Upgrade Guide
Lumix DC-G97→Lumix S9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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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 S9
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Resolution24MP vs 20MP (+4MP)
-
Burst rate30fps electronic vs 6fps (continuous AF)
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.
| Genre | DC-G97 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +2.1 | ||
| Street | +1.3 | ||
| Travel | +1.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +2.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.6 | ||
| Filmmaking | +2.1 | ||
| Documentary | +2.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | +1.8 | ||
| Landscape | +2.2 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.4 | ||
| Casual | +0.6 | ||
| Food | +1.4 | ||
| Macro | +1.9 | ||
| Architecture | +2.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | +3.4 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | DC-G97 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £649 | £1,299 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2024 | |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Four Thirds CMOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | Unlimited 4K/30p, V-Log L pre-installed | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus, face/eye detection | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (4-stop) | IBIS — up to 5 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 6fps (continuous AF) | 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 300 shots (CIPA, estimated) | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 530g (with battery and card) | 403g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots | None — rear screen only | |
| Screen | Fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD (UHS-II) | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See DC-G97 and S9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the S9 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history