You only have one job - Panasonic Lumix S9 in-depth tech review

Camera gear I used to shoot this video:
Panasonic Lumix S5II | Lumix S 24mm f/1.8
Zeapon Axis Slider
Synco D2 Microphone
Instagram: / photo_by_richard
My Miniature Photography Instagram: / scalequests
Facebook: / photobyrichard
0:00 Panasonic Lumix S9 Review Introduction
2:15 Disclaimer
2:55 Body Design
8:05 Smallrig Grip for Lumix S9
8:36 Lumix S5II vs S9 (body design)
10:55 Colour Options
11:16 IBIS
18:34 Real Time LUT
24:10 Lumix Lab
31:52 Autofocus
34:49 Two New L-mount Lenses
38:46 Photo Mode
43:30 Video Mode
46:54 Hybrid Zoom / Crop Zoom
49:01 Overheat Test
53:51 Battery life
55:53 Final Thoughts
66:25 Extras

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I've spent most of this week in my hotel room in Tokyo (which was paid by myself) editing and finishing off this video, one night even editing till 3am. So if you enjoy this review or found it useful, I would really appreciate if you can click the LIKE button (on the video) or drop a comment or share it with someone to support me :)

[@AutospeciLvAkumulatori]

Real Panasonic autofocus performance looks like this kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGGxo4tobriksKc

[@christinasmith9032]

Wry much appreciate the extra time you spent on this video. Very good in-depth info.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@christinasmith9032 Thanks again Christina!

[@juliatrotti]

Richard!! This is such a good and in depth review. Love all the details you got into, great job 🙏

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks so much Julia! It was great to see you and Dan again!

[@eszeezee6967]

So detailed, so indepth, so comprehensive. Wow... I really appreciate that you talk more on what the S9 has and can do rather than ranting and complaining on and on about what it doesn't.

[@PavSZ]

Interesting, informative and entertaining .... I somehow felt it was not long enough. Totally enjoyed it! Great finally meeting you in person

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks Pav!!!

[@ssguy]

always doing the most! thanks for such a thorough video!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad you like the video!

[@l-mount-forum9607]

Wow, what a detailed review! Thank you!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simonkither2345]

Richard you are the absolute GOAT of camera reviews! Once again you've made an incredible video review here mate! Great work!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Wow, thanks Simon! Really appreciate your kind words

[@masterofcamera]

Awesome video Richard, super indepth! Love those XPan-mode shots of Japan.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

haha yeah Japan is perfect match for the XPan mode!

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Informative review as always, great work!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you Shan-Hsien!

[@RedFrameTech]

Wow Richard! How do you manage to make such a long in-depth video in such a short space of time 🤯 Well done!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I was stuck in my Tokyo hotel (which was not paid by Lumix) and editing whole day whole night, some of the days even till 3am 😪

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

Great video. Thank you.

[@ArtofServer]

Thank you for your detailed review 😸

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thanks for watching and comment :)

[@essiturbo]

Nice Test Richard.👏 Thanks.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thanks for watching essiturbo!

[@user-mk2dz6tr4q]

Thank you for the detailed review.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thanks for watching

[@christinasmith9032]

This review has a wonderful amount of practical details and good comparisons with competitors (incl. s5ii). Great info on luts/app feature. That is pretty exciting.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you very much!

[@Wave_Drop]

@richardwong Well done Richard! A very comprehensive video review. The video quality of the S9 is actually really good.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thank you WaveDrop!

[@kentmemories]

Great and make sense summary.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thank you very much!

[@akimnim]

Thx for review!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thank you for watching!

[@chcomes]

As usual, for information Richard Wongs reviews are unmatched.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Glad you like my review!

[@MicroFourNerds]

Oh my goodness 😂 no one does in-depth like you! Amazing work

[@TheRealRichardWong]

haha thanks Emily! Great seeing you again! Hope this small camera spark joy to you!

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

C'mon Richard! Someone said you did deep-dive reviews! 😄🤣

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It's only 67 mins this time 😂

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

@@TheRealRichardWonghaha nice! Watched a 30 min chunk! Well done mate 😀

[@javierperea8967]

Nice review

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you

[@soimike]

Your reviews are very very good. Thank you very much for all your hard work. You're fast becoming my favorite.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you so much for your kind words

[@backdrifter49]

Excellent, detailed, and objective review, as usual. Thanks, Richard. I was originally very disappointed when the rumors started coming out about this camera. It looked so nice, but made so many compromises. I'm not the target customer though and I understand what they are aiming for and it makes sense to me. Mainly I miss weather sealing because I live in a rainy climate (similar to the South Island) and also having at least EFC shutter, if not a full mechancial one, since I shoot under LED lighting quite a lot. But with the synchro scan available for photos, that probably mitigates that problem enough for me in most situations. Might pick one up anyway once the new kit lens is available since it would complement my S5II, like you say, as a travel camera or for street photography. And hopefully we'll get the silver color in North America as well since it doesn't seem to be available for pre-order.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I think i heard silver won't be available in N. America. From what i heard, it's mostly Asian countries that will have the silver version (which i think looks bettter than black!). New Zealand also will have silver version, so maybe a trip to New Zealand ;)

[@angeloplayforone]

Hi Richard, great video from Osaka, Japan.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you Angelo!

[@andreygerasimenko8197]

Thank you very much for the great review! I would like to ask just two questions: does it have a shatter angle function for video and 65:25 in camera crop for jpeg photos?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes to both!

[@PrVladimir]

The only thing I can say to Panasonic - "You were supposed to fight evil, not join them!"

