How the Lumix S9 stacks up for photographers!
In this review, I’ll be diving into a camera that’s been causing a little bit of a stir — the Panasonic Lumix S9. A compact, full-frame body that promises travel-friendly size without sacrificing serious image quality. But is it just a lightweight backup, or could it hold its own as a main camera for travel, portrait, event photography and more? I’ve spent the last few months putting it through its paces, and in this review, I’ll share the honest, real-world photographer’s perspective you won’t find in the usual videographer-led reviews.
How it started!
When it comes to taking a camera with me on my travels, one of the biggest challenges has always been balancing image quality with portability. I’d previously been using the Canon G7X Mark II for those quick, lightweight trips, but as I’d planned a cruise adventure through the Norwegian Fjords in May 2025, as well as a host of other European trips, I knew I wanted something better to get the most out of my trips — a camera with a larger sensor, improved image quality, and one that could also utilise the L-mount lenses I already owned. The obvious choice would have been to take my main workhorse camera, a gripped Lumix S5, but frankly, the size and weight were not something I wanted to deal with when travelling.
At the time, investing in a Panasonic Lumix S9 purely as a travel body felt a little difficult to justify. That is, unless it could potentially double as a capable B-camera for my portrait and cosplay photography work. So, like anyone would, I dived into some research. The issue? Most of the reviews I came across were from a videographer’s perspective. There was very little out there from stills only shooters, which left a lot of questions unanswered. In the end, I took a bit of a gamble and ordered one along with the Sirui hand grip, mainly to improve handling and add a built-in ARCA plate for use with my tripod and monopod.
Now, one potential limitation I was aware of going in was the absence of a hot shoe, especially since I still rely on flash for certain portrait and cosplay projects. However, I’ve been steadily introducing more and more LED constant lighting into my shoots, so this didn’t feel like it would be a deal-breaker. The biggest unknown for me though was going to be the lack of an EVF — something that I know it had been heavily criticised for, and something I wasn’t sure I could comfortably live without. But with its fully articulated screen, I figured it was worth the risk. I think it’s fair to say that when the S9 launched it copped a fair amount of flack and negative comments all round. Lots complained over the lack of EVF, no mechanical shutter, no hot shoe etc. However since then it has gone on to win a TIPA award for the Best Content Creator Camera. So I think it’s safe to say that people are now starting to see it’s place in the market. So I was really keen to try it for myself.
It finally arrived
When it arrived, I was very surprised at just how much more compact and lightweight it was compared to my S5 with the grip. My current Lumix S5 with battery grip weighs in at around 1074 grams, and the S9 with the Sirui Handgrip weighs only 590 grams. That really is a decent saving on weight when wanting to pack light, especially for travel. And when attaching to my Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary lens the difference really starts to show with my S5 weighing in at 1544 grams, and the S9 weighing in at nearly half a KG less at 1060 grams.
First use...
A week later, I took the S9 to a local cosplay event, shooting with a mix of natural and constant LED lighting. I decided to take a bit of a gamble, as I chose not to take my usual S5 with me to this event. But having spent a number of years working with Lumix cameras, I knew the menu system and controls were largely the same, so it didn’t feel like too alien. And I have to say — the results genuinely surprised me. The image quality was excellent. Better than excellent in fact, it was mind blowing. A short time later, I took it along to a lighting mentoring session I was running, working exclusively with a variety of mixed RGB LED lights. Again, the S9 delivered better than I could have imagined. I experienced none of the banding issues from the lack of mechanical shutter like some people had talked about in a few of the reviews I had seen. It had great dynamic range, colour rendition that easily matched, my usual Lumix S5, and the image quality was comparable, if not slightly better than my S5 too. It does render colours slightly differently to my S5. Slightly warmer I would say if using auto white balance. But then that was not unexpected as it essentially runs the same sensor at the S5II, and certainly doesn't cause me any issues if I dial in the white balance manually. The other thing that impressed me was the autofocus when compared with my Lumix S5. I have never really had too many issues with the AF on that camera, but occasionally it would hunt a little, especially in low light. I didn't see those issues on the S9 when shooting stills. The phase hybrid autofocus seemed to be a real improvement over the older depth from defocus system the original S5 uses.
I realised then that perhaps this wasn’t just a travel or B-camera — it might be a serious contender for some of my main work too. Or at least ones where I knew I didn’t need to use flash. And that lack of EVF? It was a little strange at first, but I put that down to me being used to always having one there on my other cameras. Once I got used to the S9 not having one, I actually realised how little I use the EVF on my main camera, and so it just didn't really bother me that much at all, especially with the S9's 3.0 screen being rather crisp and clear. Once thing I really did miss though was the rear joystick that I am used to using on my S5. I find this a really useful feature especially if I am using selectable focus points. So not having this does take some getting used to, and is definitely something I would have loved to see on the S9.
