Lumix S9 1 Year Later

Lumix S9 1 Year Later: Why It’s Still My Favourite Camera

After shooting more than 10,000 images with my Lumix S9 over the past year — taking it around the world and through all kinds of conditions — I feel it’s time to revisit my thoughts. This camera has been by my side for 13 months, and I’ve got a lot to say about it.

But before diving in, let me be clear: I believe a camera should be judged by its intended use case, not compared unfairly to products built for completely different purposes.

The Rocky Launch — And How It Got Better

If you were paying attention around the time of the S9’s release, you’ll remember the controversy it stirred. Critics slammed it for:

• Lacking a mechanical shutter

• Having recording time limits

• Being expensive at launch

Fast forward a year later: the price has dropped, the recording limits are gone, and sure, it still doesn’t have a mechanical shutter — but clearly, Panasonic listened to the feedback.

Despite the early drama, the S9 went on to win a TIPA Award for Best Content Creator Camera, which brings me back to my core point: judge a tool based on who it’s for.

My Favourite Camera — And Here’s Why

Let me say it outright: the Lumix S9 is my favourite camera I’ve ever used.

It’s the camera I want with me — the one I carry on my hip, the one I feel inspired to shoot with. Sure, the Lumix S1II is my go-to workhorse for client projects, but for personal, creative shooting? It’s S9 all day, every day.

The S9 has battle scars. It’s part of my memories now. I even hand it off to friends and family without worrying — they’re not intimidated by it the way they are with my larger Lumix bodies.

Here’s how I think of it:

• S1II & S5II → Work colleagues: reliable, efficient, professional.

• S9 → The friend I take on holidays, shares good times, cold beers, and captures memories.

Tried Other Small Cameras — Nothing Stuck

I’ve owned and tested a bunch of compact cameras trying to find the perfect everyday carry:

• Fuji X100

• Ricoh GRIII

• Sigma FP-L

• Sony ZV-E10 II

Each had its honeymoon phase, but eventually ended up sitting on the shelf. Why? Because they were limited — great at one thing, but lacking in others. Most notably, poor video functionality.

I even paired them with a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 just to cover video needs. But that meant carrying two devices instead of one. Eventually, I sold the Pocket 3 — it never became something I enjoyed using.

Then Came the S9 — A Real Hybrid Game-Changer

The Lumix S9 solved all of that. It’s:

• Tiny

• Full-frame

• Capable of 6K video

• Equipped with industry-leading stabilization

• Bundled with a killer new feature: Real Time LUT

As someone who shot with Fuji’s film simulations for years, I can honestly say Real Time LUT is better — more powerful and more flexible.
I can:

• Use any LUT I want, including custom presets

• Adjust intensity

• Stack two LUTs together for creative control

My go-to setup: a Rec709 base conversion LUT with a creative LUT stacked on top — semi-graded straight out of camera, dynamic range from V-Log intact.

Smart Features That Make a Big Difference

MP4 Lite codec, introduced with the S9, gives you:

• Smaller file sizes

• Open Gate 4K video

• Easy file transfers with the Lumix Lab App

These practical features are a big reason it earned its Content Creator Camera award.

It's Not Just Smart — It's Stylish Too

Panasonic kept the S9 feeling fresh with region-specific color options.

• UK/Europe → White version (my fiancée uses this, prefers it over her Fuji X-T30)

• Asia → Silver tops, white tops, gold titanium with dark brown faux leather

The Perfect Everyday Carry — For Photo and Video

• Shares same image quality as the S5II series at nearly half the weight

• Autofocus: no issues

• Handling: easy, intuitive, fewer buttons but still efficient

Recommendation: Add the SmallRig grip — minimal bulk, big comfort upgrade.

Drawbacks:

• Buttons/D-Pad feel plasticky compared to bigger Lumix bodies

• No hot-shoe (limiting for flash users)

• No EVF (not an issue for LCD shooters like me)

Lens Choices — More Than You Think

Early complaints about a lack of small lenses were valid, but:

• Sigma 45mm f/2.8 – Perfect match

• Lumix 18-40mm – Compact, versatile

• Sigma DG DN Contemporary – Great small primes

Favourite Travel Combo:
Lumix S9 + Lumix 28-200mm

• Sharp, stabilized, compact

• Same size as f/1.8 primes

• ISO 4000 (second base ISO) great in low light

• 200mm gives excellent compression & separation

Also great: Sigma 28-70mm for street photography — lightweight, fast aperture.

It Makes Shooting & Sharing Fun Again

Thanks to Real Time LUT and Lumix Lab App:

1. Shoot

2. Send to phone

3. Quick edit in iPhone Photos

4. Post immediately

No Lightroom, no exporting — just shoot & share.

S9 As a B-Cam? Absolutely

With recording limits gone, it’s also a great B-camera:

• No overheating issues

• Works as studio top-down camera

• Great for branded social content

Limitations for pro use:

• No full-size HDMI

• One card slot

• No hot-shoe

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?

If you haven’t tried the Lumix S9 yet, you should. It’s a unique camera that brings back the joy of shooting.

It’s not about specs — it’s about how it makes you feel.