Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Panasonic G9

The Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2021 and November 2017. Both the GFX 100S and the G9 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a medium format (GFX 100S) and a Four Thirds (G9) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 101.8 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm GFX 100S		Panasonic G9
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm G mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
101.8 MP, Medium Format Sensor		20.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/60p Video
ISO 100-12,800 (50 - 102,400)		ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (3680k dots)
3.2 LCD, 2360k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen		Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second		20 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
460 shots per battery charge		400 shots per battery charge
150 x 104 x 87 mm, 900 g		137 x 97 x 92 mm, 658 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic G9 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G9 is notably smaller (15 percent) than the Fujifilm GFX 100S. Moreover, the G9 is markedly lighter (27 percent) than the GFX 100S. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the GFX 100S gets 460 shots out of its NP-W235 battery, while the G9 can take 400 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLF19 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	150 mm	104 mm	87 mm	900 g	460	Y	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Panasonic G9	137 mm	97 mm	92 mm	658 g	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699
3.		Canon R5	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	738 g	320	Y	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	999
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	156 mm	144 mm	75 mm	1320 g	800	Y	May 2019	9,999
7.		Fujifilm X-H1	140 mm	97 mm	86 mm	673 g	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
9.		Fujifilm XP130	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	207 g	240	n	Jan 2018	229
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499
11.		Leica SL2-S	146 mm	107 mm	83 mm	931 g	510	Y	Dec 2020	4,895
12.		Leica SL2	146 mm	107 mm	42 mm	953 g	370	Y	Nov 2019	5,999
13.		Nikon Z6	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	310	Y	Aug 2018	1,999
14.		Olympus E-M1 II	134 mm	91 mm	67 mm	574 g	440	Y	Sep 2016	1,999
15.		Panasonic GH5	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	725 g	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999
16.		Sony A1	129 mm	97 mm	81 mm	737 g	530	Y	Jan 2021	6,499
17.		Sony A7 III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The G9 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 72 percent) than the GFX 100S, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm GFX 100S features a medium format sensor and the Panasonic G9 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G9 is 84 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

With 101.8MP, the GFX 100S offers a higher resolution than the G9 (20.2MP), but the GFX 100S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 3.34μm for the G9) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the GFX 100S is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 2 months) than the G9, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm GFX 100S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the GFX 100S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 58.2 x 43.7 inches or 147.9 x 110.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 46.6 x 34.9 inches or 118.3 x 88.8 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 38.8 x 29.1 inches or 98.6 x 74 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G9 are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The GFX 100S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

Unlike the GFX 100S, the G9 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (80.6MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Fujifilm GFX 100S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
2.		Panasonic G9	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon R5	Full Frame	44.8	8192	5464	8k/30p	25.3	14.6	3042	95
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm X-H1	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
9.		Fujifilm XP130	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
11.		Leica SL2-S	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Leica SL2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
13.		Nikon Z6	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	25.3	14.3	3299	95
14.		Olympus E-M1 II	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	23.7	12.8	1312	80
15.		Panasonic GH5	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	23.9	13.0	807	77
16.		Sony A1	Full Frame	49.8	8640	5760	8k/30p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony A7 III	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3730	96

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the G9 provides a faster frame rate than the GFX 100S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GFX 100S offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the G9 (3690k vs 3680k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Panasonic G9 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	3690	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
2.		Panasonic G9	3680	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
3.		Canon R5	5760	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0	n	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	optional	Y	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	5.0	n	Y
7.		Fujifilm X-H1	3690	Y	3.0	1040	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	Y
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
9.		Fujifilm XP130	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	optional	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
11.		Leica SL2-S	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
12.		Leica SL2	5760	Y	3.2	2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
13.		Nikon Z6	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
14.		Olympus E-M1 II	2360	n	3.0	1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	18.0	n	Y
15.		Panasonic GH5	3680	n	3.2	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
16.		Sony A1	9437	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A7 III	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic G9 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GFX 100S and the G9 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. Moreover, both the GFX 100S and the G9 support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s, on both slots.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Panasonic G9	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon R5	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm X-H1	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
9.		Fujifilm XP130	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
11.		Leica SL2-S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
12.		Leica SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
13.		Nikon Z6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
14.		Olympus E-M1 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
15.		Panasonic GH5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
16.		Sony A1	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.2	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony A7 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the GFX 100S and the G9 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The GFX 100S replaced the earlier Fujifilm GFX 100, while the G9 does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic G9? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm GFX 100S:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (101.8 vs 20.2MP) with a 125% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 1040k dots).
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (460 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 2 months of technical progress since the G9 launch.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9:

• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (4K/60p versus 4K/30p).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.83x vs 0.77x).
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (137x97mm vs 150x104mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 242g or 27 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (72 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in November 2017).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G9 comes out slightly ahead of the GFX 100S (11 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm GFX 100S and the Panasonic G9 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GFX 100S and the G9 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	5,999
2.		Panasonic G9	..	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699
3.		Canon R5	4.5/5	..	91/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2020	3,899
4.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	..	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699
5.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	999
6.		Fujifilm GFX 100	4.5/5	+ +	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	May 2019	9,999
7.		Fujifilm X-H1	..	+	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899
8.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	5/5	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
9.		Fujifilm XP130	..	o	..	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2018	229
10.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	..	..	85/100	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499
11.		Leica SL2-S	4/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	Dec 2020	4,895
12.		Leica SL2	4/5	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2019	5,999
13.		Nikon Z6	5/5	..	..	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	1,999
14.		Olympus E-M1 II	5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	1,999
15.		Panasonic GH5	4.5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999
16.		Sony A1	..	..	..	..	..	Jan 2021	6,499
17.		Sony A7 III	..	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Panasonic G9

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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