[@garfieldmtify]

Why did you say that? Just curious, nothing more. Zero judgement.

[@aiseurnae5976]

Panasonic joined evil since the S5II, making the image as artificial as Sony with weird sharpening and bad details. I hope they will release the S1II very soon.

[@nickalot]

hey i also think so. I can't really point it out on a pixel level, but when you see the whole image... it just looks flatter and digitally crispy compared to the older dfd lumix cameras. gh6 had amazing image quality. i regret selling it for a g9ii

[@garfieldmtify]

@@nickalot interesting I guess I do not look that hard I am also not sure how hard people look at images. There is subjective aspect to it. I hear you though. I suppose at the end of the day it is whatever works with you. It is good we have choices, I still love my GH5 even though I’m full frame on a different system. Think I will always got love for Panasonic. There is guy out there who does amazing work with Panasonic outta New York, is it DP Journey his name is Sheriff and he is Professor In NY. …cool stuff, you can find him on KZbin, worth a look. Nice talking bout this kind of stuff. Take it easy.

[@aiseurnae5976]

@@nickalotYou don't like the video rendering of the G9II ? I also have the G9II and GH6, I don't see a lot of difference between the G9II and GH6 about fine details in video in 5,7K. The G9II still have much nicer detail rendering than the S5II in my opinion. When I really pixel peep between the GH6 and the G9II in 5.7K or Open Gate, maybe the G9II has slightly more artificial look than the GH6 yes, especially in bad light, but nothing extreme like the S5II. However, I prefer the colors of the GH6 more.

[@dklatravel]

Hi Richard, thanks for another excellent and comprehensive review. Question, can you confirm that the Hybrid zoom will work with Sigma lenses? I appreciate it.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It should, however I don't have a sigma zoom lens to confirm for you

[@ves14]

Love your vids but damn this camera is a huge disappointment. I get that I'm not the target buyer but it feels crazy how many important things it's missing.

[@protonpillpopper1]

I was going to buy it. I'm so disappointed! I must have watched 10 videos on this camera. I can't believe how easy all of the reviewers have been. I would have called this camera an un-funny joke and told Panasonic to go home and try again.

[@pgulysse1]

Thanks. Hope the #Panasonic #Lumix #S7 will be a rangefinder style camera like a FF of an updated GX8. This camera with a tilting EVF could be great. I think Panasonic has great body design, I feel other makers kind of copy them as well. The Sony A7C II is good offer. Sometimes I feel the 3 main members (#Sigma, #Lumix, #leica) are not using the full potential of the #Lmountalliance. Sigma has those contemporary lens that could fit and look great on a Lumix Rangefinder style of camera.

[@MateosFiestaST]

Question on the hybrid zoom. Does it still function when filming on 4k open gate 3:2 aspect ratio? Or does it have to be in traditional 16:9 aspect ratio? Thanks!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

do you mean the 3.3k 3:2 video? No it doesn't work

[@ttbirds1082]

Thanks for the review. Can you confirm if there is any time limit if outputting clean HDMI to a video recorder or switcher? Also what resolutions are supported for clean HDMI output? I recall for example the Canon R8 had a 30 min limit on clean HDMI out and that's one of the reasons I didn't buy it.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hi ttbirds, sorry about the late reply, i saw your comment but didn't get around to test it for you. But i just did a test today, the S9 has been running for about an hour with clean HDMI out and it's still going

[@gordon3988]

Well done..so comprehensive! I’m mixed on the S9, though I’m about 40 years past the demographic! This could be a great b camera for S5ii owners, and a decent travel camera on its own. If a firmware upgrade could change the video clip length that would likely go a long way.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

haha i'm also way beyond the target user group, but I actually found it a great travel camera too. For travel, the 5-20 minutes video recording limit is pretty ok though. I never found myself able to record anything more than 5 minutes when travelling/handholding the camera

[@JohnRobertsTV]

Great review. I am going to pre-order this camera, but I really think it needs that 18-40mm lens. I'm surprised that did not come out at the same time, seems like that would be the natural kit lens for it.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes i agree. the 26mm pancake is not the best lens for S9's target users. Unfortunately the 18-40mm is not ready yet. So I guess it's a tough choice between either delay the camera for a few months, or release the camera first then update the "kit" when the 18-40m is ready.

[@alfonta]

Great review ! is the lumix lab app good for s5ii/s5iix?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sorry Not sure. But this is the app moving forward.

[@9adriano21]

Is PDAF also available in 120p FHD, or just 60p?

[@video-carl]

Thanks for the detail! Could you tell us what lenses you used when comparing the AF with the A7C?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sony 20-70 f/4 G :)

[@bwellington3001]

Richard, do you know if Lumix Lab app and new LUT features will come to S5II and G9II cameras as well?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes it will.

