Waiting for photography focused version with an EVF and a screen which can also tilt. Recording limits hamper its ability as a video camera as well. The compromises they’ve made seem baffling
I don't really care about evf since I don't use it with such a small cameras and all in with the compact over evf. But lack of mechanical shutter is something I can't live without.
This Subscriber is from the Future and I installed the Firmware Update to 1.2. I used the camera for 5 hours in using the HDMI data output to the computer using Ecamm Live Pro and the graphics from the camera is Fantastic and it did not shut down and overheat. I also have it on a Dummy Battery. Have the Smallrig grip and base plate. Plus have the Panasonic Wrist Cord. Cheers!
I think the deal breaker for this camera is the lack of EVF, I have not found a single camera that I can used under the sun without resorting to an EVF, I have used Sony, Fuji, Canon and Panasonic. I think the pricing on S5ii is also sort of making it tough for S9. I checked the price on S5ii and in Australia it is AUD2149 ( around USD 1425),
Thanks for your honest review as always. I watched another video by one of my favorite reviewers and he never mentioned the cold shoe. It was very disappointing. I have the Sony a7cii and on the wait list for the x100vi (with thousand others). No EVF and flash - I’ll use my phone in a pinch.
Truly appreciate your honest disclosure at the start of the video! And love your balanced take on the camera talking about both the pros and cons in a fair way. ♥️ Excellent video and photos! The thing I'm thinking about is when Sony did this with the A7iii and A7c is they gave us auto focus improvements and removed recording limits. The S9 just seems like a downgraded S5II so just spend the extra $300 and get that because there's no improvements over the S5II except that it's a little lighter/smaller, but once you put on their lenses, it isn't much of a difference or the S9 will feel unbalanced. Weird release from Panasonic.
This isn't just him being honest, it's a requirement. Many countries have laws explicitly requiring the disclosure of marketing and other commercial relationships with corporations when engaging in influencer, online, and social media marketing. While it may be technically correct, it's quite disingenuous to say you weren't paid to make a video when a corporation gives you (someone they know earns at least part of their living from making social media videos) a free all expenses paid trip to see their product. TH-cam "reviewers" need to start being more honest about the influence these trips have on them and how it can bias their opinions and output. It isn't journalism, it isn't unbiased review, it's advertising and marketing.
@Sea0fTime yep, sadly there are a ton of people that don’t disclose this stuff, so people doing the requirements can actually be seen as more honest :/ there are all different levels of compensation for sure, reasons why even if I’m being loaned a product, I will disclose that. Fwiw, while I loved going on the trip, it’s still 100% a work trip. As someone who covers products from multiple brands, I do try to remain as neutral as possible, take the opportunities given, but still be objective and think of the industry as a whole.
Great video Benj! It was great meeting you in Osaka! Thanks again for letting me sneak ahead of you in the dinner queue to grab some extra sushi - I owe you one 😜🍣
@@benjhaisch I shoot pretty high end Weddings with 3 - S5 II & 1 - S5 IIX. I could possibly see the S9 as a Gimbal Cam / Safety Shot / Backup hybrid -Personal Carry. It looks like the center of gravity leans front heavy that may cause problems on a gimbal. I’m assuming they did not allow testing on a gimbal for this reason 😅 but Thanks for the insight… I guess I need to see the S9 on a gimbal 😅
At the end of the video you showed an M mount lens adapted to the camera, maybe a Voigtlander? How does it handle that? I gather you need to push a button to punch in zoom on the view finder in order to get the focus right. What is the process of for selecting where on the frame you want to punch in. On my Sigma FPL you just tap the screen. One great benefit from grips like that Small Rig that isn’t mentioned enough is how the base plate is designed to work as a quick release plate for some tripod mounts. I have a similar grip on my FPL and that part of it was not even mentioned as a selling point, even though it’s a very useful feature.
I think this can be a potential wedding camera just for gimbal shots. Is light weight and it can be on on my gimbal all day long. I dont need long takes for gimbal shots. 10 minutes is more than enough. As the S primes are all the same weight and size, i don't have to rebalance it.
Learn the new system. Custom Luts at the finger tips ? Shoot and learn and have fun. Old fashion Camera's are great for old fashion people ! What the Customer Likes is the answer. Ease of use is more fun. Change is here !
It could if the lenses weren't so ginormous. No EVF = No dice... Leica M is still king for that. The 26f8. I just bought a Galaxy S24. To be honest under those conditions a photo from this phone would look the same.
Would be fantastic to see you go into more detail on the experience with M mount glass adapted. I’m actually looking at this as a travel and wallet friendly leica glass platform.
@@benjhaisch I was curious too. If you adapt vintage glass on the S9 what kind of focus confirmation or assistance does it offer? Highlighting pixels? Or something else? You mentioned the pancake lens was Manual focus, but the body doesn’t read out any distance scale.
@@benjhaisch How does the sensor and processing perform against the likes of an M240/M10/SL1? My main gripes with those cameras are 1. the price and 2. the weight/preciousness of the bodies when travelling which the S9 kinda solves on paper. In terms of shooting experience I'm mostly a zone focuser anyway so the lack of EVF/RF, while not great, isn't as bothersome.
