Mini Wonder

Panasonic made a tepid start with the S1 in the full-frame market. However, the situation changed rapidly with the launch of the S 5 II and S 5 II X.

- Hoshang Billimoria

Panasonic Lumix S9

Inside the Box

✓ Camera

✓ Battery

✓ Neck strap

✓ Body cap

✓ Warranty card

Both these cameras featured excellent phase detection systems and top-class image stabilisation. Panasonic, probably spurred by the success of Fujifilm’s X 100 VI, developed its own compact full-frame camera and launched it in June 2024 in the world market. The S9 is styled like a compact camera and is perhaps (apart from Sigma) the smallest and lightest compact full-frame camera on the market. At first sight, the camera seems to be aimed at TikTok and Reels fans. The S9 body is made in China. Interestingly, the shoulder strap comes from Bangladesh.

Design & Build Quality

The S9 has the design of a compact camera and looks attractive. Additionally, the camera body is available in black, crimson red, dark olive and night blue. A chrome version may be available in Asian countries. The plastic body is solid and is covered by a leatherette cover. The body weighs 486 g with battery and card. The camera’s size can be gauged from its size of 126 x 73.9 x 46.7 mm. The body is not weather-sealed.

Key Features

The S9 features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor similar to the one in the S5 II. Like the S5 II, it features phase detection autofocus with 779 AF points. Panasonic has also provided Dual Image Stabilisation which can extend to 6.5 stops. ISO speeds range from 100 to 51200. A 1.84 million dot fully articulating LCD screen has also been provided. Maximum shutter speed goes up to 1/8000 sec. In continuous autofocus mode, a speed of 8 fps is provided and in burst mode, this goes up to 30 fps.