[@thanhtung767]

Will they update the features and 1080p 60fps recording capabilities of this lumix s9 to the s5II(x) in the future?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Unsure. It maybe hardware related

[@Democratiser]

Richard - a great review! I was super hyped about this camera. Now I’m a little deflated. I think the lack of an EVF, mechanical shutter and full sized HDMI are totally understandable trade offs. I love that it has a full sized battery. Kudos there. But there are three big problems: - Recording limits (as you highlighted): 20 minutes for HD? Really? That is crazy bad. That is taking us back ten years. It doesn’t make sense. 15minutes for 4K? Ok so that is 5 minutes more than my G9. Hopefully there is a firmware update to address the limits, as you say. The use of artificial limits reminds me of Canon’s artificial limits on the R5 which was heavily criticised… no not criticised, ridiculed. The only rationale I can think of is that there is or a risk of image degradation after those time limits (ie noise caused by the heating of the sensor). Maybe you could test that at some point? - Weather resistance: rumours indicated it would be sealed. That is very disappointing to learn that it isn’t. It is not just rain, but it is about dust and sand. When travelling for example to a beach, cameras are always at risk of getting some sand in them (actually it almost always happens) eg due to a gust of wind blowing around). So that is really disappointing. So I actually could not see this being the only camera to be taken on a vacation. The iphone would be the safer option unfortunately relegating the S9 to safe environmental conditions. - Finally I’m really surprised about the cold shoe. I thought we had moved beyond the era of the Spotmatic?! Are there any wifi triggered flash units that would work with this camera? Or that can plug into one of the (non-weather sealed) port? Otherwise an outstanding package. But if they address the three issues above it would be the perfect small FF camera. I’d be happy to pay a bit more for the features too.

[@l-mount-forum9607]

- Recording limits is a FW decision. In another review someone said that this strong limitation might be lifted in a future FW update - Sony cameras overheat all the time ;) - Whether resistance. There seem to be some, but nothing really strong. This is a price question IMHO - and a way to offer later another model with better WR :) - The target group of this camera will not use flash. You can not optimize a camera design for many different target groups. You have to make your choice and stick to it. Otherwise you have no target group at all ;)

[@Democratiser]

@@l-mount-forum9607 cheers. All good points. Re flash however, I think the disposable camera / overexposed flash look is still quite popular.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks! And I would definitely like to see longer recording limit(even it may cause camera to overheat)

[@108u9]

Thank you Richard. Great catch on the AF difference in 1080 between S5ii and S9!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes happy to see the improvement on the S9!

[@unpaid_review]

Hi Richard, do you think that will be updates to camcoders soon? Like Panasonic x1500 update

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Not sure. I haven't heard of anything.

[@Xploretogether]

Which lut is that which you used. Can we download it anywhere?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

i used quite a few LUTs as I was just trying out all the different one, I have about 15 installed on the S9. S Deep Forest 1 is what I used the most, but also a lot of photos were shot with the Sample LUT 2 and Sample LUT 3 that are pre-installed on the S9

[@jasoncow2307]

how about the dynamic range of s9? is it donwgraded to s5?

[@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528]

@34:25 Interesting find with the PDAF in 1080 50/60. Surely the S9 is using the same processor as the S5ii so hopefully this means Lumix can bring this over to the S5ii and S5iix. It would really help me as a filmmaker as I've started considering investing in APSC options in order to skirt the crop limitations, but if they can fix the autofocus in the S5iix 1080p then I won't need to. Would mean when filming a wedding and I find myself on a gimbal and needing a wider lens I could simply swap to 1080p 50 to use the full width of the sensor rather than needing to change lens.

[@jeffriart]

Thank you for another great review! I'm a bit mixed about the S9, but it seems to be a good B camera for Lumix full frame owner, which already invested in L-mount lenses and batteries. With added bonus being the camera to bring when travelling as well... As I'm mostly going to use it for photography, the lack of mechanical shutter and hot shoe is a bit disappointing, but the rest of the camera, especially the LUT feature is quite tempting. I'm thinking to replace my aging LX100ii for my second camera, the S9 might be the choice if I can pair it with compact lens... I'll see if the price is right in my country :D

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Yes I understand, my initial feeling is also quite mixed. I am sad it doesn't have mech shutter, the short recording soft limit, and I do find myself missing the evf a bit. But I actually quite enjoy the camera and found most of the limitations not really that bad even for myself as a travel camera (who is not the target user ). My biggest complaint actually should be that Lumix didn't release the camera with the 18-40 lens, as i feel the 26mm lens is just not the right match for its target users at all.

[@jeffriart]

@@TheRealRichardWong yeah, the 18-40 should be the lens to launch with, such a great focal length too, even if a bit dark. But it'll be a better kit lens to take around from size standpoint. I almost never took the 20-60 kit lens since it is between taking another prime or this, and I mostly opted for the prime.

[@SolaSly]

1 Hour. Wow!. Im sat!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

This is My shortest Lumix camera review for a while 😂

[@ChimeThinker]

Can the Ronin RS4 or RS4 Pro control this S9 via USB-C?

[@Bayonet1809]

Would have been nice if it had a hot shoe that could connect with a separate EVF, like the Canon M6 did. That would have gone some distance to satisfying the photographer crowd. Also, no headphone jack!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I would like to see an external EVF. I wonder if the Canon EVF-DC1/DC2 sells well or not

[@Estirvana]

I'm just amazed, it feels like the Lumix full frame video stabilization has gotten as their M4/3 cameras? I really wish the S9 had a simple mechanical shutter like the GM series. I love this camera

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I would like that too.

[@nickalot]

always appreciate your reviews Richard! It's calm, collected, thorough and detailed. minor thing!!!!!! ignore me if you want to but your talking head footage always kinda seems washed out or lifted. Just curious if that's intentional or not? 😂😂

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Nicholas Thank you for watching! Re talking head footage, i did lift the shadow / move the black point up slightly. but it should be quite subtle . I assume it looks quite washed out on your screen?

