Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90-G91) Review

With the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 in the European Union and Britain, and G91 in Germany), Panasonic polishes up its mirrorless middle class.

The successor model to the G81, which like the G70 will remain on the market, now has a 20-megapixel micro-four-thirds sensor and focuses more on video functions, making it even more of a photo/video hybrid camera than its predecessor. However, the improved operation with more direct dialing buttons or Bluetooth and a USB charging and power function will also benefit those who are primarily interested in photography.

Panasonic Lumix G95 Pros And Cons

Pros

• Extensive equipment with complex individualization options
• Robust housing with dust and splash water protection
• Fast autofocus
• Good dynamic range up to high ISO
• Very good video function

Cons

• 12-60mm set lens qualitatively rather less good
• Unsealed, rattling memory card compartment
• Restrained image processing ensures soft JPEG images

At first glance, the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) looks like a miniaturized SLR. With improved ergonomics as well as new photo and video functions, the new Panasonic Lumix DC-G91 aims to score points over its predecessor. [Photo: Panasonic]

With the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91), they recently renewed its mirrorless middle class.

It comes with a 20-megapixel sensor and improved video functions. “Well-known” features like the 5-axis image stabilizer and the splash-proof housing are also included.

The new mid-range model of the G Series promises improved operability, higher image quality, and new features. In this test, we determined what the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) can and cannot deliver.

The new Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) retains the strengths of the previous model: For example, the robust (the front of the housing is made of a die-cast magnesium alloy), compact housing protected against dust and splashing water with the ergonomic handle and the flexibly rotatable and tiltable OLED touch screen, which has a resolution of 1.04 million pixels at a diagonal of 7.6 centimeters.

Even with the electronic video viewfinder (EVF) everything remains the same: At 2.36 million pixels, the resolution of the OLED is no longer “state of the art”, but it is sufficient and the 0.74x magnification in 35 mm equivalent is still impressive.

Thanks to the eye sensor, the viewfinder activates automatically as soon as you look at it. The touchscreen remains active in a dark state for the practical touchpad AF function.

In contrast to the G81, the G95, which is also referred to as the G90 or G91 in other countries, finally uses the 20 megapixel live MOS sensor without a resolution-reducing low-pass filter, which is movably mounted for image stabilization, just like its predecessor model.

Five movements can compensate for longer exposure times for up to five f-stops: Displacement and pivoting both horizontally and vertically as well as rotational movements as a fifth axis. If a compatible Panasonic lens (all currently sold) with an image stabilizer is used, the two stabilizer systems work together as a dual-IS to further improve the effectiveness, especially in the telephoto range from about 100 millimeters 35 mm equivalent.

While the maximum effectiveness of five f-stops is maintained, the amount of camera shake that can be compensated is greater.

The 20-megapixel resolution live MOS sensor of the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) does not require a resolution-reducing low-pass filter. The bayonet of the Lumix G95 is made of metal, as usual in this camera series. [Photo: Panasonic]

When it comes to autofocus, Panasonic continues to rely on its DFD system, which is based on a contrast autofocus, but with the rapid analysis of two differently focused images, it can predict the focal point based on the lens characteristics.

This should enable the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) to focus within 0.07 seconds. The nine frames per second fast continuous shooting rate is nevertheless reduced to six frames per second when refocusing is required.

In addition, the autofocus has a face and eye recognition, can be controlled over 49 fields or optionally placed on the smallest details of the subject and can follow them in tracking mode. If you like to focus manually, you can not only use a focus magnifier but also a focus peaking function for color highlighting high-contrast (and thus in-focus) subject details.

The 4K video function is even more prominent in the new Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) than in the previous model. Thus, despite the fact that customs duties on camcorders have not yet completely disappeared, there is no longer a time limit on video recording in the European Union.

In addition, pre-installed V-Log L for a wider dynamic range for color representation in post-production and a headphone jack for sound control of the audio signal (recorded by an internal or external stereo microphone) have been added.

