Lumix S9 Review 1 Year Later

Lumix S9 Review 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 do another review. 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 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 But 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 is 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.