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Hopefully DJI makes it even better next time. Just like how they improved the second version of the DJI Mic so much over the original 😃

Yeah, Viltrox 28mm f4.5 would be a no-brainer. It'd be so much superior to the 26mm f8 MF lens. At this point, I'd even take a simple AF version of the same 26m f8 lens. Seriously it wouldn't even take Panasonic that much effort to make it AF.

A7CII is more like a multipurpose do-it-all kinda camera. But it seems like you already got so much ground covered with S9, X100VI, R5 II, Z6 III and Z8. A7C II won't particularly be better than them in any category. If you shoot more photos, I'd say go for the Zf, but you already own Z6 III and Z8. Zf is like Z6 III wrapped in a mega-sized X100VI body. If you shoot more videos, then S9 will simply be better. A7C II has slightly better AF, but I don't see any other advantage that it has over the S9 in video. A7C II is such a "middle-of-the-road, good-at-everything, but best-at-nothing" type of camera that I'd easily recommend if you are going to use it as your main camera, but not as fun secondary/tertiary camera. 🤨

I really like how Nikon Zf feels in hand without any extra grip. I think I'm in the minority about this though. I don't think I have small hands, but adding extra grip makes the camera too big for my hands to the point of being slightly unwieldy.

Hey Ben. TH-cam really wants you to upload every few days, eh? My view counts just took a nose dive once I stopped uploading frequently. I can see how people could be forced into putting up just any crap to please the algorithm gods 😂 Anyways, I'm glad you rented the S9. There's nothing like actually trying out the camera yourself. The same goes for the A7CII. My impressions of these two cameras keep changing over time though, so I might just make a short video about it. As for the Image Stabilization, S9 is SO MUCH BETTER than the A7CII. It's not even close. ActiveSteady shots from A7CII look mostly good in static or panning shots, but forget about walking shots, they look awful. You can do post stab. /w gyro data in Catalyst Browse, but there's a few caveats. You gotta turn off IBIS, and jack up the shutter speed to 300+ to get rid of the jitters, and this could mess up the consistency in the look of your vids if that's your thing. Anyways, I'll make a couple of videos comparing the two cameras in Normal IS, High IS, then gyro data post processing, etc. It should take me a week or so to make it.

@@camera.mellow Hey buddy! So strange I dudnt get a notification for this comment! But glad I checked up... Yes in-hand is everything right! And the Sony feels so good. Im wondering wether I can do without super stabilization for this camera and lense choices - Lets see! I think next is hire the A7CII and go from there :) Gosh and I understand the algorithm pressure! Its the devil! Beware! Take me word for it... You do you! And don't compromise - It will protect your sanity and nervous system :) Maybe we should collab one day!

Everything's big with Zf 😆

The silver version was only released in Asia for whatever reason.🤨

I'd love to get my hands on a Zfc if a Mark 2 version gets released at some point in the future.

I think these 3 are a pretty good representative of compact full-frame bodies. Even though they all different styles, when people search for compact full-frame, it's very likely that A7CII, S9, Zf are in consideration. That's how I ended up with them as well. No one's sending me anything, so I'm just comparing what I own.😄

@@camera.mellowI agree. I think plenty of people are cross shopping these cameras

No particular reason. I just like the look of it 😀

If you are used to DSLRs, then the Zf must feel like a toy cam in your hands 🤣

It's absolutely a joke of a lens, BUT at least for the S9, I like it better than the Sigma 45mm f2.8. Simply because it keeps the whole body small as intended, and that's why I include them. Even though the Sigma is a much better prime lens, it makes the S9 too big and it defeats the whole purpose of getting the S9 in the first place.

This is not a joke) The concept of using such a combo for street photography. You put the lens in a position where everything will be sharp from three meters to infinity and walk down the street. And if you add lumix sync to the phone here, you can take photos from the phone without attracting attention))

I feel ya there, haha. I thought I'd be able to handle the extra 200g, but quickly realized that it's not just the weight but the overall bulk as well. It's just a tad big to be considered unwieldy. I wish that it was like 20% smaller and lighter, and a small zoom lens, then it'd be a perfect travel combo. While I do enjoy taking photos with the Zf so much more than A7C II, it's for nothing if I don't take it out with me.

Yeah, I was against getting the 26mm f8 for two months before I finally broke down and got it. It's just mind boggling that Panasonic thought it'd be ok to release a f8 manual focus lens for full-frame camera in this day and age. You'd think it's from the 80's from the spec sheets, and the only reason I can think of why this thing even exists is because Panasonic execs probably told the engineers to come up with something quick with super tight deadlines. F8 Manual Focus!? Honestly, even generic Chinese vendors selling on Temu can come up with something better.

