To listen to the camera critiques, you’d never believe something moving as fast as a dragonfly could be captured by a Panasonic G9 camera. The photography forums and online videos constantly complain about the contrast focus system, and compare it to other models that feature hybrid or phase-detect systems.

Photographic technique, however, does not amount in total to the specs of your camera. You are responsible for knowing your subject, and finding the best moment to click that shutter release.

This dragonfly was caught in flight by the Panasonic G9. I examined the dragonfly’s patterns, and noticed that in addition to darting around at a near-impossible speed to photograph, it also took time to hover. A little patience and several swear words later, I was able to get a group of shots.