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Note: For the camera, we chose a micro 4/3, a format particularly well-suited to travel. More compact and lighter than a full frame, it significantly reduces the weight of the body and lenses, without sacrificing image quality. It also offers excellent stabilization, great optical versatility and more affordable pricing. When traveling, these advantages make all the difference: less clutter, greater responsiveness and more freedom for everyday photography and filming.
Presentation
The Panasonic Lumix G97 is an ideal hybrid camera for those who want to get started in photography and video while traveling. With its 20.3 MP CMOS sensor in Micro 4/3 format, it delivers sharp images and vibrant colors without the need for complex adjustments. Its Venus Engine processor ensures fast processing, precise photos and smooth video, even in difficult lighting conditions. Dual I.S. 5-axis stabilization reduces hand-held tremors, making it ideal for hiking or city walks. 4K recording at up to 30 p and Full HD slow motion add a creative dimension to your videos, while the steerable touchscreen and OLED viewfinder make it easy to frame from any angle. Its dust and splash resistance means you can take it anywhere without fear. In short, the G97 combines simplicity, robustness and versatility, ideal for beginners who want to tell their travel stories.
Technical data
- Sensor: 20.3 MP CMOS in Micro 4/3 format, without low-pass filter, offering a good compromise between detail and low-light performance.
- Image stabilization: Dual I.S. 2 (5-axis stabilization) to minimize hand-held shake.
- Autofocus: Fast contrast detection (49 zones) with various AF modes, suitable for most travel situations.
- Viewfinder: OLED electronic viewfinder ~2.36 M dots, sharp and precise.
- Screen: 3.0″ (~1.84 M dots) steerable LCD touchscreen, ideal for framing from any angle.
- Video: 4K recording at up to 30 p with no time limit, slow/quick motion in Full HD, V-Log L profile for creative color grading.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C, micro-HDMI, external microphone and headphone jacks for remote control and sharing.
- Storage: Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots with UHS-II compatibility for travel convenience.
- ISO sensitivity: ISO 200-25,600 (extendable to 100-25,600), ideal for varying light conditions.
- Burst speed: up to ~9 fps in AF-S mode, ideal for capturing the action.
- Resistance: dust- and splash-proof design, suitable for travel environments.
- Power supply: Standard rechargeable battery with USB recharge option.
- Dimensions & weight: ~130.4 × 93.5 × 77.4 mm, approx. 530 g with battery and card.
Our opinion
On our first trips, we used the predecessor of the Panasonic Lumix G97, a camera that was perfect for getting started in photography and video, while maintaining good image quality. Dual I.S. stabilization has always reassured us when shooting handheld, and the swivel screen makes it easy to frame from any angle. The photos and videos are detailed, with natural colors and a faithful rendering that enhances our travel memories. On the downside, we found that autofocus is not as fast as on higher-end models, and some advanced functions take a little time to master. The construction is solid, but slightly less robust than that of professional devices. Even so, for beginners, 4K versatility and ease of use make the G97 a reliable, creative and enjoyable travel companion.
