Why I Use This Tiny Camera Daily, Despite Its Flaws

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Is the new Panasonic LUMIX S9 actually good? In this video, I share my thoughts and opinions on the camera after using it for over a month as an everyday carry.
00:00 - Start
00:55 - First Thing I Love
01:51 - I like Big Luts
03:08 - My Favorite Profile
04:26 - Start-up Time
07:29 - the Bad Stuff
08:16 - Joystick
08:46 - Please Lumix…
10:00 - The Built-In Mic!! NO!!
10:49 - Where Is That Lens?
11:02 - It’s Just a Sticker
11:23 - Final Thoughts
#LUMIXS9 #Panasonic

[@davidaltizer]

I forgot to mention, all images are SOOC JPG. I have done zero editing with all my photos taken on this camera thanks to the LUT support. Can even add some film grain in camera. I love it!

[@lfcruzsierra]

Yes! I'd love if they added any sort of diffusion or glow effects in the app. That would slap hard!

[@markwiemels]

Just as a side note on Lumix. Since the recent firmware update to the S5 II, I have started using it for KZbin, run and gun, b-roll, etc. It's good enough to use in place of my Sony Cameras now. This was not the case before the update. So they are locking down the autofocus performance.

[@davidaltizer]

Absolutely and the S9 has those same advancements. If 15min cut off is manageable and you value the size of this thing it’s a killer camera or B camera to an S5Ii. The limit has no overheating by the way. you just have to hit record immediately once it cuts off and it keeps going.

[@FrankDavalos]

Good intel!

[@-grey]

They literally just needed a 28f2.8 like the Nikon Z or Canon R, and they would have aced the launch on this for me.

[@davidaltizer]

exactly. i really hope they do that soon

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

​@@davidaltizerPanasonic has shown they don't know a single about making good lenses

[@anto0910]

The best about this review has nothing related to the camera, luts or lenses, its about the joy of being Dad and the bless of have a family, congrats!!! :)

[@davidaltizer]

it took me a month of using it to really form an opinion on it! so glad you enjoyed!

[@CameraCombo]

I think the GX850 is more fun than the S9- much smaller and a flip-up screen with a mechanical shutter and flash integrated. Only the IBIS is the thing that's missing but many lenses have that.

[@TopshelfJunior]

Where can I see some of your photos from the GX850 ?

[@davidaltizer]

ooo yes... good option!

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

​@@TopshelfJuniorFlickr is usually a good place to go to find pics from a specific camera

[@TopshelfJunior]

@@CallMeRabbitzUSVI Word. What’s your Flickr ?!

[@dakn8115]

Hey men do you think we can use the 35mm to self vloging like casey or it's too high?

[@vlcheish]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="530">8:50</a> Biggest issue thats going to kill sales on this is the lens. I'm going to say it right now. They should have went all the way and tried to implement a fix lens 28mm or 35mm camera to capture the Fujifilm X100 craze going on. The size of that lens is a big issue and anyone with a Sony FF mirrorless can just slap a 24mm f/2.8 G Lens and it will have a smaller profile with a hot shoe. I am already seeing lots of these hitting the used market. This camera has some great ideas going for it but missing a critical thing.

[@davidaltizer]

for sure. some misses but i have heard from sources that it is selling well. we will see if they make a compact lens set. i really hope they do!

[@mohdfirdaus9050]

If u have 3 cameras to choose as a “dad cam”, which one would you choose? GR3x? ZV-E1? S9?

[@davidaltizer]

Wow great question and options there. I’ve used all three of them! I may realistically lean towards the GR3x. It is so easy to take everywhere and has amazing colors. But I do love being able to change lenses and have a camera that shoots proper vlog and has amazing ibis and a flip screen… so S9 is the more practical solution. But yeah I think as a stand alone dad camera, GR makes the most sense.

[@LM43243]

Thanks for the sweet review! Thinking of switching from my x100v to this one, mainly for film emulation…. Never used panasonic but the luts seem AMAZING. Does the cam have built in grain? Worth the switch? Cheers bud. Edit: sorry for all questions, but heres another. At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="156">2:36</a>, is that SOOC? Loving the vintage lens effect with the edge distortion.

[@davidaltizer]

Every image in this video is SOOC JPG thanks to the LUTs! Yes there is also film grain you can add in camera!

