Panasonic LUMIX S9 – A worthy replacement for the EOS-M

Richard Cox
14 Min Read

Specifications

Key Specs
Lens MountLeica L
Sensor ResolutionEffective: 24.2 Megapixel (6000 x 4000)
Image StabilizationSensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO Sensitivity RangePhoto/Video
100 to 51,200 (Extended: 50 to 204,800)
Internal Recording ModesNo
External Recording ModesNo
Media/Memory Card SlotSingle Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Audio I/O1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O1x USB-C Input/Output
Other I/ONo
WirelessWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Display TypeFree-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Battery Type1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Imaging
Lens MountLeica L
Sensor ResolutionEffective: 24.2 Megapixel (6000 x 4000)
Sensor Crop (35mm Equivalent)Crop Factor: 1x
*Additional Crop Occurs in Select Video Modes
Image StabilizationSensor-Shift, 5-Axis
Built-In ND FilterNo
Capture TypeStills & Video
Exposure Control
Shutter Speed1/8000 to 60 Seconds
Bulb/Time ModeBulb Mode
ISO Sensitivity RangePhoto/Video
100 to 51,200 (Extended: 50 to 204,800)
Metering MethodCenter-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot
Exposure ModesAperture Priority, Manual, Program
Exposure Compensation-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)
Metering Range0 to 18 EV
White Balance2500 to 10,000K
Presets: AWB, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Daylight, Incandescent, Shade, White Set 1, White Set 2, White Set 3, White Set 4
Interval RecordingYes
Self-Timer2/10-Second Delay
Still Image Capture
Image Sizes3:2
24 MP (6000 x 4000)
12 MP (4272 x 2848)
6 MP (3024 x 2016)
2.5 MP (1920 x 1280)
4:3
21.5 MP (5328 x 4000)
10.5 MP (3792 x 2848)
5.5 MP (2688 x 2016)
2.2 MP (1712 x 1280)
16:9
20 MP (6000 x 3368)
10 MP (4272 x 2400)
5 MP (3024 x 1704)
2 MP (1920 x 1080)
1:1
16 MP (4000 x 4000)
8 MP (2848 x 2448)
4 MP (2016 x 2016)
1.6 MP (1280 x 1280)
2:1
18 MP (6000 x 3000)
65:24
13.3 MP (6000 x 2208)
Aspect Ratio1:1, 2:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9, 65:24
Image File FormatJPEG, Raw
Video Capture
Internal Recording ModesNo
External Recording ModesNo
Fast-/Slow-Motion SupportYes
Recording LimitNo
IP StreamingNo
Built-In MicrophoneStereo
Audio RecordingMOV: 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz
MP4: 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz
Interfaces
Media/Memory Card SlotSingle Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC
Video I/O1x HDMI (Unspecified Signal) Output
Audio I/O1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O1x USB-C Input/Output
Other I/ONo
WirelessWi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Mobile App CompatibleYes: Android & iOS
App Name: Lumix Lab
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.)GPS
*Via Connected Smartphone
Other I/ONo
Monitor
Display Size3″
Display TypeFree-Angle Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Focus
Focus TypeAuto and Manual Focus
Focus ModeContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
Autofocus Sensitivity6 to +18 EV
Flash
Built-In Flash/LightNo
External Flash ConnectionShoe Mount
Operating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Operating Humidity10 to 80%
General
Battery Type1x Rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Shoe MountNo
Tripod Mounting ThreadNo
Dimensions (W x H x D)4.96 x 2.91 x 1.84″ / 12.6 x 7.39 x 4.67 cm
Weight1.1 lb / 486 g (With Battery, Recording Media)
0.9 lb / 403 g (Body Only)

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21 comments

  1. This looks very intriguing. As mentioned in the article, Asian airlines are very stingy with carry-on luggages, and some even goes further forcing the weight of 2 carry-on bags to weight exactly 7kg or below, which makes this camera very nice to carry around and leaving the big boys at home.

    Edit: And the DPReview crowds are nitpicking again.
  2. I have trouble using an LCD screen in bright light, so if I were considering a compact travelling acamera, it would absolutely have to have an optical or electronic viewfinder. As it is, there a few enough so equipped cameras on the market, especially when the camera also has to be affordable.
  3. When I saw the rumour about the S9 on asobinet yesterday I really liked the form factor. It could use an m6II style finger bump on the front, all in all it’s a compelling package.

    I also wish Canon would allow both open gate and full res recording, it would make my R8 even more useful for video.
  4. S9 remove many things and match R8 price and the weight.
    Canon can make R8 without evf easily.
    The size, weight and price can be better.
    The pencake lens really show Canon is leading.
    F2.8 vs F8.

    Canon should surprise people. M6 size with R5 sensor. No mechanical shutter. 2499usd.
    They can lock the 8K video about 5 mins.
  5. This looks very intriguing. As mentioned in the article, Asian airlines are very stingy with carry-on luggages, and some even goes further forcing the weight of 2 carry-on bags to weight exactly 7kg or below, which makes this camera very nice to carry around and leaving the big boys at home.

    Welcome to fliying AirAsia - where we weigh everything! Though the girls are usually nice, and allow me to go 2kg or so over most times.

    My son said.. "cool, no eye hole thing".

    Proud parent.

    Teaching him all those fancy techy terms I see ;)
  6. S9 remove many things and match R8 price and the weight.
    Canon can make R8 without evf easily.
    The size, weight and price can be better.
    The pencake lens really show Canon is leading.
    F2.8 vs F8.

    Canon should surprise people. M6 size with R5 sensor. No mechanical shutter. 2499usd.
    They can lock the 8K video about 5 mins.

    They "should" .. but also add in IBIS, that they don't have on the R8.

