Panasonic Lumix S9 Week One: The camera we've been waiting for

Pre-order here:
Amazon -- amzn.to/3Va5sTU
Best Buy -- howl.me/cmjhyIXBN6M
It's finally here -- a compact L-Mount camera that brings the sensor of the fantastic Panasonic S5 II to a smaller form factor. The Panasonic Lumix S9 is an incredibly interesting take on a lineup of cameras that has needed a radical shift; and while this is certainly a radical camera, it will also likely be really polarizing. 6K open gate recording, some of the greatest stabilization around, and colors that can be customized in dedicated LUT features all come together to create a camera I've been running around with in Japan. Here is my week one with the Panasonic Lumix S9!
#panasonic #lumixs9 #panasoniclumixs9 #s9 #lumixs9review #panasonics9 #panasoniclumixs9review #lumixs9cameratest #lumixs9weekone #panasoniclumixs9weekone #weekone
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[@ray6264]

I can't even recall how long I've been watching you. Since the early android authority days, I must've been like 12/14. I'm 24 now and just as in love with tech as I was then! Mostly thanks to fantastic creators like you so just wanted to say keep up the good work 🤝

[@razerville]

Same here , been watching him since android authority ! So happy that I got to catch him in CES this year

[@kevinscully6647]

It doesn't matter how small you make the FF camera, you are still limited by the size of the big FF lenses. If you want a good, smaller camera for travel, tell Panasonic to update the GX9 with a better screen, better EV, and the the G9II sensor and improved IBIS. That I will buy.

[@gaksital88]

I think a7c better choice

[@9adriano21]

I shoot professional video (events, music video, ads, interviews, video portraits ) and persona travel vlog videos… I just searched my Hard Drive, and out of 2000+ .MOV files I have 1, only One clip that is over 15 minutes. And that was an interview that turned into a podcast unplanned, I still could have done that shoot in multiple clips.

[@Devin.S4]

Exactly, this is a perfect example of people comparing specs without thinking about real world usage.

[@isavkov]

I think this is primarily a photography camera. With some video functionality for those who wants small camera with good quality video. It’s not a professional camera, you will not shoot a wedding or a commercial video with S9.

[@Kraken54321]

Who's been waiting for it?!!! 😂

[@throughmyeyes9940]

A sensible matter of fact review at last, thank you.

[@swegukiin]

Joshua what’s that falcam quick release you have hooked up to your neck strap ??

[@nicknorthcutt7680]

Man I just love your reviews. One of the most calm and down to earth reviewers out there.

[@jvtechtea]

I appreciate that, thank you very much

[@Yipii123]

What camera strap are you using?

[@hendrikmintarno]

I wished that the S9 is more like GX9 with real hotshoe, mech shutter, and range finder style evf (no need high quality one, just need it for more contact point to my eye, thus made it more stabilized). An inch taller wont hurt either, more metal to dissipate the heat.

[@wearetrackclub]

Nice review, Joshua! Really like how you put this together. Great info and shots 🙌

[@alandargie9358]

Thé best review of this interesting camera I've seen so far! Nice one, thank you...

[@gamingmisthios]

what other camera's are there like this one? specially with the software features

[@Tigerex966]

This will sell out quickly.

[@dannywinget]

I love the way this camera looks but its definitely not for me 😢

[@Johnlmooring]

Josh! Dope video as always brother 💪🏾

[@MatthewDangyou]

Rad video! Lovely meeting you at the event👍🏻

[@noobproindividual3243]

How are the 12bit images ??

[@Tigerex966]

I like panasonic for letting reviewers really use the camera and say whatever without censorship🤔🥰

[@kentmemories]

Good analysis and advise.

[@Tigerex966]

I like this ss much as your lg v60 8k video review from way back...both excellent creator tools in the right hands

[@DavidMBanes]

I got the Sigma 24mm, good alternative to the 'kit' 26mm. Similar size to the Sigma 45mm which I prefer.

[@Devin.S4]

Is the avg user recording single video clips longer than 10 mins ?

[@shittytownguides1910]

The camera no one has been waiting for lol. No EVF, no Hotshoe, no grip, only one command dial up top, it’s basically an overpriced point and shoot. It shouldve been a smaller sensor and much cheaper. It’s really just in a weird spot. Beginners don’t even know or care about full frame, and advanced users won’t want this as an only camera missing all those features. It’s pretty much for people that have enough money and already have Panasonic FF systems that just want a smaller body, for the hell of it as a second or third body. Aka KZbinrs and professionals.

