Lumix S9 in-depth review after 5 months: it's complicated...

[@ZachMayfield]

🔥Thanks for the support on this video y'all! Also, my online store was goofing for a second, but now you guys should be able to download my custom LUTs without issues, let me know what you think of them. www.zachmayfield.com/shop ALSO, support your boi and snag a pexar digital photo frame! s.whaee.com/09JbNla Buy now for $20 off! And use my code pexarframe for a 5% off (valid until Nov. 10th)!

[@Nick-4K]

Over covid, I digitized all my old family videos from my parents camcorder. It was definitely a process, but it made me realized how awesome it is to have these old videos. So now I try to film my kids as much as possible, so they to can watch their memories. The thing I realized while watching those old videos is that the best parts were the scenes where my parents were just filming my siblings and I just being kids. Running around the yard. Just doing our thing. There was no "smile for the camera" we were allowed to be who we were. Pictures can capture a moment. But Video can capture everything. From a birthday party to a quiet walk with a loved one. It made me a believer in capturing every moment.

[@manintheglass]

I recently picked up a Fuji XS20 as a daily Dad cam and it’s been amazing. It has all the pros you mentioned for the S9, plus EVF and headphone jack and hot shoe and more lens options. Just putting it out there in case anyone is reading the comments looking for a camera for this use case. Love your videos dude 🙌🏻

[@thepolardesert]

2nd this, X-S20 is a sleeper hit

[@DavidMBanes]

Same here, sold the S9 to fund the X-S20, very happy. The S9 has been mis-marketed in my view. Should have pushed it into existing video and L mount users then us 'mere mortal' photographers wouldn't have been sucked in by the LUTs.

[@nicolasisaksson1175]

The X20 image stabilization systen is mediocre. The S9 is far superior in this respect.

[@manintheglass]

@ IMO it’s more than adequate for the use case of a Daily Dad Cam. For me personally, I’d rather have the other features I mentioned that the S9 is missing.

[@NetvoTV]

Is Zf with 28-400mm f4-8 too cumbersome to carry everyday even to mall?

[@bardofhighrenown]

The problem I have with the camera is it's price. You can buy a used S5ii, which is the same sensor, has access the to Lab, an EVF and it has a shutter for better photos. All for ~$400 less

[@dannyly]

buy a used one. I found one for $950 on mercari (if you're in the US)

[@MrImOriginal]

But it's also twice the size...

[@bardofhighrenown]

@@MrImOriginal I think you’re thinking of the S1.

[@MrImOriginal]

@@bardofhighrenown no, the S5ii is not a small camera either. The S9 is half the size

[@mmaneage86]

This camera just got me work. I brought it along to a family dinner and took some videos of the restaurant. I put a reel together and they reached out. I also own a a kitted out S5 IIX and a GH5S. Its not for everyone but I'm really enjoying it.

[@khanceptbelal]

This is probably the most thorough and practical showcase of the S9 I've seen. Took me a good week to get around to use the Lumix lab app. For whatever reason with my pixel is being a bit quirky. I feel like one smartphones catch up to being able to read the higher encoded files. This is where the S9 is really going to shine. Probably the best smartphone companion camera on the market today.

[@davidaltizer]

i totally agree. i use my S9 with the 35mm f1.8 LUMIX lens almost everyday with my kids. love the app, it actually connects fast and works great. easy to snap photos/video and send it over to my phone then text it out to friends and family or whatever i also shoot everything in "AUTO". in the P mode

[@frankfeng2701]

If Lumix gives us the two-way articulating screen and a mechanical shutter, even at a higher price, I'd buy this camera.

[@YMAGE-BE]

100%

[@MrRafalEn]

I am still rocking S9 as my dad cam too. Sold my Fujis (X-T5, X-E4 and X-S20) because of pretty bad AF. Canon R8 was still too big. This Panasonic is a perfect hybrid and shines especially in video with fantastic IBIS and LUTs. After playing with some LUTs I also get unique look that I couldn't get with Fuji but in general still Fuji is nr1 with colors and film sims. I might add X-M5 though for my EDC photo oriented body. With XF 27 f2.8 WR it will be a blast but first I need to make sure they fix their weak AF.

