Panasonic Lumix G97 Black Review

The Panasonic LUMIX G97 is a solid all-rounder for photographers who want a capable camera that's easy to carry. It's built well, has great stabilization, and connects to everything, making it a reliable travel companion. It's not the best at any one thing, but it does a lot of things pretty well without breaking your back or the bank.

Performance is a mixed bag, but mostly good. The 9fps burst is decent for action, landing in the 83rd percentile, and the in-body stabilization is top-tier at 92nd percentile, so your handheld shots will be sharp. The autofocus, however, is just okay, sitting at the 45th percentile. It's fine for general use but might struggle with the fastest sports or wildlife. Video quality is its weakest major area, ranking only in the 35th percentile, so serious videographers should look elsewhere.

At $848, the value proposition is straightforward. You're paying for a very portable, well-built camera with fantastic stabilization and connectivity. If those are your top priorities, it's a fair deal. But if you need class-leading autofocus, top video specs, or a flip-out screen, your money goes further with other cameras.

Compared directly, the Sony ZV-E10 II is a much stronger choice for vloggers and video creators, while the Canon EOS R6 Mark II will run circles around the G97 in autofocus and low-light performance, but it's also much heavier and more expensive. The Fujifilm X-T30 III offers better stills image quality and a more engaging shooting experience for a similar price. The G97's real edge is its combination of light weight, great stabilization, and robust build.

Buy the LUMIX G97 if you're a travel or hobbyist photographer who values a lightweight, durable body and incredible stabilization above all else. It's a reliable workhorse for stills. Skip it if your main focus is video, vlogging, or you need the absolute best autofocus for fast-paced action.