-T30 and the Sony A6400 cause one to wonder whether or not they are getting their money’s worth. Although it is an excellent camera on its own, people who are not committed to a particular system may very well be influenced by what other manufacturers offer.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Pros & Cons