With the "new" D version of the Panasonic Lumix G95, it appears interesting to revisit this Micro Four Third (MFT) camera model as Panasonic have decided to maintain its offer into their current line-up (as for its predecessor the Lumix G85). The "original" G95 and its "upgraded" version are in fact almost identical except for the LCD rear screen that has been substitute in reason of, we can suppose, of its specific manufacturing part availability. So, there is nothing to add from our initial review of that model in regard of its basic characteristics. To know more about these similarities and sparse differences, you can consult this Panasonic Web page.
Is the Pana Lumix G95D a perfect camera? Of course not, but for those who are more familiar with the manufacturer digital offer and in particular in the video field, they have been appreciated for years even considering certain limitations like for their (infamous) autofocus system. Over the past decade, I have the chance to work with several of them (GM 5, GX7, GX8, GX85, GX9, G85, G95) and I was really impressed not only by their interesting ergonomics and interfaces but also by their picture performances. In one word, they are better devices that many may first thing.
The Panasonic Lumix is made in China and so what? Are you seriously thinking that because it is labelled from an otherwise manufactured country, it will be a real different camera? The answer is obvious especially for those if not all who are buying computer, tablet and smartphone products. Let's forget that "Ken Rockwell" emotional like factor to move on about the design of the Lumix G95D. The ergonomic is good to very good. It would exceptional if the covering of the hand grip was not so much "grippy" (like it use to be on the previous G85). No joystick to rely but the rear D-Pad is versatile enough to compensate this absence. We must mention the excellent focus switch located at the back which is far more convenient compare to the front ones from other camera models. The menu and the interfaces of the Lumix G95D are comprehensive and are an exemplary simplicity while being very extendable if necessary. In brief, the Lumix G95D is highly configurable and customizable.
On the other hand, many aspects of the Panasonic Lumix G95D are less glamour such as its Micro Four Third (MFT) 20MP image sensor, its limited 2.39MP electronic viewfinder (EVF) from in other age it seems, the already mentioned absence of joystick, its only one memory card slot, its older generation USB port, etc. If you are easier influenced by the the last novelty siren, the Lumix G95D will not certainly appeal to your search of the latest of the latest.
The electronic viewfinder (EVF) thing.
Sure we love to have on hand a very detailed electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a fast refreshing image rate and a high magnification not forgetting a long viewing eye point. You wont find these latest technical developments when you are considering the Lumix G95D. But what you will see instead is a proved competent and clean EVF sufficient to help you in manual focusing, an accurate color reproduction with no rainbow effect in the low light areas when looking at a high contrast backlight scene which phenomena you can adversely observe with some notorious "pro" models. True to say also that the Lumix G95D can generate a grainy (noisy) picture in very low light situations but even though it is manageable for the photographer (at least you see something...).
The (rear) live monitor (LVF) thing.
Unlike the original Lumix G95 (without "D") the TFT rear screen has been replaced by an OLED one which got a bit less resolution (1040 dots/G95D versus 1240 dots/G95) but have a better side view rendering. Honestly the difference should not be so noticeable in real life photography since if you need to have a better focusing view for specific works (tabletop, reproduction) you can rely on the optional image part magnification functionality. The Lumix G95D back screen is fully orientable and can be totally protected by turning it face on the camera body.
Hocus Focus?
Nobody is perfect and the Panasonic autofocus saga is raging since already a time ago in this digital world. Is it so bad as you may ask? Under specific situations with moving subjects, it is simply and entirely true. Moreover the viewfinder rendering cannot confirm or not if the focus is obtained which can be really annoying. The problem seems to be finally addressed with the introduction of the newest model (Lumix S5 II) that combine contrast and phase detection. But for the Lumix G95D contrast detection stay alone to perform the autofocus of the camera. Using the single autofocus setting (AFS) should be the best focusing option to select with the Lumix G95D although if you can cope with the limitation of the continuous autofocus setting (AFC), it can be manageable to a certain extend.
High battery consumption.
Battery consumption when you are using any mobile electronic devices has been always a strong discussion debate. The Lumix G95D battery consumption is highly demanding for the rather small Panasonic BLC-12 power pack. The solution is to have on hand sufficient replacements for the entire outing duration. Moreover you can add the optional Panasonic BGG-1 vertical power grip that will double your camera autonomy and will give you a better handling comfort when using bigger lenses or doing portrait (vertical) orientation pictures. However finding the original Panasonic manufactured BGG-1 can now be difficult and rather expensive.
Weather Resistance (WR) feature rules the game.
It is a common fact that electronic don't cope with adverse conditions such high humidity and furthermore with direct contact with water (especially with the salty ones). They need a more advanced protection that seal them from the outside elements. The Lumix G95D is qualified s dust and splash resistant (but cannot go underwater obviously) and can operate in humidity ranging from 10% to 80% as for temperature from 0 to 40 degrees Celsius (No, you cannot boil the camera!). Knowing that, the Lumix G95D should be a competent outgoing companion in most circumstances.
Versatility is on your own.
You can do a lot of things with the Panasonic Lumix G95D. It will be almost impossible to experiment truly all the possibilities of the camera configuration. In fact many of them may rest unused for the lifetime of the Lumix G95D. But the important thing here is that the Lumix G95D offers you many specialized photo taking opportunities as long you are ready to learn how to program them. So the potential is there for almost everybody. No, it is not a "pro" camera (the Lumix G9 is the one that Panasonic have designed for this intensive use) although it can easily do (within its limits) that king of work if necessary.
The quiet introduction of the new Panasonic Lumix G95D version have permitted us to revisit a versatile and competent camera model that is following a tradition inaugurated by the Lumix G series. Even its actual selling price is a strong temptation to adopt this digital camera model. Don't prevent you to try it and you may be surprised of its conviviality and performance.
© Photo-illustrations Daniel M
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