    I don't think they developed an F8 lens simply because they can't make one faster, they made an F8 so that it's an "f/8 and be there" lens. You literally just point it at a subject and your hyperfocal distance is usually enough that everything is in focus - especially for small social media posts. Any focus distance over 9 feet will have up to infinity as the far limit to the depth of field.

    This is probably why they made it 26mm which is the common enough focal for the main cameras in our smartphones (usually around 23-26mm) - so I think this is brilliant.

    I think you meant 1499 USD and not 2499 USD.
  7. They "should" .. but also add in IBIS, that they don't have on the R8.
    I actually wouldn't mind an R9 without neither an EVF nor IBIS. Compact and rugged. (I know the Canon rattle should be fine but coming from the E-M5II the R6II's rattle doesn't inspire much confidence.)
  8. I, possibly along with many other, are eager for a smaller camera like this from Canon. My distaste for Fujifilm is beginning to grow as their stubbornness, menus, and horrible autofocus continue to plague the enjoyment I have with them. The moment I pick up any Canon camera I’m reminded what it’s like to have truly logical and intelligent menus, ergonomics, and functionality. But, Fuji’s lenses are *chef’s kiss* magnificent, compact, and weather sealed….so I’m being pulled and tugged every which way. haha I’m just hopeful that Canon one day builds the camera body that I dream about….just not sure how big of a market my personal wants/needs would represent. LOL
  9. They "should" .. but also add in IBIS, that they don't have on the R8.

    I don't think they developed an F8 lens simply because they can't make one faster, they made an F8 so that it's an "f/8 and be there" lens. You literally just point it at a subject and your hyperfocal distance is usually enough that everything is in focus - especially for small social media posts. Any focus distance over 9 feet will have up to infinity as the far limit to the depth of field.

    This is probably why they made it 26mm which is the common enough focal for the main cameras in our smartphones (usually around 23-26mm) - so I think this is brilliant.

    I think you meant 1499 USD and not 2499 USD.
    I don't have any hope Canon would sell 1499usd with R5 sensor. If they sell 1499usd, they still use R6ii sensor and of course no IBIS.o_O
  10. I, possibly along with many other, are eager for a smaller camera like this from Canon. My distaste for Fujifilm is beginning to grow as their stubbornness, menus, and horrible autofocus continue to plague the enjoyment I have with them. The moment I pick up any Canon camera I’m reminded what it’s like to have truly logical and intelligent menus, ergonomics, and functionality. But, Fuji’s lenses are *chef’s kiss* magnificent, compact, and weather sealed….so I’m being pulled and tugged every which way. haha I’m just hopeful that Canon one day builds the camera body that I dream about….just not sure how big of a market my personal wants/needs would represent. LOL

    Don’t worry, when Fuji took down Canon as number 1, they would fix the autofocus.

  11. Canon still need something to replace the more compact EF-M series. I think an APS-C version of this camera would also make sense with smaller and lighter APS-C lenses to go with it.
  12. I saw a (text) post on Youtube where someone-who-will-not-be-named-here said that "Camera Youtube" had reached peak annoyance with all the creators publishing their S9 videos at once. Gordon from Cameralabs responded with "How is this different from what Sony has been doing since their first a7 in 2013?"

    I had a good laugh about the post and the comments on it.
  13. I, possibly along with many other, are eager for a smaller camera like this from Canon. My distaste for Fujifilm is beginning to grow as their stubbornness, menus, and horrible autofocus continue to plague the enjoyment I have with them. The moment I pick up any Canon camera I’m reminded what it’s like to have truly logical and intelligent menus, ergonomics, and functionality. But, Fuji’s lenses are *chef’s kiss* magnificent, compact, and weather sealed….so I’m being pulled and tugged every which way. haha I’m just hopeful that Canon one day builds the camera body that I dream about….just not sure how big of a market my personal wants/needs would represent. LOL
    I also cannot get warm with Fujis. Tried the X-E1, X100F and X100V and always returned them within a day or two. But it is a more irrational, emotional thing for me as I personally simply don't warm up to their user experience (menus, ergonomics, aperture chatter, retro dials), but I crave what they offer:
    - fantastic SOOC JPEGs
    - small, weather sealed primes that are very good
    - X100's are quite compact and very pretty

    I would love for Canikony to bring a X100/GR competitor, though a more compact R8 and 28mm F2.8 might fit the bill, too.
  14. Unfortunately, it seems that the Lumix S9 can not be used with a flash:

    You’ll also notice there’s no built-in flash, while sliding the cover from the shoe on top reveals no sync pins for an external flash either. This is because the S9 only has an electronic shutter which, on this model, does not support flash sync.
  15. Okay, I bet that got your attention. I have long talked about the need for smaller travel cameras that we got spoiled with, with the EOS-M system. The ability to take a small, but capable kit, anywhere, on any airline is important to some, especially in some areas of the world where it’s getting increasingly

    See full article...

    This is EXACTLY the impression I got, its' a the canon M canon no longer wants to make (or..will suprise use with, RF-m6iii??)

    FF, panny version of the M (with obvious upgrades.) I used my M for years, enjoyed it despite all the naysayers (who dont matter anyways).

    With some obvious issues which make s9 harder to stomach for this more modern version:

    - Price needs an adjustment..full stop.
    -the hotshoe is a debacle (related to no mechanical shutter, but still)
    -12 bit only still better than most crop, but..not great
    -almost mandatory grip (same for the M!)
    -unfortunate ports location, just silly
    -headphone monitoring - wth?

    This is already screaming for a mark ii..the 'fixes' are so obvious, especially considering the supposed target market. Not mad at them for trying, use it what its made for (open gate, and ibis!). Otherwise it's not me/you.

    THE idea or model line is off to a good start, it wont be hard for them to make the next version a must have.

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