Sometimes all a photographer needs is a wildcard. A well-assembled hybrid, factory-sealed against the weather, easy to use, and with wide accessory compatibility, even if it means giving up a step in areas like 4K video. The Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 presents itself as such a hybrid, and although it still carries the classic premium of any new product, it should definitely be on your list, whether you buy the body alone or a ready-to-use kit.
Every camera manufacturer must balance a very complicated equation. On one hand, there is the need to innovate without falling into the error of repeating themselves constantly, and on the other, the challenge of maintaining a certain familiarity and backward compatibility in their designs, so that the transition from one model to another is as smooth and friendly as possible for photographers. Generally, the results have been very good, and a name that always stands out is Panasonic.
Its Lumix family is abundant, flexible, and has an answer for almost every budget, offering options from a mirrorless under $500 like DMC-G7, up to the DC-GH5 with its near-perfect video. Today we aim for the middle ground by exploring the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90, with quite decent image and video quality, and a build that doesn’t fall behind.
Panasonic Lumix DC-G90: All-Terrain
Originally announced in April of this year, the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 (known as G95 or G91 in other regions of the globe) features a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels, paired with the latest Venus Engine processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 25,600 with a low boost of 100, while shutter speed ranges from 1/4000 to 60 seconds, or 1/16,000 with its electronic system.
The main screen has a standard 3-inch size, but there are some differences depending on the regional model. The G90 variant uses an OLED panel with 1.04 million dots, and in the G95 it’s LCD, increasing resolution to 1.24 million. In both cases they are touch-sensitive and fully articulated, with a 180-degree tilt for selfies and vlogging. They also repeat the viewfinder configuration by adopting an OLED module with 2.36 million dots of definition and 100 percent coverage.
It’s no surprise to us to see that the manufacturer decided to double down on its Depth from Defocus system in the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90. Technically it sits at a level similar to phase detection, and beyond the occasional quirk, it works very well. In total, the autofocus system is divided into six modes: Face/Eye Detection, Locating, 49 Areas, Custom Multi, 1 Area, and Precise Focus. Some users probably touch the screen to specify the focus point while looking through the viewfinder, but there is the possibility to program our preferred mode into one of the camera’s buttons.
The maximum burst of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 is 9 FPS, but you’ll have to settle for 6 FPS if you enable continuous autofocus. The buffer is about 300 JPEGs at maximum quality, or 45 photos if you prefer to shoot RAW. The best alternative to go faster is to use the 4K Photo function. Image quality drops to 8 megapixels, giving you a frame rate of 30 FPS in exchange.
The interface of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 is as robust as its build, based on a magnesium alloy front plate. On the top we find four dials: front, rear, mode, and drive. The latter has six options: Single Shot, Burst, 4K Photo, Post-Focus, Time-Lapse Interval, and Self-Timer. The three buttons between the front and rear dials let us adjust white balance (WB), ISO sensitivity, and exposure compensation. The Fn1 button is in the center of the rear dial, while Fn2 (Q. Menu) and Fn3 (LVF) are on the back of the camera.
The functions on the mode dial almost recite themselves: Intelligent Auto (iA), Program Auto (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), Manual (M), Creative Motion Picture mode (the M with the camera), Custom modes C1 and C2, Scene Guide (SCN), and Creative Film (the palette). For more advanced details, feel free to consult its official manual. It’s just over 340 pages.
Here are some sample shots from the camera:
Panasonic is known for offering some of the most complete video modes on the market. Now, the Lumix DC-G90 is not weak when recording 4K video, but it applies a crop and doesn’t use the sensor fully, so the final quality will depend a lot on the amount of available light. The good news is that more advanced users can access the V-Log L profile at no extra cost, but the point is that the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 will deliver good 4K as long as we help it a bit. The modes are 4Kp30 and p25 at 100 megabits per second, 1080p60 at 28 megabits per second, and 1080p120 slow motion at 20 Mbps.
Accessories for the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90
Right now, anyone interested in purchasing a Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 can pay around 960 euros for the body, or almost 1,400 in a kit that includes a 14-140 lens. That places it at a slight disadvantage compared to its direct competitors. For example, if your priority is 4K video, you’ll get better results with the Fujifilm X-T30, but you’ll have to sacrifice image stabilization, weather sealing, and recording time in the process. Regardless of which path you take, one thing is certain: Its accessories have an excellent price-to-performance ratio.
Batteries and Power
The battery of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 charges directly via a micro USB port, and in an average session lasts about 290 shots. In other words, our strategy must be assertive here: With a compatible Gloxy DMW-BLC12 battery module and a Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car (product code "DI713,VDTS-4604-CH-VDTS-112"), the energy deficit is nipped in the bud, and it costs less than 50 euros.
Tripods and Supports
Weighing 533 grams (body-battery-card), the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 is almost a DSLR, which means it will need a good support. For those looking for a compact solution, the Genesis ABT mini tripod with the ABH-36 head stands out as an excellent candidate. It supports a maximum of six kilograms, is lighter than it looks, and includes its own carrying bag. Now, if the idea is to add a tripod for Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 more “traditional”, it’s hard to go wrong with the Gloxy GX-T6662A. 10 kilograms of maximum load, non-slip legs, and professional design at an amateur price.
Backpacks and Bags
I said it above: The Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 is basically a tank thanks to its magnesium alloy construction and factory weather sealing. That said, neglecting transport and storage in a mirrorless that averages a thousand euros would be a serious mistake. This is where the Gloxy Pro AW backpack comes in, a real warrior with a padded adjustable interior, wide straps for comfort, and a waterproof cover. Prefer something lighter? Then what you’re looking for is a Genesis Gear Orion bag. It fits camera, lens, flash, a tablet, and several extra accessories.
Cards and Flashes
A little light for those moments that betray you, and enough space so nothing escapes. The Meike MK-320 flash may look small at first glance, but it can provide just the right touch of lighting when you least expect it, and at 70 euros, there’s no reason to be against it. Nor is there reason to fight with generic SD cards, which brings us to the SanDisk Extreme SDXC 64 gigabyte card. With a certified V30 rating and 90 MB/s read speed, it will be a great companion for the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90. These accessories are identified by the product code "0713278336,IM713363821".
Lenses
Today this category is optional, since the kit we shared includes a good lens, and Panasonic offers other options as well. However, if you can get the body of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 at a very good price, I have two suggestions. On one hand, the Tamron f/3.5-5.8 Di III, an excellent wildcard of 14-150 millimeters that will adapt wonderfully to your mirrorless. And on the other, the Samyang V-DSLR T3.1, an ultra-wide angle that will help you capture formidable videos.
So we reach the end, and the recommendation is... wait a bit. The Panasonic Lumix DC-G90 is a very good mirrorless with functions up to the task, but the competition has become so tough in this space that it needs that plus of a lower price to stand out completely. Patience, then. We’re already in September, and all those "Black Friday-Cyber Monday" events are approaching fast. Once the number is favorable, don’t hesitate. Good luck!