The maximum frame rate for 4K video (3,840×2,160 pixels) is 30 frames per second, in Full HD 60 frames per second for smooth motion and up to 120 frames per second for maximum 4x slow motion (at 30 frames per second playback speed), but 90 or 60 frames per second for triple or double slow motion can also be set.

Recording is always in MP4 format. The HDMI connector allows the video signal to be output in 4:2:2 8 bit for external recording.

The display on the back can be rotated and swiveled and has a very precise touch function. The 2.36 million pixel OLED viewfinder, which has a 0.74x magnification in 35 mm equivalent, and the movable OLED touch screen are taken over 1:1 from the predecessor model G81 by Panasonic Lumix DC-G9. [Photo: Panasonic]

Photographers also benefit from the possibilities offered by 4K recording. The 4K photo function now detects changes in the image content and marks them so that you can quickly identify and extract the interesting images from the video sequence afterwards.

If desired, the camera will also move through the focus range of the subject during a 4K photo shoot, so that the focus point can be easily shifted afterwards or extended by stacking.

There is also the possibility to create so-called “Stromotion” images. Movement sequences from many individual images are combined into a single overall image.

In general, the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) offers all photographers a wide range of shooting options. Be it semi-automatic or manual exposure for creative photographers or even fully automatic with subject recognition or selectable subject programs. The ubiquitous filter functions are not missing either, if the photographer wants to unfold his creativity here.

In addition, thanks to WLAN and Bluetooth, the pictures taken can be easily shared with others using a smart device. Camera remote control via app is also possible.

Thanks to Bluetooth, the Panasonic Lumix G95 (Lumix G90 – G91) can also tap into the smartphone’s geodata to save location data directly into the EXIF data of the images as they are taken. Of course, the images can also be backed up to the computer via WLAN once this function has been set up.

 

New buttons on the top of the camera for faster access to key functions such as exposure, ISO and white balance are designed to improve the ergonomics of the Panasonic Lumix G95. The top view shows the various, easily accessible controls and the two-mode rotary switches. [Photo: Panasonic]

A redesigned handle and new buttons for faster access to key functions on the top of the camera (exposure, ISO and white balance) are designed to improve ergonomics.

Nevertheless, the G91 is compatible with the G81’s portrait format battery, the DMW-BGG1. According to the CIPA standard, the G91’s lithium-ion battery only lasts for 290 shots, but with the special energy-saving function of the Panasonic Lumix G95 it should be able to take up to 900 shots – with battery access, these values can be doubled again.

New is the possibility to charge the battery via Micro-USB in the camera. Even continuous power supply via USB is possible, which extends the possibilities of using the interval recording function as well as the new live composite function, for example, if you take a power bank with you and use it to power the camera.

Live Composite is probably best known to Olympus photographers: With this function, the camera repeats an exposure as often as desired, but only adds the brighter parts of the image to the previous image. The result is a trace of light, for example from wandering stars or vehicle lights, without overexposing the background in long exposures. The current exposure status can be followed live on the screen. This function is also suitable for fireworks shots or creative ideas when playing with light and shadow.

Since June 2019, the Panasonic G951 is available without lens at a price of almost 1,000 dollars. Panasonic offers sets with the 12-60mm standard zoom shown here and the new splash-proof 14-140mm super zoom. [Photo: Panasonic]

Ergonomics and Workmanship

In terms of appearance, the Panasonic Lumix G95 (on other markets also G90 or G91) has the look of a miniaturized DSLR. With a weight of about 530 grams without and about 750 grams with the 12-60 mm set lens, the camera is neither particularly light nor particularly heavy. The dimensions of the housing do not exceed extreme limits either. The Panasonic Lumix G95 measures approximately 13 x 9.3 x 7.7 centimetres (W x H x D) and is thus slightly larger than its predecessor, the G81. The housing of the Panasonic Lumix G95 consists partly of a magnesium alloy. But the photographer only notices this on the front side of the camera base. The rest of the camera is equipped with attachments made of plastic or a grained rubber coating.

