Panasonic silently updated its camera in the past due to the display screen supply line production issue (see here). Again, they faced the same problem with the G90 camera, so this time they had to make a bit more significant update and re-launch it as a brand-new camera.
So this time, they have not only updated the screen but also upscaled all possible core specifications. Possible for that particular price range with the available resources.
The first major update you will notice this time is the display screen, which is now 1.84 Million dots, The resolution of the screen is somewhere around 1.4 million dots. The electronic viewfinder of the camera remains the same with 2.36 million dot resolution, which is quite reasonable within the price range.
The sensor and image processor of the camera remain the same, but we do have some minor updates all over the body. So let’s discuss that.
We have Single card slots, which are compatible with UHS-II cards, a headphone port, a micro-HDMI port, and a USB-C port, and with that port, you can now also charge your battery.
The menu system has been slightly upscaled to make it better. Now it looks very similar to the new S5 II and S5 IIX cameras.
Unfortunately, we are getting the same 20-megapixel sensor of the G90 or G95 camera with the DFD autofocusing system, which clearly means the autofocus will be slow and will include a lot of focus hunting in low-light situations. Thanks to the new image sensors of Panasonic introduced in the Panasonic GH7 camera, which now has 25-megapixel resolution and hybrid autofocusing points. The same technology exists in the full-frame S5 II and S5 IIX cameras, which now use a hybrid phase-detection autofocus sensor of 24MP resolution.
So, that’s a very welcome upgrade Panasonic has done recently with their new range of cameras, but the older series with DFD autofocusing systems remains in its place.
Let’s talk about the video recording capability of the camera. With the recently announced Panasonic G97, you can record 4K videos up to 30 frames per second and Full HD videos up to 120 frames per second.
The best thing about the Panasonic G97 camera is the built-in 5-stop image stabilization system, which is very, very effective while shooting video on the go. It manages the camera shake that most professional cameras are not able to handle even with their 7-8 stops of IBIS.
But again, the issue with the 4K recording is a 1.25x crop, even at 4K 30 frames per second. So, if you are using a 16mm lens, the resulting output will be somewhere around 20mm. If you want to create vlogs with the camera, you have to buy a lens like a 9mm F1.7 aperture lens, which is also not too expensive and can be used for day-to-day vlogging purposes.
Other upgrades include Bluetooth, which has been upscaled to 5.0 from 4.2, and with the help of the upscaled Bluetooth chip, you can now synchronize your camera with the Lumix Sync app. With the help of the app, you can try new LUTs as well as transfer your images seamlessly on the go.
More or less, it was the need of the time to refresh the display screen of the camera due to production line issues coming out from the display makers. But Panasonic made a smart move to update the overall core specifications of the camera and made it slightly more usable for today’s generation at a budget price range.
Panasonic G97 Major Features
- 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
- Venus Engine Processor
- New USB-C Power and Data Connectivity
- Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy (LE)
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity
- UHD 4K Video Recording at 30p (8-bit 4:2:0)
- External UHD 4K Recording via micro-HDMI (4:2:2 8-bit)
- Pre-Installed V-Log L for Flat Gamma Recording
- Slow Motion Video Recording at 60 fps in Full HD
- 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization
- Dual I.S. 2 with Compatible Lenses (Up to 5 Stops)
- 3.0″ 1.84m-Dot OLED Rear Touchscreen (Free-Angle Tilt and Swivel)
- 0.74x 2.36m-Dot OLED Live Viewfinder (LVF)
- Advanced DFD (Depth-From-Defocus) Autofocus System
- 49-Area Autofocus with Face/Eye Detection
- ISO Sensitivity up to ISO 25600
- Continuous Shooting at 9 fps (AF-S) and 6 fps (AF-C)
- 4K PHOTO Modes: Burst, Pre-Burst, and Burst (S/S)
- Magnesium Alloy Body with Splash and Dust Resistance
Additional Features:
- Battery Life: Approx. 290 shots (Standard) or 1,050 shots (Power Save LVF Mode)
- Focus Peaking and Touch MF Assist (20x Magnification)
- Electronic Shutter: Up to 1/16,000 sec
- Mechanical Shutter: Up to 1/4000 sec
- Live View Composite Recording
- Photo Style Modes (e.g., Vivid, Monochrome, Cinelike D)
- Filter Modes (e.g., Retro, High Key, Cross Process)
Comparison Table: Panasonic G97 vs G95
| Features | Panasonic G97 | Panasonic G95 | Differences Highlighted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 130.4 x 93.5 x 77.4 mm | 130.4 x 94.3 x 77.1 mm | G97 is slightly shorter in height (-0.8 mm). |
| Weight (Body Only) | 478 g | 536 g | G97 is 58 g lighter. |
| Material | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy | No difference. |
| Monitor | 3.0” OLED, 1.84M dots, Articulating | 3.0” OLED, 1.24M dots, Articulating | G97 has a higher-resolution display. |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots, OLED | 2.36M dots, OLED | No difference. |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.74x | 0.74x | No difference. |
| Ports | Micro-HDMI, USB-C, Headphone, Mic | Micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, Headphone, Mic | G97 upgraded to USB-C. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 | G97 has Bluetooth 5.0 (faster sync). |
| Battery Life | Approx. 290 shots | Approx. 290 shots | No difference. |
| Photography Features | |||
| Sensor | 20.3 MP (4/3” MOS) | 20.3 MP (4/3” MOS) | Same sensor resolution. |