Taking it on my travels...
In May, it officially earned its travel credentials as I took it as my only camera on my trip to the Norwegian Fjords. I paired it with my Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 DG DN Contemporary, and Sirui Saturn 50mm anamorphic lenses, as well as a few essential accessories such as filters, and packed it along with my usual other travel gear such as DJI Osmo 6 mobile gimbal, DJI Mic 2 set etc. To my surprise, I managed to fit everything I needed into my small Vanguard Veo Go 42M backpack with relative ease — something that would have been impossible with my S5 setup. It was shaping up to be the perfect travel companion: lightweight, compact, well-balanced when used with the Sirui hand grip and Peak Design wrist strap, and it handled beautifully with both lenses. And those full-frame sunrise shots in the Norwegian Fjords? Well, see for yourself. It’s safe to say I was very happy with the results. The sensor performed flawlessly in early morning low light and high-contrast conditions, capturing gorgeous colours and details. The other thing that has impressed me about it during my travels, is the battery life. I purchased an extra battery when I first got the camera, and of course it also takes the same batteries as my S5. However I am yet to need to change batteries during a single outing, so that's is a definite plus.
Since then, I’ve continued to use the S9 regularly as my B-camera, and in some situations, it’s even become my A-camera — not out of necessity, but by choice. The image quality, handling, and portability just make it such a versatile tool to have in my kit. Let's also not forget about the LUT feature this camera has. Having the realtime LUT system means I don’t need to take my laptop on my travels with me to edit shots before posting. I can simply choose a LUT for the style I want, take the shot and then transfer the images to my phone or tablet, make quick minor tweaks using either the Lumix Lab app or Lightroom mobile before uploading to socials. The process can be done in minutes. There are a ton of LUTs available to download and install on the camera from the Lumix Lab app, or you can install LUTs you have downloaded from other sources, and even create your own. Where previously I would have been reluctant to take a separate camera out and about with me, and just end up using my phone because of the lengthy and clumsy process of getting to a point where the images were ready to post. The Lumix S9 makes the process easy, and not only that, enjoyable.
For example, I took it on a recent trip to Switzerland as I was over there for a cosplay photography event. Having never been before I wanted to capture some nice creative shots while out and about. Of course I had all of my main camera equipment with me as I was there for a photography based event. But I didn’t want to cart all of this around with me while I was exploring. So I put the S9 and my Sigma 28-70 f2.8 DG DN Contemporary in a 6l sling bag, and off I went. It made for a really lightweight, compact and versatile setup for walking around the streets of Geneva and Yverdon-les-Bains without drawing too much attention. In fact this body and lens combination is fast becoming my favorite grab and go setup. The Lumix S9 has not only won me over in terms of its overall performance. It’s actually made me want to take more photos. By that I mean when going on a day trip, or on a holiday adventure I would often just leave my camera at home and use my phone, because I couldn’t be bothered with the faff of having to carry a big heavy camera around with me, and then go home and spend hours editing shots. This often meant I missed out on some opportunities for great photos. The Lumix S9 has given me ‘Big Camera’ full frame performance, in a small form factor. I can fit everything I need for the day in a small backpack, shoot with one of the realtime LUTs I have installed on the camera and ‘BANG’, job done.
The look!
Now, on to the colour choice — and yes, it’s worth mentioning. When the S9 launched in multiple colour options, I initially leaned towards the Blue, and then later Smokey White when it was released some time later. But thinking practically, I realised the white would likely get marked easily, especially if it was going to see regular event and portrait work. The blue was my next pick, but it was out of stock during the sale. So, I went for the Dark Olive. And honestly? I’m glad I did. It looks fantastic in person, has a clean and classy look. It has also held up really well so far in the months that I've been shooting with it.
Conclusion!
So, there it is — my hands-on experience with the Panasonic Lumix S9. A travel camera that turned out to be so much more. if you’re a stills photographer, especially one working with natural or constant lighting, and you’re looking for a reliable, compact full-frame travel option that can pull double duty as a portrait, cosplay or events B-camera, then the Lumix S9 is worth serious consideration. It’s not without compromises, but the image quality, portability, and versatility make it a camera I genuinely enjoy shooting with, and think I will for some time to come
You can find more sample images in my 'Travel & Adventures' section of my portfolio. If you’ve not yet tried the S9, and have questions about how it handles or performs in different scenarios and lighting setups, or want to share your own experiences, then feel free to reach out using the contact form on my site or DM me on socials — I'm always happy to chat kit.
Until next time, keep chasing the light.