It's hard to believe that Panasonic is unable to make something close to Nikon 26mm f2.8. They must be able to at least make something like f/4 or f/5.8 autofocus. Panasonic probably decided to release the S9 early, and told their engineers to just come up with something right away for the impending release. Otherwise, the specs don't make any sense. Who in the world thinks they can sell f8 MANUAL FOCUS(!!!!) in this day and age unless you are going to sell it for 50 bucks on AliExpress? 🤣 Canon has something very close to Nikon 26mm f2.8's size and brightness as well, so it's not like Nikon has a major upper hand in the industry, so it 's even more of a shame how Panasonic bungled the S9's release with a crappy lens. As much as I love the Zf's look and feel, its size and weight gives me a pause when I go out with my family. I love how satisfying it is to take photos with it, but I just don't take it out of the bag as much as with the other two cameras... But, I have also regretted taking the S9 with me, as manual focus is definitely the wrong choice for an outing with 5 year old, so A7C II is usually the default choice for me.

​@@camera.mellow i agree with you on the compactness but sony's f2.5 lens are expensive to get that combo need to spend $2800 anyways thanks for the reply very good insight.

@@reek75 Yeah, the 40mm / 50mm f2.5 lenses are way too expensive, and they are still double the size of Nikon 26mm f2.8. It's one of the reasons why I'm just sticking with the kit lens for A7CII.

I plan to do so sometime in the future.

I love this pairing too. I used to have a GoPro 10 & 11 /w DJI mic, but it required a GoPro media attachment and the DJI receiver with wires, etc.. It was too cumbersome and clunky. Compared to that, this is just amazing.

@@camera.mellow yes indeed but vlogging should be light and fun, DJI mic 2 connects instantly with osmo action 4 and the setup is great. But unfortunately it’s very underrated

@@HassanRizwan yeah, it's a real game changer. I've used all kinds of different mic connection solutions for the GoPro, but none ever came close to the straight forward connection of the DJI Mic 2. It also works great with my android phone as well. Just connect to my phone's bluetooth, and it just works. It's as simple as that.😃

what do you mean by p p??

Thanks for a great idea! I just placed an order for one 'cause it was cheap enough at 35 bucks. I'll make a review for it soon 😃

@@camera.mellow I was about to recommend you the same stuff. The DJI Mic 2 adapter should resolve this issue. If you already got it please let me know if you were able to use it on the SmallRig cage with the handle on the top of it. Keep going with your videos !

@@damirkara @bradthecameraguy It took a while, but I was finally able to make a video about the DJI Mic 2 Adapter that you guys recommended! th-cam.com/video/KNwZl4P7n_o/w-d-xo.html

Thank you, I really appreciate it 😃

Thank you! I appreciate it 😄

Yeah, the IBIS is definitely subpar. But I'm happy with the overall performance.

I'm actually looking for a compact zoom for the Zf, but the native Nikkor lenses are just massive. As for the prime though, I agree that Sigma contemporary would be perfect for the Zf. Especially with their metal build and aperture ring. It still looks big on my Lumix S9, but it'd be perfect for the Zf.

@@camera.mellow There are adapters from Megadap and Techart to use the Sony version of Sigma lenses on the Nikon Zf but haven't tried that yet. Since again, I might just find it a step too far.

I think the Techart adapter will add too much bulk. Sony lens + adapter would be basically the same size as the Nikon native lenses 😆

@@camera.mellow are therefore 2 different applications. The E-mount lenses already have autofocus and the distance from the sensor for these lenses does not require an extension. The M-mount lenses require more distance but also get autofocus through the adapter.

Thank you! I'm glad you found it helpful 😄

It's not too bad with the 26mm f/8 MF pancake lens, but anything other than that, you need a minimum Smallrig grip. Even then, the vanilla X-T5 has a better grip than the S9 + Smallrig grip.

Thanks. I'm glad you found it helpful! 😄

I guess Panasonic is basing the decision off of their marketing data, but it's baffling that only Asia gets the Silver version. You'd think that Silver would be way more popular than Blue/Red/Green.

It's definitely in the plans! Perhaps in the next 2 weeks or so. I have been shooting Zf and S9 footages last week, and it's taking forever to edit. My day job is getting in the way of me trying to be a noob TH-camr. 😆

@@camera.mellow I have one question are the images from lumix s9 14 bit or 12 bit i couldnt find the right nformation anywhere else

@@reek75 I believe S9 is 12 bit raw because it's electronic shutter only

@@camera.mellow thank you so much

For static and panning shots, Nikon Zf has a great IS. I'd say it's even better than A7C II, but obviously not as good as the S9. But when it comes to moving/walking shots, it's almost non-existent. I had to check if I had the IS turned on when I watched the footages as it was just way too shaky for walking shots. I'm going to do a Nikon Zf vs. Lumix S9 Image Stabilization test at some point in the future for sure.

