Zario Loc: sacramento, CA

Thanks for the heads up.

Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills

I have been working with Mike’s for years, and they are very reputable. Their staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. They also seem to have low turnover, which tells you something about their internal operations and culture.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Panasonic's GH5 and GH5s are their most video-centric cameras. But the G9 is their finest Micro 4/3 *stills* camera, deliberately designed to be a direct competitor to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II.

Each of these cameras has its niche. There are unique features in each. Raw files from them are nearly impossible to distinguish. JPEGs are very similar, but of course, every manufacturer has a slightly different JPEG processing scheme. The G9 is Panasonic's best effort at JPEG processing. But if you record raw files, that is a moot point.

I find that Panasonic Micro 4/3 cameras are much easier to handle, with better controls, better feel-in-hand, and easier-to-navigate menus. The G9 is made for ease of handling by professionals. The grip is probably the best of ANY camera I've ever grabbed. Only one control seems out of place on the G9, because it falls under my thumb. But you learn to move your thumb, because everything else is where you need it. If it isn't, the camera is fully customizable.

Zario Loc: sacramento, CA

Thanks. I agree. Been visiting Action Camera in Roseville. Good folks. Local ownership.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

If the em1ii is in good shape and the shutter count is semi decent, that's an excellent price. As for the lens, I often see the 12-40 in great shape going for that price...that don't include lens scratches.

Zario Loc: sacramento, CA

Yeah. Thanks. The scratches scare me. I am leaning towards the em5ll with a 24-150 mm for about $1k. Seems like a good start.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

One option would be to take a memory card to the store and shoot a variety of images. If you have a laptop with your post processing software, take it in as well and download the images and look at them on the laptop. Do the results meet you expectations.

I have two EM1 MK II's and think they are terrific cameras. The prices seem very reasonable if they perform as desired.

papaluv4gd Loc: durham,ct

I have a couple of e-m1's. first gen. There are some out there that badmouth the size of the sensors. But I have yet to be dissapointed in the results I get. The markii version is light years beyond what I have. will be upgrading at some point. But the ones that i have are truly remarkable cameras. The mark ii is a quantum leap from what I have. For that asking price, i would jump on that 2nd gen.body. Go onto ebay, and surf for a more compatible lens. I've gotten some excellent deals on ebay. just do some homework as to the sellers ratings, and you should be in good shape. I've yet to have a bad experience with buying used. good luck.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

I am sure you would be pleased with camera and lens. I have no knowledge of dealer.

EagleEye

A Lumix GX85 with a 12-32 & 40-150 could also be a good place to start, for $500 at the moment. I own an OM-D E-M1 Mk II, but think the GX85 is a lot of camera for that price, and it has many good reviews.

Zario Loc: sacramento, CA

Ravi that is quite a thorough review of the Panasonic Lumix G9 vs Olympus Mkll. Most of it was over my head. I'm not a tech giant. But it was impressive in its scope. It would be hard to go wrong with either camera. At this point both are out of my price range and skill level.
I'm having enough challenge reading the book suggested by another UHHer -
"Mastering the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Markll" by Darrell Young- which is what I will probably buy.
I appreciate you referring me to the link. Thank you

Ravi Neelakantan

Yes...The Lumix GX85 is indeed one of the best deals for the price and features...It has the same Depth from Defocus (DFD) contrast Focus system as the later generation of cameras in the Lumix brand including the G9...and I bought it in 2017 from B&H ...I also checked the Olympus Em10 and EM5 and found them too tiny to hold and handle...besides the GX85 had 4k video and a host of other features associated with that like post focus that the Olympus cameras did not have...The Menu system of the Lumix is easier to navigate and the Picture quality is also top notch...I am quite interested in Birding and the GX85 paired with the Lumix 100-300 mm performs quite well in getting sharp images.

I have been thinking of getting a G9 with a Lumix 100-400mm lens...this would provide a longer range besides freeing the GX85 for wide angle shoot without having to keep changing lenses ...I have felt the need for a second body as that would offer flexibility of switching quickly to a wide angle or super telephoto as needed.

Ravi Neelakantan

Nice Sir...Yes,the Olympus cameras have a solid reputation...Wishing you many happy moments with your choice.