Panasonic has introduced the new compact mirrorless camera, Lumix S9. This entry-level camera is part of the S-line family and features a 24.2MP full-frame image sensor, similar to those found in the Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX models.
The camera can record 6K video at up to 30 frames per second and includes in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a Phase Detection autofocus system. Here is a detailed look at this model.
Panasonic S-line Camera Family
The Panasonic S-line of full-frame mirrorless cameras is well-known among photographers and filmmakers, thanks to notable models such as the Lumix S1H and the more recent S5 II and video-focused S5 IIX. Panasonic consistently releases free firmware updates for their cameras, and the new Lumix S9 is aimed at enthusiasts looking to join the Panasonic camera ecosystem.
Compact Body of the Lumix S9
Compact Body of the Lumix S9The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera, measuring 12.6 x 7.39 x 4.67 cm and weighing 403 g without the battery. Due to its compact size, some compromises were made with the I/O ports. The right side of the camera features a micro-HDMI port and a USB-C port, while the left side has a 3.5mm headphone jack but lacks a 3.5mm microphone input.
The Lumix S9 records footage on SD UHS-II memory cards, with the single SD card slot located in the battery compartment. It uses a Panasonic DMW-BLK22 battery, the same as the S5, S5 II, and S5 IIX models. There is also a 1/4″-20 mounting point at the bottom of the camera.
The Lumix S9 has a 3″ tilting touchscreen LCD but lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). There is a cold-shoe mount at the top of the camera, but without electronic communication pins. The controls on the top of the camera are simplified, making it suitable for content creators on the go. The dedicated red record button is retained for filmmakers.
The back of the camera features a dedicated LUT button, allowing users to instantly apply LUTs to pictures and videos. The S9 can store up to 39 LUTs internally, with adjustable strength from 10% to 100%. Custom LUTs can be added via the companion app or loaded through the SD card.
Recording Capabilities
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is an L-mount camera with a 24.2MP full-frame image sensor, similar to the one found in the Lumix S5 II/S5 IIX. It shares many recording capabilities with its larger counterparts, including:
- Internal recording at up to 6K30P in 4:2:0 10-bit in a 3:2 Open Gate mode.
- 4K Open Gate 3:2 recording at up to 30P.
- 6K full-width and 4K full-width modes (16:9/1.89:1) at up to 29.97P. The 6K full-width mode records in 4:2:0 8-bit, while the 4K full-width mode supports 10-bit 4:2:2.
- 10-bit 4:2:2 footage recording at up to 60P with an APS-C crop.
- FullHD 1080P recording at up to 180 frames per second in 4:2:2 10-bit.
The Lumix S9 can record in 6K for up to 30 minutes. Video recordings are not time-limited in DCI 4K/4UHD and below, but external SSD recording via the USB-C port is not supported. External recording is possible using the micro-HDMI output port in 5.9K29.97P 4:2:2 10-bit, but internal recording is disabled in this mode. Simultaneous recording is possible in 4K30P 4:2:2 10-bit mode.
The Lumix S9 features dual native ISO of 100/640 in standard recording modes. In V-Log mode, the dual native ISO is 640/4000, and in HLG mode, it is 400/2500. The camera also has 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with four modes: B.I.S Dual I.S.2, Active I.S., E.I.S, and Boost I.S.
The hybrid Phase and Contrast detection autofocus system includes 779 AF points and can recognize humans, pets/birds, cars, and motorcycles. The autofocus system works in both photo and video modes, with burst mode tracking up to 30 frames per second.
Connectivity and Mobile App
The Lumix S9 is designed for portability, featuring built-in Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. Alongside the camera, Panasonic introduced the new companion app “LumixLab,” which allows users to import, edit, and publish photos and videos directly from their smartphones. The app also includes a library of LUTs that can be uploaded to the camera wirelessly.
Price and Availability
Price and AvailabilityThe Panasonic Lumix S9 will be available at the end of this month for $1,497.99/€1462.51 for the body only. The camera will be offered in four colors: dark olive, crimson red, night blue, and jet black. A kit with the S9 and the Lumix S 20-60mm F/3.5-5.6 L-mount zoom lens will be available for $1,797.99/€1756.17.
About Panasonic
Panasonic Corporation is a Japanese multinational company founded in 1918. Its main activities include manufacturing consumer electronics, industrial systems, automotive solutions, and business products. The company is known for innovations in consumer electronics, such as TVs, audio systems, cameras, and home appliances. Panasonic actively develops energy-saving and eco-friendly products. The headquarters is located in Kadoma, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.
News source: https://www.panasonic.com/