| ISO Range (Photo) | 200–25,600 (Ext: 100–25,600) | 200–25,600 (Ext: 100–25,600) | No difference. |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis Sensor-Shift IS | 5-axis Sensor-Shift IS | No difference. |
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps (30 RAW, 600 JPEG) | 9 fps (30 RAW, unlimited JPEGs) | G95 has unlimited JPEG buffer. |
| Metering Range | 0–18 EV | 0–18 EV | No difference. |
| White Balance | Auto, Presets, Custom | Auto, Presets, Custom | No difference. |
| Aspect Ratios | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 | No difference. |
| Videography Features | |||
| Internal Recording | 4K @ 30/24 fps (UHD, 100 Mbps) | 4K @ 30/24 fps (UHD, 100 Mbps) | No difference. |
| 1080p Recording | 60/30 fps (20–28 Mbps) | 60/30 fps (20–28 Mbps) | No difference. |
| Slow Motion | 1080p @ 120 fps | 1080p @ 120 fps | No difference. |
| Crop Factor (4K) | 1.25x | 1.25x | No difference. |
| External Recording | DCI 4K via Micro-HDMI | 4K UHD via Micro-HDMI | G97 offers DCI 4K output. |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit | No difference. |
| Built-in Microphone | Stereo | Stereo | No difference. |
| Audio Ports | Mic + Headphone | Mic + Headphone | No difference. |
| Bluetooth and Wi-Fi | BT 5.0, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | BT 4.2, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) | G97 has Bluetooth 5.0. |
| Image Sync App | Yes (Lumix Sync) | Yes (Lumix Sync) | No difference. |
Panasonic G97 Press Release
Panasonic Announces Two New Cameras:
Compact Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G97 and Pocket-Sized Travel Zoom LUMIX ZS99
Newark, N.J. (December 16, 2024) – Panasonic is pleased to introduce two new cameras to its LUMIX lineup: the Micro Four Thirds G97 and Travel Zoom ZS99.
The new LUMIX G97 and ZS99 offer a wide range of updated photo and video features to bring excellent image quality and usability to enthusiasts, photographers, and videographers alike.
LUMIX continues to develop its lineup to satisfy the needs of a wide range of creators and continually deliver value, innovation, and reliability to its customers.
LUMIX ZS99: New Pocket-sized Travel 30x Zoom Camera
Compact and feature-packed, the LUMIX ZS99 travel zoom camera is perfect for capturing life’s adventures.
Powerful 30x zoom in a pocket-sized body
Equipped with a 24-720mm LEICA DC lens*1, the LUMIX ZS99 offers 30x optical zoom and up to 60x with iZoom so that you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intricate details with stunning clarity.
With in-built 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S.+, you can enjoy high-quality videos even at full zoom.
Unmissable Moments in 4K
Record high-quality 4K video at 30p or capture quick bursts of 4K PHOTO at 30fps to ensure you never miss a moment. Additionally, its ability to capture HD high-speed video at 120fps adds creative flexibility for slow-motion shots.
Packed with travel-ready features
A tiltable 1,840k-dot touchscreen makes creative angles easy, while USB Type-C charging ensures you’re always powered up on the go.
Easy image sharing
Connect instantly with built-in Bluetooth® v5.0*2 and Wi-Fi, plus a dedicated Send Image button for seamless transfers to your smartphone.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX ZS99 will be available in black (DC-ZS99E-K) and silver (DC-ZS99E-S) in mid-February 2025 for $499.99 at valued channel partners.
*1 35mm camera equivalent.
*2 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Panasonic Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.
LUMIX G97: New Compact Hybrid Micro Four Thirds Camera
The new LUMIX G97 camera balances high performance and simplicity, giving creators the tools to elevate their photography and video skills.
Superb picture quality
The 20.3MP CMOS sensor, combined with the high-performance Image processor, delivers superb image quality with vibrant colors and sharp details.
Equipped with LUMIX Photo Style feature, users can fine-tune their images with a variety of color effect options, ensuring every shot matches your creative vision.
The Live View Composite feature is also included, providing the ability to combines multiple exposures in real time to create stunning light trails, star trails, or illuminated scenes without overexposing the background.
Smooth performance
The LUMIX G97’s 5-stop 5-axis Dual I.S.2*1 system ensures unrivalled stability, so your photos and videos remain sharp even in challenging conditions.
With 4K PHOTO capabilities, you can capture bursts of high-resolution photos at 30fps, ensuring you never miss a fleeting moment. The perfect shot from burst footage makes this feature ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous scenes.
Versatile video features
Record in crisp 4K at 30p with no time limitations*2, experiment with slow-motion (max.4x) or quick-motion (max.8x) in FHD, and create cinematic content with 12-stops of V-Log L. Dedicated headphone and microphone jacks ensure total audio control while recording.
Intuitive operation and reliable design
With a 1,840k-dot free-angle LCD and 2,360k-dot OLED Live View Finder*3, the LUMIX G97 makes it easy to frame and focus your shots accurately, even in bright conditions.
The durable dust/splash-resistant*4 construction is ideal for everyday creators looking for a camera that can reliably handle a variety of situations.
Built-in Bluetooth® v5.0 and Wi-Fi make sharing and remote control effortless, while USB Type-C charging adds convenience.
Price and availability
The new LUMIX G97 will be available in late February 2025 for $849.99 for a 12-60mm lens kit (DC-G97MK) at valued channel partners.
According to the latest rumors we have, the upcoming entry-level full-frame MIRRORLESS camera from Lumix COMING SOON will have the same 24.2 MP Hybrid CMOS AF sensor as we have seen in the Panasonic Lumix SS5 and S5 IIX cameras.
