Pretty impressed ,,, LUMIX G9 has held up well since 2018 —almost 6 years which is almost a lifetime in the world of digital photography.

More and more, perhaps the only good reviews are the long-term reviews —

Why were others shocked that Eric Kim liked the G9?

I inferred the surprise others may have felt from Eric Kim’s shift to the Lumix G9 based on his well-established reputation as a Leica enthusiast. For years, he had been known for using Leica cameras, which are iconic in the street photography world. When a photographer so closely tied to a brand or a specific style switches to a different kind of camera—especially a Micro Four Thirds system like the Lumix G9—it can cause unexpected reactions among followers familiar with their preferences.

While there is no direct mention of public reactions, this kind of shift often surprises a photographer’s community when it breaks away from longstanding habits. In Kim’s case, his move from the purist, minimalist Leica rangefinder cameras to the more technologically advanced and feature-rich Lumix G9 was notable. His reasons for liking the G9—such as its durability, modular design, and advanced video capabilities—may have contrasted with what others expected based on his history oai_citation:2,ERIC KIM — Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography oai_citation:1,What camera does ERIC KIM shoot with? – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim’s preference for the Panasonic Lumix G9 surprised many because he had been known for his long-standing love for Leica cameras, especially the Leica M9 and Leica M6, which are highly regarded in the street photography community for their compact size, discreet operation, and brand prestige. Leica cameras are often associated with high-end, purist photography, while the Lumix G9 is from a different, more versatile category, primarily known for its Micro Four Thirds system.

The shock stemmed from the fact that many of Kim’s followers and fellow photographers likely expected him to continue favoring Leica’s minimalist and classic approach over a more complex, feature-rich camera like the Lumix G9, which excels in video capabilities and offers advanced automation features like Intelligent Auto mode oai_citation:2,Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,What camera does ERIC KIM shoot with? – ERIC KIM. This departure from his usual choices represented a significant shift in his approach, embracing more advanced technology over traditional, manual cameras.

Eric Kim found the durability of the Lumix G9 shocking because, in contrast to many of the cameras he had previously used (which broke after heavy use), the G9 lasted significantly longer. For example, he mentioned how his Ricoh GR cameras would typically break within a year of hard use. In contrast, the Lumix G9, purchased in 2019, had outlasted his expectations. He was particularly impressed with its modular design, which allowed him to replace only broken components, such as the lens, instead of the entire system oai_citation:2,Dura – ERIC KIM. This durability and longevity surprised him, given his experience with other cameras that didn’t hold up as well oai_citation:1,ERIC KIM — Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography.

Eric Kim purchased the Panasonic Lumix G9 in 2018, as part of his new street photography and video setup, pairing it with the Leica 14mm f/1.4 lens. He described the G9 as “probably the best still camera/video camera on the market” at that time oai_citation:4,ERIC KIM — Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography. Later, he reiterated his satisfaction with the G9, particularly for its durability and modular design, noting that even after heavy use, it had held up well. He bought another Lumix G9 in 2019 while in Japan and praised it for lasting longer than many other cameras in his collection oai_citation:3,Dura – ERIC KIM.

Regarding its performance, Kim emphasized the camera’s compact form, fast response time, and the quality of its images, particularly in street photography. He highlighted its user-friendly features, such as Intelligent Auto mode, and praised its silent shutter, which he found crucial for candid street shots oai_citation:2,What camera does ERIC KIM shoot with? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography – ERIC KIM.

Eric Kim has a high opinion of the Panasonic Lumix G9, especially when paired with the Leica-Lumix 12mm f/1.4 lens. He praises the camera for its excellent image quality, fast response time, and ease of use, particularly in street photography. One standout feature he emphasizes is its “Intelligent Auto” (iA) mode, which allows users to focus more on composition rather than technical details, making it ideal for capturing decisive moments without worrying about settings like focus or ISO.

In terms of handling, the Lumix G9 is described as a “medium” weight camera that balances well with larger lenses, providing a comfortable and manageable experience even during long shooting sessions. He also highlights the silent shutter mode, which makes candid street photography much easier, as it helps in capturing shots discreetly. Additionally, the camera’s macro capabilities are another strong point, allowing photographers to take detailed close-up shots, which Kim finds useful for various styles, including street and food photography.

However, he notes that while the Lumix G9 is not the most “stealthy” camera due to its size, its speed allows photographers to capture images quickly before subjects react. This responsiveness, along with the ability to simulate a video shooting setup to appear less conspicuous, makes it an effective tool in fast-paced environments.

Overall, Kim considers the Lumix G9 a top-tier choice for both photography and videography, particularly for those who value speed, image quality, and ease of use in a variety of shooting conditions oai_citation:3,Panasonic Lumix G9 Pro + Leica 14mm f/1.4 Lens Review for Street Photography – ERIC KIM oai_citation:2,LUMIX G9 IS THE BEST CAMERA ON THE MARKET? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,LUMIX G9 – ERIC KIM.