[@davidaltizer]

X100V is really a different beast all together! WIth that camera you have the wonderful viewfinder and built in flash which you will lose when you switch, however the S9 is obviously full frame, with ibis, 6k video and the luts! you just have to decide....

[@LM43243]

Thank you so much for the quick reply! As for actual photo quality - don’t really care. I’m coming from analog film so I actually prefer a rougher image, soft edges etc. So a ”worse”, vintage lens is actually preferable for me 😂 same for flash, never used mine in 4 years. As for the lack of vf though - shame, but I might survive without it!

[@TopshelfJunior]

You're so right about the Leica Monochrome look.. One other LUT that I've been using on photos + vid (its AMAZING on VIDEO too), is the "Samourai" LUT. Whew !!! Video dropping soon, photos + video with it. Got that in SLOT 1 !!! lol.

[@davidaltizer]

nice!

[@nicovasquez8377]

awesome review! would you mind linking the light you bought from amazon?

[@davidaltizer]

yes! amzn.to/3XRJruJ

[@lfcruzsierra]

Loving mine, thanks for speaking some sense. So tired of the negative discurse around it. I was a bit pulled back learning that .MOV files can't be edited, previewed or downloaded on the cam.

[@davidaltizer]

yeah good point on the .mov... i don't know i just don't work that way... for video editing i always go on my computer to work. appreciate the kind words! it took me a month of use to actually form an opinion on the thing

[@lfcruzsierra]

​@@davidaltizer Yeah, but it's nice the camera gives you the option if you're ever stranded without your computer. Love it! I will gladly watch any S9 content you make. I recently learned how to customize the wheel, added quick access to Boost IS and i don't miss the tripod :D Also, I see you have no grip on it? by choice? I just got the SIRUI grip, instead of the Small Rig one and it's soo much better. Much love. Peace

[@LucasRocksFilms]

What do you think about the Sigma 35mm f/2 contemporary instead as the go to lens? Its a smidge heavier but nearly a full inch shorter in length.

[@davidaltizer]

i’ve considered it but yeah it’s heavier? which is strange to me.. but you’re right it’s shorter. which may balance better on the s9! have have the lumix so i’ll stick with that for now… but yeah it’s a curious scenario

[@markshirley01]

I want a S9 as a second camera to my A7R5. I just wanted it for faux gimbal shots because of the stabilisation. I'm 100% vertical shooting these days for social media, so a nice lightweight setup would be helpful. I'd love to know how the stabilisation stacks up for simple product clips hand held.

[@davidaltizer]

oh yea totally. it’s best in class stabilization! panasonic has better ibis than your sony! you’ll love it. and open gate is awesome for vertical shooting

[@MrRafalEn]

Came back from holiday where I brought Fuji X-E4 + 27 f2.8 and Canon R8 + 35 f1.8. I have now sold Canon as it turned out to be a little bit too big for my trips with kids but man I love the results and colors. Fuji is really nice but it's AF is driving me crazy sometimes and this 27 f2.8 or even 35 f1.4 that I had in the past lacks that FF 3d pop. I might just solve all my issues with S9 maybe. I really loved with Canon that I just put my subject in center AF point, half press the shutter button and the camera tracks body, head or eyes. Does S9 provide similar subject tracking ?

[@davidaltizer]

The LUMIX S9 has incredible tracking now. Their autofocus is right up there with anyone else. Sony and Canon alike!

[@MrRafalEn]

@@davidaltizer Is tracking working with eye af or are those separate modes ? If separate how can you track particular person among crowd of other people ? I am just curious if it's seamless like in Canon or you have to switch modes, tap on screen or some other fiddling.

[@iamhassan9943]

Currently using the he S9 with the Sigma 45 2.8. While having a bit narrower viewing angle than the 35, the Sigma is a great match for this camera. The Sigma 90mm 2.8 is even smaller. My two current edc lenses with the S9 are the 45 2.8 and 65 f2. The Lumix 20-60 is also a great pairing. But, I can’t wait to try out the 18-40.

[@davidaltizer]

wow ok, i need to pick it up then and give it a shot! thanks for the recommendation

[@StraightUpEats]

Great review! I just finished a KZbin video shot primarily with this camera and loved it. I picked up an a7iv 2 years ago, but the thing just never clicked with me. As soon as I took the S9 out for an actual shoot, it fit like a glove, and the process of shooting felt so good. Definitely would love no record limits and if they could create a hot shoe digital mic like the Sony BM mics. Other than that, once Panasonic perfects the AF (still not as good as the Sony's, but it's 80% of the way there), I'll switch over completely.

