Lumix S9 | Small Size, Big Potential - But Is It Enough?

[@PavSZ]

In my head it is called "Hyper Zoom" not "Hybrid Zoom" and that's why it came out of my mouth like that. Sorry. Who actually likes this camera and could make it work for whatever you shooting?

[@VoltLover00]

Where are your disclosures for this video? Did you keep the camera? We know Panasonic paid for you to travel even though you didn't mention it. Watch Gerald's video about this joke of a launch and youtube shilling

[@videosuperhighway7655]

@@VoltLover00I heard about this crazy drama funny as hell over all of youtube. The funny thing is I had no idea this camera existed until this drama. I looked at the specs and what it offered and thought it would be a great companion to my Canon full frame cameras ie 1dxmk3 etc. and those big L primes. Loved the s9 so much I also bought a s5iiX and 7 Sigma lenses and a Panasonic 20-60 😂 I have been doing Photography since the mid 1980s. Really appreciate the S9 This youtube video is providing specs/details not telling you to buy the camera that is up to you if it meets your needs. People need to chill.

[@videosuperhighway7655]

I am making heavy use of it. Amazing how far technology has moved forward.

[@gordon3988]

Suspect some will hate, but many will be mixed…I’m the latter. Many of the same attributes of the s5ii in a small compact,body..good for travel,with a small lenses. Not weather sealed, no EVF and time limits on clips. If it had all that who,would buy the s5ii? i think it could be the right tool for many. A well done review, but only a few reviewers made note that they were,sponsored. Just adds a bit to,the integrity for those that do.

[@PavSZ]

that's how I see it. Smaller camera with S5II features that isn't for everyone. I was not sponsored by Lumix and I was free to say whatever I want about this camera

[@gordon3988]

@@PavSZ noted. Loved how Hugh on Three Blind Men and an Elephant was not impressed by the specs or the desired market (ie not for mainstream photography), but initial thoughts and limits aside once they actually used they quite enjoyed. That factor is often missing in many cameras.

[@nikolasmokalis3425]

Random question, but does it perform well as a streaming/webcam option?

[@PavSZ]

theoretically speaking it should. I had no chance to test that yet

[@JoeOberster]

For me it would make a great backup to an S5, and a great travel camera IF there were a hot shoe and optional external EVF. I'm not sure I would choose this with my Sigma 45mm f/2.8 over my Fuji X100V for travel even though I would much prefer the longer focal length. It would be even harder to choose over an X100VI with its sensor stabilization and internal ND filter. I think the camera is great, though I do think it should be about $200 less.

[@castielvargastv7931]

Its the same concept as with sony a7c or fuji 100 and no one asked of those cameras are enough.. i dont know why you guys have so much negativity towards lumix cameras .

[@PavSZ]

I haven't said a negative word about it and I highly recommended it in my video

[@castielvargastv7931]

@@PavSZ is it enough? Is very negative for an opener. Brand new lumix retro camera is finaly there would have been positive but is it enough? No one said such thing about the sony a7c or the fuji 100 which are very similar cameras.

[@jliang70]

I don't think it is negative but just constructive advice on how the camera can be better or the flaw it has. Is there a perfect camera out there? they all have their flaws.

[@Democratiser]

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. But there are three big problems: - Recording limits: 20 minutes for HD? Really? That is crazy bad. That is taking us back ten years. It doesn’t make sense. Hopefully there is a firmware update to address that. Similarly as you say there shouldn’t be artificial limits on 4K and 6k. It reminds me of Canon’s artificial limits on the R5 which was heavily criticised. - Weather resistance: rumours indicated it would be sealed. It is very disappointing to learn that it isn’t. - No hot shoe? Really? The only rationale I can think of that the lack of mechanical shutter makes sync speed ridiculously limiting. Do you know? Otherwise an outstanding package. I also love the 18-40mm lens. Very clever parameters. Without getting too technical on aperture, i sort of see it as a FF equivalent of the MFT 10-25mm f1.7 for FF in terms of focal length with the aperture compromised as a trade off for its small size. It will be interesting to see the reviews of the lens. It also makes me wonder whether a say 9-20mm MFT lens could be developed to be just as small with something like a f2 to f4 aperture. It would be a great kit lens for a MFT version of the S9 😉! But not one for travel or even on trips outdoors with no weather treatment. One gust of wind at the beach and you will have a nervous cleaning exercise ahead.

