Leica M9 vs Panasonic G1

The Leica M9 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2009 and September 2008. The M9 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless, while the G1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (M9) and a Four Thirds (G1) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 18.1 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Leica M9		Panasonic G1
Rangefinder camera		Mirrorless system camera
Leica M mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
18.1 MP – Full Frame sensor		12 MP – Four Thirds sensor
no Video		no Video
ISO 80-2,500		ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
2.5" LCD – 230k dots		3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)
2 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
550 shots per battery charge		410 shots per battery charge
139 x 80 x 37 mm, 585 g		124 x 84 x 45 mm, 360 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica M9 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Leica M9 and the Panasonic G1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The M9 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the G1 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G1 is notably smaller (6 percent) than the Leica M9. Moreover, the G1 is substantially lighter (38 percent) than the M9. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the M9 nor the G1 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Leica M Lens Catalog (M9) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (G1).

Concerning battery life, the M9 gets 550 shots out of its Leica BLI-312 battery, while the G1 can take 410 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLB13 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica M9	139 mm	80 mm	37 mm	585 g	550	n	Sep 2009	US$ 7 999	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic G1	124 mm	84 mm	45 mm	360 g	410	n	Sep 2008	US$ 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon T1i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	US$ 799	ebay.com
4.		Canon T2i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	530 g	440	n	Feb 2010	US$ 699	ebay.com
5.		Leica M Typ 240	139 mm	80 mm	42 mm	680 g	500	Y	Sep 2012	US$ 6 949	ebay.com
6.		Leica M8	139 mm	80 mm	37 mm	591 g	550	n	Sep 2006	US$ 5 499	ebay.com
7.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	US$ 6 599	ebay.com
8.		Leica M10-P	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Aug 2018	US$ 7 999	ebay.com
9.		Leica M10-R	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jul 2020	US$ 8 299	ebay.com
10.		Leica M11	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	640 g	700	Y	Jan 2022	US$ 8 999	amazon.com
11.		Leica X Vario	133 mm	73 mm	95 mm	680 g	450	n	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Typ 113	133 mm	73 mm	78 mm	486 g	350	n	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-410	130 mm	91 mm	53 mm	435 g	500	n	Mar 2007	US$ 699	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic G2	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	428 g	360	n	Mar 2010	US$ 599	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic G10	124 mm	84 mm	74 mm	388 g	380	n	Mar 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic GH1	124 mm	90 mm	45 mm	385 g	300	n	Mar 2009	US$ 899	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic L10	135 mm	96 mm	78 mm	556 g	450	n	Aug 2007	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 93 percent) than the M9, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica M9 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic G1 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G1 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the M9 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the G1 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 18.1MP, the M9 offers a higher resolution than the G1 (12MP), but the M9 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.91μm versus 4.33μm for the G1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the M9 is a somewhat more recent model (by 11 months) than the G1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the M9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Leica M9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the M9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 26.1 x 17.4 inches or 66.2 x 44.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.8 x 13.9 inches or 53 x 35.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.4 x 11.6 inches or 44.1 x 29.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic G1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Leica M9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 2500. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-3200.

