Verdict

The Lumix S9 becomes one of the smallest and most affordable full-frame cameras around, similar in size to Sony’s ZV-E1, but undercutting it on price while also sporting higher resolution photos and video.

The core quality and autofocus, not to mention the excellent stabilisation and decent battery, are mostly inherited from the S5 II, making it an effective tool for content creators. Pop a small lens on it, and you’ve also got a nice travel camera, almost like a full-frame X100.

But like the ZV-E1, there are a number of compromises to meet the size and price point. Most obviously, both models lack a viewfinder, relying on their screens alone, and neither have the dual card slots nor mechanical shutters of the larger models they’re based on.

Panasonic takes this even further by imposing limits on video clip length – just 15 minutes in 4k – while the accessory shoe on the top has no electrical contacts for dedicated microphones, and there’s no headphone jack either. All features notably available on the ZV-E1, albeit at a higher price.

And while the new 26mm lens is remarkably small, it’s manual focus only with a fixed f8 aperture. If you want autofocus, you’ll be fitting something larger, although Panasonic does have a compact 18-40 arriving later that delivers an arguably more compelling range than Sony’s 28-60 kit zoom.

With the increasingly discounted S5 II giving you a viewfinder, twin card slots, a mechanical shutter, flash sync, more controls, greater connectivity and a bigger grip for not much more, it may be initially hard to choose the S9 over it. But over time I grew fond of its looks, not to mention the easy access to LUT effects, clever Hybrid Zoom and the new MP4 Lite mode.

And while Sony’s ZV-E1 may boast uncropped 4k up to 120p and a fun reframing mode, it lacks the 6k and Open Gate modes of the S9 which make it much more practical to repurpose clips for both landscape and vertical formats. Mobile creators will also appreciate the S9’s Lite mode for quicker transfers to their phones.

Ultimately while it’s not quite a full-frame X100 with interchangeable lenses, the S9 remains an attractive option for those who won’t miss the features lost from the S5 II. Meanwhile those who do want things like the viewfinder and twin slots will be very well served by the S5 II which is quite frankly remarkable value for what it offers. See my Lumix S5 II review for more details.