[@PavSZ]

These limitations are frustrating but there will be a lot of people who don't need or care about all that. I used weather sealed cameras for travel for years and never had one really wet or dusty. With a little bit of common sense you can get away without it

[@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528]

To me this is an atrocious camera. It's everything that I dislike about other brands, particularly Sony. Sacrificing important functionality and reliability in the name of "small and light" is something Lumix used to avoid at all costs and its what I loved about their systems. The extreme thermal issues, limits on HD in 2024 is unacceptable, lack of EVF, headphone jack, weather sealing are all frustrating and for some users deal breakers and others not a big deal but the lack of a hotshoe is honestly baffling, shocking. It completely neuters this camera as use as a studio camera, back up camera, event, festival, clubbing, night photography in everyway. This kind of camera would be very popular with a casual market, taking photos of their friends at clubs and festivals, the kind of photography where people love direct on camera flash look and not only does it not have a built in flash but you can even add one, my 1970s Canon AE-1 has a hotshoe, my smaller and more capable GX9 has a hotshoe and built in flash. I am flawed with how out of touch this camera is, it doesnt suit any market and any that it slightly does, it's beat by competition that is more capable but also cheaper. When the rumours started I thought this could possibly be a good D cam or backup camera that's small enough to slip into a bag incease anything goes wrong with your cameras but the limitations make that completely useless. They tried to make a tiny portable FF camera in the body suited to a M43 camera and have had to compromise on far far more than they should have. This makes me think back to the Lumix G100, the last "content creator" Lumix made, which was destroyed by critics... yet is a much better and more featured camera than this one. I love Lumix and have multiple Lumix cameras but this is a terrible terrible move by them. Should have focused on a S1Hii and S1Rii and this camera should have been the GX9ii...

[@Democratiser]

@@jockslifeatliftvideoproduc8528 I hear you. I think the issue for me is that with a few additional features it could move the positioning of this camera from a perceived ‘beginners with ambition’ target group of creators to a small camera which has few limitations other than those essential to deliver the size. I’d pay more for those. I’d even be happy for a MFT version at a similar price which includes those features. And those features are weather sealing, hotshoe, hotshoe EVF accessory (or decent pop up), headphone Jack, no artificial caps on recording limits (they are apparently artificial: Canon R5 deja vu). The mechanical shutter might be squeezed out of a MFT version due to size, but if they make such a version then I hope it contains one.

[@jliang70]

I am think missing the viewfinder is a major draw back for this camera, recording limit is also bad ( I hope it is something they can fix with firmware updates). Panasonic should really consider a modular design for this camera like the Sigma FL series camera making it possible to attach an optional viewfinder.

[@PavSZ]

yep, that would be good but there is no hot shoe. There are people who do not need either though

[@jliang70]

@@PavSZ But as you said in the review it is rather difficult to see the screen under sunlight. That will be the problem for most people. I only use viewfinders on Fuji and Sony when I shooting with bright sun.

[@cameralabs]

Solid work Pav!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Gordon!

[@markshirley01]

Hi - do you need to go into the menu for your video and photo modes - I notice it has 3 on the dial. Plus is there a AF MF button

[@PavSZ]

you change photo/video mode with the top dial. There is no AF/MF button. You need to go to menu or program one of the buttons on the camera to do it with

[@natureredux1957]

What some of those that don't like this camera should be asking themselves, what camera in this price range even has some of the features that this camera has. Not just about them. It will never be, just about them. Everyone has different wants and needs.

[@PavSZ]

well said!!!

[@Ey3shi3ldtv]

why releasing this camera?? They should have implement a Stream feature or facility , you would seduce a lot of high profile streamer. But meeeh...

[@PavSZ]

but then all the non-streamers would be complaining. There are people this is a perfect fit overall

[@Ey3shi3ldtv]

@@PavSZ Removing all what I said. It could be great for my situation ( making content for an olympic content and dont care about retouch and stuff , just want to share quickly things ) I just do think the prize is too close to s5 II

[@yingthao6855]

As a photographer no evf is really a big let down 😂 but nice video btw.

[@PavSZ]

Totally agree but it is totally usable. For street photography and shooting from the hip, LCD screen is perfectly fine

[@Ansonandco]

It’s pretty cool. But it was cooler to see you 🫶🏻

[@PavSZ]

you too my friend!

[@vikdaddy]

This camera reminds me of the Panasonic GF1, released many years ago

[@PavSZ]

it's more like LC1 or LX100

[@juliatrotti]

Great video Pav! As always I really enjoy all your example footage 👏

[@PavSZ]

Thank you Julia! ❤

[@macccu]

I think Fuji X-S20 also does 6k open gate

[@PavSZ]

it does

[@TomCalton]

Sick video as always my friend! It was so nice to finally meet you in person after all this time 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Tom! It was an honour to meet you and to hang out together

[@imranalijafar]

can you share more about zoom option on a prime lens . let’s say 24 mm lens for 4 k recording . how much the range will expand

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Hey Pav, great meeting you in person finally! And great video!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Richard! Same!