The rubber coating with its grip provides excellent support for the moulded handle and offers the photographer a pleasantly secure feeling. The thumb recess on the back of the G91 is very well formed, also rubberized and represents the “opposite pole” to the handle. This completes the good grip of the camera.

Like its predecessor, the Panasonic Lumix G95’s SD-format memory card (SDHC, SDXC, UHS-1, UHS-2) does not have to share a flat with the battery, as the memory card compartment is located on the right side of the camera, directly on the handle, and not on the bottom like the battery compartment.

Photographers with larger hands, who are bothered by the fact that their little finger cannot find its place on the handle, can get the optional battery handle (DMW-BGG1). In addition to more room for large hands, the battery grip also improves the camera’s grip in portrait mode and even offers an additional shutter release. In addition, the DMW-BGG1 battery handle adds another battery, doubling the range when shooting and filming.

The Panasonic Lumix G95 draws the energy required for operation from a lithium-ion battery (DMW-BLC12E) with 7.2 volts and 1,200 mAh. The battery can be charged via the micro-USB interface.

In addition, the camera comes with a charging cradle (DMW-BTC12), which is also supplied with power via a micro-USB interface. According to Panasonic, one battery charge should provide enough energy to take 290 photos (according to CIPA standard test procedures).

On the left side of the camera, all connections are located under a soft plastic cover. In addition to the USB micro interface, the photographer also has an HDMI micro interface at his disposal.

The camera can also be supplied with continuous power via the micro USB socket. The battery must remain inserted, but will only be charged when the camera is turned off. Right next to it are the jack plug connections for headphones (3.5 millimeters) and for the optional DMW-RS2 cable remote release (2.5 millimeters). Above the interface terminal is a separately covered 3.5-millimeter jack socket for connecting external stereo microphones.

The placement of the Panasonic Lumix G95’s controls is exemplary and follows the pattern that Panasonic also uses, for example, in the FZ1000 II bridge camera. The index finger of the right hand takes care of the shutter release (photo and video), the three buttons in between and the rotary wheel on the photo release. The thumb of the right hand is in control of the rear dial and the focus mode selector while shooting.

The turning wheels to change the camera mode or the “image transport mode” are located on the top of the Panasonic Lumix G95. Both mode switches are nice and tight so that an accidental adjustment of the setting is rather unlikely. The setting wheel on the shutter release and also the thumbwheel run pleasantly smooth, but the knurling on both wheels is quite sharp.

The dust and splash protection that the Panasonic Lumix G95 and the 12-60 mm 3.5-5.6 set lens have, is rather unusual for this camera class. For this purpose, the Panasonic Lumix G95 has a visible seal in the battery door. The connections are protected by the soft covers already mentioned. Only the flap of the memory card compartment relies on a sealless protection, which could possibly become a problem in case of continuous rain. At least when the camera is not held in the hand.

When the camera is in your hand, the memory card compartment door is shielded from environmental influences by the palm of your hand. To prevent water from penetrating through the lens bayonet, Panasonic uses a rubber lip on the lens bayonet to protect it from splashing water and dust. However, the Panasonic Lumix G95 also does not provide a protection class.

The 7.5-centimeter OLED touch screen on the back of the Panasonic Lumix G95 has 1.04 million pixels, can be swiveled sideways by 180 degrees and rotated by up to 270 degrees. This makes it easy to view from practically all shooting angles and from selfies.

Also based on OLED technology is the electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million pixels. It enlarges 0.74 times in 35 mm equivalent and thus offers a good overview of the subject. With some limitations, it is also suitable for wearers of glasses. The viewfinder can also be adjusted for slight visual defects thanks to a diopter compensation.

The resolutions of the display and viewfinder are okay, but technically more would have been possible.

Thanks to an eye sensor, the camera can automatically switch between display and viewfinder. The sensor area is also pleasantly narrow, thanks to the fixed eyecup. This reduces the risk of accidental switching. The sensor can also be completely deactivated. When the electronic viewfinder is active, the display is disabled, but can still be used as a touchscreen to move the autofocus point if desired.