I was hoping this camera would be a low cost Leica Q. But the lack of EVF, Shutter dial, ISO dial, mechanical shutter, and a hot shoe for flash are deal breaker.
Would be great if Leica could put the guts of the S9 into the Leica CL while retaining the EVF - love small cameras but also love an EVF! Anyway, super excited to try the new compact L-Mount lenses and using the new App to easily create some LUTs to load into Luminar Neo.
I would say the X100VI is a photography camera that can shoot video, and the S9 is a video camera than can take screenshots/stills. But really hoping the LUT feature pushes the whole market in that direction since they are running out of features anyways.
Quote: Can This Compete with the X100VI and A7CII??? It doesn`t even come close. Especially the A7CII gives it a sound beating.......it makes it look like a toy.
12:10 : I respect that they are trying to avoid over heating, but it seems like a simple internal thermometer could decide whether or not to stop recording, rather than setting a time limit.
Great video, Benj! Thank you. Would it be possible to put an OVF in the cold shoe and trust the AF like you did with the Ricoh GR? That could be a fun solution. 😊
This camera is a merge of fujifilm xpro3 and ricoh gr3, but with a full frame sensor. This could be a perfect camera for me because I do street photography and use my camera like gr3
@@CianMcsweeney I personally think this is an unique camera from Panasonic, designed for a group of very specific audiences, no point creating "another" full frame camera, if people want all these features, they should just go buy those cameras.
@CianMcsweeney yes, this camera is missing alot of things, but if anyone is looking for a full featured camera, they should just go buy those instead. I think Panasonic is trying to target to a very specific audiences. For me I dont like the flip out screen, and there arent enough smaller lenses for me to be interested with this camera.
How well do think the s9 would perform in a "shooting from the hip" style manual lens predetermined dof street photography situation? Probably catching action shots as well. Maybe even using an ovf in the cold shoe?
I feel like the desired audience for this camera are people who are interested in the Sony ZVe10. Understanding that the S9 has more features and full frame it's not going to win over many entry level people over the ZV camera because of the price difference. I'd love to see someone do a comparison of the two.
Quick Thought: if this camera at least had an old school built in flash like the ones from disposable cameras of the 90's, this would have appealed to many young shooters that seek that flash look but are starting to get into more serious cameras and content creation. This mixed with the new LUTS implementation would have allowed these 90's style chasing shooters to achieve variations of that look easily. I'll admit that it would even have caught my attention too and I'm 42 years old. Maybe that would have compensated for not having a hot shoe a tiny bit. (MAYBE) -- SIDE THOUGHT -- I love working with Lumix files and wish I could leave the Sterile and boring Sony System but my experience having used both systems (for a long time) is that the Lumix world is just not fast enough for the Solo, Run & Gun, Heavy, on the spot, back and forth switching that I am doing as a Hybrid shooter. I just always felt like I was waiting on the camera to catch up to me + the Autofocus (pre 3.0 firmware update) was lacking and clunky compared to an a7s III or A7 IV. I'm not sure how it is now with the new 3.0 firmware update. Regardless, the Lumix S5 II just slowed me down or made me miss shots. I spent months adjusting and learning so that I can get that camera to fit my needs, but in the end, I let it go. @Benj : Another Great Video. Love the honesty and all your work. Truly looking forward to what Panasonic will do in the future.
If they took off the LCD panel, and you have to get a glass viewfinder cold shoe for each focal length at $900 I'd still buy it. There's far too much tech on alot of cameras to increase prices and it's overkill. The average person doesn't need alot. Also, seasoned photogs don't need alot either. Something similar to a A7RV is a justified price. If you're just snapping photos, all those cameras should be under $1k.
@@benjhaisch Oh nonononono NOT YOU sir. you laid out who is this camera for without being harsh and snobby. im just stating to many other people in the comment. sorry...
Thank you very much! It's a great camera, I'd buy it. The only question is, will there be the same small lenses on it?) It would be great to put Panaleika lenses from Micro 4/3 on the S9.
Since it's a cold shoe and there's no EVF, they could have put it on the side and had the flip screen flip up and over the top. Left hand on the lens I can see a shotgun off the left side being no issue, that or one of those wireless systems.
Personally i'm stoced to see pansonic doing something actually different. Will it pay off? Maybe maybe not with this first iteration but i can see how they can build up from here. A gx9 ii with a evf or even better, ovf with pd auto focus and the new lut system + app 😍 that coupled with some beautiful small full metal auofocus mft lens with dedicted zone and apperature ring? Would be a killer set up for those notobsessed with larger sensors
I was SUPER interested in this before the official release. But not anymore. No Mechanical Shutter and No Hot-shoe capability is a HUGE letdown. If this is your only serious camera, the lack of hot-shoe will limit your ability to grow and learn about photography.
No, i dont think so. You will grow in photography when you actually live with your camera day by day. Lacking of hot shoe does not mean you will be getting limited
In ways the S9 is trying to compete with X100VI and ZV-E1 it does not really offer anything better or extra. But what is even more puzzling is how is the S9 better than a Lumix GX80/85 or a GX9? What does the S9 bring to the table is a LUT button, which just skips a few extra postproduction setps, open gate (not really a necessity either)…is that it?