I usually like Smallrig stuff, but I think they missed the mark with the S9 stuff in general. Even their S9 leather case looks weird.

I love the images and videos from the S9, but actually hate shooting with it. I love it one moment, but then hate it the next. It's like having a buyers remorse on your mid-life crisis Porsche. You love it, but hate it at the same time, but hoping that a new pain job would make all your doubts go away.

@@camera.mellow Haha I feel you man! Im still holding off buying one for now! I will let you know how it goes!

Actually I hadn't considered that it could look better with black S9. I think the silver details clash quite a bit with the main silver part of my S9, but I can see how it might have been designed for the black one since the silver top is only available in Asia.. 😃

@@camera.mellow Yes, I agree with you fully. The picture online does it no justice on how it looks in your hand. The silver details right up to the black body looks clean almost like a custom body. I honestly don’t think it was designed with any other color in mind. I guess Smallrig figured the Silver Special Edition not being available in the United States gave them a great opportunity to make a custom looking alternative.

Thanks so much! I'm glad to be of some help 😊

Definitely not for professional use, but no professional would use the S9 for professional work in the first place.

Why not? This is just an S5II in small body. If you know what you're doing...I don't see the problem.

@@camera.mellow It might limit you in some practices but I've used pro Sony cameras and Black Magic Pro cameras and there's PRO features on the S9 that the Sony cameras still don't have. 🤷‍♀ I've been having a better time creating professional content with the S9...it really is a sheep in disguise.

Well, the 15 video limit for one thing. That's a big one. A lot of stuff that I shoot go over 15 minutes easily. Not that I shoot anything professionally though 🤣. This is just a hobby for me. But even then, 15 minute limit is hard to swallow. The other day I was shooting a Nikon Zf vs. S9 Image Stabilization video, and S9 just stopped, and I didn't even notice that S9 was no longer recording. I only realized it once I got home. I was like where's my footages!!??? and then it hit me. Oh the 15min recording limit lol. 🫠

That's what I heard. I might try that one. I was also thinking of trying some wooden grips from Ali Express. At this rate, I'd be a S9 grip collector 🤣

@@camera.mellow I want one of those wooden one too but if you still want to keep the camera aesthetic intact...Sirui is a great option. It's very easy to become a collector with this camera since it's very good and also so nice to look at and accessorize.

Yeah, that's the thing with the wooden grips.. They do look kinda out of place. Especially the brown ones. I was hoping that the Smallrig Cage would provide me with bigger grips with the similar metallic aesthetics..

@@camera.mellow Yeah, i think you'll like the SIRUI@

It does look better, eh. It seems like the grip is almost double the size of the Smallrig one. I just found another cage for the S9 that's even worse looking than the Smallrig one. The grip on the 8sinn cage is one of the weirdest grips I've ever seen on a camera cage. 😅

Thank you so much! 😄 Have a great day!

I wasn't entirely happy with Sony A7C II at first. Especially the dark and low-res EVF bothered me a lot, so I was on the lookout for a replacement, and saw all the hype (and the controversy) around the S9. It's ironic that I picked the one without an EVF as a replacement for the A7C II, then I quickly realize that the S9 is not as small as all the TH-camrs make it out to be once I got my hands on one. It was one of the main reason why I started this channel. But to be honest though, I'm more excited about trying out new gears than actually going out there and taking photos 🤣, so I just ended up keeping both, and I'm probably going to move onto the next shiny thing soon.

I haven't been able to find the official number, but it seems somewhere between 1.35x- 1.45x ish to me.

Lumix S9 definitely suits your shooting style better I think. I don't like editing my photos either, and while I like the experience of shooting photos with Sony A7C II better, I find that I get quite a bit more usable photos straight out of camera from the S9.

@@camera.mellow thanks for replying! If I hit the lottery I'm getting both!

@@briedcan Getting both is always the right answer! Look at me, I got both lol 😅

Yeah, I should've said Prime Lenses. As far as I'm aware, there are no pancake AF lenses available for either Panasonic or Sony, and these are pretty much as small as you can get with them.

