The Panasonic Lumix G95 is a versatile mirrorless camera which is suitable for all types of photographers and video shooters.
Whether you are looking for a strong camera with smart ergonomics, good image quality or impressive video recording capabilities, the Panasonic G95 has it all.
Could this be the perfect camera for you? Find out in the following Panasonic G95 review.
Panasonic G95 Specs
Some cameras are designed to appeal to photography lovers, while others are aimed at videographers. However, the Panasonic G95 is made for those who are looking for a hybrid camera that is good at everything it does.
The G95 was built around a 20.3-megapixel Digital Live MOS Sensor without a low-pass filter, and it has a native sensitivity range of ISO 200 to 25,600. Although there is a Micro Four Thirds sensor in the G95, you will be surprised with the image quality of this camera.
First of all, with the omitted low-pass filter, the images made by the G95 will be sharp and without loss in details. Additionally, the camera offers 5-Axis dual image stabilization that will reduce shakes when shooting handheld and increase the quality of images and videos you make, even if you use a long-focus lens.
The powerful sensor in the Panasonic G95 is accompanied by a Venus Engine processor which increases the camera’s performance and allows it to shoot 4K videos.
Overall, this camera is very fast and reliable. The G95 acquires focus in 0.07 seconds and it uses Depth from Defocus autofocus system to keep an eye on the target. The camera works great when shooting moving targets and it offers a maximum burst shooting speed of 9 frames per second (6fps with continuous autofocus). The shutter sound is very quiet, which is convenient if you want to take images in situations that require silence.
Get a hands-on review of the Panasonic G95 in the video above by DPReview
Panasonic G95 Body & Design
The hybrid specs are not the only great thing about the Panasonic Lumix G95. This camera also has a durable body, compact size, and intelligently placed dials and buttons.
The Panasonic G95 weighs 1.18lb and measures 5.12 x 3.7 x 3.03 inches. This weight makes this camera a bit heavier than an average mirrorless model, but it is undoubtedly still lightweight and portable so many people use it as a camera for travel photography.
The majority of G95 shooters would surely agree that this camera has very good ergonomics. The design of the camera is very similar to its predecessor – the Panasonic G85. However, there were some improvements in usability in the G95.
For example, microphone jack was moved to a more convenient location, while ISO, white balance and exposure dials were set on the top of the camera, just near the shutter release button. In addition, now there is a handy rear thumb wheel added along with a 3.5mm headphone port.
The G95 comes with a DMW-BLC12 battery pack and on a full charge, it can make around 290 images. If this is not enough, the camera is compatible with DMW-BGG1 vertical grip which is weather-sealed and carries an additional battery that can double the battery life of the G95.
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Panasonic G95 Build & Handling
The Panasonic G95 is built out of magnesium-alloy and it is weather-sealed against dust and splashes. However, this does not mean it is water resistant and unbreakable, so try to avoid direct contact with dust and water if you want it to have a long life.
The 3-inch free-angle LCD display with touchscreen technology is what makes this camera so popular among vloggers. Additionally, this type of LCD screen is useful for framing shots in awkward conditions.
If you prefer composing shots through a viewfinder, you can use a 2360k-dot OLED live viewfinder which has a 0.74 magnification ratio.
The grip in the Panasonic G85 was not very convenient for many of the photographers that used it. Panasonic improved this in the G95 design so the handling feels much more comfortable. Moreover, the buttons were designed to be larger and much more intuitive.
Panasonic G95 Video Performance
Now, let’s see why videographers love to use this camera.
First of all, the Panasonic G95 records 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) video at up to 30 frames per second, and what is the most important, there is no recording limit. Additionally, the camera offers Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) recording at up to 120 frames per second and allows you to create slow-motion sequences.
Another feature that makes this camera great for video is that it includes V-LogL (4:2:0 8-bit). Also, the camera is capable to output 4:2:2 8-bit video via HDMI port.
As we already mentioned, the camera has a free-angle LCD display that is very convenient for vloggers, while it also provides you with better control over audio effects by allowing you to attach an external microphone and headphones.
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Panasonic G95 Lenses
The Panasonic G95 uses an MFT lens mount system. The lenses you choose for your camera will be stabilized because of a sensor-based 5-axis Image Stabilization system featured in the G95.
Some of the best lenses to choose for the Panasonic G95 include:
- Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH. POWER O.I.S. Lens
- Panasonic Leica DG Nocticron 42.5mm f/1.2 ASPH
- Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH
- Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH
- Lumix G Vario 100- 300mm f/4-5.6 II
Panasonic G95 Price
A brand-new Panasonic Lumix G95 costs around $1,200. In our opinion, this is a good price if you are looking for a durable, compact, and versatile camera that provides good results whether you want to use it for stills or videos.
In case you want to save some money, you can check the market of used cameras on platforms such as MPB. There, you can find a used Panasonic Lumix G95 in excellent condition and save a few bucks for buying additional equipment such as lenses.
If you’re unfamiliar with MPB, read up on it in our MPB review and learn why they are the ideal partner for you for acquiring quality used gear.