Panasonic Lumix S9
The Lumix S9 is Panasonic's latest full-frame mirrorless camera with the L-mount, and it introduces a fresh approach, unlike anything we’ve seen from Panasonic's full-frame lineup before. Does this new approach change things for Panasonic, and the L mount in general, time will show. But we are at least happy to see something different coming from the company for sure.
Related: What is missing in the Panasonic S9?
Panasonic S9 Back View
Despite sharing many internal components with models like the S5 Mark II (Compare S9 vs S5 II), the S9's form factor is quite different from Panasonic's traditional full-frame mirrorless cameras. First, let's look at the similarities: The S9 features the same 24.2MP sensor as the S5 II, offering an ISO range of 50 - 51200 (expandable up to 204800) and 6K Open Gate video capability. While it utilizes the same image processor and similar focus system with phase detection, the similarities with other models mostly end with the internals. Notably, the S9 omits the mechanical shutter, opting instead for an electronic shutter. This might initially raise some eyebrows, as the absence of a mechanical shutter is a significant change, especially for photography.
Panasonic S 26mm F8 Lens
Externally, the S9 is much more compact and minimalistic, resembling a larger version of the GM5 Micro Four Thirds camera. Weighing around 486g, it is very lightweight, and with the Panasonic S 26mm F8 lens, it is almost pocketable. Two things you have to be aware of the S26mm lens though are: 1-It is manual focus 2- The aperture is fixed at F8. It is not the most practical lens, but better than a body cap!
Related: Panasonic S 26mm F8 vs Nikon Z 26mm F2.8 vs Canon RF 28mm F2.8 Pancake Lens Size and Specs Comparison
Clearly, Panasonic is targeting the smartphone crowd who enjoy recording and sharing on the go. However, the camera body lacks a handgrip so it is difficult to use the body as is especially with larger and heavier L-mount lenses, so I recommend you getting an optional handgrip.
Panasonic S9 vs GM5
However, to achieve this compact size, several compromises were made: there is no viewfinder, no flash hot shoe, no headphone port, and minimal external controls. These omissions are intended to keep the camera small and portable, appealing to users who prioritize convenience and ease of use. Surprisingly though, there is a dedicated LUT button on the back of the camera that is used to select and apply LUTs to your footage easily. The Real Time LUT feature complements the new Lumix Lab smartphone app which helps you quickly and reliably transfer photos and videos from the camera, easily applying edits before uploading them straight to your social media platform of choice.
Panasonic S9 vs S5 Mark II
Along with the new S9, Panasonic introduces a new and extreme pancake lens, the new S 26mm F8 lens with manual focus. Yes, you heard it right, it is a F8 lens which enabled Panasonic engineer's to design it very compact and lightweight. On the S9, it almost looks like a lens mount cap. You can ask your self, 'What the heck I am going to the with an F8 lens?' and I can't blame you. The good part is, Panasonic includes the 26mm F8 lens for free with the Lumix S9, at least for now! If you buy separately, the lens will be sold for $199, which is double of what it should be in my opinion.
Update: The lens is offered for free if you pre-order the S9, and this deal will be available until June 29, 2024.
Panasonic S9 Top View
Another close competitor to the Panasonic S9 is the ZV-E1 , Sony's full frame camera that also aims content creators and videographers on the go. The ZV-E1 has the advantages of like mech shutter, hot shoe, headphone port, faster video speeds and better AF. On the other hand, the S9's 24MP sensor is significantly higher resolution than ZV-E1's 12MP sensor. And the Panasonic IBIS performs arguably better than the Sony's especially in video mode. Check Detailed S9 vs ZV-E1 Comparison. S9 and ZV-E1 are very similar in size as seen below:
https://cameradecision.com/sizecomparison/Panasonic-Lumix-S9-vs-Sony-ZV-E1-size-comparison.jpg
Price and Availability
Speaking of price, the Lumix DX-S9 is priced at $1499 body only the end of May 2024, and is available to pre-order. The S5 Mark II has an MSRP of $1,999 but is often discounted to $1,799. For $300, I feel like there are too many compromises, the viewfinder being the most important one for my style of shooting, followed by the lack of weather sealings.
Panasonic S9 will be available in 4 colors
Panasonic Lumix S9 Key Specs
Key Specifications:
- Image Sensor Size: 35mm Full Frame (36 x 24 mm)
- Effective Pixels: 24.2 megapixels
- Standardized Video Resolution: 6K
General Features:
- Product Name: LUMIX S9 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model Number: DC-S9P-K
- Color: Black
- Camera Model Family: Panasonic Lumix S
- Digital Camera Type: Mirrorless Camera Body Only
Imaging Capabilities:
- Image Sensor Type: CMOS
- Image Resolution: 6000 x 4000 pixels
- Zoom Capability: Yes
- Digital Zoom: 3x
- In-Camera Image Stabilization: Yes
- Low Light/High Sensitivity: Yes
- Image File Formats: JPEG, RAW, MOV, MP4
Exposure Control:
- Shutter Speeds: (Max. 60 minutes), 1/8,000 - 60
- ISO Range: 50 - 51200 (Expandable up to 204800)
- Burst Mode: Yes, with a Burst Rate of 30 frames per second
- Shooting Modes: Includes Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, Manual Exposure, Creative Video, Slow&Quick, Custom settings, and Intelligent Auto
- Scene Modes: True
- White Balance Modes: Multiple options including AWB, Daylight, Cloudy, and custom settings
- Effective Pixels: 24.2 megapixels
Lens and Flash:
- Lens Mount Compatibility: Leica L-Mount
- Integrated Flash: No
Display and Video:
- Touch Screen: Yes
- Varying Angle Screen: Yes
- Video Resolution and Frame Rate: 4K (2160p) video recording at 60 fps, with maximum video frame rate up to 120 fps
- HDR Mode: No
- Slow Motion Recording: Yes
Focus:
- Autofocus: Yes
- Eye Autofocus (Eye AF): Yes
- Number of Autofocus Points: Up to 779
Storage and Compatibility:
- Number of Memory Card Slots: 1
- Memory Card Compatibility: Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC), Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC), Secure Digital
- Tripod/Monopod Mountable: Yes
- Remote Compatible: Yes
Features:
- Face Detection: Yes
- Smile Mode: No
- Integrated GPS: No
- Records Audio: Yes
Connectivity:
- Wireless Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth
- Outputs: HDMI, 3.5mm audio, USB Type C
- Microphone Input: Yes
- Headphone Jack: No
- Charging Interface: USB Type C
Power:
- Rechargeable Battery: Yes (DMW-BLK22)
- AC Adapter Compatible: Yes
- Removable Battery: Yes
- Number of Batteries Required: 1
- Number of Images Per Charge: Approximately 470
Dimensions and Warranty:
- Product Height: 12.6 cm
- Product Width: 7.39 cm
- Product Depth: 4.67 cm
- Product Weight: 0.49 kg
- Camera Body Weight: 0.4 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 1 year for both parts and labor