[@davidaltizer]

totally correct. i wish the record limit wasn’t there, but it’s manageable. owning an S5ii (or waiting for whatever flagship will that will hopefully ship soon) is gonna be a great combo

[@N0ld0r]

I realise you are a full frame guy but you would get most of what you are missing by going mft 😅 Like the GX9. Compact 35mm 1.8 - Check Supercompact 40mm 1.7 - Check Leica monochrome - Check Viewfinder - Check Leica glass - Check Rangefinder style - Check Mechanical shutter - Check Looking at your sample photos, none of those would suffer from mft. No more noise with that light. The depth of field. Just slap the LUTs on in post. 😁 Trade like 4-5 compromises for 2. 🙃 As i said, you are a full frame guy so i assume that you would probably not be interested in trying mft. Lovely pictures. Good job! Great video. 😊

[@davidaltizer]

i know you’re totally right! may have to pick one up.

[@FrankDavalos]

The M10-P needs to be your next one! 😉

[@davidaltizer]

ohhhhh yes it does

[@TristanLaughton]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. It goes without saying that Lumix needs to make a few pancake primes for this. Really curious to check out the compact 18-40mm lens when it drops.

[@davidaltizer]

Totally. It’s a shame they didn’t have it for us to look at, but I think the rest of this story will be fulfilled once that zoom and a few compact primes come out. I have faith that LUMIX will give us some options eventually.

[@11.Pierre]

honestly if it had a hot shoe mount, I think this would be a solid camera. as an everyday content camera. I like my fujix100vi for pictures and the s9 would've been the perfect everyday camera for photos + video. the lack of hot shoe is the issue for me. I like the fuji but mainly like it with flash** and the built in ND is just a bonus on the fuji. I have that sigma 35mm lens for my s5ii, that would be a good option as well. the sigma l mount primes are smaller Thant he Lumix primes! Dope video keep it up!!!

[@sauzefilms]

this. so much potential for an interactive hotshoe like EVF, mic, flash, etc.

[@robharrand]

Agreed. Same. The lack of hot shoe ruins it for me.

[@11.Pierre]

@@sauzefilms yeah I think the next variation will fix this for most users. a smaller s52 is a W in any case.

[@noopynnus]

Do you have a link to the Amazon continuous light you mentioned in the video?

[@davidaltizer]

yeah! here it is: amzn.to/4bwvzsT

[@NetvoTV]

How about Zf? And do you think Hasselblads which still shape like a typical SLR, will it be fun given it doesn't have dedicated shutter and ISO dials tho it has aperture ring?

[@davidaltizer]

for sure. honestly i’ve been considering selling my c70 for the Hasselblad X1D. i love that camera

[@davidaltizer]

ZF looks great too. just a bit bigger than i’d like

[@codythep]

Thats exactly what I would buy it for

[@davidaltizer]

It's a solid option. Just hope LUMIX makes some small little primes for it soon and it'll be complete

[@jamescaldwell5]

Great balanced review. I know it’s lacking some features but look at those amazing pictures you are getting of your kids. I use and love the Sigma FPL, which is kinda like the 60mp version of this camera without a flippy screen and IBIS. (But weather sealed and never over heats and has Leica quality dials and buttons) I am very jealous of the IBIS, and its really tempting to have this camera to work with all of my L-mount lenses to shoot hand held video. One question about the LUTs, is there a non LUT mode so that you can shoot first then choose a LUT later? I love the punch in zoom feature that makes it easy to use manual focus lenses on my sigma, I think the LUMIX has a similar mode. Have you thought about getting the very compact and affordable Pergear 35mm f1.4? I LOVE my 7artisans 50mm F1.05.

[@davidaltizer]

I haven't tried the Pergear! That's cheap! Need to try it... the problem is the manual focus options aren't the best. It's not a very enjoyable manual focus experience... so I am really looking at small compact AF primes. I need to try the ones from Sigma! You can not apply the LUT later in camera or with any type of LUMIX software, but you could totally use Photoshop/Lightroom to figure out a solution to that. LUTs are supported in Lightroom and you can take your photos either in RAW or in the standard LUMIX profiles like Standard/Vivid/D-Cinelike, etc.