[@nickalot]

@@TheRealRichardWong yeah it does looked washed out! hahaha don't have to do anything about lol. that's the best part about doing your own stuff, keke NO CLIENTS. XD

[@TheRealRichardWong]

i do not want it to look really wash out though. I wonder if it's the same on other people's screen? I'm using Macbook Pro i wonder if there is something different like gamma value that make it look washout on your screen but not mine. I will make some adjustment to my next video (publish in a week's time). please check that and let me know?

[@nickalot]

@@TheRealRichardWong Oh! yes! then it might be a gamma tagging issue. I believe mac reads rec709A or something and on export you gotta do some gamma tags for youtube. we had the inverse problem exporting from windows to youtube, where our resolve exports came out crushed. you might wanna look into output gamma tags!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@nickalot yeah thanks will see what I can do! Thanks for all your help and support

[@katakuna10]

Hi Is it lumix lub only for s9? I have s5m2, can I download luts in the future too?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sorry Not sure. But this is the app moving forward, so It would guess yes

[@GoodOleGrant]

Thank you both for this question and reply I am still wondering this I use the LUMIX S1 and Lumix Sync I hope that the older S1 series cameras and GH6 and S5 series still work with this new app and hopefully Lumix doesn’t leave us hanging if they discontinue Lumix Sync. Hope y’all have a great day!

[@ryszardzokowski812]

So they finaly fixed AF on FF 1080p. There is any info if they update it on S5II?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Unsure. It maybe hardware related

[@ryszardzokowski812]

​@@TheRealRichardWong Thanks for replie. It always hard for me to understand that. From spec sheets it have probably the same hardware as S5ii also Sony A7III with the same sensor has PDAF on every mode, and in A7IV always work flawlessy in 1080p in every framerate.

[@carlossousa1316]

☝️

[@jaymills1720]

Would love this for travel and everyday use! But considering this or pocket 3. Is there a small autofocus lens for this that can be put in a small bag or fanny pack for travel?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Sigma make a few small prime lenses that could work, otherwise the up coming Lumix S 18-40 if you want a zoom lens but thats a few months away. For travel I do recommend the 28-200. It's not pancake size, but it's really compact for such a wide range up to 200mm. I love it when shooting in Japan with this lens

[@jaymills1720]

@@TheRealRichardWong would that setup fit in a fanny pack? A small sling? And worth it over the pocket 3?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@jaymills1720 yes should fit quite easily in w fanny pack, just not your pants pocket. It's a very different camera compare to pocket 3, the pocket 3 would be easier to use, but the video quality from the s9 would be way better because of the much bigger sensor, and you can also take much better photo with the s9 too

[@waveland]

The challenge with the S9 which just dawned on me is the ports on the right (when holding the camera to shoot). On a gimbal those ports will end up right against the vertical tilt arm. Not ideal. I suppose eventually one of the third party suppliers will come up with a molded “L” port block which will route the cables towards the back of the camera, but in the meantime ready made cables of that sort are hard to find. Now I know one important reason why Panasonic told creators not to bring gimbals on this trip. If they had, most of the reviews would have included a negative comment on port placement!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Panasonic asked us not to bring gimbal (and tripod, and other big items) because they don't want us to attract unwanted attentions when shooting on the Japaneses street and public places. It was the same for the S5II launch event. This camera is really NOT designed for gimbal use at all. It's designed for quick/easy short form video/hybrid creators . I would suggest getting the S5II or S5IIx instead if you want to shoot with a gimbal

[@waveland]

@@TheRealRichardWong On a small gimbal (M3S, RS3 Mini, etc.), I suspect it will work quite well for some kinds of filming. That’s my thinking anyway. In particular I plan to mount the gimbal on top of a monopod. With the S9 and a small lens, it’s a super compact “run and gun” kit for special purpose situations. Would I use this on a full-rate professional gig? Not likely. But there are times when you end up doing someone a favor, for instance doing some light coverage for a non-profit, where a micro footprint is easier on the back, less obtrusive to the event, and where the open gate light with a LUT applied is sufficient for the organization’s social media and web needs. I have Blackmagic equipment and a Z9 kit for more serious RAW workflows, but I’m at least going to test out the S9 for lighter duty purposes. I think it will be fun, and with a small wireless mic system, short stand up “person on the street” interviews will be a breeze. Sometimes you want to project the look of “amateur”. Makes it easier for people to relax and participate. We will see.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@waveland oh right i see! But what about without gimbal at all? S9's IBIS is not exactly gimbal like, but depends on how smooth you want your footage to be, you maybe able to get away without a gimbal

[@waveland]

@@TheRealRichardWong With a gimbal-especially outdoors-I never have to be concerned about how level the ground is where I’ve stood the camera. The subject framing will always be level to the horizon. So there will never need to be rotation adjustments in post which is especially important with a monopod.

[@ChimeThinker]

8:20 - Sirui's base/handle extension is better because it gives you more threads under the camera for anti-twisting.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

i need to checkout Sirui's handle!

[@randomstuffman01]

S9 is interesting. Good review. Thanks. toronto canada. I'd like to see an S9 with mechanical shutter (rolling shutter; flash), hot shoe for flash, a simple inexpensive detachable optical viewfinder to go in the hotshoe, and some smaller prime f2.8 lenses : 28mm, 50mm, 85mm. I use Panasonic m43.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I think such a camera will come. Will be interesting to see if it's a m43 or full frame.

[@imranalijafar]

Thanks for a detailed review. How is the auto focus at Full HD full frame at 120 fps? is it still contract based or is it PDAF in S9?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I have done a bit of testing, but my result is not 100% conclusive, it appears to be a bit slower than 4k30 (PDAF), but the difference is not day or night so i can't say it is not with 100% certainty.