In terms of underlying technology, the M9 is build around a CCD sensor, while the G1 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the M9 provides substantially higher image quality than the G1, with an overall score that is 16 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Leica M9	Full Frame	18.1	5212	3472	none	22.5	11.7	884	69
2.		Panasonic G1	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	none	21.1	10.3	463	53
3.		Canon T1i	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
4.		Canon T2i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	784	66
5.		Leica M Typ 240	Full Frame	23.7	5952	3976	1080/25p	24.0	13.3	1860	84
6.		Leica M8	APS-H	10.4	3936	2630	none	21.1	11.3	663	59
7.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
8.		Leica M10-P	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	25.1	14.1	2739	93
9.		Leica M10-R	Full Frame	40.9	7864	5200	none	25.3	14.3	2924	95
10.		Leica M11	Full Frame	60.3	9528	6328	none	26.3	14.8	3376	100
11.		Leica X Vario	APS-C	16.1	4928	3272	1080/30p	23.4	12.7	1320	78
12.		Leica X Typ 113	APS-C	16.1	4928	3264	1080/30p	23.6	12.8	1491	78
13.		Olympus E-410	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.1	10.0	494	51
14.		Panasonic G2	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.3	493	53
15.		Panasonic G10	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	21.2	10.1	411	52
16.		Panasonic GH1	Four Thirds	12.0	4000	3000	1080/24p	21.6	11.6	772	64
17.		Panasonic L10	Four Thirds	10.0	3648	2736	none	21.3	10.8	429	55
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the G1 has an electronic viewfinder (1440k dots), while the M9 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the G1 has a higher magnification than the one of the M9 (0.70x vs 0.68x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Leica M9 and Panasonic G1 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Leica M9	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.0/s	n	n
2.		Panasonic G1	1440	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon T1i	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4/s	Y	n
4.		Canon T2i	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.7/s	Y	n
5.		Leica M Typ 240	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	n	n
6.		Leica M8	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	2.0/s	n	n
7.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0 / 1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	n
8.		Leica M10-P	optical	n	3.0 / 1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	n
9.		Leica M10-R	optical	n	3.0 / 1037	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.5/s	n	n
10.		Leica M11	optical	n	3.0 / 2333	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.5/s	n	n
11.		Leica X Vario	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
12.		Leica X Typ 113	optional	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	n
13.		Olympus E-410	optical	n	2.5 / 215	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
14.		Panasonic G2	1440	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	Y	1/4000s	2.6/s	Y	n
15.		Panasonic G10	202	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.6/s	Y	n
16.		Panasonic GH1	1440	n	3.0 / 460	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
17.		Panasonic L10	optical	n	2.5 / 207	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G1 has one, while the M9 does not. While the built-in flash of the G1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The M9 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the G1 uses SDHC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Leica M9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Leica M9	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Panasonic G1	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon T1i	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon T2i	Y	stereo / -	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Leica M Typ 240	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Leica M8	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Leica M10	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
8.		Leica M10-P	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
9.		Leica M10-R	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
10.		Leica M11	Y	- / -	-	-	-	3.2	Y	-	Y
11.		Leica X Vario	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Leica X Typ 113	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Olympus E-410	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Panasonic G2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic G10	Y	mono / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic GH1	Y	stereo / -	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Panasonic L10	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-

Both the M9 and the G1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The G1 was replaced by the Panasonic G2, while the M9 was followed by the Leica M Typ 240. Further information on the features and operation of the M9 and G1 can be found, respectively, in the Leica M9 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic G1 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Leica M9 better than the Panasonic G1 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Leica M9:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (18.1 vs 12MP) with a 25% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (16 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (550 versus 410) on a single battery charge.
• More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 11 months after the G1).

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.68x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (460k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 225g or 38 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (93 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2008).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G1 emerges as the winner of the match-up (12 : 10 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the M9 and the G1 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Leica M9	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	..	Sep 2009	US$ 7 999	ebay.com
2.		Panasonic G1	..	+ +	..	70/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2008	US$ 599	ebay.com
3.		Canon T1i	..	+ +	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	US$ 799	ebay.com
4.		Canon T2i	..	+ +	..	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	US$ 699	ebay.com
5.		Leica M Typ 240	4/5	..	..	..	4/5	..	Sep 2012	US$ 6 949	ebay.com
6.		Leica M8	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2006	US$ 5 499	ebay.com
7.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	US$ 6 599	ebay.com
8.		Leica M10-P	..	..	3/5	..	..	4/5	Aug 2018	US$ 7 999	ebay.com
9.		Leica M10-R	4.5/5	..	4/5	..	..	4/5	Jul 2020	US$ 8 299	ebay.com
10.		Leica M11	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2022	US$ 8 999	amazon.com
11.		Leica X Vario	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2013	US$ 2 849	ebay.com
12.		Leica X Typ 113	3.5/5	..	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Sep 2014	US$ 2 299	ebay.com
13.		Olympus E-410	..	86/100	..	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2007	US$ 699	ebay.com
14.		Panasonic G2	..	..	..	72/100	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2010	US$ 599	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic G10	3/5	..	..	70/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2010	US$ 499	ebay.com
16.		Panasonic GH1	..	+ +	..	72/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	US$ 899	ebay.com
17.		Panasonic L10	..	85/100	..	+	3.5/5	4/5	Aug 2007	US$ 599	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

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