[@RyanKorea]

This looks beautiful! I don't touch my A7IV anymore since I got my Pocket 3. This with the built in LUTs looks like the kinda thing I'm looking for to get back into doing very quick film-look photography

[@Democratiser]

A very good camera. I can live without a mechanical shutter. But I think for many of those who already have a sophisticated DSLR camera or two we were looking for a few features that are unfortunately omitted namely: - No artificial limits on video recording. - Weather sealing - Hot shoe - Hot shoe EVF accessory. - Headphone Jack. Add these and it would be nearly perfect. I’d prefer a micro four thirds version with the same body with these features over the S9.

[@stkuj]

TBH, I had hoped I could cancel my x100vi order (I still might). That being said, you did a great job of explaining its benefits. The horrible rolling shutter and lack of EVF (& cold shoe) makes it less a photographers camera and more of a glorified smart phone. Also, the limited selection of l-mount lens is a bummer.

[@thyncha]

I don't think this was the release we have all been waiting for. This is like a jack of all trades master of none camera. Yes it is cheap for a full frame camera but the advantages of that are mostly negated by the disadvantages of the design. 1. Yes it is small but full frame lenses are big so the difference in weight and size of other simmilar cameras is not that important. Currently there are close to 0 pancake lenses for the L mount. 2. No evf is a huge downside for a lot of photographers because companies still refuse to put decent screens in their cameras. 3. No mechanical shutter can also be a big downside. The point of a full frame sensor is mostly better performance in low light so when you remove the mechanical shutter you introduce all the negatives of banding in low light. 4. The record limit is comical, I understand the full sensor recording cannot be long, but for 4k or fullhd to be that low is embarrassing. This camere will fit a very small number of people and i expect it to flood the second hand market when people realise all it's shortcomings. If lumixed released this with a simmilar footprint and a fixed lens with an evf, mechanical shutter and a small lens it would sell like hotcakes. Or alternatively make it a mft sensor so you can fit everything you couldn't into the same body. Everyone is better off buying a used a7c if they want a compact full frame.

[@alucardhellsing1037]

The full quote is "Jack of all trades, master of none, though often times better than a master of one".

[@RuhkcusTV]

great vid! would Iove to see more footage with it and that Sigma45m Iens! :)

[@qbking77]

Great video! Love the green color.

[@moneyboys2010]

Good stuff here. ??? Can you Hybrid Zoom the Sigma Zooms ? How far ?

[@kristopherchuckceniza7415]

If we're being totally honest, the S9 isn't it. It's made for content creators but it's got a recording limit? The real-time LUTs are pretty cool, I'll admit, but if we're going to transfer photos to our phones anyway, I'd rather download a free preset (or pay for a cheap one) that gets me the same aesthetic. It's only a 3-minute job on lightroom and I won't have to buy another camera for it. Granted, I believe the best camera is one you'd want to bring with you all the time-and the S9 definitely looks pretty and small enough to be just that. All I'm saying, though, is that I was excited for it but when the official reviews got released, it was a bit of a let down. Until the next iteration comes, I'm keeping my money.

[@lfcruzsierra]

I think people might not see one of the biggest advantages of this camera: Fast Content Delivery. I have tons of clients that need quality content, which usually requires extensive setup with most traditional video cameras. Having a camera that can easily produce movie and commercial quality without needing a gimbal, just apply the LUT style, and it's done. Job completed quickly with amazing quality content and a minimal, fast workflow. I think this camera suits me perfectly! I do wonder if it's possible to further tweak the LUTs to add glow, halation, or other effects. Do you know if that's possible with the app or the camera?

[@nazrhael3660]

A lot of the footages look a bit jerky/twitchy?

[@MegaUrzo]

Needs to have more pancake lenses to make sense for the smaller body

[@LoverOfTech]

Great video JV and glad we linked up in Japan 👊🏿

[@lamasteve6905]

Try the Zoom M3 mic

[@essiturbo]

Ich würde meine gx9 nicht gegen schlechte Ausstattung der S9 tauschen wollen.

[@pdcorlis]

So $1,500 is body only price? Back in the day Argus made a camera called the C3. I think we need to borrow its nickname for this camera - the brick.