[@Redcliff123]

No hot shoe and EVF are the dealbreaker for me.

[@PavSZ]

not a camera for you. S5II has everything

[@doogieham]

Great overview, Pav. I always go to your video first when a new camera or lens has been released. 😊 The S9 looks compelling but the lack of an optional viewfinder limits it for my use. I do really love the concept of the Lumix Lab app. I’m hoping some of the new features for manipulating real-time LUTS in camera are going to be available via a firmware upgrade for the S5ii/iix. If not, then Panasonic has really missed the boat.

[@PavSZ]

Thanks for watching! The LUT control most likely will make its way to S5II/S5IIx in the future. I have to wear glasses to use LCD screen on this camera, not ideal in the real world situations. I miss viewfinder

[@martysender5539]

Overheats. Quickly. Pricey...pass

[@PavSZ]

the thing is ... it should not overheat, the recording limit won't allow it. I think it is the cheapest full frame camera in this class, one that offers 6k open gate recording

[@gordon3988]

Gordon @ Cameralabs did 5 15 minute clips before it overheated. Quite reasonable, so not sure why they set a 15 minute limit.

[@PavSZ]

@@gordon3988 he is in UL, not exactly hot climate. It will be a different story in heat of Spain for example

[@jmcgonnell]

without weather sealing it is a no-go for me. i had high hopes for this one. bit of a shame.

[@PavSZ]

yep, no weather sealing will be a problem for a lot of people

[@MichaelRelevant]

@@PavSZsome reviews say it is weather sealed the same as the s5ii he said his Panasonic guy that sent the camera said so.

[@PavSZ]

@@MichaelRelevant I was told by Panasonic that there is no weather sealing

[@GeekyNerdyTechy]

Awesome work Pav! Your videos are aways awesome. It was a pleasure to meet you in person man! 😀

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Shane! It was an honour to meet you!

[@info-vodice]

Thanks Pav for the great review as usual. S9 no thanks, waiting for S1 MK2 hopefully soon. What do you say Pav, will be soon?

[@PavSZ]

Thank you for watching. Sorry but I do not have that kind of information

[@thatsreallyamoon]

Question for you: In your honest opinion, would you have rather had this camera except with G9ii specs and a MFT mount, or as is with a slow FF sensor with ridiculous limits? I feel like the MFT sensor would have been easier to tolerate in terms of time limits, and MFT compacts are in DESPERATE need for a refresh. There is NO compact MFT camera with 10 bit video. The best we have is the GX9 - 8 bit.

[@PavSZ]

no, the full frame is what makes it different. They might make MFT compact camera in the future

[@Gadgetsjon]

Slick video dude!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks man!

[@JeffBourke]

Wow the ergonomics look absolute horrid! Look at that grip!!!

[@PavSZ]

lack of grip might be a problem with bigger lenses

[@williamsolis1]

Its too small and stripped down. I was hoping more of a ZVE1 style. 15min video limit is just silly.

[@PavSZ]

I will be using it for travel photography and b-roll but also for filming from a gimbal. I'll never need longer recording for those purposes. For that I have other cameras

[@otann]

It sounds like an awesome camera for street photography!

[@PavSZ]

it is

[@Mamotreco]

I’d beg to differ the pretty slow read out for the sensor and lack of mechanical shutter mean that I’d like to keep things pretty static and really use this more for short bursts of video instead. It’s an interesting camera tho

[@9adriano21]

Just ordered¡

[@PavSZ]

Yes!

[@masterofcamera]

Awesome video Pav! Was great to meet you at the event 🇵🇱

[@PavSZ]

Thanks! You too!

[@LoverOfTech]

Awesome video Pav 🎉

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Ben!

[@JeffBourke]

Surely there are not record limits in Full HD?

[@PavSZ]

Unfortunately, yes. I will be using it for street and travel photography and filming. B-roll clips mainly. Not ideal, those time limits but I will never record long clips when capturing just b-roll or short bits to the camera when vlogging. Not for everyone but there are people who will never be bothered or hindered by it

[@JeffBourke]

You can buy a used S5ii before this.

[@PavSZ]

it's not about the price, it is smaller for someone who doesn't want or need S5II

[@JeffBourke]

Omg all the dials are gone. I hate this camera.

[@PavSZ]

not a camera for you for sure

[@cameracentretv]

Awesome work Pav!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks Stewart!