[@sebastien6483]

the shelf comment hit home. I keep a gx85 with OM 20mm in the kitchen on the same duty. I think limitations can make the creative process more fun.

[@raksh9]

What is mounted to the hot shoe in <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="120">2:00</a>? It is a light or an action camera?

[@davidaltizer]

That is a little LED light. I mention it at 7:45

[@raksh9]

@@davidaltizer Ah, thank you.

[@RussellAlboroto]

Totally agree. It’s a fun everyday carry. I even give it to my kids and let it rip. I just need to buy that Thypoch 28mm

[@davidaltizer]

I hope they make a native L mount version without the infinity lock

[@PPLRRN]

I will buy this camera.

[@davidaltizer]

its a great camera!

[@harlemwoodstudios]

Interested in this camera for BTS shots and social media posts.

[@davidaltizer]

Will be great for those use cases

[@DavidMBanes]

I'm using the Sigma 45mm and prefer it to the Sigma 24mm (and won't comment on the Lumix 26mm that came with the S9)

[@davidaltizer]

oh awesome! ok great note. thanks! need to give it a try

[@dccoletrain]

I’ve been pretty happy with my X100VI using the X App to transfer smaller JPEGs for social media. It’s actually fast with the frequency changed.

[@davidaltizer]

totally! who needs editing!

[@dccoletrain]

@@davidaltizer I like Fuji’s new simulation and I like that Kodak B&W recipe for most things else.

[@dennisryckman5210]

Tell us about that range finder eye oiece you have mounted on there! 😊

[@davidaltizer]

Yeah it’s a little 35mm viewfinder on top of the camera! It’s ok but it really doesn’t help all that much

[@dennisryckman5210]

@davidaltizer Ahh, good idea for a Lumix accessory, though!

[@randygard3949]

@@davidaltizer, can you elaborate on why you don’t find it all that useful? Please understand that I’m not doubting you, but rather, was hoping such a finder would help those of us that are old-time film shooters used to using a viewfinder.

[@randygard3949]

@@davidaltizer, why do you find that the added viewfinder doesn’t help all that much?

[@MichaelGerrard]

"for certain people" sums up the S9. There are a lot of models on the market for 1500 that have more features. I want a new GX model!

[@davidaltizer]

for sure! yes!! would love that also

[@trafiak8]

I wish they made the darn camera weather sealed

[@davidaltizer]

I know. I think it has a mild seal on it but from what I heard it’s not weather sealed. There is a desire and need for a true compact full frame camera. I hope they make an update to this camera with an EVF, mechanical shutter, flash sync, and weather sealing

[@tristandu1776]

@@davidaltizer Maybe an m43 one but I doubt Panasonic could make an uncompromised full-frame compact camera.

[@adidabax6809]

Panasonic Japan has an ad that you can: 1) buy a black or gray base camera, 2) pay to change the outside skin. It's like $99 or something for shipping and a new color.

[@davidaltizer]

any chance you can send me a link to that?

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

It looks like a simple spray job and not a true leatherette. Corrent me if I'm wrong

[@vigneshwaranganesan]

you should definitely check the Sigma 35mm F2 lens, It's even better0 and well built, and sits perfect with this camera's form factor.

[@markshirley01]

Yeah, I was thinking of that lens and the Sigma 90mm F2.8 lens.

[@vigneshwaranganesan]

@@markshirley01 I reviewed the S9 with the exact combination of lens, It's just fantastic

[@davidaltizer]

even tho it’s heavier? i guess it’s shorter right?

[@vigneshwaranganesan]

@@davidaltizer yup, it's an extremely compact pair... ya I suppose the metal built is making it heavy...

[@RickAltizerMusic]

Great review. For another negative, I would mention that it only has a 15 minute record time. Not good for interviews. But great for kid photos!!! LOVE THOSE KIDS!!!!!

[@GaryBell]

Am I the only one looking for the link for the LUTs?

[@davidaltizer]

Link was in the video, but yeah sorry I didn't put it in the description! Thanks for letting me know! LOL gamut.io/product/cascade/

[@aronaldharper543]

I got the Sigma 45mm. Get it

[@davidaltizer]

alright alright you convinced me 😂

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

Bro get the sigma 17 and 35mm and you’ll be set man. And the extra aperture ring will bless you for all your days

[@davidaltizer]

which 35?

