Upgrade Guide

Lumix DC-G97→Lumix G9 II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Lumix

DC-G97

£649

2024

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

G9 II

£1499 (+£850)

2023

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the DC-G97. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the G9 II

↑

Resolution

25MP vs 20MP (+5MP)
↑

Weather sealing

Added — fully sealed body
↑

Stabilisation

Improved — 8-stop IBIS (with OIS lenses)
↑

Burst rate

25fps with AF / 75fps electronic (fixed focus) vs 6fps (continuous AF)
↑

Battery life

680 shots (CIPA) vs 300 shots (CIPA, estimated)

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	DC-G97	G9 II
Price	£649	£1,499
Released	2024	2023	↓
Sensor	20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS	25.2MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS
Resolution	20MP	25MP	↑
Video	Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed	5.8K/30p, 4K/120p, C4K/60p, V-Log
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detection	Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS (4-stop)	8-stop IBIS (with OIS lenses)
Burst Rate	6fps (continuous AF)	25fps with AF / 75fps electronic (fixed focus)	↑
Battery Life	300 shots (CIPA, estimated)	680 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	530g (with battery and card)	658g (body only)	↓
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	EVF, 2.36M dots	0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots
Screen	Fully articulating touchscreen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Single SD (UHS-II)	Dual SD UHS-II

Compare side-by-side

See DC-G97 and G9 II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G9 II against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the DC-G97

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Camera family history