Panasonic Lumix S9: two-minute review
There’s much to like about thePanasonicLumix S9.
This is color grading made easy for photo and video.
The coldshoe is instead limited to other accessories such as an external mic, or even a top handle.
With the Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 lens attached, which by the way is one of the smallest L-mount lenses available in 2024.
I missed having a viewfinder.
We’re missing a headphone jack to monitor audio, which feels like a misstep for a video-focused shooter.
To an extent, the Lumix S9 is successful in its mission.
The Lumix S9 is a much bigger package with any lens attached, such as the Lumix S 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 pictured here.
The camera is available from June 2024.
Throw on the excellent 20-60mm F3.5-5.6 and the depth is increased to 133.9mm / 5.28-inches.
For now, Panasonic’s lenses remain all-black; there’s no color-matching kit lenses.
You can take off the lens to easily pack the Lumix S9 away in a small bag.
We get a limited number of ports: mic, USB-C and mini-HDMI, but no headphone jack.
The 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen is decent, albeit hard to see in bright light.
In-camera menus are fairly-well laid out.
This handy option is not available on a lot of other pricier video cameras.
Panasonic wants to create a camera and app experience that’s easier than ever.
From my brief time using the Android version of the Lumix Lab app, the jury is still out.
There could be more than this, including remote control.
Image stabilization performance is outstanding.
This is no action photography camera, but it’s hardly a slouch.
Battery life is also decent, especially considering the diminutive size of the camera.
In the app you get quick access to a range of Real Time LUTs color profiles.
There’s also the matter of a new MP4 Lite video format (see sample video, below).
The Lumix S9’s Dark Olive color variation looks the part.
There’s also plenty of excellent Fujifilm XF lenses to compliment the camera.
The S9 body is tiny, but it still needs a lens, which adds considerable depth.
The vari-angle screen can flip around for selfies, although the camera lacks a clear indicator when recording videos, for instance a tally lamp or red border around the screen.
The Lumix S9’s control layout is pared back and beginner-friendly.
Connection between the Lumix S9 and Lumix Lab app proved quick and reliable using a Google Pixel 6 phone.
A ‘Platinum Steel’ Real Time LUT profile(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
The original standard color profile(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)