[@imranalijafar]

@@TheRealRichardWong that was with HD 120 fps?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes

[@imranalijafar]

@@TheRealRichardWong great thanks

[@imranalijafar]

@@TheRealRichardWong i would appreciate if you could share the samples on youtube. i also hope that they sell the japanese silver top finish model in usa for S9

[@DCChow-cl2cl]

Another excellent video, detailed and informative.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I appreciate that

[@50450720]

Great review, very informative. For me there are far too many drawbacks to make the S9 viable.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Fair enough!

[@lltechview]

1h video. Wow. Need to get some popcorn 🙂

[@TheRealRichardWong]

share some popcorn with me!

gracias por la información tan detallada, puedo decir que si me sobrara el dinero la compraría de inmediato. Tengo una S5 y quiero una S5ii primero, pero si me sobrara el dinero...

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks for watching :)

[@CartyCantDance]

It makes sense who this camera is made for. If anyone complains about a lack of features, then they can just get the s5ii instead. Sigma makes pretty small lenses for L mount, I believe there’s a 24mm f3.5 and 17mm f4 that would work beautifully with this tiny camera. Now what lumix REALLY need to do is make more pancake lenses with faster apertures. A 35mm f2.8 sounds crazy in theory, until you have something as small as this.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thank you! Yes i think Lumix REALLY should have launch the camera with a compact AF lens. I know the 18-40 is coming soon.. but it really should be a launch lens which will easily double or triple the demand.

[@protonpillpopper1]

Can't agree with you. This would have been a great upgrade for my Nikon Z30. No mechanical shutter and no hot shoe is unforgivable. Z30 remains the ultimate video-centric hybrid despite being APS-C.

[@stefanboecker2818]

would it be a better photo travel camera than the sigma fp l ?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

i think so, it has IBIS, it has better autofocus system with AI subject detection, it has better smartphone app intergration. On the other hand, Sigma has better heat management and optional EVF but i think as a travel camera, the Lumix S9 is better and much easier to use.

[@stefanboecker2818]

@@TheRealRichardWong thank you Richard.

[@rohitnarayanan6868]

heyy. We would love to see a video on the latest update of Animal Eye AF on s5ii/X. pls make a video on that. Looking forward to it :)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey there I did a video about the 3.0 fw and I have a bit of animal eye af info in that video

[@nickalot]

your photos is making miss Japan. And i just got back from Japan. hahahaha

[@TheRealRichardWong]

thank you! I miss Japan already too

[@replaygoplay7919]

yeah the younger generation ain't paying 1500 for a camera WITHOUT a lens also

[@Tigerex966]

There will be deals

[@jupiterman7]

Interesting new camera but id rather have the s5ii or g9ii. I like lots of buttons and dials, the more the better!!!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

If you like buttons, I agree the s5ii is the camera for you. The s9 is designed with completely opposite goal.

[@krishnakumarr9619]

S9P? For photography oriented specs, or is that too overlaping with an m11 or something.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

There is space for s7. A higher spec s9 with features targetting traditional users. Doesn't matter if it overlap M11 or not . It's completely different and M11 is from Leica anyway so doesn't matter

[@eugeneBai]

Does G9 has weather sealing?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

You mean the S9 i suppose? No it doesn't have

[@eugeneBai]

@@TheRealRichardWong Big thanks for answer and review

[@enolamns]

Its hard to justify this against an iphone 15 for example. For landscape in the main lens this camera cannot beat it. Video in log and h265 as well superstrong on the iphone.

[@castielvargastv7931]

Hahahahaha you clearly are not a photographer. I would never use a crappy phone for my stuff

[@Mo2008di]

😍

[@user-hn7ud5no4x]

Does it have live composite?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

oh good question, but I don't think i see that on the S9

[@briantimothyy]

WOW 34:11 is it really happening? we got PDAF on 60fps?!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes

[@keithvlogs1]

That lens will be a beast for vloging... 18-40

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes i agree! That lens should be the perfect match for the S9

[@andrear9500]

👍👍👍

[@vidsbydd]

whats your camera bag?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

PGYTech OneMo 25L. I love this backpack! I've been using it for the last two years and really loving it. Yesterday I was carrying 10kg of gear (laptop, multiple cameras..etc) walking whole day

[@masterche1980]

if this camera costs about $1,000, I'll think about it. and for compactness, I have an iPhone.

[@MichaelDemetriusGR]

time limit on video?? over heat?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I tested and discussed all in this video

[@Democratiser]

@@TheRealRichardWongRichard - I have posted comments elsewhere, but could you please check whether heating affects image quality due to the heating of the sensor (ie noise)? As you says LUMIX is super conservative about IQ and this is the only rationale I can think of for the limits given the camera is clearly capable of longer recording periods (at least in the conditions you used)!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

@@Democratiser oh i've deleted all the overheat test footage (as I ran out of storage space on my 4TB MacBook pro). But I remember I had a look and didn't see anything obvious in terms of image quality degradation.

[@mrheng562]

The record limit will most likely have a firmware release. Panasonic listens to their customers.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

We will see! A few of us reviewers definitely have spoke really loud about this limitation., both during the summit and also in our reviews.

