Panasonic launches Lumix S9 with full sensor for 1,700 euros

The Lumix S family of full-format TVs continues to grow. Or rather, miniaturization, because the reduced size and weight of the now official Panasonic Lumix S9 is one of the keys to this new model. In fact, it is one of the smallest and most affordable full-frame cameras on the market, with a very minimalist body and an official price of 1,700 euros.

While at first glance it might seem like Panasonic wants to play with classic cameras, in fact the Lumix S9 represents a clear commitment to the hybrid photo/video format, on par with the Lumix S5 II, which can be considered its little sister. . In fact, content creators are not photographers, but the main audience this model is aimed at.

Lumix S9: 24 megapixels and 6K

The S9 features the same 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor as the S5 II and, despite its small size, also has a 5-axis in-body stabilizer. However, downsizing removes the electronic viewfinder as well as any hand grips, although the camera retains the articulating screen.

Looking at the capabilities of the camera, which uses the same battery as its big sister, there is a high-resolution shooting mode that allows you to achieve a resolution of 96 megapixels by combining multiple shots.

On the video side, a maximum resolution of 6K is supported in Open Gate up to 30 fps at 4:2:0 sampling and 10-bit, as well as 4K and 4K DCI at up to 30 fps at 4:2:2 and 10-bit. sampling and up to 60 fps with APS-C cropping.

Same as S5 II? Not really. However, all codecs are more compressed and there is no All Intra option, with a data stream of up to 150 Mbit/s compared to 400 offered by its older brother. There’s also no ProRES recording or ability to record directly to SSD drives.

Additionally, the lack of a fan or any type of active cooling also limits recording time, which drops to around 10 minutes per file at 6K and 15 minutes at 4K. However, as we were able to verify, it is possible to continue recording for at least an hour without problems with the camera heating, but always with this limitation of the maximum duration of each file.

The Lumix S9, which doesn’t have a direct headphone connection, puts a lot of emphasis on the so-called “real-time LUT”, which now has its own direct access button. Using the new Lumix LAB app, you can create and download these color settings to load into your camera.

Lumix 26mm f8 and 18-40mm

Available in four colors, the Panasonic Lumix S9 will cost €1,700. Along with the camera, the brand has also introduced the 26mm f8, a manual pancake optic that will cost €240 and is specifically designed for those looking to minimize the weight and size of their equipment.

In the same vein, Panasonic has also announced the development of a new standard zoom specifically designed for this camera, focusing on angular coverage, with focal lengths ranging from 18 to 40 millimeters and an aperture of f4.5-6.3.

There is no more information about this zoom, which will be presented during this year.

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