In a market saturated with hype around full-frame monsters and the latest autofocus AI, it is easy to overlook the workhorses of the industry. We often get caught up in spec sheets, forgetting that usability and price-to-performance ratios are what actually matter for 90% of creators.
Today, I want to talk about a camera that I believe has criminal levels of “underrated” status attached to it: the Panasonic Lumix G90 (known as the Lumix G95 in North America). Released back in 2019, this camera sat in an awkward middle ground at launch. But now? With significant price drops, it might just be the best bang-for-your-buck hybrid camera you can buy.
I’ve broken down the experience of using this camera into the good, the great, and the ugly. If you are a traveler, a vlogger, or a photographer on a budget, you need to read this.
The Heart of the Beast: The 20MP Sensor Upgrade
For a long time, the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) world was stuck at 16 megapixels. The predecessors to this camera, the beloved G7 and G80/G85, were fantastic, but cropping into images often revealed the limitations of that resolution.
The G90/G95 steps up to the plate with a 20-megapixel sensor. While 4 megapixels might not sound like a massive leap on paper, in practice, it offers significantly more flexibility in post-production.
More importantly, this sensor shares DNA with the flagship Lumix G9. It utilizes the same Venus Engine image processor. This means you are getting flagship-level color depth, dynamic range, and ISO performance at a mid-range price point. The images coming out of this camera are crisp, the colors are Panasonic’s signature “true-to-life” rendering, and nothing looks washed out.
Built for the Real World: Weather Sealing and Handling
One of my biggest gripes with modern “budget” cameras is that they feel like toys. They feel plastic, hollow, and fragile. The G90 is the antithesis of that.
This camera features robust weather sealing. We aren’t just talking about tight seams; the battery door shuts with confidence, the card compartment is secure, and the rubber gaskets cover the ports effectively.
If you are a travel photographer, this is a stress reliever. When the rain starts to drizzle, you don’t need to frantically pack your gear away. You can keep shooting.
In terms of ergonomics, Panasonic is arguably the king. The G90 weighs about 533g, making it substantial enough to balance larger lenses but light enough to carry all day. The grip is deep and comfortable, even for larger hands. But the real joy is in the control layout. You get:
* Three dedicated dials (completely customizable).
* Quick access buttons for White Balance, ISO, and Exposure Compensation right near the shutter.
* A responsive interface that doesn’t require menu diving.
Video Capabilities: A Double-Edged Sword
Panasonic built its reputation on video, and the G90 carries that torch—mostly.
The Good
The footage is sharp. You get 4K recording up to 30fps and Full HD up to 120fps for that buttery smooth slow motion. What I appreciate most is the color science; it’s ready to publish straight out of the camera. Unlike some competitors where the standard profile is too contrasty or saturated, the G90 strikes a great balance.
Furthermore, unlike its little brothers, the G90 usually comes with V-Log L pre-installed. This allows for flat profile recording, giving you immense dynamic range to grade your footage in post-production.
The Bad (The Crop Factor)
We have to address the elephant in the room: The Crop.
When you shoot in 4K, the camera imposes a 1.26x crop on top of the standard 2x MFT crop. This is significant. If you are using a wide-angle lens, it suddenly becomes a standard lens. If you are vlogging at arm’s length in 4K, your head is going to take up most of the frame unless you have a very wide lens (like a 7-14mm or 9mm).
If you switch to high-speed 1080p (120fps), the crop gets even tighter. This is the main reason some videographers hesitated to buy this camera at launch. However, if you primarily shoot product b-roll, travel telephoto shots, or interviews, the crop might actually be an advantage.
The Secret Weapon: IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
If I had to choose one feature that makes this camera worth the money, it is the 5-axis Dual I.S. 2.
Panasonic’s stabilization is legendary. The sensor physically moves to counteract your shaky hands. This allows you to:
1. Shoot handheld video that looks like it was shot on a tripod or gimbal.
2. Take photos at slower shutter speeds (up to 5 stops slower) without motion blur, which helps immensely in low light.
Once you get used to having IBIS, it is very hard to go back to a camera without it. It essentially solves the “micro-jitters” that ruin so many amateur videos.
The Lens Ecosystem
Because the G90 is a Micro Four Thirds camera, you aren’t just buying a body; you are buying into the most extensive mirrorless lens selection on the planet.
You can use Panasonic Lumix lenses, Olympus (OM System) lenses, and manual lenses from Laowa or Voigtländer. There are over 120 native lenses available. Whether you want a cheap $100 portrait lens or a $2,000 professional telephoto, the option exists. This versatility is something newer systems (like Canon RF-S or Nikon Z DX) still struggle to match.
The Forgotten Child: Firmware Updates
Here is a minor “Con” for the tech enthusiasts. Panasonic has somewhat neglected the G90 in terms of firmware love. While the G9 received massive updates that added animal eye detection and improved autofocus algorithms, the G90 has stayed on basic updates (v1.1, v1.2).
It lacks the cutting-edge AI autofocus of 2024 cameras. It relies on Contrast Detect AF (DFD technology). It is fast and accurate for photos (Single AF), but for video Continuous AF, it can sometimes “pulse” or hunt in the background. It’s workable, but it requires you to learn how the camera thinks.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth it in 2025?
So, who is the Panasonic G90/G95 for?
If you are a professional sports photographer or a videographer who needs perfect reliable autofocus at 4K with zero crop, this isn’t for you. You should look at the Sony a6700 or the Lumix S5II.
However, if you are:
* A traveler who needs a weather-sealed, lightweight camera.
* A hybrid shooter who wants 20MP stills and great 4K video.
* Someone on a budget (under $700) who wants “Pro” ergonomics and features like IBIS and Flip Screen.
Then yes, this camera is an absolute steal. It offers a tactile shooting experience that smartphones and entry-level cameras simply cannot match. It might be a few years old, but the image quality holds up beautifully today.
