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HOTSPOTPA NASONICG5provide a better starting point for grading,
something that’s only available for S1R and S
users at an additional cost; the fact that this is
included as standard here shows how credible
Panasonic considers the camera to be for more
considered video use.
On the rear of the G95 / G90 is a 3-inch LCD
with a 1.04 million-dotresolution,andthisflips
out from the camera
body and spins around
to face the front via a
hinge to its side. It’s
also touch-sensitive,
enabling the user to set
the focus point, swipe
through images and
navigate the menus
among other things.
Above this lies an
electronic viewfinder
that’s based around a
2.36 million-dot OLED
panel, with a
magnification of 0.74x
in 35mm terms, and an
eye sensor just above it thatswitchesbetween
the finder and the LCD as the user’s face
approaches and moves away.
In terms of functionality elsewhere, the
model offers everything we expect at this level,
with Panasonic’s usual sprinkling of extra
features on top. The 1,728-zone multi-pattern
metering system offers Multiple, Center
Weighted and Spot options, and exposure
control covers the PASM quartet plus exposure
compensation and bracketing options.
BUILD AND HANDLING
The Panasonic G95 /G90 has been crafted with
a DSLR-like design, with a centrally placed
pretty much as soon as you are. There’s no
sluggishness as you move around the menus or
adjust exposure settings, and the camera
responds as nimbly as you’d expect.
With a fast UHS-II card in place, our tests
showed the camera to maintain its maximum
burst rate for 30 consecutive raw + JPEG frames,
and 39 raw frames on their own – so, slightly less
than the 45 quoted by Panasonic. JPEGs can be
captured for as long as required, and are written
immediately to the card; while raw files
understandably take longer, the camera remains
operational during this time, which isn’t
something every camera can claim.
The 20MP sensor, which we’ve seen before
inside the G9, produces nicely detailed images,
partly because of its lack of an optical low-pass
filter. Very slight noise can be seen in low-ISO
images, but then this is also true of many APS-C
based cameras; the key thing is that this is
controlled well as you rack up the ISO, with noise
reduction doing its thing, but not too aggressively.VERDICT
The Panasonic G85 / G80 was a camera we
prized for its comprehensive feature set,
excellent performance and sound output, and
with only a handful of changes here the
experience is just as positive.
The Panasonic G95 /G90 feels very nicely put
together and handles well, and it’s pleasingly
responsive throughout its operation. Image and
video quality are generally sound too, and the fact
that the camera has sensor-based stabilisation
arguably gives it an advantage over its rivals that
rely on this in the lens only. On the other hand,
the 20MP sensor, while a step up from the G85’s,
doesn’t look particularly competitive when you
consider the 24MP and 26MP APS-C types used
in rivals.viewfinder, and a substantial grip and twin
command dials for speedy and convenient
operation. The ergonomics and usability are
said to be improved over the G85 / G80, and
possibly because of this the new camera is a
tiny bit larger in every dimension (and a touch
heavier too).
That’sgreatif youwant to use longer lenses,
as you’ll have good
support from the
generous grip, but if
you don’t you might
want to look towards
the GX series cameras
like the GX9.
While it’s smaller
than the G9, the G95 /
G90 isn’t exactly small
for a Micro Four
Thirds body; placing
the camera body next
to the full-frame Nikon
Z6 shows them to be
roughly the same size- although you do
benefitfromfarsmallerlenses for the G95.
Even so, it manages to be relatively
lightweight while feeling very well constructed.
The rubber used around the grip and on the
back plate has a coarse texture that makes
getting a good hold on the camera easy, while
the command dials move in clear and coarse
increments. The various buttons around the
body are also a touch larger and better marked
than on the G85, and all give good feedback
when pressed.
PERFORMANCE
The Panasonic G95 /G90 starts up with very
little delay, and is ready to begin shootingTHIS IS ACTUALLY THE SAME
SENSOR THAT’S FOUND INSIDE
THE G9, WHICH IS STILL THE
COMPANY’S FLAGSHIP PHOTO-
ORIENTED CAMER A IN THE
SERIES, AND IT WORKS ACROSS
AN ISO R ANGE OF ISO200-
25,600. AS ON PREVIOUS
MODELS USING THIS SENSOR,
PANASONIC HAS OMITTED AN
OPTICAL LOW-PASS FILTER TO
ENABLE IT TO CAPTURE
CRISPER DETAILS, AND IMAGE
STABILISATION IS BUILT INTO
THE BODY TOO.While its lenses may be
more compact, the G95’s
body is not as small as you
might think.