[@mrheng562]

@@TheRealRichardWong , indeed. I can understand the mechanical shutter, but I can’t wrap my head around limiting the record time. Give us the option to make it limited, or unlimited. For people who don’t know, make the record limit a default option. Give professional the option to change it to unlimited. We’ll know the risks. Non-professionals just wanna have fun and shoot quick clips.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

That is pretty much exactly what I said to the Lumix engineers and product team at the summit. It's fine if default have time limits, I can understand that. But let us advance users , people live in cooler places to disable the time limit or extend it if we want , just give us a big warning sign 🛑 so we understand what is the consequences

[@alanc6416]

10:10 yeah but your daughter isn’t in the market to buy this camera. It’s like asking me an opinion about a Ferrari when I’m never gonna get one. 😂😂😂

[@Snapit551]

How does this camera compare with the Sony A7c?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I don't have and only briefly used a a7c myself so can't really comment. I do have a a7cr myself but I think it's a very different camera

[@Tom_Roberts]

It doesn't. The Sony is far superior.

[@Snapit551]

@@Tom_Roberts which Sony do you recommend for street photography

[@l-mount-forum9607]

@@Tom_Roberts it is also 2x to 3x the price. A comparison is therefore meaningless

[@protonpillpopper1]

@@l-mount-forum9607 I disagree. $1,500 body only isn't small change. Most people in the "target demographic" don't have that kind of money. Those that do would be looking long and hard at all of the options and will probably find it's well worth spending extra for the Sony. Pay once cry once. Buy this camera and cry every time you are hindered by it.

[@tinzi4007]

It's pretty discouraging for anyone who even want to review this camera after you 😁

[@TheRealRichardWong]

LOL thanks! but to be very honest, there are so many things I could have covered or go more in-depth but ran out of time.

[@simrtech3d]

S5II Programe mode and everyone can use it without knowing the camera, I did it 15 years ago with a Nikon d700 I put everything on automatic and I gave it to my mother and she made superb photo without any knowledge. so the idea of fewer buttons doesn't work...

[@TheRealRichardWong]

It depends on what type of user you are. For people shooting short form videos, they usually only shoot 1-2 minutes each clip each. So even 10 minutes is plenty for them. S9 is not designed for people who want to record long form video, or shoot with EVF. but there is a S5II/x for that. the S9 is not designed for me, or most of my usual viewers, people who can remember and understands the specs of every camera in the market. The S9 is designed for a complete different group of users that what we think are important actually don't matter to them at all.. And what is important to them are things we don't care. And that market is HUGE. Look at the X100, it sells like crazy, but a lot of buyers don't know much about cameras at all. They see a nice looking camera that is compact and they buy it.

[@MLee-vcrr]

This camera is OK but the Sigma fp makes more sense(no limits/no overheating) due to its limitations. This release should have been a GX8 or GX9 style body with weather sealing and that new 25mp Phase detect M4/3 sensor. Panasonic seems to have completely abandoned all those customers who have spent money for years on the M4/3 system.

[@phaselead_dj]

Sigma FP is an interesting option, but having no IBIS was a deal breaker for me🥲

[@thewalkingvloggingman7152]

Shut up.

[@pgulysse1]

Probably Panasonic did not have a chance to read the negative points on the G100. Great idea with the Ozo system but missing IBIS, headphones jacks, PDAF. The S9 is for vloggers but Lumix is limiting them too much, and Lumix is limiting themselves as well. SONY has those shotgun microphone, ECM-G1, that you can attach to the hotshoe. How Lumix who wants to conquer more markets segments hold on couple of stuffs for the S9. Weird decision. Lumix could have been one the main makers for mirrorless cameras if they did stand still too long on certain decisions. The Alliance plan looks blurry... Sigma is doing well as a lens maker, Leica is selling high end products or luxury products and thy can make margin with small quantities and their red logo or name, lumix seems to be the one to focus more on strategies to conquer the market.

[@masterche1980]

I was expecting a Sony a7cII analog. It turned out to be some kind of vague nonsense for a mega price.

[@protonpillpopper1]

Fantastic review, though this camera won't sell in any real numbers. People in the market for a new camera are very tech savvy. Specs are important and in their efforts to make the S9 as small as possible Panasonic have given the middle finger to photographers, videographers and vloggers alike. At least if it excelled for one these demographics. Sadly anyone that picks it up will have their creativity challenged by one or more of its shortcomings. A pretty camera that appeals to no one .

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Not sure if I agree. Some people buying cameras are tech savvy, like you and me. But for a lot of people, they care more about the style, the size, the weight, how easy to use. They know and care nothing about specs. I heard from shops there are lots of people bought x100 and then went back to the shop and ask how do you change lens and how to zoom.

[@protonpillpopper1]

@@TheRealRichardWong hahaa no doubt you are right but there are only so many of those people out there. Time will tell.

[@RB-pp5tv]

This youngster cam would have been better if it's in M43 format, eg as the GM7. The smaller sensor size would have provided room for more of those features missing in the S9. Especially for vlogging, the quality of the M43 sensor should be more than adequate for the type of video typically taken by the target buyers. Furthermore, most of the good FF lenses are simply too big and heavy. M43 has some truly small lenses like the Panasonic 15mm f/1.7, the Panasonic 20mm, or the Laowa 10mm f/2 and the Cine version of it. Also the Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and longer but still small zooms.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I have a question for you, if this camera now has a m43 sensor, the one from g9ii. The body and the features are the same as s9 (apart from the sensor related specs), and the price is also the same as s9. Would you buy it? Or do you think it will sell well?

[@RB-pp5tv]

The answer to your question is No, but it is not reasonable to assume that a smaller M43 sensor camera would cost the same as the S9 and also have the same limitations and compromises, like lack of features, no flash or mechanical shutter, etc. My point was about choosing a smaller sensor to avoid the many compromises and limitations in the S9. A smaller mount and sensor mean less cost, less heat issues, battery life issue, better balance due to smaller lenses, and if made in the same body size as the S9 should provide room for a joystick or perhaps a hot shoe, if not a flash, if not a mechanical shutter, which may be possible and paid for by the difference in price of the different sensors.

