Panasonic Lumix G9 vs Sony A6400 — Which One Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix G9 and Sony A6400 are two powerful mirrorless cameras that target serious photographers and hybrid creators.

Both deliver excellent image quality, 4K video, and fast performance — but they cater to different shooting styles. The G9 is a Micro Four Thirds powerhouse built for speed and stabilization, while the A6400 is a compact APS-C camera that shines in autofocus and hybrid performance.

So, which one is better for you? Let’s break it down.

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⚙️ Overview — Speed and Stability vs Hybrid Versatility

Panasonic Lumix G9:
A flagship Micro Four Thirds camera designed for still photography. With professional ergonomics, class-leading image stabilization, and lightning-fast burst rates, it’s perfect for wildlife, sports, and handheld photography.

Sony A6400:
A compact APS-C camera built for creators who shoot both photos and video. It offers industry-leading autofocus, a flip-up touchscreen, and excellent 4K video quality — all in a small, travel-friendly body.

In short:

• G9 = Professional stills camera with unmatched stabilization.

• A6400 = Fast, flexible hybrid camera for creators.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

The Lumix G9 feels like a professional DSLR in miniature form. It’s weather-sealed, well-balanced, and equipped with deep grip controls that make it comfortable for all-day shooting. The magnesium-alloy body is tough enough for outdoor conditions, and the dual SD card slots are a pro-friendly feature.

The Sony A6400, on the other hand, is much smaller and lighter. It’s a great option for travel and everyday photography. While not weather-sealed, it’s compact and easy to use, with intuitive menus and a flip-up screen ideal for self-recording.

👉 Verdict:

• G9: Best for professional handling and rugged environments.

• A6400: Best for portability and simplicity.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

This is where the Sony A6400 dominates. Its 425-point phase-detect autofocus system with Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking makes it one of the fastest AF systems on any mirrorless camera. Whether you’re shooting moving subjects, portraits, or video, it locks on instantly and stays accurate.

The Panasonic G9’s Depth-from-Defocus (DFD) system is excellent for still photography and bursts up to 20 fps. However, its contrast-based AF can struggle in continuous AF during video compared to Sony’s phase-detect system.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Superior autofocus for both photo and video.

• G9: Extremely fast for stills, slightly less advanced in continuous AF.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 4K video, but they serve different creators.

Panasonic Lumix G9

• 4K 60p recording

• 5-axis Dual I.S. for handheld shooting

• Flat Cinelike D/V profiles for color grading

• Dual SD card slots

• Best suited for stabilized, handheld footage

Sony A6400

• 4K 30p oversampled from 6K for exceptional sharpness

• Real-Time Eye AF during video

• S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG profiles for advanced color work

• Flip-up screen for vlogging

• Clean HDMI output

👉 Verdict:

• G9: Better for handheld shooting and stabilized 4K.

• A6400: Better for hybrid creators, vloggers, and cinematic video.

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🧠 Image Quality

The Sony A6400’s larger APS-C sensor gives it an advantage in low-light performance and dynamic range. You’ll get cleaner images at high ISO and shallower depth of field.

The Lumix G9 delivers outstanding image quality from its 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, especially when paired with Panasonic’s high-end lenses. Its JPEG colors are excellent, and the sensor stabilization helps produce sharper results handheld.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Better for low light and shallow depth of field.

• G9: Superb detail and sharpness with excellent stabilization.

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🔋 Battery and Connectivity

Both cameras offer solid battery life (around 400 shots per charge) and support USB charging. The A6400 features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote shooting and quick sharing, while the G9 includes Wi-Fi and dual card slots for professional reliability.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Better app integration and simplicity.

• G9: More pro-grade features and backup options.

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💰 Price and Value

The G9 is a true bargain for photographers who want professional stills performance and rugged build quality. The A6400, meanwhile, is one of the most balanced hybrid cameras under $1,000, offering incredible autofocus and strong video tools.

👉 Verdict:

• G9: Best for photographers.

• A6400: Best for hybrid creators and video work.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A6400 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Lumix G9 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Panasonic Lumix G9 vs Sony A6400

✅ In short:

Choose the Panasonic Lumix G9 if you need professional-grade handling, in-body stabilization, and top-tier stills performance.

Choose the Sony A6400 if you want class-leading autofocus, better low-light quality, and a more compact hybrid camera.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Panasonic Lumix G9 is a professional stills camera with fantastic stabilization and rugged design — a perfect fit for photographers who want reliability and performance in one package.

The Sony A6400 is the better hybrid option, offering faster autofocus, better low-light performance, and advanced video features in a smaller, lighter body.

If you’re primarily a photographer, choose the Lumix G9.
If you’re a creator or filmmaker, the Sony A6400 is the smarter investment.