[@TedBorel]

Hoping Viltrox makes their 28mm “chip” with L and RF mount versions. I am just using my iPhone 15 pro as my DadCam and take my R5 when I want better pics and vids. “Rippin’ Dad Pics” should be your new merch 😂

[@Herfinnur]

My Sony ZV-1 just been laying around since I only bought it for recording videos, but when I became a dad I finally overcame my mono maniacal fixation on shallow depth of field and it turns out that the RAW files and dynamic range from this tiny camera are incredible! I now have several hundred great photos of my son and us and everything besides and now it’s my S5 that’s not being used

[@prestonurvina]

I've been loving my S9. It's nice to have the compact camera with the capabilities that it has. Full disclosure: it's my B-Cam to my S5ii so the cons aren't really as bad for me as I can just grab my S5ii for anything that this can't do.

[@TedBorel]

A hot shoe EVF attachment would’ve been dope for this camera.

[@cabellofatto]

Legit, if I could have slapped the XLR unit on this thing, it would have been the perfect talking head camera. It sounds dumb, but the hot shoe was the straw that broke the camel’s back for me. Just too many compromises - 4k60 crop, rolling shutter, limited fast zooms (spoiled by Sony). But I might have done it anyway if I could use it as the one-stop shop on the go.

[@TedBorel]

@ Yeah. Too many compromises indeed. Too many for the high price too - it should be around $800-$1k. I sound like a broken record but no EVF was the deal-breaker for me. With the no limit video record now - that xlr unit would be nice for it!

[@christoph.filmss]

Ahh dam I was hoping it would have a viewfinder

[@chrisbrockhurst]

How in the world has it been that long and I still haven’t tried it

[@ingobuhrow2141]

Thanks for the great video on the S9. You have shown the problem with the flip screen and the camera strap. I solved this by no longer attaching the strap to the left side of the S9, but using the strap holder on the right side of the camera and also on the bottom right of the Smallrig handle. 2 advantages... firstly, the strap is no longer in the way and secondly, I find it pretty cool when the camera is not in use and is hanging upright on the strap.

[@TrangNguyen-cs6wv]

i've been out of loop for a while, but whattt, you have a son now?! congrats to you and your wife! and all wishes to the little one ✨💞

[@pexarglobal]

Thanks Zach for the nice review!❤Glad you like it😊

[@DanFarrar]

Great job. I learned some stuff for sure! 🎉. One thing I learned using the S9 is the touch focus. If you half press the shutter it will respond instantly when tapping to move your focus area. So…tap focus and confirm with a half press of the shutter. Instant. Great review.

[@TopshelfJunior]

Dope video ! Been loving my S9 !

[@AndyLSB]

I’ve loved lumix ever since the beginning and I still do, I’m an avid M4/3 shooter but also have FF Lumix too, I love my S5II and wanted to get the S9 SO BAD, BUT 🍑 the color I want is not available in the US and fuji just came out with the X-M5 and I had to try it since I’ve always wanted that Fuji🧃 so the S9 will wait for now. I still rock my GX85 with the pancake 20mm f1.7 II, even with my GH6 that lens is awesome, and even with the Fuj on the way, I’ll still use my GX85 ❤️

[@randallbrander8157]

I love the 6K 30 video for the S9. I use the Rode Wireless Go Mic and the Sigma 20mm f/2 Prime as the main lens. Photos are fantastic. I did apply the firmware update to 1.2. Have not used the LUTS and Lumix Lab. Cheers!

[@Giovanni-Giorgio]

When the S1HII launches, my S5II will become my Dad-cam 🙂

[@Dan_photo]

This is exactly what I’m after. Not perfect for everyone. But dad camming it and capturing those moments with some great quality is what I need.

[@TupperAlf]

excellent and interesting review - very useful for me to decide what to buy!!!! Thanks

[@jackrussellt2211]

I use the S9 as a lightweight backup to my S5II. Love it so much and use it for stills only. Have you missed the release of the new Lumix 18-40, you didnt even mentioned it? Can you share some more experiences especially of the Sigma 20mm F2 please? Why dont submit your Luts to the Lumix Lab App - please? Keep up the awesome content dude

[@ChargedPulsar]

I didn't give a flower about EVF, but after using a camera without an EVF, I understood how much important it was. Next camera I bought was a bliss, it had EVF and I could take pictures in bright sunlight! Because what usually happens is, in bright sunlight you can't see the screen, it's all dim and washed out. Also EVF is very helpful for telephoto shots in terms of accuracy, immersion and stabilization aid, you also get tired less.

[@Democratiser]

Nice work ZM! It is so frustrating that this camera is so close to being perfect Dad cam EDC, but missed on a few key features: basically those which are on the GX9… plus I’d like weather sealing. So I am in the club which hopes that LUMIX releases a GX9 replacement. I can forego the FF for now. Have you evaluated the G9II as an EDC?