I’m hoping so as well. Even if it’s not unlimited, to at least open it up a bit more to make things more usable for long form, interviews, weddings, etc.
It's funny I feel like this camera was aimed at being a stills camera but I feel like its a much better entry level video camera. To your point though, it just emphasizes the value of the S5ii which is what i use for my videos and i love it
Is this for me? Stills shooter but have some curiosity about getting into short reels and related videos. Want to learn about and use LUTS. Need an everyday lightweight, walk-around camera to supplement my much loved Q2 Monochrom. Don’t use flash. I hate to go with Sony or Fuji and learn new menus and lenses, etc. Any thoughts? (and thanks for a great review).
What a great video and thank you making my decision easier! I'm happy that I come across your channel and became a new subscriber. One question: the photo samples in this video were all shot with the new 26mm f8 manual focus pancake lens?
I feel like every consumer who knows how to use a camera properly is considered an outlier to the camera industry. I would pay way more than 1500 if there was a mechanical shutter and a hotshoe (but I suppose market research shows not enough of us would)
Which lens did you prefere the most to use with the Lumix S9 apart from the pancake F8 lens? Did you have acces to other L-Mount lenses i.e. from Sigma the small i-series?
I didn’t, but I did see some others using the small Sigmas and they look like a great pairing. I have a set of S primes that I used and they still work pretty well.
Was hoping for essentially a full frame GX9 much like what Sony have done with their A7CII but this is way too restricted and lacks so many controls and features it’s weird 😐 they seem very reliant on this LUTs offering but if you wanted that I think Fuji does a better job? A weird camera overall with a very limited market I’d guess. A shame because I love the look 😍 maybe they will do a pro or x version like they did with the S5II. Other than size you would struggle to pick this over that from them at the price!
Fuji recipes (i own fuji gear but pre-ordered this) is fairly restricted to what you can do, if you want to remove PP from your workflow for the most part Fuji gets you 60-70% there but I feel there are at least a good third portion of your images that will need some editing. Recipes rely too much on WB changes to provide a look while with LUTs you have much more control of the look of the final image. The other thing I do not like about Fuji is that they now release 1 or 2 new film simulations with new bodies that if you want them you need to buy the hardware. They never port them to older cameras any more. Lastly Fuji cannot write software/companion app for their cameras to save their lives, it took them over 6 years to manage to transfer raw images from camera to phone through the app and it is so slow to be borderline unusable anyway. I do love my X-H2 though as well as the compact primes
if you compare it with Nikon Zf purely for photography, are they equal? or do you see more value in Nikon? Thank you edit: I don't need flash. viewfinder, even external would be a plus
I don't understand the trade offs at that price point when compared with how much the S5II gives for a bit more. Which seems a lot better bang for your buck for "content creators". I see this more towards street users and to travel light, and I don't know if there it being FF would be enough to be successful.
Good review, the cons outweighs the pros. Also too expensive. I trust your review cos you are outright true and honest in your review and you are very much an expert in the this kind of small size camera body. I viewed a few of your past reviews, eg sony A7RCII etc. In summary, The concept is fine but bad implementation.
It looks a bit like small Leica Q. 26mm f/8... Interesting choice. Small and compact set up. Thing is as you said correctly: mini S5... Swivel screen and too much video features makes it a bit of a no go and no viewfinder comes on top of it. Lack of l-mount pancake lenses is one thing. Just order the camera though 😂😂😂😂
Everyone complains about a missing evf, but the original A7C had such a bad evf that I hardly ever used it. Having a bigger screen is just better if it was going to be a mediocre evf on this small body
Yikes, I think the cons far outweigh the pros- but I realise I am probably not the target market for this camera. Maybe part of me was hoping for a Lumix Q3 with a proper PanaLeica lens and "pro" guts in a compact form factor with class leading video. Wouldn't even mind paying more for something like that if they could sell it at half the price of a Q3.
I am not going to purchase the S9. The compromises made are to, as you suggest, to keep the price down. Panasonic made this for the content creator market. They decided not to market to a broader market. I’ve read on other videos that there is disappointment from photographers and people wanting a GX8/9 update. Fair enough. This camera isn’t designed for us. Fair enough. Maybe the next Panasonic release will have the features we want. I decided to purchase a Sony A7C with the 35/2.8. A small and lightweight, cheaper full frame Fuji X100VI. At least this combination won’t require me to wait a year to own it. I might have purchased my 1st Leica when they announced the D-Lux8. An affordable Leica. Amazing. It appears to be a LX100iii. The Sony setup is still $2-300 cheaper. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I was planning to replace my S5 with a S5 II or IIX, but now seriously leaning towards keeping the (still awesome) S5 and adding this as a second video angle or daily carry-around. Would not mind the pancake lens if it came free in the box.... I'm about F8 F8 F8 F8 I'm all about F8 No Bokeh
10:00 the possible flash sync speed on that is max 1/20s, not 1/200s :) the sensor is slow so you can't sync flash faster than that. The A7rIII can sync at 1/13s, it is not that much slower than the A7III, so my generous guess for the S5II sensor is 1/20, but actually it must be slower. PS shooting at night with lights here and there - unusable. Like in Tokyo where everything is covered in big led adverts ... good luck and let the banding be with you :D. The only thing that they announced and is useful is the app.
