I would wait for real independent reviews past the influencer avalanche (this applies to all brands).
Speaking for myself- I don't think this is what the system needs. A micro four thirds camera with literally the same body size of a FF camera - and of the same brand no less.
But perhaps in the Pansasonic ecosystem of pro videographers, it has a place. Very niche though.
The G9 II is clearly a camera for "content creators" a category that is growing fast, and to which I to a certain degree belong, although not as a YouTuber. For me, full frame is a pointless exercise. What matters are:
- Technical abilities (frame rates for video and stills, bit rates, sound system, slow motion video, lack of cropping of video, IBIS etc.)
- Video and image quality
- Ergonomics
- Portability
- Connectivity
- Weather sealing and build quality
- "Ecosystem"
While the G9 II can hardly be called a winner within any of those categories, it scores high points in all. It's telling that Panasonic launched new versions of two of the lenses that really gives the system an advantage, the 35-100 f/2.8 and 100-400mm. Where else do you find a high quality 70-200mm eqv. that weighs in at 360g? Then there's full size HDMI, unlimited video without mechanical cooling, the use of SD-cards that can be found at any gas station, shutter angle, great ergonomics that have been more or less unchanged for a decade etc.
It's a bit like the Nikon D300 back in the day; it does everything it needs to do without any fuzz. It's a Volvo for content creators, a vehicle that will take you and your family safely to your destination, and will do so every day for years to come.
I was actually a bit sceptical to the original G9 back when it was launched, due to size and other factors, so I only bought mine last year. Having used it for a while, I can safely say that there is hardly a more solid photography and video experience around (until the G9 II) in a package this compact, when lenses and other gear are included.
I've never understood Panasonics attitude towards marketing though, but apparently it works well enough for them to continue making cameras. It's as if they prefer to be niche. Their re-launch of the Technics brand is another indication of that. Unfortunately, that may also explain why they occasionally launch cameras that only go on for a generation or two, like the GM1/5, the GX8 and the LX100. Great cameras that are well liked by their users, but probably not commercial successes.
Compared to the other business areas of Panasonic, their camera division must be tiny. It is however very visible, since literally, cameras are in the business of visuals. It probably serves them well as a marketing tool. The G9 II will never reach the production numbers of Sony or Canon, but thousands of satisfied users will all be good ambassadors for the Panasonic brand. As for independent reviews, just forget about it. Except for clickbaiters like Gerald Undone and Tony Northrup, Panasonic cameras are mostly reviewed and used by fanboys like myself. Like Volvo owners, we don't know about any better camera brand.
www.dpreview.com
) and it shows lot of capabilities of the G9II in a very appealing way.