Panasonic LUMIX S9: Redefining Mirrorless Camera Portability for Content Creators

Panasonic has unveiled the LUMIX S9, the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in the company’s S-series lineup. The S9 took a lot of what people loved about the S5 II and put it all into a much smaller package. The best Panasonic mirrorless camera for video is available in four colors: dark olive, night blue, raspberry red, and charcoal black.

Target Audience and Design

It is designed to attract younger users who have put aside their smartphones. The camera does not have an electronic viewfinder, instead of which a rotating screen is installed for convenient shooting from any angle, it is equipped with MP4 Lite (a new Open Gate video mode optimized for smartphones) and designed to work with a mobile application. The S9 camera weighs just 403g.

Competition Comparison

We can say that this is Panasonic’s answer to the Sony ZV-1 Mark II, which looks similar and is aimed at the same type of users. However, the Panasonic S9 is a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and also has a full-frame sensor, while the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is a compact camera.

Technical Specifications

The Lumix S9 uses a full-frame 24.2-megapixel sensor that Panasonic says is “equivalent” to that in the S5II, and is backed by the latest processor that allows content to be captured with a high level of detail and promises natural tones. Like the S5II, the S9 features built-in image stabilization to ensure smooth video when shooting handheld. 

Panasonic rates the 5-axis Dual IS 2’s stabilization at 6.5 stops when paired with a compatible OIS lens, while it’s rated at 5 stops on its own. Additionally, the sensor features phase detection autofocus, which Panasonic says allows it to accurately track subjects.

Smartphone User Features

Panasonic aims to attract smartphone users by offering a variety of in-camera color tones. These features, often referred to as filters, operate in real-time using a dedicated LUT button. In addition, the new Lumix Lab app encourages users to create their LUTs on smartphones. The aim is to enable users to produce uniquely colored photos and videos without computer editing.

Video Capabilities

Most likely, young people have put away their smartphones; especially them, Panasonic introduced a new recording format called MP4 Lite in the Lumix S9. The camera records 10-bit Open Gate 4:2:0 footage at 30p or 25p, optimized for smartphone use. Its aspect ratio makes the footage better suited for social media sharing through the Lumix Lab app. Lumix Lab facilitates high-speed transfer of photos and videos from your camera to your smartphone. It provides the tools needed to quickly edit MP4 Lite video files for fast sharing.

Key Differences from S5 II

While it shares many similarities with the Lumix S5II, the S9 lacks active cooling. Consequently, it lacks the long-term recording capabilities of older models due to significant heat generation. The best Panasonic mirrorless camera for video comes with Panasonic V-log (given the emphasis on LUTs, of course) and a huge list of recording formats in addition to MP4 Lite, including the aforementioned 6K open-shutter in 4:2:0, 10-bit, 5.9K (16:9 ) up to 4:2:0, 10-bit, Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) at 29.97p at 4:2:2, 10-bit, and standard 4K at 29.97p, 4:2:2 10-bit along with Full HD shooting options. Higher frame rates up to 59.94p in Cinema 4K and native 4K are available with APS-C crop. Higher frame rates, up to 120fps, require downgrading to Full HD, but this does not result in crop.

The last major difference between the two cameras is that the S9 doesn’t have a physical shutter. To maintain the camera’s compact size, Panasonic chose IBIS over a shutter mechanism.

Panasonic Lumix S9 mirrorless camera price and release date

Lumix S9 is available for pre-order on Bhphotovideo.com, Adorama.com, and Amazon.com for $1,497.99. The camera will be available at the end of June 2024.