@@benjhaisch a no in the video you do not specify that but it is going to be really slow, I would say pointless. For me this camera is a disappointment or it is too expensive. One of those two :)
What a shame Lumix no to put a descent evf on this little camera..I can't imagine making photos on a sunny day through that back screen.. next please..
No fixed Lens camera can compete with a FF interchangeable Lens camera. Period. The a7cii and the S9 are mostly targeting, totally different audiences. Those that don't get the S9, need not apply. Yet some of those folks are daily bashing this camera. Seems a bit personal if you ask me.
Awesome video. I’ll respectfully pass on this. It was not made for me. No EVF makes the A7CII a better bang for a bit more. But you get all the things this camera lacks
Benj is the control wheel on the back an actual turning wheel? So we can use it for lenses without aperture ring? Otherwise there is only the top control wheel, right?
Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. It was a critique of mine as well that I forgot to mention but I did mention it to the engineers at LUMIX. The rear wheel adjusts shutter speed and the top wheel adjusts aperture by default.
Waiting for photography focused version with an EVF and a screen which can also tilt. Recording limits hamper its ability as a video camera as well. The compromises they’ve made seem baffling
Love the camera, but a tilt would definitely be better on this one
@@Valerossi0 I mean it makes sense. If they’re gonna compromise on the evf, then give us an articulating screen
If you don’t like the camera, don’t buy it. Give LUMIX a ring, they may design one especially for you.
You know they already make a version with a viewfinder, a shutter, a better screen and a fan for longer recordings… and it’s called the S5mkii?
you talking about the s5ii/x
I don't really care about evf since I don't use it with such a small cameras and all in with the compact over evf. But lack of mechanical shutter is something I can't live without.
This video is incredibly helpful and a HUGE bummer haha. I was ready to preoder, but no hot shoe and no mechanical shutter is UNHINGED. C'mon Lumix...
I’m calling it the S-Whine because it’s a flop.
This was almost the camera for me. I hope they make an s9 for photos almost like an interchangeable lens Q3
happy you like it, but you're high
Panasonic is moving more and more in the right direction. Excited to see when the S9 (II) comes out.
I loved seeing you appear in the PetaPixel video. Two of my favorite channels!
Haha yeah, was fun to explore a bit with Matt, Chris, & Jordan for a day!
While I enjoyed the other reviewer videos, I appreciate yours the most because it's more stills focused.
yeah the other reviews are all very hype. this one is just the facts
This Subscriber is from the Future and I installed the Firmware Update to 1.2. I used the camera for 5 hours in using the HDMI data output to the computer using Ecamm Live Pro and the graphics from the camera is Fantastic and it did not shut down and overheat. I also have it on a Dummy Battery. Have the Smallrig grip and base plate. Plus have the Panasonic Wrist Cord. Cheers!
It’s been my in-studio b-cam since the firmware came out as well! So solid. Zero issues.
I think the deal breaker for this camera is the lack of EVF, I have not found a single camera that I can used under the sun without resorting to an EVF, I have used Sony, Fuji, Canon and Panasonic. I think the pricing on S5ii is also sort of making it tough for S9. I checked the price on S5ii and in Australia it is AUD2149 ( around USD 1425),
Not a bad problem. The S5II is probably the best value camera for the money currently on the market.
Don’t buy one !
Maybe the closest comparison is the Sigma FP?
An EVF would be much appreciated with this beautiful camera but without it it’s not quite up there with Fuji and Sony just yet
Why no EVF? The biggest showstopper for me.
Fuji has is a bit behind the AF game but their camera is still a joy to use.
Great content.
That 35mmf2 lens on the green S9 at 20:00 looks absolutely stunning, better than the x100 I think.
However, that stupid 26mm f8 lens makes it look like a turd.
Thanks for your honest review as always. I watched another video by one of my favorite reviewers and he never mentioned the cold shoe. It was very disappointing. I have the Sony a7cii and on the wait list for the x100vi (with thousand others). No EVF and flash - I’ll use my phone in a pinch.
Truly appreciate your honest disclosure at the start of the video! And love your balanced take on the camera talking about both the pros and cons in a fair way. ♥️ Excellent video and photos!
The thing I'm thinking about is when Sony did this with the A7iii and A7c is they gave us auto focus improvements and removed recording limits. The S9 just seems like a downgraded S5II so just spend the extra $300 and get that because there's no improvements over the S5II except that it's a little lighter/smaller, but once you put on their lenses, it isn't much of a difference or the S9 will feel unbalanced.
Weird release from Panasonic.
This isn't just him being honest, it's a requirement. Many countries have laws explicitly requiring the disclosure of marketing and other commercial relationships with corporations when engaging in influencer, online, and social media marketing. While it may be technically correct, it's quite disingenuous to say you weren't paid to make a video when a corporation gives you (someone they know earns at least part of their living from making social media videos) a free all expenses paid trip to see their product. TH-cam "reviewers" need to start being more honest about the influence these trips have on them and how it can bias their opinions and output. It isn't journalism, it isn't unbiased review, it's advertising and marketing.