Haha I know that FF itch very well😂 It's like a doubt in the back of my head that just won't go away every time I buy a Fuji crop sensor camera. I know it won't make a huge difference, but there's always that maybe 🤔 I was really disappointed the first time I got a FF camera though. I could see zero difference. Then I shot some stuff at night, and then I realized what all the fuss was about. But yeah, A7C II feels so much better in hand than the S9 right? It's also the build quality too, the S9's body just feels so cheap. I thought about the G9, but it's just so big for a mft camera though. I already have a massively sized crop sensor camera (X-H2S), so I wasn't about to pick up another big camera to add to my tiny sensor club. 🤣

Why isn't Panasonic making a compact retro mft camera by the way? You'd think that's a perfect platform for X100V like retro rangefinder, no? It seems strange that they chose to go with a video centric full frame body with no EVF and mechanical shutter and manual focus pancake lens to compete with the likes of X100V style compact retro bodies.

@@camera.mellow Haha its the itch that wont quit right! So how do you feel now you've made the switch? Or at least added the itch to your collection? Worth it? Bizarrely I think I want an L mount camera simply for the 20-60! Its wide enough for vlogging and shooting dance (probably) with a long reach for everyday stuff. And even though its slow at the far end, Im hoping the FF iso will make up for that.... Then I can just carry the 20-60 and a prime for portraits. Speaking of which, are you on Insta? I have some photography & fun stuff on there.

I do find that I constantly want a little bit more wide angle when I use the Sony 28-60mm, so Panasonic 20-60mm's extra 8mm on the far end does come in clutch sometimes. I used to carry around Viltrox 13mm (20mm FF) and 27mm (40mm FF) for my Fuji X-H2s, so Panasonic 18-40mm will be perfect when it eventually comes out. It's the only reason I'm keeping the S9 around for now. What kind of camera are you using right now? Just followed you on Insta. My insta ID is audigo88, and it's definitely not as interesting as yours. I only got bird photos haha.

@@camera.mellow oh got you! 🦢 I do have a photography insta too - no birds tho! Only girls! (J/k we call girls birds in the uk) 🇬🇧 I shoot with g85 and g9. But I just won a photography prize with my iPhone 15 pro - honestly, the iPhone with Blackmagic makes the camera exceptional for the size… I’m sure I will make a video about it soon…. For my M43 I carry the 12-32 with a wide angle adapter making it around 18mm which is perfect for size. Also the 15mm 1.7 and another prime. Honestly I would love new M43 camera that’s smaller than G9II but with new tech! 🤖

I didn't end up picking S9 because I already had an A7C II, and I ended up with both cameras 😆 Are you referring to the original A7C or the newer A7C II? Because that distinction is important. The original A7C is quite dated, so I'd definitely go with the S9, but if you were talking about the newer A7C II, then the choice is quite obvious to me. I'll pick the A7C II over the S9. S9 just doesn't have the right lenses in my opinion. I just got a Nikon Zf /w a pancake lens and I like it better than the either two. I'm going to make a video about it soon, so stay tuned 😃

@@camera.mellow Hi, thanks for responding. I was thinking the original a7c as it can be found pretty cheap in good used condition, basically cheaper than the S9. The mk2 is in high demand, so the price ends up about $1000 higher than the mk1. But what I'm concerned is which system to invest in the long run. The Zf definitely looks like a great camera but I'm not sure it fits in the same compact category as the aforementioned cameras.

Thank you 😊 I wasn't aware of that option, I'd certainly like to try it.

I just bought the hated Panasonic 26mm f8 manual focus lens for the S9, and how I miss the EVF. It's so difficult to nail the focus on the screen even with the focus peaking. Even though A7C II's EVF is the worst EVF I've ever used, it's still something that the S9 is solely missing.

I just checked out your channel. Love the videos, subbed! 👍

@@camera.mellow Totally agree. It is a tough loss for me. I use an EM-5 MkIII and the evf has just improved my photography experience and quality of shots massively. An S9 mk2 with an EVF might be a more enticing camera.

@@camera.mellow Ahh thankyou kindly :D

Sorry about that, I wasn't too sure about the background music level. I should probably take it down a notch next time.

Thanks so much! 😁 I heard that it's coming sometime in September/October. The last I've heard about it is on L-Rumors website. It seems about double the size of the 26mm f8 MF lens, or half the size of 20-60mm kit lens. From the photos that were uploaded, it seems like it's going to be almost exactly the same size as the A7C2 + 28-60mm kit lens combination when it's mounted on the S9. I'll definitely be getting it and testing it out once it comes out.

You know what they say, "Comparison is the thief of joy". If the S9 was given to me as the only camera to use, and I was told to go out and shoot, then I'd have a blast with it. It's a GREAT camera on its own if you don't consider the cost, and its competition. But then, the S9 doesn't exist alone in the world. It's only when I compare it to others in the same price range and class, I see so many things wrong with it. But then again, that's why I made the comparison video in the first place. I find the joy in comparison when others see none lol.