[@RB-pp5tv]

Maybe you can see my point if you consider these very old M43 cameras. The GM5 is much smaller than the S9, but it has a flash and also a viewfinder, missing from the S9. The GX9 has a larger body but still smaller than the S9, and it has even more features, including a mechanical shutter, tilting EVF and tilting screen, proper grip, ... plus use of many affordable and good quality small lenses. FF lenses will be either too heavy or highly limited if small and light enough for good balance on the S9. If Panasonic could instead of making the S9, just update these old M43 cameras, they would have created more desirable better cameras than a FF with so many compromises, IMHO. The loss in image quality from the smaller sensor seems very reasonable for a mainly vlogging camera, if you can gain about 10 other features, some of which are quite essential. I would definitely buy a camera like gx10, instead of the S9.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

I do not know the exact cost of the camera components, but from my conversations with Panasonic, the feeling I got is that the new 25MP micro four thirds sensor is not cheap at all. As that new sensor has really fast readout speed that can do 4k120 and features like dynamic range boost. So it may not actually be much cheaper than that now pretty old (even though still good) FF 24MP sensor at all. I haven't look into the technical differences between the two mounts, maybe it is technically possible to add mechanical shutter and hence flash support, re-use the old GM1/GM5 shutter? But i know it was not easy for Panasoinc to jam everything into the S9 body because of the new processor, big battery, all the other required components and power consumption/heat management ..etc. So if the camera new uses the 25MP m43 sensor, it still requires pretty much exact same hardware to support the latest Lumix engine with all the other latest camera features including PDAF. With the 4k120 shooting capability and higher burst speed from the 25MP sensor, the camera will most likely have more heat problem, not less as the camera still jam packed with pretty much all the same hardware inside. I do feel it is possible to add more buttons/dials/joystick etc without increasing cost/price as they are more design decisions that Panasonic intentionally left out to suit the younger smartphone age audience instead of the traditional camera users. Anyway my point is, I have a feeling if Panasonic release a S9 with 25MP m43 sensor, it will not be much cheaper than the S9, and it will still have most of the limitations. But I hope Panasonic will prove me wrong :)

[@RB-pp5tv]

Thanks for your nice reply.

[@bwm748]

What is the advantage to using a full frame camera to shoot photos for Instagram?

[@TheRealRichardWong]

There are many, shallow depth of field, much better low light performance, ability to use different lenses like telephoto, macro, fisheye..etc.

[@phaselead_dj]

Compact interchangable FF cameras are very nice options because they let you can share a single set of lenses both (1) for bodies that better fit into professional jobs and (2) for bodies for casual shooting.

[@Raist3db]

I honestly fail to see why someone wouldn't be better off with a Fuji X100VI (other than the fact they can't be found :-) ). It hurts to see this because Panasonic seems to have done many things right but screwed up in a few essentials. For content video creators it seems to me the video limit is a problem.- Sure, you can take several small clips but then the heat accumulates- good luck if you are in a hot summer. But the basic screw up I see here is that pancake lens. Both Canon and Nikon have *small* F2.8 pancake lens of this focal range more or less. The Nikon one is even weather sealed(!). For the life of me I can't comprehend how Panasonic thinks a content creator camera and a "this is my first Lumix" camera user will be happy with a fixed F8 26mm manual focus only lens. It doesn't make sense, this should have been F2.8 and with full AF. Then the new zoom lens looks nice, but it's not available on launch. I wonder how many people are going to order this, then realize their shots are out of focus, realize they have to MF, and just return - at least in the USA market. You have none of these issues with an X100VI, and the X100VI gives you enough megapixels to play with some cropped focals while still delivering high quality. It works out of the box without having to buy more lenses, you always get the converter lens options and you can weather seal it. Also let's make one thing very clear: a first curtain only shutter would have been *vastly better* than just having electronic shutter only. I sincerely wonder, if they just couldn't spend the R&D to make a similar mechanism to the GM1/GM5 where it was a limited shutter speed but still first curtain. Even 1/250 first curtain would be a massive improvement over not having any. As for there LUT feature, Fuji has quite a share of features to tweak their video/JPEG engine that make to me the LUT as a feature less appealing a much as I love the idea of creating different looks from phone and save. Fuji even gives you grain simulation for the color photos - still haven't seen the option for grain sim in color shots anywhere else. And you get a hybrid OVF/EVF. Thanks for the work in putting this video.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

hi Raist3db, I agree the 26mm f/8 lens is not a great match to launch the S9. I think the only reason is just to make the S9 looks small, the 18-40 IS the lens for it. Unfortunately it seems the 18-40 is just not ready so Panasonic got stuck with not launch the camera until that lens is ready , or launch the camera with a lens that pretty much no one likes. But re the shutter/evf, while me as a photographer also like to have both and certainly understand the benefit, but this camera is purposely for short form video contents creator that uses smartphone only at the moment, so none of these missing feature even matter a bit to them. Same as recording limit.. if you are making short form videos for Tiktok, instagram..etc. even 5 minutes video limit is enough. Again, if it's for me i want more, and I've also asked the Lumix engineers to allow us to disable recording limit. But the camera is NOT designed for us. there are cameras in the existing line up and other cameras coming in the future that are for the traditional photographer/videographer. S9 is a different camera for different market. Thanks for watching and commenting :)