@Sea0fTime yep, sadly there are a ton of people that don’t disclose this stuff, so people doing the requirements can actually be seen as more honest :/ there are all different levels of compensation for sure, reasons why even if I’m being loaned a product, I will disclose that. Fwiw, while I loved going on the trip, it’s still 100% a work trip. As someone who covers products from multiple brands, I do try to remain as neutral as possible, take the opportunities given, but still be objective and think of the industry as a whole.
Great video Benj! It was great meeting you in Osaka! Thanks again for letting me sneak ahead of you in the dinner queue to grab some extra sushi - I owe you one 😜🍣
Ah hey, Tom! Great meeting you as well!
@@benjhaisch I shoot pretty high end Weddings with 3 - S5 II & 1 - S5 IIX. I could possibly see the S9 as a Gimbal Cam / Safety Shot / Backup hybrid -Personal Carry.
It looks like the center of gravity leans front heavy that may cause problems on a gimbal. I’m assuming they did not allow testing on a gimbal for this reason 😅 but Thanks for the insight… I guess I need to see the S9 on a gimbal 😅
@@pureheartvisuals Matt Johnson used it a bunch on a gimbal. th-cam.com/video/eb0PtUPyMr0/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8STozBt8EpDgwbyd
At the end of the video you showed an M mount lens adapted to the camera, maybe a Voigtlander? How does it handle that? I gather you need to push a button to punch in zoom on the view finder in order to get the focus right. What is the process of for selecting where on the frame you want to punch in. On my Sigma FPL you just tap the screen. One great benefit from grips like that Small Rig that isn’t mentioned enough is how the base plate is designed to work as a quick release plate for some tripod mounts. I have a similar grip on my FPL and that part of it was not even mentioned as a selling point, even though it’s a very useful feature.
Yes, you can tap the screen or click the left button on the scroll wheel to enable magnification.
I think this can be a potential wedding camera just for gimbal shots. Is light weight and it can be on on my gimbal all day long. I dont need long takes for gimbal shots. 10 minutes is more than enough. As the S primes are all the same weight and size, i don't have to rebalance it.
Appreciate the video on the S9. Hopefully yeah it will get some good software updates and allow more flexibility for recording times. 🤞
I don't know which sensor they used, but it seems like a fantastic match for your cascade lut.
Same sensor as the S5II
Thanks for a great first impressions review! Looks like a nice compact FF camera but the lack of a hot shoe is a deal breaker for me!
Learn the new system. Custom Luts at the finger tips ? Shoot and learn and have fun. Old fashion Camera's are great for old fashion people ! What the Customer Likes is the answer. Ease of use is more fun. Change is here !
Thanks for the video Ben, unfortunately it will not be for me. No EVF is a deal breaker
It could if the lenses weren't so ginormous. No EVF = No dice... Leica M is still king for that. The 26f8. I just bought a Galaxy S24. To be honest under those conditions a photo from this phone would look the same.
Would be fantastic to see you go into more detail on the experience with M mount glass adapted.
I’m actually looking at this as a travel and wallet friendly leica glass platform.
What specifically would you like to know?
@@benjhaisch I was curious too. If you adapt vintage glass on the S9 what kind of focus confirmation or assistance does it offer? Highlighting pixels? Or something else? You mentioned the pancake lens was Manual focus, but the body doesn’t read out any distance scale.
@@benjhaisch How does the sensor and processing perform against the likes of an M240/M10/SL1? My main gripes with those cameras are 1. the price and 2. the weight/preciousness of the bodies when travelling which the S9 kinda solves on paper.
In terms of shooting experience I'm mostly a zone focuser anyway so the lack of EVF/RF, while not great, isn't as bothersome.
I was all about this camera until you brought up the no flash issue... the cold shoe was such a tease!
That smallrig handle addition is gonna be a must-buy lol. Love that you threw the 35mm on there too. That 26mm manual focus F8 is gonna be a NO-GO !
I was hoping this camera would be a low cost Leica Q. But the lack of EVF, Shutter dial, ISO dial, mechanical shutter, and a hot shoe for flash are deal breaker.
Maybe you are someone who`s hoping for a low cost bentley. Keep dreaming.
Would be great if Leica could put the guts of the S9 into the Leica CL while retaining the EVF - love small cameras but also love an EVF! Anyway, super excited to try the new compact L-Mount lenses and using the new App to easily create some LUTs to load into Luminar Neo.
If it had a mechanical shutter and a hot-shoe compatible with the visoflex2 evf I would order one today. Not sure who this is for??
Not for most people that know what a visoflex is ;)
It`s for kids who don`t know anything. And are sold on some colors.
Love that you compared this to other point and shoot style cameras! Thank you
I would say the X100VI is a photography camera that can shoot video, and the S9 is a video camera than can take screenshots/stills.
But really hoping the LUT feature pushes the whole market in that direction since they are running out of features anyways.
Thanks for sharing your early review of the S9.
I really hope the Lumix Lab app works with the S5II in the future and the hybrid zoom!
It should!
Quote: Can This Compete with the X100VI and A7CII???
It doesn`t even come close.
Especially the A7CII gives it a sound beating.......it makes it look like a toy.
