Text & photos by Ugo Baldassarre – Translation by Giorgio Aprile
During 2019, Panasonic released the latest version of its historic mid-class series, namely the Lumix G90, a camera that is positioned in a very ambitious price range and performance.
The G90 is the new model of the G80, which in turn was the evolution of the G7, G6 etc. Well yes, at some point in its evolution, this series has undergone a change of name, to leave room for what would become the pure photographic series, embodied by the G9 model.
The G90 is therefore the new incarnation of the medium-class photo-video hybrid series of the Lumix range, which has always been a lite version of the most performing GH series.
From the previous model, however, important innovations have been introduced in the structure of these cameras, which have made them very popular and interesting for different types of users.
The G90 is a substantial upgrade, on a technical level, of the previous model. What immediately catches the eye is the new 20 megapixel sensor (and with this the whole Lumix range migrates on this standard) and technical characteristics, especially on the video side, which “dangerously” bring it closer to the performance of a GH5.
However, the AF, video and connectivity sector also underwent a net upgrade.
There is no doubt that the G90 is a truly attractive tool for young videomakers or for those looking for a second or third quality camera to complement their kit.
Aesthetically and ergonomically the G90 is roughly identical to the previous model. It is in fact of excellent workmanship and with a remarkable sensation of solidity: the body is actually dust-proof and splash-proof.
The viewfinder is wide and defined and with good fluidity.
The general setting of the machine is the classic one of Panasonic, with many controls at your fingertips and many function keys (some physical, on the body and on the back, others virtual, directly on the touch screen).
Those who already use other products of the Lumix series will find themselves at home immediately. The menus are basically the same as always.
One of the most relevant innovations is the presence, for the first time in a Lumix product, of the Live View Composite Recording function, similar to that already seen and appreciated on all Olympus bodies for prolonged and extremely easy shooting of starry skies or fireworks. .
Excellent as always, the AF compartment, which is further refined and allows a good connection even in low light conditions with the DFD technology, without forgetting a good customization of the AF area and face / face / eye tracking.
A feature that has always been appreciated in the series is the 4K photo that allows you to extrapolate single frames from 4K sequences with a quality that is more than good for many types of use.
Like the previous G80, G90 also has 5-axis stabilization on the sensor which becomes Dual IS with the supported lenses. Although it has been introduced more recently than its competitors, it must be said that Panasonic has done an excellent job, eliminating the differences, or almost, with the Olympus products (at least for the same range).
If nothing seems to be missing from the photographic point, it is precisely on the video side that the new Panasonic media shows the muscles. With significantly higher performance and range features, the G90 makes no secret of wanting to break into the hearts of all video makers and vloggers in search of a compact, powerful and versatile product that can guarantee professional quality.
The Lumix G90 is capable of recording in 4K at 30p / 25p, full HD at 60p / 50p and create slow motion in full HD at 120, 90 or 60 frames per second. The colour sampling is 4: 2: 0, but with a micro HDMI cable connected by an external monitor can also be recorded in 4: 2: 2 at 8bit. The presence of the Vlog directly in camera, the possibility of connecting headphones and microphone directly to the body are unprecedented features on a camera body of this price range.
I myself, notoriously not a great filmmaker, I managed to get very good results while making simple content for my YouTube channel, simply by setting the machine on a tripod in continuous AF: I was really impressed how easy you can get a quality video even with modest technical knowledge. The G90 candidate itself as a perfect camera for those who want to create quality video content without spending a fortune.
Even freehand shooting is simple and stable, thanks to the powerful (already mentioned) mechanical stabilization.
So, the perfect camera at the perfect price?
Undoubtedly the Panasonic G90 is a truly exceptional camera for those who need to create audio-video content. The general feeling I had, however, is that this time, thanks to the presence of the G9 range, it is both aimed at a hybrid product, leaving aside a little the photographic feeling.
If from a video point of view, in fact, there is little to reproach, from the photographic side, the feeling with the shot was less satisfying. Attention, I am not saying that it is not good or that it takes bad photos (far from it! The file is very beautiful, with excellent colours and classic warm balance of Panasonic), simply that I have not found the reactivity and immediacy that, for example, I find in similar competing products or, even, of the same brand, as happens with the Gx9, for example.
The feeling I had is that Panasonic has deliberately left room for other products, somewhat limiting the responsiveness of the shot and the general feeling in the photographic shot. Personally, it is the first thing I notice in a camera, the reactivity and the pleasantness of the shot: the G90 has not made me feel these sensations in a marked way.
This does not mean that it is not going well, quite the contrary. I used the machine for portrait and street sessions and G90 made good photos: I simply didn’t find it “instinctive”.
On the other hand, given its nature and the wonderful price at which it is offered, it is quite impossible to ask for more of this product.
CONCLUSION
The G90 is a small masterpiece of technique and functionality. Slightly penalized on the pure photographic side, however, it is a perfect hybrid, ideal for all those who need to create quality audio-visual content with extreme simplicity (if I did it …!). Video quality is at the top and beyond the standards of this price range, in a robust and versatile body.
A camera well thought out and usable at 360 ° with a decidedly strong vocation towards video.
Considering various offers and promotions often in place, the price at which it is possible to find a new one is truly incredible.