The Panasonic G100 Vs GX9 compact mirrorless cameras are perfect for users who focus on recording videos. They are capable of still photography, but the primary market for these models is for recording. They share many similarities, including the sensor and pixel. They also similarly perform well with some differences. If you wonder which camera to buy, let’s see what they offer here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Consider in a Video Camera
- What are Panasonic G100 and GX9
- How are the Designs of Panasonic G100 and GX9
- How are the Specs of Panasonic G100 and GX9
- How is the Image Quality of Panasonic G100 and GX9
- How are the AF systems in Panasonic G100 and GX9
- How are the Panasonic G100 and GX9 for Video
- Panasonic G100 Vs GX9
Buying a Video Camera
Buying a camera mainly for recording video is different from buying one for capturing stills. Modern cameras can do both, and many combine the higher abilities to do both main functions in one device. But, there are also different factors to consider depending on the purpose. For example, we often think of the low light performance, lens availability, and AF performance for photography. But, these factors are not what people usually consider first when buying a video camera.
It is wise to consider the resolution with today’s TV can show up to 8K, and a large percentage is already native in 4K. Consider where you will show the video, whether it is on TV, smartphone, or computer browser. A larger file gives you more editing freedom, such as cropping and stabilizing, but the file size will also double. Besides memory, you may have to use a more capable computer to handle the file. If you upload on Instagram or a similar platform, the 1080p should be adequate.
Your camera frame rate is also essential. Typical video on TVs is shot at 24fps or 30fps, but most modern cameras can do much higher frame rates, such as Hero 7, which can record 4K 60fps and 2.7K 120fps. Higher frame rates will benefit when shooting motion such as choreography or sport where the subject moves quickly. Recording limit is a thing, and many cameras can only record up to 30 minutes to prevent heating. This limitation is not an issue if you only take short clips.
| Panasonic G100 | Panasonic GX9 | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 9.1 x 9.1 x 9.1 inches | 4.88 x 1.84 x 2.84 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.76 ounces | 1.14 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Panasonic G100 and GX9
There are still many other factors to consider depending on your application. A camera is a tool, and different tools do different jobs, so it is wise to get the one that fits your purpose. If you combine both still photography and video recording, hybrid models like Sony Alpha 7R III Vs Nikon Z7 can be a great choice. But, they are designed more towards the former and still lack some features if you primarily use the camera to capture motion.
The Panasonic G100 and GX9 are perfect for those who plan to upgrade their vlogging camera from a smartphone or buy a video camera for the first time. These cameras are very popular among enthusiasts and content makers because they are capable of capturing high-quality footage ideal for streaming platforms and social media. By having a dedicated camera, you can keep the phone away and preserve the battery since it has much more functions than just recording and taking photos.
Panasonic is one of the leading camera brands, and while they are not as famous as Canon, Nikon, or Sony, this company is making lots of great cameras for a wide range of users. The Panasonic G100 and GX9 are compact video cameras and are still useful for taking photos. They share many similarities, especially at the core or sensor. Both cameras are micro four-third which is better for video than shooting stills. Smaller sensors have a faster readout to avoid the common rolling shutter issue.
The main difference between Panasonic G100 and GX9 is their handling. The sensor to video resolution is mostly the same. But, we recommend the G100 if your main focus is video because this camera has a better set of features for the purpose than the GX9, as the latter is more of a hybrid solution.
Panasonic G100 and GX9 Design
While very similar, the Panasonic G100 and GX9 come from different lines, and it is easy to tell them apart due to the styling. The G100 is a mini version of the G90 and G95 with the same SLR aesthetic but a much more compact body. On the other hand, the GX9 is a rangefinder-style camera which is surprisingly bigger than the G100. The GX9 places its viewfinder at the corner and tilts for a better viewing angle to maintain a compact body.
