And then theres Panasonics somewhat controversial DFD contrast AF the G97 does not employ Panasonics latest hybrid phase/contrast tech.
Is it a problem?
Not in stills photography, where the AF is extremely fast and responsive.
Does the Panasonic Lumix G97 look familiar? It’s VERY closely based on the previous G95/90 with a handful of minor improvements for 2025
It will depend on what you film, and how.
Lets look at what this camera delivers elsewhere.
Really, this is an enthusiast-level camera at a beginner-level price.
The Lumix G97 uses a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor half the size of an APS-C sensor, but still delivers excellent detail rendition
Theyre all great deals, but the 12-60mm bundle looks the best for new users.
Panasonic Lumix G97: Specifications
Sensor
MFT, 20.3MP
ISO range
ISO 200-25,600 (exp.
100-25,600)
Autofocus
49-area DFD
Stabilization
5-axis, 5-stop IBIS + Dual I.S.
The Panasonic Lumix G97 is styled like a compact DSLR, with a substantial grip for the right hand and a decent 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder
2
Video
4K 30p / FHD 60p
Cont.
The main mode dial is clearly labelled and has a firm, positive action.
These dials are firm, positive and perfectly weighted.
The Lumix G97 takes a single SD UHS II memory card, but it’s accessed by a door at the side and not squashed in with the battery(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
In between them is a prominent red Record button for video.
Panasonic Lumix G97: Performance
The Lumix G97 delivers first-rate detail rendition.
Higher ISOs do show noise quicker, its true, but not by much.
One of the handful of changes in the Lumix G97 is the swap to a USB-C port for power and charging.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Besides, todays AI noise-reduction tools can make an ISO 6,400 image look practically like ISO 200.
The autofocus is a mixed bag.
For stills photography, its extremely fast and responsive.
The rear screen has had a resolution boost to 1.84m dots.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
One solution is to switch to single-shot AF and simply tap the rear screen while filming to refocus carefully!
The IBIS is excellent.
Should I buy the Panasonic Lumix G97?
The top controls are clearly labelled and are positive and firm to use. There are also two control dials, with a third on the back.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Buy it if…
You want performance, versatility and valueWho doesn’t!
The Lumix G97 gives you an awful lot for your money.
Effectively, it’s an enthusiast-level camera at little more than a beginner-camera price.
The menu system is clear and easy to navigate and there’s also a Q.MENU display for common camera settings.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The Lumix G 12-60mm (24-120mm equivalent) kit lens is perhaps the star of the show, offering excellent image quality right across its 5x zoom range.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The Limix G97 is capable of excellent results. Photography like this depends on lighting and composition, not small differences in sensor technology
The 12-60mm kit lens is a huge advantage, giving a natural perspective to this canine portrait as well as extremely crisp definition
This shot and the next show the focal length range, and the opportunity for different perspectives with the 12-60mm kit lens. This was shot at 12mm(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
This was taken from the same position at a focal length of 60mm, offering a very different image.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The smaller Micro Four Thirds format means you’re working with shorter focal length lenses, so depth of field is rarely a problem in landscape photography.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Does this piece of driftwood look like a wild boar, or is it just me? The vari-angle screen makes low-level shots easy.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Having a little extra depth of field makes it easy to get pet portraits sharp from nose to ears.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
The 12-60mm lens focuses pretty close, so although it’s not really a macro lens it can still fill the frame with small objects.(Image credit: Rod Lawton)
Like all cameras, the Lumix G97 is better at some things than others, but its versatility and value are hard to ignore
This is a 2.5-second handheld exposure I took to test the IBIS. It’s not quite up to the latest standards like the Lumix GH7 or OM System OM-1, but it’s still pretty impressive
