Key Takeaways
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is an entry-level full-frame compact digicam with a 24.2MP sensor and sooner camera-to-smartphone switch capabilities.
The design focuses on slimness with a flat entrance and new shade choices like Crimson Purple, Darkish Olive, and Classical Blue.
The S9 options Section Detection Autofocus, 6.5-stop stabilization, and 6K video at 30 fps.
Panasonic’s latest mirrorless digicam is a compact entry-level full body designed to assist customers go from shoot to share sooner. Introduced on Might 22, the Lumix S9 places the identical 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor discovered within the S5 II right into a digicam that’s each smaller and $500 much less. Alongside the brand new digicam, Panasonic is releasing a redesigned Lumix Lab app that permits creators to switch photographs from to cellphone sooner.
Not like Panasonic’s different full-frame our bodies, the S9 incorporates a slim design that axes the cumbersome grip to get all the way down to a .89 pound (403g) weight. That flat-front design additionally exhibits off a brand new set of shade choices, with Crimson Purple, Darkish Olive and Classical Blue choices obtainable along with conventional black.
The outside additionally makes use of a brand new devoted button for swapping between completely different LUTs or shade profiles with out digging into the menu. Regardless of dimension being an apparent focus for the design, the S9 nonetheless features a tilting rear display.
New design, with acquainted tech
Whereas the fashion of the S9 is uncharacteristic of its siblings, the {hardware} inside is acquainted. The physique homes a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, the identical that’s discovered on the Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark II. The S9 additionally gives Section Detection Autofocus, one other function initially launched to the S5 II. That autofocus is able to maintaining with 8 fps bursts, or 30 fps bursts with the digital shutter. The built-in stabilization system is rated for as much as 6.5 stops with appropriate lenses, or 5 stops by itself.
Video maxes out at 6K and 30 fps. Along with MOV and MP4 information, Panasonic additionally launched a brand new format, MP4 Lite, designed to allow fast wi-fi video transfers from the digicam to a smartphone. Lite information max out at a 3.8k, 30p high quality and use Open Gate in 4:2:0 10-bit format. The function is geared in the direction of capturing after which shortly sharing movies on social media.
Lumix Labs brings sooner camera-to-smartphone transfers
The improved camera-to-smartphone functionality isn’t all for video. Panasonic claims that the S9 can go from shoot to share in as little as 30 seconds with the Lumix Lab app. The app additionally permits creatives to create customized LUTs, or shade profiles, on their cellphone after which ship them to the digicam to make use of. The function is appropriate with Panasonic’s Stay LUT, which permits creatives to view the colour profile as they shoot.
Panasonic additionally introduced a brand new pancake lens. The Lumix S 26mm f8 is an oddity: it’s a handbook focus-only lens with a hard and fast f8 aperture. The most important promoting level for that lens is basically the $199 record value and a weight that is available in at simply over two ounces, however the f8 aperture will restrict the bokeh-making energy of the S collection’ full body sensors.
Panasonic will launch the S9 in June 2024, with an inventory value of $1,499. That slots the S9 into the entry-level spot for the model’s full-frame choices behind the Lumix S5 and S1 collection.