[@dfu3053]

As a M43 user mainly USE GX7 & G85 previously, the drawbacks you mentioned really close to my experience on using S9 for 2 MONTHS. The missing of EVF is what I don't get used to, especially shooting under strong sunlight. If they add a GX7 / GX9 style EVF to the next model, I'm happy to pay extra for that. But overall, I can accept these drawbacks, because the size and weigth help my to shoot more on daily life and travel photos/videos.

[@Andrasturiexplore]

Maybe it sounds weird but I think Panasonic makes a camera in the same style of using as Sigma Fp. Without a marketing image, it is little body hybrid camera with customizable possibilities for any way to use. For travelling documentary, mobility and performance its sounds great and better, then big cameras. And fullframe sensor in lowlight, of course, its incredible. I wish to have this performance of video in nikon z6 before, where photography experience was also great, but now nikon does cameras better in video performance i guess. Its good to see scenarios how you use exact camera, or pay more, to have a full hubrid camera like new nikon of lumix full frame cameras.

[@alexhorning]

Bought the 7artisans 35mm lens and I love it! Thank you for sharing!

[@nitsugazemag]

adorkable home video footage

[@Abc1987]

Great perspectives thanks for a nice review!

[@denverdog7715]

Going to pick up the new 18-40mm lumix just released for the s9. More compact *apparently*

[@PLACESNONDESCRIPT]

Can u do a video how to enable battery percentage to show on the display?

[@pureheartvisuals]

Zach, Bro… I just realized you’re into camera nipple nubs 😅 that’s crazy, me too. The S9 is undoubtedly an amazing little Camera…for me…Weddings alongside my S5 II(s), a 2.5 hour Concert & now somehow now the first Body I grab for (a premeditated pre sorry to my Wife 😅 love ya babes). I think people need to lean into the imperfections of the S9 as what make learning your way around camera problems fun just like they somehow do with every Canon or Sony. We are still in a state of tribalism where other brands get a pass on their own shortcomings. The moral of the story is Zach has the coolest group of Friends and people who don’t like LUMIX friends probably suck. Long live the Nipple Nubs … nub up the S9 v2

[@CozyEXP]

Love that ODST soundtrack

[@qqeqwe6957]

Which lens should I buy for the LUMIX S9 on a very tight budget? I don't have a lens right now, and I really like this one, but it will be available in my country only in a few months and I'll only buy it then. Which inexpensive lens ( maybe used) should I get so that it makes sense later when I have this one? (the camera will be used for vertical videos mostly)

[@EricLouisYoung]

does your internal mic noise floor have a high pitch wobble sound? I had one that was terrible and had to return it. It was really bad in the mp4lite mode, but only slightly noticable in MOV mode.

[@davidsfilmmaking]

Hey Man! great video. I would love those presets, but the store wont let me download them. It says its not set up for sales. If that can be fixed, id love to try those luts out.

[@ZachMayfield]

got it fixed :)

[@dccoletrain]

I’d want a viewfinder. I’ve been close to getting a used S5ii on a few occasions which I think will work with that lab app. I’m happy with my X100VI for photos now. Looking forward to what Sony brings out

[@PLACESNONDESCRIPT]

Glad I bought the s9 now just hunting for a compact lense 😂then am good

[@Democratiser]

That new 18-40mm looks perfect in terms of size on the S9. Obviously not fast but can’t have everything.

[@gordon3988]

Have you looked at the Sigma’s?

[@PLACESNONDESCRIPT]

@@Democratiserexactly hope they drop a similar compact but prime with 1.4 or even f2

[@PLACESNONDESCRIPT]

@@gordon3988haven’t yet but I’ll definitely buy one sigma the 45mm f2 series I want that or 35mm sigma

[@freepadz6241]

What do you think of the A7cII?

[@oliverkotalik3014]

Only actual review I've seen on this camera, not just people complaining lol

[@MarineX]

This was a well done, thought out, and comprehensive review. Hopefully you get to borrow a fujifilm xm5 and kick the tires

[@myronperez1417]

Are any Fujifilm X-M5 videos coming? 😊

[@argreg04]

I held this camera in the store. tried the 20 to 60 kit and the 50 mm prime with it... It is just so uncomfortable to hold. Can't see using it.

[@gordon3988]

‘It still looks rad, let’s be honest’. Agreed! S9 a great camera..for many yes, perfect no. Like many others …find the ones that work for you.

