• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Panasonic G9 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Less expensive
    $1498 vs $2097
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.83x vs 0.70x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D780 advantages over Panasonic G9

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Newer
    5 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 347k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
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Review Excerpt

  • Great build quality; Very good image quality; Effective IBIS; Excellent performance; Fast shooting speeds; 4K/60p video.

  • No phase-detection autofocus; 10-minute limit for 4k60p video clips; No V-Log or 10-bit video.

  • Read our Panasonic G9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Panasonic G9
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic G9 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic G9
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Top deck display
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Panasonic G9 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Nikon D780
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Panasonic G9
Panasonic GH5
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic GH5

Nikon D780
Panasonic GH5
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GH5

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Panasonic G9
Pentax K-1 II
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic G9 vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compared to Panasonic G95

Panasonic G9
Panasonic G95
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic G95

Nikon D780
Panasonic G95
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic G95

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