The Lumix S9 Camera is an almost perfect for everyday carry option. In this blog, I’ll explore the benefits of this camera and compare it with similar Lumix models on the market. For a more detailed review, check out this video on the Micro Four Nerds YouTube Channel.

Making Photography Fun Again

The Lumix S9 could be one of my favourite everyday carry camera options in 2024. It comes in some fun colours, which I always appreciate, and has a compact form factor similar to other Lumix models like the GX800. The button layout is familiar if you’ve used small Lumix cameras before, so you can start shooting right away.

I initially struggled to choose a camera colour, starting with blue before settling on green. The colours are subtle, (OK, maybe not the red one!) offering personality without being too flashy. Perfect if you prefer a more incognito look for street photography for example.

Real-Time LUT & Lumix Lab

One of the most exciting updates is the Lumix Lab app. As a big fan of real-time LUTs, I saw its potential from the start. I love having photo presets in-camera, and being able to create interesting looks straight away without any editing. The Lumix S9 can hold up to 39 LUTs in-camera.

Lumix Lab takes editing on the go to the next level, allowing you to use it on your phone for video & photo via the app—unique to this camera brand. It also makes uploading photos and videos to social media seamless, without additional steps.

During my trip to Osaka, I used my own presets, some of which are available for free in the Creator section of the Lumix Lab app. My StreetWise preset is ideal for travel and street photography, and you can download it to your Lumix S9 for free via the Lumix Lab app for free, orrrr… if you like the look of it i’d highly recommend the full pack that it came from, which is my City Escape pack.

You can check it out here:

Micro Four Nerds Store

The Lumix Lab app also offers LUTs from other creators, which are adjustable and enhanceable. Additionally, you can tweak the opacity of LUTs directly in-camera. Sometimes, ya know, a preset is just a bit too bold?! In your editing software you’d just dial it down. Now you can do that in-camera, as you shoot. It’s such a unique and brilliant feature for perfecting your photos.

*Shot with Lumix S9 with Real-Time LUTs*

How the Lumix S9 Compares to Other Cameras

The Lumix S9 inherits many beloved features from the S5ii and G9ii, such as Phase Detection autofocus, and subject detection. It also has a 'pre-burst mode' for capturing fast moving subjects, and excellent in-body stabilisation. The IBIS made getting video clips super easy, which is ideal for shooting in crowded locations like Osaka, where using gimbals is frowned upon.

Vlogging with the Lumix S9

When vlogging, I usually opt for something small like the DJI Pocket 3 due to its incognito setup. The Lumix S9 set-up is similarly compact, making it ideal for vlogging without attracting too much attention. There’s also a mic input, and a flippy screen to make vlogging really easy.

Limitations

The Lumix S9 lacks thermal management, which limits video recording times. Here are the time limits with different settings:

6K Open Gate: 10 Minutes
All 4K Modes: 15 Minutes
MP4 Lite Mode: 15 Minutes
FHD Modes: 20 Minutes

For my needs when I’m out and about filming, I rarely need more than 5 minutes at a time, so it doesn’t impact me much. But if this is your only camera, or you want it to be your “talking head” camera for longer YouTube videos, then this is definitely something to keep in mind.

Lumix S9 Battery Life & Lumix Ecosystem

The Lumix S9 uses the same battery as the S5ii, G9ii — and the GH6, for that matter — making it a great addition if you already have a Lumix ecosystem. The battery life is superb; during long shoots, I only needed to change the battery once over several days.

*Shot with Lumix S9 with Real-Time LUTs — this one is my StreetWise preset!*

The Quirks of the Lumix S9

Use of Cold Shoe

The S9 uses a cold shoe, rather than a hot-shoe which is cost-effective but means there’s no facility for an off-camera flash set-up.

No Weather Sealing

The camera isn’t weather-sealed, making it suitable for everyday use but not ideal in rainy weather. (though it did handle some drizzle in Osaka!)

No Electronic Viewfinder

The Lumix S9 lacks an EVF, which might be a deal-breaker for some users who struggle to use a screen for taking photos and videos. I’m quite well versed in the tiny camera arena, so I’m used to it by now. But I can see how it would affect some users.

Electronic Shutter

Here’s probably the biggest drawback: The S9 uses an electronic only shutter, making it silent but potentially causing banding in certain lighting conditions if the shutter speed isn’t synchronised.
I will say, however, that I used it for two weeks in Osaka and Tokyo — land of the evening lighting! — and didn’t experience banding much at all.

My Controversial Take…

I do wish the Lumix S9 was a micro four-thirds camera! Of course I do!

A compact camera is only as ‘compact’ as the lens that you put on it, and while there are some compact lenses for this system, many full-frame lenses are large. Micro four-thirds offers a wider range of tiny lenses. Consider the lenses you’d use with this camera before purchasing, as traditional lenses could make it front-heavy and tiring on your wrists. If you often use large lenses, the S5ii might be a better choice for balance.

Accessories for the Lumix S9

SmallRig

Though I usually avoid bulking up small cameras, the SmallRig grip is ergonomic and worth considering if you have larger hands or plan to use bigger lenses.

Missing Buttons

The minimalist design means fewer buttons. I missed some, especially the burst mode and time-lapse options usually on the left-hand side, and the AF/MF switch. These functions are still available but are hidden in the menus. If you’re new to Lumix cameras, this won’t be an issue.

Shot with the Lumix S9 with Real-Time LUTs

Is This Camera for You?

The Lumix S9 isn’t for everyone. If you’re concerned about recording limits, electronic shutter, or the smaller size, it might not be the best fit. However, its affordability is a significant strength. If you think it’s not for you, or can stretch your budget, consider the Lumix S5ii camera instead.

For me, though? It’s FUN, it’s colourful, it ticks so many boxes. The video features are superb, and the Lumix Lab app is a gamechanger as far as I’m concerned.

Opinions on Real-Time LUTs

If you want polished, delightful images straight from your camera, saving hours of editing time, the Real-Time LUT feature is for you. The Lumix S9 boasts the most advanced Real-Time LUT features, making post-production a breeze.

Remember, you can always access my pre-built LUTs and preset packs over at Micro Four Nerds Store

Lumix S9 Review (For Every Day Carry Fans!)