1000% agreed
Love the camera. I never use the evf anyway except to provide extra stability which this camera already had
12:10 : I respect that they are trying to avoid over heating, but it seems like a simple internal thermometer could decide whether or not to stop recording, rather than setting a time limit.
They are already measuring the temp since it's displaying on screen. Only explanation for time limits is market segmentation.
That`s not it. It`s a means to keep selling you stuff. The next will be able to record 6 mins longer.
That`s how you do it if you`re panasonic.
Not having flash is just a bummer :(, got very excited when I first saw the results at the start of the video
Great video, Benj! Thank you. Would it be possible to put an OVF in the cold shoe and trust the AF like you did with the Ricoh GR? That could be a fun solution. 😊
This camera is a merge of fujifilm xpro3 and ricoh gr3, but with a full frame sensor. This could be a perfect camera for me because I do street photography and use my camera like gr3
Except without any mechanical shutter (jello effect for fast moving objects, can't use flash etc.) or viewfinder
@@CianMcsweeney I personally think this is an unique camera from Panasonic, designed for a group of very specific audiences, no point creating "another" full frame camera, if people want all these features, they should just go buy those cameras.
@CianMcsweeney yes, this camera is missing alot of things, but if anyone is looking for a full featured camera, they should just go buy those instead. I think Panasonic is trying to target to a very specific audiences. For me I dont like the flip out screen, and there arent enough smaller lenses for me to be interested with this camera.
How well do think the s9 would perform in a "shooting from the hip" style manual lens predetermined dof street photography situation? Probably catching action shots as well. Maybe even using an ovf in the cold shoe?
I feel like the desired audience for this camera are people who are interested in the Sony ZVe10. Understanding that the S9 has more features and full frame it's not going to win over many entry level people over the ZV camera because of the price difference. I'd love to see someone do a comparison of the two.
Quick Thought: if this camera at least had an old school built in flash like the ones from disposable cameras of the 90's, this would have appealed to many young shooters that seek that flash look but are starting to get into more serious cameras and content creation. This mixed with the new LUTS implementation would have allowed these 90's style chasing shooters to achieve variations of that look easily. I'll admit that it would even have caught my attention too and I'm 42 years old. Maybe that would have compensated for not having a hot shoe a tiny bit. (MAYBE)
-- SIDE THOUGHT --
I love working with Lumix files and wish I could leave the Sterile and boring Sony System but my experience having used both systems (for a long time) is that the Lumix world is just not fast enough for the Solo, Run & Gun, Heavy, on the spot, back and forth switching that I am doing as a Hybrid shooter. I just always felt like I was waiting on the camera to catch up to me + the Autofocus (pre 3.0 firmware update) was lacking and clunky compared to an a7s III or A7 IV. I'm not sure how it is now with the new 3.0 firmware update. Regardless, the Lumix S5 II just slowed me down or made me miss shots. I spent months adjusting and learning so that I can get that camera to fit my needs, but in the end, I let it go.
@Benj : Another Great Video. Love the honesty and all your work. Truly looking forward to what Panasonic will do in the future.
If they took off the LCD panel, and you have to get a glass viewfinder cold shoe for each focal length at $900 I'd still buy it. There's far too much tech on alot of cameras to increase prices and it's overkill. The average person doesn't need alot. Also, seasoned photogs don't need alot either. Something similar to a A7RV is a justified price. If you're just snapping photos, all those cameras should be under $1k.
all these 'camera geniuses' hating on this camera but I bought one and love it . go snob somewhere else
Wait, was I hating on it?
@@benjhaisch Oh nonononono NOT YOU sir. you laid out who is this camera for without being harsh and snobby. im just stating to many other people in the comment. sorry...
@jblee7592 haha no worries just curious.
Yeah I also bought the camera and it’s really fun to shoot with
Damn, I'm wondering if this could be a nice digital supplement to my M-mount film bodies
I think this is such a cool camera but the lack of EVF and Hot Shoe is a bummer. Also, the original A7C floating around kinda hurt this camera.
I liked the idea of buying a S9 just for the stabilisation, then Manny Ortiz bought me down to earth with his assessment of the AF.
Ah interesting, I haven’t watched his video, but the AF was totally fine in my use
Thank you very much! It's a great camera, I'd buy it. The only question is, will there be the same small lenses on it?) It would be great to put Panaleika lenses from Micro 4/3 on the S9.
Since it's a cold shoe and there's no EVF, they could have put it on the side and had the flip screen flip up and over the top. Left hand on the lens I can see a shotgun off the left side being no issue, that or one of those wireless systems.
Personally i'm stoced to see pansonic doing something actually different. Will it pay off? Maybe maybe not with this first iteration but i can see how they can build up from here. A gx9 ii with a evf or even better, ovf with pd auto focus and the new lut system + app 😍 that coupled with some beautiful small full metal auofocus mft lens with dedicted zone and apperature ring? Would be a killer set up for those notobsessed with larger sensors
Bro I was so excited to see what profiles you created! Looks so damn good
Dang… cold shoe. Crippling. Would also love ability to add evf. Shoot time limit is soooo short. Dang.
I was SUPER interested in this before the official release. But not anymore. No Mechanical Shutter and No Hot-shoe capability is a HUGE letdown. If this is your only serious camera, the lack of hot-shoe will limit your ability to grow and learn about photography.