[@peterschorghofer1436]

Regarding the focus point, you press the wheel on the left and then down, then you have the focus point in the centre, then you can move it or increase or decrease it, press Menu/Set twice and then it is gone, so no worse than on the S5

[@asafbadiri5078]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your POV

[@MatthewDangyou]

bro 14:02 is WILD 🤯I can turn on my s9 literally under 1 second. Like the moment I flip the switch on my camera, it is automatically turned on not even a second later. That could be potentially 1/3 things, 1 is using the custom modes makes it recall the info (which would be wild if that was the case, 2 something is buggin with your camera, 3 I technically have a pre production model and you have a production model, but if that was the case that would be even crazier! Also after you hit the touch screen, you can hit the DISP button on the bottom right to reset the focus point. It is a little faster but still slow and requires you to touch the screen again

[@andkwiat]

It’s great but my Nikons (eg Zf) turn on a bit faster I think - missing that a bit

[@walrusgumboot]

I think there’s a cold start and warm start too that varies the turn on time. 1st in a day takes longer. Also, after pressing display to re-centre the focus, there’s two other ways to avoid needing to touch the screen. Press the menu/set button, or just half-press the shutter. Also, Zach doesn’t need to wait for the display to update at the bottom, just use DISP button. It’s pretty easy after you know these shortcuts

[@andkwiat]

@@walrusgumboot interesting! Just turned on first time today took 3-4 seconds

[@walrusgumboot]

@@andkwiat how about 2nd time? Much quicker?

[@edjefferson9175]

Does the S9 not come with a body cap?

[@lukeliles3859]

Mine came with one

[@Zainphotography]

My gripe with FF is the size of lenses. This is a great camera but the lens size would make it unappealing after a few months of use, specially as a dad.

[@andkwiat]

Great reflection, thanks for sharing! Which PL to L do you use for your Blazars?

[@fhsrodri]

Excited to use your LUTs! Your website says checkout closed when I try to download them, anyone else experiencing the same issue?

[@ZachMayfield]

should be fixed now!

[@haloboy456]

Absolutely love your videos, but please don’t do the burp thing again snatched me right out. Some of us do really bad with sound stuff not a sin just some loving feedback.

[@BenAnkobiah]

You are that guy. Thanks for your videos.

[@jordanshipley448]

Zach. I used to love your videos. Then for awhile I didn’t. But now I do again. It wasn’t you, it was me. Sorry about that. I was in a funk but I’m back.

[@malvoseajupiter]

Wait till your kids start running and you will miss the mechanical shutter. It's a great video camera not a hybrid. Great video by the way

[@Сергей-щ6ш7э]

Hello! i chose S9, and i am happy!

[@andkwiat]

Really sad that my Lumix Lab on iPhone keeps failing to connect. SD card transfer of LUTs is fairly easy though.

[@VfxVault-w7z]

does it effect video when shooting lut baked in , is there any video banding issues ???

[@LIGHTHUNTER.D]

Imaging Cloud is coming to the Zf, I believe

[@jayeypi]

Have you tried the Sony a7cii? I think it solves most of the cons here

[@phoenixprjct]

Totally different type of camera and double the price.

[@qqeqwe6957]

such a great video bro

[@brokenhomefc]

if this camera has built in flash, its perfect

[@BassDad]

I want the Lut you used for this KZbin video?

[@caffeinatedcameras]

That sigma 20mm is money

[@nolannatashaTV]

GREG GH69...I am dead now. So funny. Might have to make that my channel name. PS Don't sue me.

[@waynosfotoscameras]

I would like to add, PLEASE PANASONIC 🙏 give us 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 100, 120fps in 3:2 open gate lite mode! It is clearly not a bit rate restriction as it is smaller files. Gives the camera so much more latitude for creators! Cheers PANASONIC

[@JLEOY]

I turn on-off camera often and that loading time looks bad. how is it on getting out of sleep mode? I think I would have to turn off touch screen if I put an OVF on the coldshoe. My nose will probably mess up the focus. thx for the new info on cons/peeves. Still planning on purchasing S9 (and fuji xm5) end of this year.

[@andkwiat]

Also used to on-off and my Nikons turn on way faster. So leave the S9 on more often and let it sleep by itself instead.

So nuts they could have made a huge dent in leica market and probably hype as much as the x100 with a viewfinder. Now they just left the goal open for another manufakturer.

[@Devdev009]

So, I am a GH5 user and would love for my work to get the S9 as their Instagram reel camera lol

[@mohdfirdaus9050]

What’s your go to lens for your s9?

[@Dan_photo]

Been waiting for this video! Can’t checkout with the LUTs on your site though. It’s giving me an error.