With freely assignable function keys, the photographer can optimally configure the Panasonic Lumix G95 for his or her own working method(s). Six physical and five virtual (display) function keys are available for this purpose, which can be assigned different functions by the photographer.

A total of two complete configurations can be stored and recalled using the mode dial. In addition, the camera has a Favorites menu in which the photographer can save all menu items that are important to him.

Equipment And Features

The Panasonic Lumix G95 is equipped with everything an ambitious photographer could possibly need.

However, beginners need not be afraid of the range of functions. The camera can independently decide which shooting and image processing settings to apply thanks to a scene auto function.

If the photographer wants to have a little more influence on the picture, he can choose one of the 25 different scene mode programs available. Among them are programs for portraits, landscapes, sunsets or night shots. But also some creative effects like black and white shots and the panning panorama function are hidden here.

The well manufactured housing of the Panasonic Lumix G95 has a dust and splash water protection. [Photo: Panasonic]

More experimental photographers can choose from an automatic shutter speed and aperture control as well as the manual mode (A, S, M).

Somewhat hidden in the menus are sequential shooting functions for white balance, aperture, focus, and exposure. The latter allows a maximum of seven shots, each with one f-stop distance.

These recordings can then be merged into HDR recordings using external software. Those who do not want to do the image processing on the computer can fall back on the integrated HDR mode. If the shots are to be taken by hand, the camera can also align them automatically.

Thanks to Instagram, creative filters still enjoy great popularity, at least if the images are to be transferred immediately to a social network or if the photographer does not feel like editing the images creatively on the computer. The Panasonic Lumix G95 even has its own position on the mode dial for this. When shooting, the photographer can then rely on the automatic after one of the twenty two effects has been selected and personalized. For example, the “Star filter” effect allows you to adjust the number of light beams as well as their size and angle. Whether such functions are really necessary for the ambitious photographer or pure gimmick, everyone has to decide for himself.

The author of this review had at least a lot of fun with the fine-tuning of the effects. By the way, even the semi-automatic and manual modes can use the effects. All you need to do is tap on an icon on the right-hand side of the touchscreen and the effect can be activated and customized.

The tripod thread is on the one hand in the optical axis and on the other hand far enough away from the battery compartment door in order to be able to change the battery while the camera is mounted on a tripod and/or a quick-release plate. [Photo: Panasonic]

The Panasonic Lumix G95 has a five-axis IBIS (In Body Image Stabilizer), i.e. an internal image stabilizer that stabilizes the image over five measured axes.

In addition, the camera can combine image stabilizers in lenses with the IBIS for improved stabilization. A prerequisite for this is that current Panasonic lenses with a built-in stabilizer are used. Lenses from other manufacturers or old adapted analog lenses are “only” stabilized with the IBIS.

The 12-60 mm 3.5-5.6 asph. OIS kit lens supports dual image stabilization and we could not detect blur up to 1/8 second at 60 mm focal length (120 mm 35 mm equivalent). That is four f-stops difference to the safe shutter speed of 1/120 second.

The Panasonic Lumix G95 was convincing in terms of continuous shooting speed. It achieved a continuous frame rate of about 8.9 frames per second for JPEG recordings. For images in raw data format, the rate was even 9.1 frames per second.

On the other hand, the buffer memory ran out of air after 33 shots of raw data and the camera started to record at an irregular, very slow frequency. With JPEG recordings, however, the camera seemed to be running a marathon, because even after 460 pictures, it made no attempt to slow down the frame rate. Despite the fast DFD autofocus system, the camera achieves only six frames per second with continuous focusing.

With a shutter release delay with autofocus of 0.13 seconds and a pure shutter release delay of 0.07 seconds, the Panasonic Lumix G95 is quite lively in single autofocus. For those who prefer to focus manually, there are aids such as a focus magnifier and also focus peaking.

The Panasonic Lumix G95 takes the 4K photo function, which is now standard at Panasonic, at 30 frames per second. The images have a size of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which corresponds to 8.3 megapixels.

The aspect ratio of the images in this mode can also be selected (16:9, 4:3, 3:2 and 1:1). Technically, this is achieved by recording a 4K video, in which the individual images are then simply saved. Another classic 4K photo function is the post-focus.

