For reasons that I can’t yet share, I was looking at some high ISO RAW files to check the noise levels. Which then started me looking for other RAW file examples. And that’s when I ended up checking the quality of the RAW files from a Panasonic G9 micro 43 camera.
The RAW files I was looking at were samples downloaded from one of the popular photography websites shot with the Panasonic 12-60 lens. What struck me was how much quality was in the RAW files. I was easily able to zoom to 400% magnification and still make out clear detail. I hate to say it but when I try the same thing with an image from my Fuji XT3, the detail seems to fall apart in comparison.
I know that I shouldn’t pixel peep but once I’ve seen something like this it just keeps nagging at me. As much as I love using the Fuji and like the results, I have been considering a second camera system and this seems to reinforce my thinking. I should also point out that I’m still keeping the Fuji as it’s just too useful.
What I don’t yet know is what system I should try. Having seen the results from the Panasonic G9 it’s now a contender and I still have some micro 43 lenses I could use with it.
My other alternative is a used Sony A7R MkII or even MkIII. I’ve had the A7R MkI and liked the results, but the camera had some limitations with the shutter. I also used it with Canon lenses on an Adapter which wasn’t ideal and left the camera unbalanced.
Whatever I decide, I need to keep the cost and weight down and it must be mirrorless. Any suggestions?
Exposure X6 Launches
The other news this week is that Exposure X6 launched and I’ve purchased the upgrade. Is it worth the price of upgrading from Exposure X5? I’m undecided but this is a great product. In terms of photo library management, it has all the features you will find in Lightroom and in terms of editing it’s far more capable.
If you would like to see me put Exposure X6 through its paces you can watch my latest video on YouTube. This isn’t a product review but shows the editing of the main image for this post.
I hope you like the image and video and have a great weekend.
The Lightweight Photographer 
Robin, despite the turmoil (if that is the right word) going on with Olympus, you should definitely take a look at their cameras. I am in the US, and at the NY Photo Show last October I was blown away with their offerings. Amazing cameras. Have not bought one myself (Canon user) because I am not sure if I need it, and my Canon system is extensive, used for architecture and interiors, always on a tripod. Someday though, when I have more free time and retired (!?!) a small mirrorless….
Hello – I have a G9. Most of the time it has a Panasonic 12-35 f2.8 on it and that is backed up by 35-100 f2.8 and the 100-400. Until a year ago, most images were just passed through a DxO preset I created and onto Photoshop CS6 (never got into subscription) for a little bit of colour management – now I do the whole lot in ON1. Until recently, for obvious reasons, I shot high desert, mountain landscapes, seascapes primarily on the west coast USA – seascapes, rivers/waterfalls and landscapes here in the UK – long way of getting to what I perceive as being the real strength of the Panasonic combo – water / heat / vapour / dust resistant. Lightweight helps too !
Hi Robin – for excellent quality go for the EM1mkIII; for very similar features, but with good offers at present, look at the EM1mkII or EM1X, with the former being the smaller of the two if size is crucial. I seem to remember you were an Olympus man once – you won’t regret returning and the latest info regarding their future looks encouraging
I’m pleased with the G9X, quite modestly priced
The Olympus EM1 Mark ii and a free f1.2 17mm,25mm or 45mm seems like a good deal.
I use two GX80 and I am very pleased with the results. It is the cheapest camera made by Panasonic. In my professional career I used several Fuji and Nikon cameras, but haven’t been as pleased as with this Panny. A cheap camera with just an aperture and a manual setting and an exposure compensation is just all I need. The GX80 does have both these settings, so it fullfills all my needs. An higher pixelcount is not needed, as I made lovely 60×90 prints with a 6mpx Fuji (one of them is for 17 years still on my wall), so 16 mpx is more than sufficient for me.
Please rent a Panasonic camera and let us know how you like the results 🙂 I have a Sony A7RII and LOVE it. I do only still photography, mostly on a tripod, and use only manual focus lenses, so I don’t miss the improvements of the more recent versions (plus, it’s a bargain at current pricing).
i have the GX9 and GX85 with the Leica 12-60 on one and the Leica 8-18 on the other. Both are great,but the GX9 is a particular joy to use. The IQ is excellent on both and noise is hard to find. I also have the X-T3 with the 16-80 and 10-25. I just got it and am not yet sure I’m any better off with the Fuji than the GX9. Certainly the Pany with the dual OIS is fabulous for portable handheld use. My 13×19 prints more than satisfy me.
I wonder if it is the G9 sensor that is better than the Fujis, the internal software of the G9 or the M4 / 3 sensor in general?
The Sony are full frame and therefore lenses are full frame ..expensive and heavy ?
I’m like you …all about the weight . I broke my PANASONIC GX7 and went with Fuji XT3 when it was released . Love the controls / layout etc . Low light performance ..not great . Lenses …well I started with 18-55 ..but moved on to 16-55 2.8 ..much heavier ..no stabilisation, 55-200 , 10-24. However …wanting to go back to 4/3 because of weight issue …I, am torn between Olympus and Panasonic .
Another vote for the om1 mkii or iii. Very good deals on the ii from Olympus.
Hi Robin
You are lightweight photographer and at the same time you look for better file quality. Did you look at Hasselblad X1D? I am not into exact grams and dimensions, but although I am nearing my 70ies, I do not find it too heavy or too large.
The body is lightweight, lenses are not much larger (if any) than e.g. Nikon S line. The body has roughly the same dimensions like Nikon Z7 (smaller than D850!). I am very happy with the larger format and overall file quality. Especially, colors are beautiful.
I know, Hasselblad seems to be very expensive, but one gets a lot for the money. I was lucky to buy mine second hand in mint condition. I carry the body and 3 lenses (primes) in my old Think Tank Retrospective 10 shoulder bag. It is the same bag I usually carry Nikon Z7 or D850, D850 being very tight, more so than X1D…
One important aspect for me at least is, not to change brands if possible/very often. I need some time to get used to a camera, until I am really one with it. After/ in spite of decades with Nikon, I found the UI of Hasselblad intuitive and very easy for me and after only a walk or two I am able to handle it without hesitations.
Take care and stay healthy!
I have been a long time Nikon user having two D810 cameras and are very satisfied with the results from the raw images. When the USA & USSR went to the moon they chose NIkon cameras to take with them, that is good enough for me.
Best Wishes John.
Robin,
As I recall, at one time you seemed to enjoy the Panasonic LX5/7 and the GX1. I suggest you take a look at the latest incarnation of the GX series, the 20MP GX9. If you can accept the smaller MFT sensor, the camera abounds in features well suited for the type of landscape work you have been doing. I particularly like the tilting screen and the tilting EVF. Put the Panasonic/Leica glass on it and enjoy convenient hand held shooting steadied by the very effective dual stabilization. Add the inherent increased depth of field of the smaller sensor and enjoy sharpness from here to there. Oh yes, and it’s light weight.