[@VoltLover00]

Garbage camera, released with a joke of a lens

[@PavSZ]

lots of people love FujiFilm and their looks, this is on another level in comparison. Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZyxgo1rja9jpbMsi=GOxe1CuBnRMwAvXX I have the camera and I like it and after seeing Cam's video I want to shoot more jpeg with it (and I always hated shooting jpeg)

[@MrJapanforce]

Perfect street camera. Just great

[@PavSZ]

It really is OK

[@MicroFourNerds]

Liverpool!!!! Who needs Osaka!!

[@PavSZ]

haha YES!

[@jeirg-lr8vf]

Any of S5II users have problem with half press shutter button after firmware update?

[@PavSZ]

no problem on my S5II and S5IIx. There is an option to disable half press shutter in the menu. Check if that's on or off

[@jeirg-lr8vf]

@@PavSZ check it all, after reset works for a while, then fail again. Maybe its my sigma 24-70 f2.8 lag. Need to try another lens....

[@PavSZ]

@@jeirg-lr8vf now that I think about it, I know someone who had the same problem. It might need to be checked by Lumix

[@jeirg-lr8vf]

@@PavSZ if they will listen.

[@PavSZ]

@@jeirg-lr8vf talk to the shop you bought it from

[@angeloplayforone]

You chose a green one, same as Emily.

[@PavSZ]

mine is actually blue, it's just the lighting in my video making it look green.

[@gordon3988]

Green seems to,produce the best photos!

[@sleepyatdawn7648]

6k open gate is completely useless. We still have to crop to a normal 4k format to fit most screens.

[@PavSZ]

that's the point. You can crop and reframe to 4k and vertical from the same shot. I film everything in 6k, all my talking to camera and all my b-roll

[@sleepyatdawn7648]

@@PavSZ why not just shoot native 4k and save yourself that extra step? 6k would be useful with the proper aapect ration... Not 3:2 which is unsable for video. And if you shoot vertically for video your resolution will be lost anyway, 4k files are too large for social media.

[@PavSZ]

@@sleepyatdawn7648 you are missing the point of 6k 3:2. Thee is 6k 16:9 available as well

[@sleepyatdawn7648]

@@PavSZ i dont know that there is 16:9 available, all everyone talks about is 3:2. And if there are benefits of it i have yet to hear them. Im only dealing with the information i gathered from your video and the video of other youtubers that tested out the camera. "Oh you can shoot 6k at 3:2!"... That doesnt sound useful, you say it is, can you elaborate a little more?

[@PavSZ]

@@sleepyatdawn7648 it can do 6k in 17:9 (5952x3136px) and 5.9k in 16:9 (5888x3312px). 6k 3:2 give you room to correct your framing when cropping it down to 4k 16:9 but as I said before, you also get 9:16 HD crop from the middle of the frame for vertical delivery. Very useful if you are doing the same video for different platforms

[@Photo-N-Pursuit]

So it's all about social media? What about professional photographers and videographers? No new accessories? Nothing for them? Such a build-up for this? No new sensor? I don't see any innovations in this. Just re-packaged S5II (IMO).

[@Bigcookfilms]

Every camera isn't made for professionals

[@Photo-N-Pursuit]

@@Bigcookfilms Agree. No debate about it. I have been struggling to get a compatible flash for S5iix in my country. If you introduce a camera line, ensure that you also grow the ecosystem for it. That's all I am trying to say. If Panasonic also innovated and introduced something for the existing product lines, people like me wouldn't have complained. Their insta post mentioned "Something big on May 22". Anyways, I made a bad choice investing into Lumix camera (it's a good camera), but its ecosystem is too limiting if you want to explore new possibilities, at least in my country. And I don't see Panasonic employing their resources to improve that.

[@PavSZ]

I never said that this camera is all about social media. It's a specific tool for a specific job. A little cut down, smaller version of S5II perfectly capable of professional results. This camera is certainly not for and it will not appeal to a lot of people out there but there is market for it. Apart from flash lights, the Lumix eco-system is ok in my opinion. You also have Sigma and other brands like SmallRig. I am a professional photographer and film maker and I can see myself using this. Perfect for filming on a smaller gimbal or for filming myself when travelling

[@heynow2880]

They should have called it “OH” over heat

[@PavSZ]

😂

[@heynow2880]

@@PavSZ They gotta be crazy to release that. I would go with any other camera on the market.

[@ifzarik]

nice!

[@PavSZ]

Thanks!

[@cityproofdad]

just wait for om system to release full frame beauty retro/ vintage design beast

[@PavSZ]

very unlikely