[@cammackey]

Great takes and coverage!

[@Smart-Alex]

This might be exciting for TikTokers, but not for aspiring photographers/videographers or hobbyists. There's already a great camera in your pocket.

[@andyphotoandfilm]

Looks like you've been one of the few from the creator crowd down in Japan who thought about bringing some L mount lenses... Neat to see how the 45mm fits the S9. I'll definitely will give this combo a try. (Already shoot 90% SOOC JPGs with LUTs on my S5IIX)

[@georgemahlum6542]

Not for me...but I am sure some content makers will like it...A pair of A7c bodies... an A7s... and some pro/good lenses etc...fill my need for current Photog work/play. Cheers.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

As a filmmaker of narrative content, I really like the S9. I don't film interviews. So, the 15 minute recording limit in 4K is not a big deal to me. The hate directed at the S9 baffles me. Like the attacks on the Blackmagic PYXIS camera, the other reviewers of the S9 seem to ignore the price. The PYXIS is 1/3 the price of the Komodo X, yet it was compared to it. The S9 is $1,500 USD. Which is $400 less then than G9ii, which has a smaller micro 4/3 sensor. The S9 has the dual base ISO and 6K open gate of the S5ii/x models. As a low budget/indie filmmaker, I am selective about my gear. As soon as possible, I will most likely pick up the S9. I think it's a great deal given its features and price. By the way, I also have the OP3 and I am loving it. Thanks for taking a fair look at the S9. I think it's a much more capable camera than many reviewers are making it out to be. Subscribed.

[@YoureNowOnTV]

😊👍📷

[@achrafmel]

I love the fact that everyone covering this release is downplaying the record time limit. Are you listening to yourself? 10min record time on a camera aimed at content creators is absurd

[@TheMillennialJoe]

Technically, it's 10 minutes of 6k open gate and Sony and Canon do zero minutes of that lol.. but recording limits in HD is pretty ridiculous

[@kylehaggard7348]

who the fuck is doing more than 15 minute takes when vlogging honestly

[@Raze0Encrypted]

Been watching you forever love your content. I got to say this camera aint it. It's meant to be a hybrid camera but the package is not that great for either photo or video. Missing hardware for photos: A hot shoe mount (so no flash), evf, mechanical shutter. Video is capped at 15 mins for 4k lol, which most likely is to prevent overheating issues. Camera design is missing grip (accessories add to the weight and cost so really we should be looking at this without accessory. If this camera was $1000 i would sort of understand but at $1500 just step up to the s5iix. All that and they are trying to sell a MF F/8! lens lol with no ability to even stop down for $200 when third party lens from like samyang gives you f/2.8 and AF for the same price. Its pretty ridiculous sell.

[@dr.nariata6924]

give s9 a Sigma 28mm f1.4 L so, it my budget friendly leica Q

[@BrucePhung]

This is NOT the camera we have been wanting for. In fact, we have been waiting for S1h ii and where are they? Why has no one asked Panasonic about that while you are in Japan? Everyone over Japan is trying to hype up this camera nobody wants . For $1500, you can buy S5 ii instead. S5 ii is better than this S9 in every way.

[@bounomejp6423]

Yes! Finally someone said it

[@acliffalay]

This is not the camera you have been waiting for. If you want an S1iih, this camera is very clearly not for you. It’s smaller and lighter, which is pretty important for some.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

This will have appeal to young people who are not old enough to leave their phones for a real camera. As when I compare it any of the Fujifilm, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic, Nikon, Canon or Sony A7II. I would not give it up for my ZF, Z6II, K1 MKII, S5, S5MKII or a A7II.

[@masterche1980]

Not a smartphone, and not a camera. Some kind of bullshit. If the body is made of steel, nails can be hammered. For $1,500

[@Pfagnan]

Sorry but this is NOT the camera we have been waiting for! So lame ….🤨

[@melvinch]

Must fugged-up camera from Panasonic.

[@mayimbe2198]

Another confusing attempt, an expensive experiment, a brand throwing punches in the dark to see what sticks. In an era where no new cameras are coming out that often, the market has platowed, dying breed per said, but at the same time people are waiting for something nee and exciting, I would think these companies would be more willing to cator more to give what people wants instead of producing crippled products full of limitations. I wish them luck, I hope it sells well.

[@martysender5539]

Overheats.quickly. pricey. Pass