No, i dont think so. You will grow in photography when you actually live with your camera day by day. Lacking of hot shoe does not mean you will be getting limited
In ways the S9 is trying to compete with X100VI and ZV-E1 it does not really offer anything better or extra.
But what is even more puzzling is how is the S9 better than a Lumix GX80/85 or a GX9?
What does the S9 bring to the table is a LUT button, which just skips a few extra postproduction setps, open gate (not really a necessity either)…is that it?
Great overview! Love the look, but I don't know if it's for me. Us old guys need EVF or OVF at least
If this is meant to compete with the zv-e1, the recording limits really hurt it. Hopefully they can increase those limits for some recording options.
I’m hoping so as well. Even if it’s not unlimited, to at least open it up a bit more to make things more usable for long form, interviews, weddings, etc.
I dont prefer viewfinders, I believe thats how my right eye started getting bad.
It's funny I feel like this camera was aimed at being a stills camera but I feel like its a much better entry level video camera. To your point though, it just emphasizes the value of the S5ii which is what i use for my videos and i love it
Yeah, I honestly think it’s 70/30 video/photo but that’s sort of how I feel about the S5II as well. The video features are OP in comparison.
If it had a viewfinder it'd be a must buy.... currently am on the fence though between this and the x100....
That`s not a difficult choice then. A toy vs a real tool.
Man, awesome insights. You just got a new follower. Always a bonus to see Kyoto.
Is this for me? Stills shooter but have some curiosity about getting into short reels and related videos. Want to learn about and use LUTS. Need an everyday lightweight, walk-around camera to supplement my much loved Q2 Monochrom. Don’t use flash. I hate to go with Sony or Fuji and learn new menus and lenses, etc. Any thoughts? (and thanks for a great review).
I have the camera and can say with the pancake lens you can put it in your pocket
What a great video and thank you making my decision easier! I'm happy that I come across your channel and became a new subscriber. One question: the photo samples in this video were all shot with the new 26mm f8 manual focus pancake lens?
Many of them were, but definitely not all of them.
An EVF, tilt screen and better lens selection would make it better imo.
Just buy a Sony and get it over with.
I feel like every consumer who knows how to use a camera properly is considered an outlier to the camera industry. I would pay way more than 1500 if there was a mechanical shutter and a hotshoe (but I suppose market research shows not enough of us would)
Yeah, I would as well, but I’d assume their thinking would be just to buy an S5II at that point.
Which lens did you prefere the most to use with the Lumix S9 apart from the pancake F8 lens? Did you have acces to other L-Mount lenses i.e. from Sigma the small i-series?
I didn’t, but I did see some others using the small Sigmas and they look like a great pairing. I have a set of S primes that I used and they still work pretty well.
Was hoping for essentially a full frame GX9 much like what Sony have done with their A7CII but this is way too restricted and lacks so many controls and features it’s weird 😐 they seem very reliant on this LUTs offering but if you wanted that I think Fuji does a better job? A weird camera overall with a very limited market I’d guess. A shame because I love the look 😍 maybe they will do a pro or x version like they did with the S5II. Other than size you would struggle to pick this over that from them at the price!
Fuji recipes (i own fuji gear but pre-ordered this) is fairly restricted to what you can do, if you want to remove PP from your workflow for the most part Fuji gets you 60-70% there but I feel there are at least a good third portion of your images that will need some editing. Recipes rely too much on WB changes to provide a look while with LUTs you have much more control of the look of the final image. The other thing I do not like about Fuji is that they now release 1 or 2 new film simulations with new bodies that if you want them you need to buy the hardware. They never port them to older cameras any more. Lastly Fuji cannot write software/companion app for their cameras to save their lives, it took them over 6 years to manage to transfer raw images from camera to phone through the app and it is so slow to be borderline unusable anyway. I do love my X-H2 though as well as the compact primes
The pictures of this camera are amazing, why nobody talks about picture quality?
I guess I’m gonna keep waiting for the next sigma fp
XE5 around the corner! Thanks for the video!
For once, thanks for saving my money. Looks like a rad camera, but that lack of EVF and hot shoe are pretty big.
Haha!
if you compare it with Nikon Zf purely for photography, are they equal? or do you see more value in Nikon? Thank you
edit: I don't need flash. viewfinder, even external would be a plus
Me neither, have never touched flash. I used a6000 and sometime use viewfinder when it is too bright outdoor
Love to see the Zf with 26mm next to the S9 with 26mm
I don't understand the trade offs at that price point when compared with how much the S5II gives for a bit more. Which seems a lot better bang for your buck for "content creators". I see this more towards street users and to travel light, and I don't know if there it being FF would be enough to be successful.
I know that they are different cameras, but how do you think it would stack up against a Leica Q?
This or x100vi for someone looking to purchase first camera and learn photography?
Hopefully there will be a version with small evf like a7c lineup called S7 and the S7 will have the tilt up evf like gx9 😍
Good review, the cons outweighs the pros. Also too expensive. I trust your review cos you are outright true and honest in your review and you are very much an expert in the this kind of small size camera body. I viewed a few of your past reviews, eg sony A7RCII etc.
