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

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic GX9 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Less expensive
    $798 vs $2097
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 76 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon D780 advantages over Panasonic GX9

  • 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 260 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 413k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 9.2 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 9.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX9
Kit with 12-60mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 12-60mm lens (Black)
  • Kit with 12-60mm lens (Silver)
All GX9 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D780
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-120mm f/4 lens
All D780 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Good high ISO performance for its class; Improved JPEG processing; Fast autofocus; Fast ~9fps burst mode.

  • Smallish field-sequential EVF; Below average battery life; No mic/headphone jacks; Noticeable crop on 4K video.

  • Read our Panasonic GX9 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GX9
Panasonic GX85
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Panasonic GX85

Nikon D780
Panasonic GX85
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Panasonic GX9
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D780 vs Canon 5D Mark IV

Compared to Olympus E-M10 III

Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Olympus E-M10 III

Nikon D780
Olympus E-M10 III
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $549
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D780 vs Olympus E-M10 III

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Panasonic GX9
Olympus E-PL9
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Olympus E-PL9

Nikon D780
Olympus E-PL9
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon D780 vs Olympus E-PL9

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Panasonic GX9
Pentax K-1 II
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX9 vs Pentax K-1 II

Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1947
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon D780 vs Pentax K-1 II

Compare Other Cameras?