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First Look Panasonic Lumix S9 Camera Review

Full-frame Panasonic Lumix cameras like the S5 II are popular with video-first hybrid creators for their excellent video capabilities, which are supported by comprehensive stills photography features. Panasonic has taken this formula and applied it to the Lumix S9, which is the latest addition to the lineup of full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Panasonic Lumix S9 Video Review by Gareth

As the smallest and lightest S Series camera to date, the S9 promises to deliver cutting-edge imaging technology in a compact and stylish package. In this First Look Panasonic Lumix S9 Camera Review, we take a closer look at the new model, compare it to its predecessor the S5 II, and explore who this camera is best suited for and have a video review from Gareth.

When did the Lumix S9 come out?

The Panasonic Lumix S9 was released on May 22, 2024, and with four stylish wraps the release marks a significant update to the Lumix lineup. It follows the launch of the S5 II, which debuted in January 2023, whilst bringing new features and developments to the full-frame mirrorless market.

How much does the Lumix S9 cost?

The Lumix S9 body only costs £1499.00 and is available in four distinct colours: Classical Blue, Jet Black, Dark Olive and Crimson Red. Two lens kits are also available, one of which is a brand new Lumix S 26mm pancake lens released simultaneously, providing additional versatility for photographers and videographers.

Full pricing details for each body colour and lens kit is outlined in the table below.

S9 Key Features

When it comes to features, the S9 is packed with technology, boasting a 24.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, similar to the S5 II, ensuring high-quality images with rich detail. The advanced Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF) system provides excellent subject tracking, making it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects.

One of the standout features S9 brings is a brand new MP4 Lite video mode. This smaller, smartphone-optimised full-frame sensor video mode allows for quicker transfers to devices, making it perfect for content creators who need to edit and share videos on the fly.

Summary key features include:

• The S9 body weighs just 403g
• Rangefinder-style flat body design *New
• Same 24.2MP sensor as the S5 II
• Burst shooting at up to 30fps
• Phase Detection Auto-Focus (PDAF), with 779 AF points and excellent subject tracking
• Up to 6.5 stops combined stabilisation with Dual I.S.2, which includes 5-axis IBIS and Active I.S.
• 6K Open Gate 30p video (the whole sensor), and C4K/4K 60p in 4:2:2 10-Bit
• Crop zoom and hybrid zoom *New
• REAL TIME LUT via a new dedicated ‘LUT’ button on the body *New
• MP4 Lite *New

These summary S9 features highlight just how powerful this ultra compact and portable full-frame camera is, and it joins a brand new App which we expolore next.

New Lumix Lab App

Joining the camera release is a brand new Lumix Lab App. The App enables quick conversion of Open Gate MP4 Lite video into social media formats in as little as 30 seconds, highlighting the S9's shoot-to-share philosophy.

The App draws on the benefit of capturing Open Gate video, which utilises the entire full-frame sensor, enabling quick conversion into various formats, including:

• 1:1
• 9:16 (vertical for TikTok and similar)
• 16:9 (horizontal for Youtube and similar)
• 2:2 vertical
• 3:2 horizontal
• Original 35mm format

Along with video formatting, the App allows for LUT creation, transfer and sharing, which enables the S9 to deliver ready-baked content with your own pre-defined style.

New dedicated LUT button

The dedicated LUT button simplifies applying Look-Up Tables (LUTs) for colour grading, allowing you to apply presets while shooting. This powerful tool saves time on post processing and ensures a quick turnaround, with your desired style embedded directly into the photos or videos.

Design and Build

The S9 bares a new flat rangefinder-style design, which is a departure from previous Lumix full-frame bodies. This sleek aesthetic not only looks good but also enhances portability, weighing just 403g and measuring 126 x 73.9 x 46.7mm, for an incredibly compact option for on-the-go photographers and videographers.

One of the most distinctive design choices aside from stylish design with coloured wraps is the omission of an EVF. Panasonic recognises that younger video-first creators often favour an LCD, and consequently, the S9 is equipped with a free-angle, 3.0-inch touchscreen with 1.84 million dots, making it ideal for selfies, video, and photography.

Lumix S9 Sample 01 @35mm. Camera settings: 1/160 sec. f/4.5. ISO 2500 By Gareth

Usability and ergonomics

The fully articulating rear LCD screen is a significant advantage, offering flexible shooting angles for everything from selfies to overhead shots. The user interface is intuitive, making the S9 accessible to both beginners and experienced photographers. The dedicated 'LUT' button and the Lumix Lab app further enhance usability, providing tools for quick editing, LUT creation, and social media sharing.