[@Raist3db]

@@TheRealRichardWong If this camera is for people using phones, this brings up an interesting question: Why not use an iPhone over this? If the unique selling proposition of the Lumix S9 is the workflow/post quick with little editing, iPhone today can also bake in videos with custom LUTS and you save the step of transferring to the phone. Cleary the iPhone is good enough now that Apple did their two last events video with it. It feels weird. I almost feel had they chosen a modern micro four thirds they would have lenses out of the gate, ready, and even a smaller size. Dunno. Anyhow, thanks for reading and replying.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

for some reasons, KZbin flagged your reply as spam. I only just saw it in the spam folder sorry about that. Reason to use this camera instead of phone? I think there are some good reasons - Open gate video capture for both vertical and horizontal video - Better image quality esp for video under low light. (combined with the great IBIS) - Realistic shallow depth of field - Ability to use different optical zoom lenses, like the 28-200 to capture photo/video at longer focal length without losing image quality (which phone camera really suffers) - Sometimes it's just good to have a dedicated device to free up your phone. iPhone can be good quality output, but did you see the setup Apple used to achieve the results? the huge amount of lights, extra lenses, stabliser...etc. their camera rig looks more like a full blown cine camera setup than a phone. Anyway i think this camera is mainly for someone who want to step up and have better image quality than a phone, so he/she can stand out a bit more compare to the other people on Tiktok/instagram. Seeing how popular the Sony ZVE10 is at the moment (one of the most popular camera sold last year), i think there is definitely potential market for the S9. That market I feel could be bigger than the traidtional photographer market. Price will be the key issue as the ZVE10 is quite a bit cheaper. But seeing a lot of young people would upgrade to the latest iPhone every year... (which i can't afford myself!) maybe price is not a problem? In the past I thought a lot of cameras are awful, but i was surprised they actually sell really well. I guess we will see in a year or so whether it works or not.

[@Raist3db]

@@TheRealRichardWong Richard, first thanks for letting me know and taking the time to read and reply, much appreciated. "iPhone can be good quality output, but did you see the setup Apple used to achieve the results? " That doesn't matter- you see pro setups like that with GHx class cameras and Panasonic FF Lummixes. I find that a non argument - the so called equipment is light, reflectors, gimbals, etc. Nothing different from what has been used for other bigger cameras in a pro film situation. And the iPhone also has rock solid image stabilization for video now. The telephoto lens you quote you can put on the LUMIX S9- sure, you can do that but is that the intended target market use? On that small body too? I see the advantages you mention- my point is, it seems the unique selling proposition of the S9 is film/share by allowing custom LUTS and baking LUTS in the camera, and better integration with the phone app to transfer to the phone quick (high speed wifi, 40Mbps lite movie format, etc). Given they are selling as a unique selling proposition the workflow, it does bring the question then how much gain over an iPhone given the iPhone you don't need to transfer the captured movie to the phone. Also the phone can capture ProRes. I understand the other advantages, just makes me wonder, if workflow is a key selling point, how much they can sell over the iPhone. And then the small lens that would have matched the camera isn't ready - and then we get an F8 manual focus lens first? Oh, don't forget- the iPhone is weather sealed and even water resistant, so if you are out in bad weather, or close to the ocean... It's just something that makes me scratch my head a little bit.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

​@@Raist3db I don't disagree with most of your arguments, I also wonder if it will work for Panasonic or not. But since the ZVE10 sells really well, the ZVE1 sells ok as well, and the S9 is basically the Lumix version of ZVE10/1 and shares a lot of the same limitations.. so we will just have to wait and see if it will sell or not. Right now though it does have a huge problem, as there isn't any compact kit lens that matches the body yet..

[@Tigerex966]

If yamaha doubles the time limits for inside studio and cool conditionsany more people will buy immediately.

[@peter_parkour]

3:11 The review starts here.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks! I have also chaptered the video as well if you want to skip to a particular part.

[@TheKimNeeper]

Why on earth did they put a 15 minutes time limit on 4K, when it can run 2 1/2 hour before overheating? I understand that they need a “safety margin” in order to not give a bad user experience by cutting off in higher temperatures, but a 10 times safety margin? Sounds like 30 min will always work in 4K…

[@KatySei]

Recording limit is definitely a deal breaker.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

yes, if you need to do long form continuous recording.

[@alanc6416]

9:46 When you say the younger generations won’t complain not having the EVF, you should also look at all those young users of Fuji cameras. I’m pretty sure they care It really sounds like this camera is trying to compete with the iPhone instead. And it’s gonna loose.

[@Slipsch]

Panasonic will always be behind if they keep buying their sensors from Sony, Sony don’t sell their latest sensor to camera manufacturer. This camera has the same sensor as the A7III which is 6 years old. How can this sensor compete with the A7S III sensor in the ZV-E1 apart from resolution?

[@l-mount-forum9607]

Second!

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Thanks Dirk!

[@MrAntpre]

The time limit is a deal breaker. I don't understand why theY put the time limit when you showed that u can actually record much longer before overheating it... I think the time limit will be a deal breaker for lots of KZbinrs. When the camera is targeting content creators... That's odd.

[@l-mount-forum9607]

Might be changed in a future FW update. I think Panasonic prefers always to be on the cautious side - compared to Sony :)

[@TheRealRichardWong]

To be fair, the content creators this camera is targeting are short form or shorter form creators, i.e. not someone like me who do hours long recording in one single take

[@victorcandia]

🤓