[@ZachMayfield]

got it fixed!

[@Dan_photo]

@ thanks man!

[@NCSTalkid]

if this cam has mechanical shutter, this cam will be the best vintage lens camera.

[@KAZEdays]

Whats wrong with 30p in mp4 lite?

[@replaygoplay7919]

In Canada can't justify the price while the Sigma FP exists, I may understand the appeal but the price is astronomical

[@phoenixprjct]

Autofocus and image stabilization are the big differences from the FP and obviously open gate 6k. Anamorphic also isn’t great on the FP. S9 goes for around $1,100 open box so about the same as a used FP. Can’t beat the raw FP image but it’s a lot of storage space and work to keep up with those files

[@OscarCloud]

When you going to try out the s5iix my guy

[@ZachMayfield]

come back tomorrow mornin brother 👀

[@CavenCastro-p7r]

So basically there's no peeve. Just in my perspective. Too sad i bought the zve1 before i get to know about the s9. 😢 Though i bought the zve1 with kit lens for $1600.

[@hungrytoexplore]

how is the overheating?

[@Qwervy]

12:17

[@hungrytoexplore]

@@Qwervysome how I missed that 🤣

[@Qwervy]

@@hungrytoexplore haha it, happens

[@Joe_VanCleave]

Surely some 3rd party will release a cold shoe mounted external EVF with HDMI attachment.

[@donaldchoi3912]

i got this because the app and lut features so I can post to social media quickly

[@ActionXander]

14:00 Did my ears deceive me or was that Halo ODST jazz? 👀

[@Jawad.1]

The biggest con is lack of Mechanical Shutter

[@EricLouisYoung]

30 is the right framerate. MKB is correct.

[@DroneStories]

Ok, now I get it! You buy an s9, which you cannot balance if a 20-60 lens is used, or one of the primes (24 35.50, etc) and you "take" photos (daily dad, 🤣) WITHOUT EVF, and without mechanical shutter!! And then you quickly upload them to social media!!! Kudos to Panasonic marketing for thinking of the "needs" of the "daily dad"... I'm just wondering why the "daily dad" would prefer the s9, instead of the iPhone, or the Samsung...

[@vikdaddy]

03:06: "over-arking"? I think you mean "over-arching" dear boy

[@nelsonZeledon]

I use pmw f3 for baby vids lol it’s huge

[@chrisjohnsonfilms]

I'll stick to fx3 as my dad cam haha. Will be future proof and use it for paid jobs to.

[@GroundedTech]

Prepare to drop.

Someone must make a review based on auto mode only. :)

[@kiwipics]

No use for just photography, as it's an electronic shutter only ...

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

It looks that Fuji XM-5 just killed this Pany in many category’s….one of them is certainly price and usability.

[@phoenixprjct]

But not full frame sensor or class leading stabilization. Also not sure you’ll even be able to even get an X-M5 with the way inventory levels have been.

[@randyrizzo_]

bbLut….. LMAO

[@Sorennn94]

Panasonic's colours always have sucked and propably in the future too...beyter alternatives: fujifilm xm5 ,fujifilm x e4

[@EmilyLinda-e9g]

I'm favoured $130k every 4 weeks! I now have a good house and can afford anything and also support my family

[@StellaHarrison-q7o]

Wow that's huge, how do you make that much monthly? I'm 37 and have been looking for ways to be successful, please how??

[@EmilyLinda-e9g]

Yeah, since meeting expert Brisa, I now agree that with an expert managing your portfolio, the rate of profit high, with less risk.❤❤

[@praiseverstappen]

I will advise you stop trading on your own if you keep losing. And i don't trade on my own anymore, I always required help and assistance

[@SofiaSmith-v2b]

Venturing into crypto as a newbie was very difficult due to lack of experience which resulted in loosing funds..... But Brisa Richardson, restored hope shes a good woman

[@Larrycoman-g7b]

She's a licensed broker here in the states.

[@garfieldmtify]

Zach hello, Thanks for the video. My 1st real camera was the GH5, loved that camera. I think eventually moved to full-frame Sony. Loved the GH5, the low light and unreliable AF finally made me have enough with the auto shooting. I still quite have very soft spot for LUMIX and with that the S9 is intriguing. Honestly as I watch your video I am thinking, cool, very cool. At the sometime I am thinking there is lots of steps to acquire the LUX you desire and do I even want to do that? ...for me that is my big question. Lumix S9 (II) if released might be interesting. Again thanks for the video.