Panasonic LUMIX G95 Panasonic LUMIX G95 20.3MP Mirrorless Camera with Review

The Panasonic LUMIX G95 is a bit of a Swiss Army knife for the modern hybrid shooter. It's not trying to be the absolute best at any one thing, but it bundles a solid 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, in-body stabilization, and 4K video with V-Log L into a body that feels great in your hands. For someone who wants a single camera for travel vlogging, casual streaming, and stills, it's a compelling package right out of the box, especially with that included 12-60mm lens.

Panasonic knows its audience here. This camera scores in the 90th percentile for streaming and the high 80s for travel, which tells you exactly who it's for. It's the creator who needs a reliable, connected tool that won't weigh them down. The 454-gram body is light enough for all-day carry, and features like the mic jack and clean HDMI output are built-in, not afterthoughts.

What makes it interesting is that balance. You're getting pro-level video features like log recording and external monitoring in a body that's decidedly mid-range. The sensor lands in the 74th percentile, which is respectable for Micro Four Thirds, and the build quality is fantastic, sitting in the 93rd percentile. It feels more premium than its price suggests.

Let's talk numbers. The in-body stabilization is a star, ranking in the 91st percentile. In practice, that means you can get remarkably smooth handheld video and shoot stills at slower shutter speeds without a tripod. It's a huge quality-of-life feature, especially for travel and run-and-gun video. The 4K video quality itself is good, landing in the 78th percentile, and the pre-installed V-Log L gives you serious flexibility in color grading, claiming 12 stops of dynamic range.

Now, the trade-offs. The autofocus system is the clear weak spot, sitting in the 45th percentile. For static subjects or controlled video shots, it's fine. But if you're trying to track fast-moving kids or pets, it will struggle compared to modern Sony or Canon bodies. The burst shooting is also limited at the 40th percentile, so it's not a sports or wildlife camera. That 48.6 score for sports/wildlife isn't a fluke. The performance is all about smooth, deliberate shooting, not speed.

At around $715 with the lens, the G95 sits in a sweet spot. You're paying for a complete, capable kit, not just a bare camera body. When you factor in the high-end build, the IBIS, and the pro video features like Log and clean HDMI, it's a lot of camera for the money. It undercuts most competing APS-C hybrids that offer similar video specs, though those competitors often have better autofocus.

The value is clear if your needs match its strengths. For a travel vlogger or a streamer who needs a clean HDMI feed, it's arguably cheaper than buying a separate camera and capture card. You're getting a well-rounded tool that doesn't force major compromises in build or core features to hit a price point.

Stack it up against a popular rival like the Sony a6400. The Sony destroys it in autofocus and burst shooting, making it better for photos of anything that moves. But the a6400 lacks in-body stabilization, and getting 4K video with Log and a clean HDMI output often requires more expensive Sony bodies. The G95 gives you that stabilization and those video features in a cheaper package.

Then there's the Canon EOS R7. It's in a higher league for speed and autofocus, a true sports camera. But it's also bigger, more expensive, and its video features can be more complex to unlock. The Fujifilm X-S20 is another strong hybrid competitor with better autofocus and a larger APS-C sensor, but you'll pay more for it, especially once you add a lens. The G95's play is offering a more complete, stabilized video and travel kit right out of the gate for less cash.

If you're a traveler, a vlogger, or a hobbyist who prioritizes smooth video, great build quality, and a simple, all-in-one kit, the LUMIX G95 is an easy recommendation. Its stabilization and connectivity are top-notch, and it handles those jobs brilliantly. For the price, you get a tool that feels professional and is ready to connect to your streaming or recording setup immediately.

But, you have to be honest about its limits. If your photography involves sports, wildlife, or chasing toddlers around the backyard, look at the Sony a6400 or Canon R7 instead. The G95's autofocus will frustrate you. Think of it as a fantastic specialist for creation and travel, not a jack-of-all-trades.