In summary, The concept is fine but bad implementation.
It looks a bit like small Leica Q.
26mm f/8... Interesting choice. Small and compact set up. Thing is as you said correctly: mini S5... Swivel screen and too much video features makes it a bit of a no go and no viewfinder comes on top of it. Lack of l-mount pancake lenses is one thing. Just order the camera though 😂😂😂😂
Everyone complains about a missing evf, but the original A7C had such a bad evf that I hardly ever used it. Having a bigger screen is just better if it was going to be a mediocre evf on this small body
A bad EVF is still much better than none, in direct sunlight.
Yikes, I think the cons far outweigh the pros- but I realise I am probably not the target market for this camera. Maybe part of me was hoping for a Lumix Q3 with a proper PanaLeica lens and "pro" guts in a compact form factor with class leading video. Wouldn't even mind paying more for something like that if they could sell it at half the price of a Q3.
Yeah, I’d love a $2000 version as well :)
@@benjhaisch They`ll gladly do that for you. But you have to use your imagination.
I am not going to purchase the S9. The compromises made are to, as you suggest, to keep the price down. Panasonic made this for the content creator market. They decided not to market to a broader market. I’ve read on other videos that there is disappointment from photographers and people wanting a GX8/9 update. Fair enough. This camera isn’t designed for us. Fair enough. Maybe the next Panasonic release will have the features we want.
I decided to purchase a Sony A7C with the 35/2.8. A small and lightweight, cheaper full frame Fuji X100VI. At least this combination won’t require me to wait a year to own it. I might have purchased my 1st Leica when they announced the D-Lux8. An affordable Leica. Amazing. It appears to be a LX100iii. The Sony setup is still $2-300 cheaper.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
I was planning to replace my S5 with a S5 II or IIX, but now seriously leaning towards keeping the (still awesome) S5 and adding this as a second video angle or daily carry-around.
Would not mind the pancake lens if it came free in the box....
I'm about F8
F8 F8 F8
I'm all about F8
No Bokeh
Hahahaha glad this reference only took me a few seconds to get :)
@@benjhaisch Glad to hear that! Because I sound like a crazy person. Just came to me as I was watching - might be good on the back of a T-Shirt...
The best and informative video of the S9
after s5II update how far behind the sony a7rV panasonic in therms of AF is?/ thnx
You took the sample camera home???? Sweet!
10:00 the possible flash sync speed on that is max 1/20s, not 1/200s :) the sensor is slow so you can't sync flash faster than that. The A7rIII can sync at 1/13s, it is not that much slower than the A7III, so my generous guess for the S5II sensor is 1/20, but actually it must be slower.
PS shooting at night with lights here and there - unusable. Like in Tokyo where everything is covered in big led adverts ... good luck and let the banding be with you :D.
The only thing that they announced and is useful is the app.
Ah did I say 1/200? I guess my quick calculations were 1/30, but close.
@@benjhaisch a no in the video you do not specify that but it is going to be really slow, I would say pointless. For me this camera is a disappointment or it is too expensive. One of those two :)
A voigtlander 35 and an S9 might be interesting to test out.
I’ve been using the 40 Summicron and LLL 35/2 8E which has been great
What a shame Lumix no to put a descent evf on this little camera..I can't imagine making photos on a sunny day through that back screen.. next please..
No fixed Lens camera can compete with a FF interchangeable Lens camera. Period. The a7cii and the S9 are mostly targeting, totally different audiences. Those that don't get the S9, need not apply. Yet some of those folks are daily bashing this camera. Seems a bit personal if you ask me.
I can live without an evf but the lack of mechanical shutter is too much of a compromise.
Awesome video. I’ll respectfully pass on this. It was not made for me. No EVF makes the A7CII a better bang for a bit more. But you get all the things this camera lacks
The A7CII is just great value for money, It`s a mini A1 in a small body and super lenses. It`s everything this not for only a few 100 more.
Can you put a hot shoe for flash if there was no shutter mechanism? Love your videos.
You could but it’d be of very very limited use
Love your colors man. Your grading or a lut
benjhais.ch/luts they’re all here. I used the black and white and North here
@@benjhaisch meant the head shot in the beginning
I used the same on the S5II for the intro :)
i would probably go for the X-T50 or an X100VI
Were all the shots taken on the 26mm?
feels like a ZV camera rather then a x100 series..
12bit raw in stills is a bummer to..
Benj is the control wheel on the back an actual turning wheel? So we can use it for lenses without aperture ring? Otherwise there is only the top control wheel, right?
Yes. Thank you for pointing that out. It was a critique of mine as well that I forgot to mention but I did mention it to the engineers at LUMIX. The rear wheel adjusts shutter speed and the top wheel adjusts aperture by default.
@@benjhaisch Thank You! And one last question... do you remember if they kept the XPAN aspect ratio (65:24) option of the S5II ?
Very strange camera. Lumix S9 is not small. It is small only if you don't put an AF lens on it. At this point just get the S5 II.
Excellent!
Great to see you as always!
the ricoh gr 3 has me adapted to no evf but the no flash/cold shoe is such a deal breaker. what a bummer.
Oh well. You will have to get a different camera.