The Panasonic G9 is a micro four thirds camera and the Nikon Zf is a full-frame camera released 4 years after the G9. Although they are from different times and are very different in almost every way, you might be thinking about which camera is better. Read on to find out!
Panasonic G9 vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Panasonic G9 | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | November 2017 | September 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | Venus | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 20.3 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 5184×3888 | 6048×4032 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 17.30 x 13.0 mm (Micro Four Thirds) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 3.34µ | 5.9µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 200.00 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 100-25,600 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 60 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 9 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 60 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | Max FPS only with AFS | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 60 | Over 200 frames |
| Autofocus System | CDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 225.00 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -4.00 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Raw Video | No | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 180 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2.00 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | Micro SD (UHS-I) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.0 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.04 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.83x (0.40x FF equiv.) | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.86 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Micro USB | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLF19 | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 400.00 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | N/A | 380 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 430 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 579.00 g (1.28 lbs.) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 136.9 x 97.3 x 91.6 mm (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.6″) | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)1 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $1699 (Check Current Price) | $2000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Panasonic G9 Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
Right off the bat, the Zf is superior to the G9 in almost every way. It has a full-frame sensor with more dynamic range, and it has much better autofocus compared to the old depth-from-defocus system of the Panasonic G9.
The Panasonic G9 is still fairly competitive in the video arena, though. Although the Zf still has better specs there with a higher recording limit, the G9 is still fairly powerful and can shoot up to 180FPS in 1080P, albeit without sound. The G9 also has some intuitive video controls such as quick exposure compensation, adjustable video zebras, and multiple video stabilization systems including an I.S. Lock feature.
The two cameras have entire different lens ecosystems as well. Because the G9 is micro four thirds, it is more compact both in terms of its body and lenses. Therefore, if you need an excellent video camera at a good price, the G9 is one of the best options, especially if you buy it used.
That being said, as a general-purpose camera, the Zf is a better choice. It’s got great image quality, a great selection of lenses from Nikon, and the price is not to bad either, costing pretty much the same as the G9’s initial MSRP.
What does the Panasonic G9 offer over the Nikon Zf?
- Lighter weight (131g lighter or about 1.2 times lighter)
- Lower price, costing $301 less
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Panasonic G9?
- Superior autofocus
- 1.21 times more megapixels (20.3MP vs 24.5MP)
- A Full Frame sensor, which will provide better low-light performance (about 2.1 stops) than the Micro Four Thirds sensor of the Panasonic G9
- Higher resolution rear display, with about 2.0x more dots, making image review in the field easier
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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