The G100 follows an SLR styling with the viewfinder in the middle, making the camera protrude without a flat top. They have a built-in flash, or you can also add an external flash. Another noticeable difference is their rear screen because the GX9 uses a tilting screen that can only lay flat at 45 degrees. On the other hand, the G100 has a fully articulating display that opens up away from the body. They are the same size, but the G100 has a slightly better resolution at 1.8M dots than 1.2M dots on GX9.
Panasonic G100 and GX9 Specs
The general specs of Panasonic G100 and GX9 are very much the same. Both cameras use a small four-thirds sensor, which is perfect for video and the exact 20MP resolution. The maximum resolution they can capture is 5184 x 3888 at 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, or 16:9 ratio. They can shoot at ISO 100 for the highest dynamic range and up to ISO 25,600 available to choose. Interestingly, only GX9 has in-body image stabilization, while G100 uses EIS.
G100 has the gyroscope sensors and algorithms from Panasonic’s sensor-shift stabilization, and it will crop your footage the same as GX9 when shooting in 4K. The viewfinder looks better in the G100 at 3.6M dots EVF while the GX9 uses a 2.7M dots EVF.
Panasonic G100 and GX9 Image Quality
As for the image quality, both Panasonic G100 and GX9 are very similar or identical. They use the same sensor and pixel count as the zoom kit. The standard kit lens is usually 12-32mm or equivalent to 24-64mm, which should be good enough for most applications. You can also get the Lumix 12-60mm OR THE Leica 12-60, which is the high-end option if you invest in the photography side. While they won’t give you the smoothest bokeh, we think both can capture beautiful photos.
The low light performance is also on par with each other and many other micro-four-thirds cameras such as Olympus OM-D E-M1. Shooting in low light is always a challenge for small sensors due to their limited size, but they will work well under decent lighting.
Panasonic G100 and GX9 AF System
Next, we also want to talk about the AF system in Panasonic G100 and GX9. Both cameras still use the contrast base and are not hybrid with phase detection. They should be reliable for most cases but won’t be able to keep up with a hybrid system such as Sony’s AF. The hit rate for continuous AF is decent but not satisfying if you will be taking a lot of moving objects. The GX9 can shoot bursts up to 9fps while the G100 is slightly higher at 10fps.
Panasonic G100 and GX9 for Video
Lastly is for the video performance. Most people may be buying either Panasonic G100 or GX9 for vlogging or streaming. Both cameras can record 4K 30p but note that this resolution is limited to 10 minutes for the G100, while GX9 can record for approximately 70 minutes. The G100 can record fast motion better as it offers 120fps in 1080p mode, while GX9 is stuck at 60p. These cameras also do not provide a 10-bit recording mode if you want to work on the footage professionally.
Like many cameras, the Panasonic G100 and GX9 crop your footage when recording 4K. The GX9 crop is at 1.25x, pretty much the same for G100 and other similar cameras in the collection like G95. We find that this crop is quite extreme for vlogging and may be useless unless you point the lens forward or do not self-film. For self-recording like vlogging, a 1080p should be a better choice. In addition, the autofocus works well on both cameras when tracking the face, even though they are not perfect.
Sometimes the focus seems to stray and cause a smooth picture, especially in handheld mode. Both cameras have a built-in microphone, and G100 has several of them. The G100 has a multi-microphone setup built by Nokia, which tracks from which direction the speaker comes from to produce audio at the same level. You can also add an external microphone, which is not available in GX9.
Panasonic G100 Vs GX9
Both Panasonic G100 and GX9 are good cameras suitable for hybrid users with a focus on video recording. They produce the same image quality when shooting stills and when recording. The AF system is very similar, and the crop is about the same in 4K, but the stabilization is better on GX9. The GX9 also has a more extended 4K recording, while G100 only lets you record 4K for up to 10 minutes. However, the G100 has a better microphone, and you can also add an external mic.
Conclusion
The decision is yours because both cameras are excellent. We recommend the G100 because we can add a gimbal for stabilization and shoot short if we need the 4K. We don’t have an issue with the crop as 1080p also looks impressive. The G100 has a better rear screen and EVF for stills and videos.