[@RhettThompsonFilm]

@@davidaltizer 35mm F2 from sigma! I’d say it’s a good 15-20% smaller

[@lyndonlabayan]

No love for the Leica 18mm 2.8 😢

[@davidaltizer]

i cut that part out of the video but i mentioned it in my full rant video haha. i was thinking of picking that up! its just crop so you’ll have to deal with that. s9 doesn’t have a “crop mode” for photos really. but you can make it work. have you tried it on the s9?

[@lyndonlabayan]

@@davidaltizer oh wtf I didn't know it doesn't have a crop mode!

[@jongholee]

Panasonic needs to make something like 20mm f/1.7 in their MFT system!

[@davidaltizer]

totally!

[@robharrand]

If only they included a hot shoe instead of a cold shoe and had Sony's mic offerings. No brainer purchase.

[@davidaltizer]

Yeah 100%. They have that type of hot shoe that is used on GH7 and S5 II etc

[@sammymorales6838]

LUMIX needs more pancake lenses

[@miklosnemeth8566]

Sigma makes high quality compact lenses for this camera.

[@davidaltizer]

i really should get these

[@TopshelfJunior]

@@davidaltizer 45mm 2.8 on the S9 is a HUGELY popular setup (in Japan.)

[@DandoPorsaco-ho1zs]

How do you put that tiny camera with a comparatively HUGE 35mm prime lens in YOUR POCKET? What kind of pockets do you have???? I don't believe a word. Unless you can use pancake lenses, that's not a pocket camera.

[@davidaltizer]

correct! when did i call it a pocket camera? lol

[@davidaltizer]

Which thumbnail did you click on?

[@vlcheish]

the one that is asking me why am i watching a david altizer camera video on the 4th of july?

[@davidaltizer]

@@vlcheish LOL.

[@hardworksmart]

It doesn't matter.

[@dvdaltizer]

@@hardworksmart you ok?

[@orinorio1]

From the moment the S9 came out i thought Lumix has made a compact camera for those who want to take pictures and do short videos. They understand that not everyone wants a full frame camera as big as the S series they have. The Prime lens they have for there FF cameras are made for better filming then photos. Sigma is the brand for pictures. The Lumix L mount lens are all 1.8 all the same size and wight so they can be changed easily without having to re balance the camera if its on a gimble. Most cinema lens are prime lens. The S9 is not really a camera for filming as such. Its good to see that You are using the camera for what it was made for. Taking pictures and maybe doing small videos when your out and about , instead of having to walk around with an bigger camera.

[@davidaltizer]

exactly. i hope lumix makes some tiny primes still

[@orinorio1]

@@davidaltizer they probably will if their is a demend for it. They did it for the MFT systems. The 22mm and 14mm small lanes.

Yo también sabia que me iba a gustar.😅

[@weiyang6417]

Robin Wong "fun"..

[@noopynnus]

Iunno, as an EDC I think the iPhone 15 Pro or 16 Pro coming out this Sept or a GR III or IIIX would be better. Although the latter would only take (awesome) pictures and bad videos. But if videos was a focus then the new iPhones do really well in that regard...unless you need to shoot low-light videos for an every day carry...

[@davidaltizer]

for sure! i have an iPhone 15 pro and love it... but i am a nerdy photographer nerd face.... i want full frame and nice glass with cool LUT support! :)

[@quincyvadan9176]

Camera Nipples.

[@KAZEdays]

I will not buy this camera. (I'm going to buy this camera)

[@hardworksmart]

I will not buy this camera.

[@Lepewhi]

Me either. Too expensive

[@davidaltizer]

fair enough! it’s not for everyone

[@Hexlord]

thanks for the airport announcement 😂

[@skoidat]

I'll probably buy it used. I love controversial cameras, because 99 percent of the time its biggest critics have jumped on a bandwagon and no one has any idea why they hate something. "I'm not going to buy this." Okay. Don't.

[@CallMeRabbitzUSVI]

I won't be buying this camera either... until it hits the bargain bin. I have a few ideas to make this a MUCH BETTER CAMERA 😊

[@aviatorman8]

No one needs a view finder in 2024. What we need is a bright OLED display like the iPhone’s. The lack of a view finder on this camera was my #1 reason for buying it.

[@davidaltizer]

Ok fair enough lol. Certainly makes it smaller!