Panasonic has announced the impending release of the Lumix S9, the smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera in the Lumix S Series, which is designed for content creators.


Angled view of the Lumix S9, Crimson Red version, shown without a lens. (Source: Panasonic.)

With a body weighing approximately 403 grams and a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor plus the latest Venus Engine processor, the new camera enables users to apply a range of popular, classic or bespoke colour styles in-camera with the popular REAL TIME LUT function via a new dedicated ‘LUT’ button on the camera body. In addition, the new LUMIX Lab app enables creators to develop their own unique signature presets (LUT colour files) on their smart devices. This means users can effortlessly generate original and shareable stills and videos without the need of post-production editing on a computer. The speed of transferring data from camera to smartphone has also been improved with the new app, making it possible to shoot and share to social media in 30 seconds. The S9 is also equipped with PDAF (Phase Detection Auto-Focus), which provides precise subject tracking, and Active I.S., which significantly reduces blurring from camera shake. It also introduces a new recording format; MP4 Lite, which captures the full sensor height enabling flexible framing (Open Gate) recordings in 10-bit 30p/25p. This enables creators to capture high quality videos optimised for smartphone. They can also easily change aspect ratios to suit social media with the LUMIX Lab app, allowing them to shoot and share while on the go.


Rear view of the Lumix S9, showing the articulating monitor screen and the lack of a viewfinder. (Source: Panasonic.)

Readers should note that, while the S9 comes with a fully-articulating LCD monitor, it lacks any kind of viewfinder. The new camera will be offered in five colours: Jet Black, Crimson Red, Dark Olive, Night Blue and Dark Silver at an RRP of AU$2699. The Jet black and Dark Silver bodies will also be available in kit format with the Lumix S 20-60mm (S-R2060GC) kit lens for AU$3299.

Panasonic has also announced two new S Series lenses: the Lumix S 26mm f/8 (S-R26) pancake lens, which will be available in Australia in June for an RRP of AU$349, and the Lumix S 18-40mm f/4.5-6.3, a compact and versatile zoom lens for daily use, which is ‘coming soon’. Click here for more information.