Panasonic LUMIX G97 G97 Black 2025 Review

Panasonic dusted off the G95, stuck a G97 badge on it, and hoped we wouldn't notice. Spoiler: we noticed, and you shouldn't buy this rehash.

Let's be straight: Panasonic basically took the 2019 Lumix G95, gave it a minor firmware tweak, and boxed it up as the G97. It's the same 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, the same contrast-detect autofocus system, and nearly the same body. That's a problem in 2025 when competitors are running circles around it. If you're a G95 owner, there's exactly zero reason to upgrade. If you're new to MFT, it's a mixed bag: you get a lightweight, weather-sealed body with excellent IBIS and some genuinely fun creative modes, but the autofocus is stuck in the past, and the image quality tops out at "just okay."

What surprised us most is how well this camera handles stabilization and video connectivity—its 93rd percentile connectivity score is top-notch for streaming, and the IBIS holds its own. But the autofocus is a letdown. Panasonic's depth-from-defocus system was fine in 2019, but it's now laughably behind Sony's real-time tracking or even OM System's phase-detect AF. In anything but perfect light, you'll notice the camera hunting, and that kills the vlogging and video appeal Panasonic is pushing. If you're shooting static scenes, it's okay, but for anything moving, frustration is built in.

Pricing for the G97 is all over the place—from a reasonable $748 at some sellers to an insane $178,334 (yes, really). Ignore the absurd numbers. At around $800 with the kit lens, you're getting a decent hybrid camera for streaming and travel, but you're also buying into an outdated platform. For a few hundred more, the Sony a6700 will blow it away in autofocus and image quality. The G97 only makes sense if you find it heavily discounted and all you care about is lightweight vlogging with stabilization.

Stack the G97 against the Sony a6700 and it's no contest: Sony's AI-driven autofocus is miles ahead, and its APS-C sensor produces sharper, cleaner images. Even within Micro Four Thirds, the OM System OM-1 Mark II is the camera this wishes it was—with a stacked sensor, superior burst speeds, and phase-detect AF that actually tracks subjects. The OM-1 is pricier, but if you're committed to MFT, it's the only real choice. The G97 sits in an awkward middle ground, too outdated to compete with modern cameras and too similar to the G95 to justify its existence.

If you're a photographer eyeing the G97 for stills, just stop. The image quality is middling at best, and the autofocus will drive you nuts. Buy a used Sony a6700 or even an older Fujifilm X-T4 instead. Vloggers who need reliable face tracking should also pass.

The Panasonic Lumix G97 is a camera without a real purpose. For streaming and light video work, it's passable, but the unreliable autofocus kills the fun if your subject moves. Photographers should look elsewhere entirely—its stills performance is embarrassingly weak. Unless you find a screaming deal and only need a stabilized, portable body for tripod work, skip it and put your money toward a Sony a6700 or a used OM System OM-1 Mark II.