Newark, NJ—Panasonic rolled out several products today, led by the Panasonic Lumix G9II digital mirrorless camera. Also introduced were the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35–100mm f/2.8 Power OIS lens; the Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100–400mm f/4.0–6.3 II Asph Power OIS lens; and the DMW-BG1 battery grip.
With a new sensor, the Lumix G9II is also the first camera in the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) Lumix G series to feature Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) technology. The camera’s new AF technology combines Panasonic’s accumulated expertise in recognition technology with PDAF. The camera is meant to support photographers from various fields using a system that utilizes compact, lightweight Lumix G Micro Four Thirds lenses.
“In line with the growing need to produce highly creative artwork and photography using diverse methods, this new model creates high-resolution, high-quality images and rich colors straight out of camera,” Panasonic announced.
Panasonic Lumix G9II Features
The ILC (interchangeable-lens camera) boasts a new 25.2-megapixel Live MOS sensor and processing engine to produce high-res images with rich color tones. Its hybrid (779-point) PDAF technology also enables accurate autofocus and high-speed tracking of fast-moving subjects.
Moreover, it achieves burst shooting at 60 frames per sec in AFC. It also features continuous shooting rates of up to 75 fps when using the electronic shutter or up to 14 fps with the mechanical shutter. All work to ensure that the decisive moment is captured, even with moving subjects. 
Further, Panasonic improved the Lumix image stabilization system. It now combines 8-stop BIS (body image stabilizer), 7.5-stop 5-axis Dual IS 2 tech, as well as advanced Active IS for enhanced video image stabilization. Together, these functions provide greater support for handheld shooting of dynamic scenes that were previously difficult to capture.
What’s more, the new 25.2MP Live MOS sensor enables 13+ stop V-Log/V-Gamut, Dynamic Range Boost. Panasonic also developed the new processing engine to achieve natural, three-dimensional textured images and ensure high-speed processing of high bit-rate video. Furthermore, the camera uses new AI-powered recognition technology developed using deep learning for real-time autofocus recognition. Consequently, the ILC will now recognize cars, motorcycles and animal eyes.
In addition, the compact, lightweight camera boasts a reinforced buffer memory for continuous burst shooting over three seconds. Complementing this is SH pre-burst recording that begins shooting up to 1.5 seconds before the shutter is released. It takes approximately 113 consecutive shots. The camera also has a max sensitivity setting of ISO 25,600. 
To expand creative photography/videography, Panasonic included a Real-Time LUT function that permits personalized color expression through the use of LUT files. And the G9II’s enhanced monochrome mode features newly added Leica monochrome for deep black–white contrasts. Add to this a handheld 100-megapixel high-resolution mode and live view composite mode to expand the range of photographic options.
Video Specs
For multimedia content creators, the Panasonic Lumix G9II offers 4:2:0 10-bit 5.8K (4:3) full sensor recording/5.7K (17:9). This enables flexible framing options for various social media formats. It also provides 4:2:0 10-bit C4K/4K 120p/100p to create slow motion videos. Moreover, V-Log is pre-installed to capture a flat, neutral gamma curve. Additionally, its equivalent 13+ stops of dynamic range provide control of color data in postproduction, as well as seamless editing with footage shot with Panasonic VariCam cameras.
Furthermore, the camera supports Apple ProRes video, which delivers high image quality at low compression. Thus, it reduces the load on the computer during postproduction and allows nonlinear editing without transcoding. This further helps to streamline the workflow from start to finish.
Additional Features
The ILC also features an intuitive layout and 8-directional joystick for selecting the focus area with simple, one-thumb operation; a 3.68M-dot, 0.8x-magnification OLED live viewfinder; a 3-inch, 1.84M-dot, free-angle touchscreen monitor; dual UHS-II SD slots; as well as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with a USB Type-C port and an HDMI Type-A port.
Along with the G9II, Panasonic introduced a new battery grip with an eight-direction joystick. It is compatible with the Lumix G9II as well as the Lumix S5II and S5IIX cameras.
The weather-sealed Panasonic Lumix G9II will reach retail in early November. It will have a suggested retail price of $1,899.99.