Here the camera takes a series of pictures of a subject and the photographer can subsequently set the focus point. Based on the latter function, focus stacking works. Again, a focus bracket is created from the subject, but instead of selecting the focus point, the camera offsets the focused areas to extend the focus range.

The photographer can even decide whether the entire area should be in focus or only a specific area. Especially macro photography benefits enormously from this technique.

The easy-grip handle is home to the unsealed memory card compartment. [Photo: Panasonic]

Among the new features of the Panasonic Lumix G95 is the live composite function, which Olympus photographers have been familiar with for some time. With this, you can create impressive night shots without outshined and “burned out” areas. All the photographer has to do is to set up the camera securely to prevent camera shake.

The integrated flash of the Panasonic Lumix G95 must be moved with a small mechanical slide to fold out. Then, functions such as long-term synchronization and synchronization to the second curtain are available to the photographer.

However, high-speed synchronization is only possible with an attached or unleashed controlled system flash. Flash exposure compensation (+/- 3EV) allows adjustments to be made in auto mode.

But if you want, you can also control the flash unit completely manually. Power levels from 1/1 to 1/128 are available for this purpose.

In addition, the built-in flash can be used as a control flash for wireless flash. Four channels and three flash groups are available for this purpose. Complex flash setups are therefore no problem if enough compatible flash devices are available. The flash output (guide number) of the built-in flash is approximately 7.3 at ISO 100 and one-meter shooting distance. Thus the flash unit offers a decent performance but is still no replacement for a plug-in system flash.

In the Panasonic Lumix G95’s predecessor, the video functions weren’t the only thing that was left unleashed by Panasonic in the G95.

The camera allows the videographer to choose between AVCHD and MP4 format. AVCHD allows a maximum of FullHD (1920 x 1080) recording at up to 60 frames per second. With the MP4 format, on the other hand, 4K recordings (3,840 x 2,160) can be recorded at a maximum of 30 frames per second.

The MP4 videos are encoded with the almost standard H.264 codec. The H.265 codec would be more modern, but would require much more processing power (also during playback). The maximum bit rate for FullHD video is 28 megabits per second and for 4K, the maximum is 100 megabits per second.

 

The left side shows the large cover for the connection terminal. [Photo: Panasonic]

For improved video post-processing, the camera now has a pre-installed V-Log. This can be used to improve the dynamic range and color adjustment of the shot. It is particularly pleasing that the video recording duration is now only limited by the power supply or the size of the memory card. There is no technical limitation in the camera.

The possibility of connecting an external recorder to the camera via the HDMI interface makes it really professional. During this recording, the data stream is output with 4:2:2 8 bits.

The autofocus can be automatically adjusted during video recording, as can the exposure. The image stabilizer can also be used when taking pictures. For videographers who want to have more control over the recording, the settings can of course also be selected manually. The sound is recorded via the built-in stereo microphone or via an optional external microphone. The camera can take over the control of the sound, but also allows the videographer to control the sound manually.

In the playback function, there are no subsequently applicable special effects, but the Panasonic Lumix G95 does offer some interesting functions.

In any case, this includes the possibility to rate pictures with a rating system (1-5 stars). A raw data converter is also integrated on the camera. With this, white balance, brightness and much more can be adjusted and saved to a new JPEG file.

In addition, data can be “implanted” into an existing image, image sizes can be changed and images can be cropped. Recorded video can be split into two pieces in the camera with an easy to understand function.

For picture presentation, the photographer can activate a slide show function with music and various crossfades.

Wireless connectivity is now a standard feature of cameras of all classes. The Panasonic Lumix G95 brings along two different ones: WLAN and Bluetooth.

For use with a smartphone, the free Panasonic Image App must be installed on the iOS or Android device. The subsequent pairing can either be done manually or via a convenient QR code presented by the camera.

The functions of the app include a simple remote trigger, complex remote control with Live View, and transmission of position data from the smart device and transmission of images from the camera to the smart device.