Real world performance

The S9 delivers impressive image and video quality. It can record 6K Open Gate 4:2:0 10 bit in 30p/25p video and C4K/4K 60p in 4:2:2 10-bit, providing filmmakers with high-resolution footage. It also offers up to 6.5 stops of combined image stabilisation with Active I.S., ensuring smooth and stable shots even while walking and talking.

Compared to the S5 II, the S9’s new crop zoom and hybrid zoom features offer additional versatility, allowing for dynamic framing and composition with just a single lens attached. Overall, Panasonic is trying to create a more enjoyable shooting experience for creators, making the journey from capturing the moment to sharing with the world intuitive and seamless.

Lumix S9 Sample 02 @20mm. Camera settings: 1/160 sec. f/3.5. ISO 1000 By Gareth

Autofocus performance

The S9 features the same Phase Hybrid AF system from the S5 II, thanks to its CMOS sensor and processor. This delivers improved real-time recognition AF with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus) for more precise subject tracking performance. This includes Human/Face/Eye/Animal+Human detection and 779-area metering AF.

Additionally, the AF system can detect subjects in difficult lighting conditions, such as low light and backlighting. Once focus is locked on, the system will continue tracking the subject, even when other objects move around the frame. Panasonic’s Autofocus has come a long way and the S9 offers the pinnacle of technology for all-round sharper results in almost any situation.

Lens Compatibility

The S9 is compatible with a vast range of L mount lenses, including the new 26mm f/8 Pancake Lens. This ultra-lightweight prime weighs just 58g and measures 18.1mm in depth, making it a perfect match for the S9’s compact body.

Panasonic has concentrated new releases on unified lens designs, with a series of bright f/1.8 prime lenses (fixed focal width), which feature similar weighting and balance, the same thread sizes for lens filters, while providing unique focal widths, which can be extended by the new crop zoom and hybrid zoom features.

These primes include:

• Lumix S 18mm F/1.8 Lens
• Lumix S 24mm F/1.8 Lens
• Lumix S 35mm F/1.8 Lens
• Lumix S 50mm F/1.8 Lens
• Lumix S 85mm F/1.8 Lens
• Lumix S 100mm F/2.8 Macro Lens

Alongside Lumix lenses you’ll find a vast range of high-quality options from Sigma and Leica, who are also members of the L mount alliance, along with Samyang – the newest member.

Lumix S 26mm f/8 Pancake Lens

The new S 26mm pancake lens delivers high-resolution results with a fixed f/8 aperture for deeper depth of field, manual focus control, and subtle bokeh for natural-looking backgrounds. This combination is ideal for various subjects including street photography, landscapes, and everyday snapshots.

Who is the Lumix S9 for?

The Panasonic Lumix S9 is aimed at video-first hybrid creators, who prioritise portability without sacrificing performance. Its compact, desirable design and advanced features make it particularly appealing to travel photographers, vloggers, and professional content creators. Compared to the S5 II, the S9 offers a more streamlined, shoot-to-share experience.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to quickly edit and share their work to audiences across various social channels, whether a newcomer or a more seasoned creator.

Lumix S9 Sample 03 @50mm. Camera settings: 1/200 sec. f/2.8. ISO 320 By Gareth

Why the S9 was developed

The development of the S9 reflects Panasonic’s commitment to expanding its full-frame mirrorless lineup with innovative solutions that meet the needs of today’s young creators. The S9 addresses market trends by offering a smaller, lighter and more stylish design, with advanced features that cater to the demands of hybrid content.

Its introduction of new technologies like the MP4 Lite video mode and the dedicated LUT button shows Panasonic’s focus on enhancing the user experience for on-the-go editing and sharing with a stylish camera that looks the business.

Lumix S9 vs S5 II comparison

The table below highlights many of the key similarities, while highlighting the differences between these two full-frame S series cameras. While the S9 isn’t competing with the S5 II, it does offer more shoot-to-share features, in a pared-down format compared to the larger body.

Conclusion

The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a welcome addition to the range, offering the ultimate portable full-frame system for video-first hybrid creators. With its tried-and-tested 24.2 megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus, and innovative features like the MP4 Lite video mode and dedicated LUT button, the S9 stands out as a versatile and advanced option for shoot-to-share creators.

Whether you're a professional creator upgrading your gear, or a new creator seeking a stylish and capable first camera beyond a phone, the S9 will help you fulfil your creative potential and reach new audiences more quickly.

Visit our Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras page to choose your perfect Lumix camera, including the S9 in Jet Black, Blue, Green or Red.

If you’re considering an upgrade take advantage of Park Camera’s trade-in program starting with a fast and free quote to discover how much you can save on the new S9 after selling your unwanted equipment.

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By Nick Dautlich on 22/05/2024