The app can also “wake up” the camera, but the photographer must first activate this function in the camera. In addition, the camera can be connected to a stationary WLAN and transfer images to a computer or television.

Image Quality Of The Panasonic Lumix G95

The 12-60mm set lens does not excel in our test. In the wide angle, a visible barrel distortion is noticeable and chromatic aberrations are also particularly pronounced here. The edge dimming is also most pronounced in the wide angle.

In addition, a significant edge drop in resolution is noticeable in all focal length ranges. Printouts up to 20 x 30 cm are no problem after all.

The separation of the compartments of memory card and battery not only suits the camera very well but is also simply more comfortable to handle in practice. [Photo: Panasonic]

Despite its 20 megapixel sensor, the Panasonic Lumix G95 has a relatively low resolution at 50 percent contrast but is still on the same level as its predecessor, the G81.

With a look at the sharpness artifacts and texture rendering, it’s clear why. The standard JPEG image processing setting sharpens the images very cautiously. In addition, the images become visibly blurred even above ISO 800. The image noise is unobtrusive up to about ISO 3,200, but finer details are erroneously recognized and reduced as image noise by the noise reduction from ISO 1,600 on.

The input dynamic range lies between high eleven and twelve aperture stops from the native sensor sensitivity of ISO 200 and only decreases from ISO 6,400, but never becomes critical.

With the range of output tones, the camera achieves over 224 shades of gray and thus a good result. Only from ISO 3,200 onward does the camera drop to acceptable values. The color deviation is small on average, but in certain areas it is more pronounced but still tolerable. This includes mixed areas of cyan and magenta tones as well as yellow-green and red tones. The color depth remains good up to ISO 6.400 and then drops to an acceptable level.

Conclusion: Is The Panasonic Lumix G95 Worth It?

The Panasonic Lumix G95 is a successful further development of the DMC-G81.

The special focus of the development team on video functions benefits the camera’s now more diverse range of applications.

For about 1,000 dollars just for the camera or 1,200 dollars for the set with the 12-60 mm 3.5-5.6, the photographer gets a mirrorless system camera that is worth seeing.

The G95 fits very well in the hand and thanks to the different seals it can be used without any problems even in rainy weather.

The handling is excellent, which is due on the one hand to the excellent handle and on the other hand to the versatile customizability. The individually configurable “My Menu” and the touch screen, which is very well integrated into the action, play a special role in managing the range of functions.

With unlimited video recording time and the possibility to connect external microphones, headphones and external recorders, the Panasonic Lumix G95 has become a true photo/video hybrid.

In terms of image quality, it is apparent that the set lens 12-60 mm 3.5-5.6 cannot fully exploit the potential of the camera. Nevertheless, the purchase is definitely worthwhile due to the small surcharge of approximately 200 dollars. The image processing of the camera is very softly adjusted.

This means that, on the one hand, there are only a few artifacts to complain about, but on the other hand, images above ISO 800 become visibly blurred. So if you want to have really crisp images, you either have to rework them yourself or adjust the internal sharpening for your sense of sharpness.

Nevertheless, the image quality is good up to high ISO settings. The Panasonic Lumix G95 is a good choice for ambitious amateur photographers and also offers a wide range of lenses thanks to the extensive Micro-Four-Thirds-System.

Firmware updates for the Panasonic Lumix G95 (G90 -G91): Functional improvements and extensions

The Panasonic Lumix G95 receives firmware update 2.5, the GH5S, G9, G81, G95 and GX9 version 1.3, all of which have new features to better support the new Leica DG Vario-Summilux 10-25 mm F1.7 Asph lens, including continuous iris adjustment for video recording, optionally via the lens ring.

The older models GH5, GH5S, G81 and G9 also have improved compatibility with the DMW-RS2 remote shutter release, where the video button of the remote shutter release can be deactivated in the menu. The G95 and GX9 have already mastered this.

The G95 also has the option of configuring the Fn button on the optional DMW-BGG1 battery handle via the menu

Panasonic Lumix G95 (G90 – G91) Datasheet