This is the first review about the s9 that I actually agree with. I like how you stated the specs objectively and then addressed the biggest deal breaker which is the price. 5 stars
People expected the S5II minus a viewfinder. As an added deflated they limited the video recording limits. Then they didn’t launch it with a f2.8 pancake. Finally the price. The short comings would be easier to understand if they had set the MSRP at $999 body and a street price at $899 body. The influencer controversy didn’t help either.
@@markshirley01 I don't know about knocking dials...all the rear dials are solid and clicky. The menu control wheel is the only one that deserved better IMO.
I enjoy your channel and observations (usually) but have a bone to pick on this review - respectfully.I was an early-adopter of the S5, am heavily-invested in L-Mount glass, was one of the first to get the S5M2X, and will have the S1H2 on pre-order the second it's available. I love having a small S5M2 to take on a trip, shoot B-roll, location-scouting, and to take to my granddaughters birthday party. When I need the heavy artillery, the big guns come out. But for everyday, casual carry, I love having the S9 and leaving the rock collection and family jewels behind
I totally agree that this is what the S9 is made for, but the problem is its price. If it were $1k, it would fit that gap, but for what you don't get over the S5ii and the fact that it's only 25% smaller (the lenses matter more than the body with sizes that close), it's just a bad price point/offer. For anyone in the market who doesn't already have a camera, I have to recommend the S5ii, used or on sale, every time. It just makes more sense.
Im currently a Sony shooter, the feature I covert from Panasonic is the stabilization, I would buy a Panasonic camera as a second camera just for some nice stabilisation for the odd clip, where I don't want to use a gimbal. A S9 with the new zoom for £1000 and Id snap one up.
I wish they had a G9. I want to buy the G5ii, and I'd love to pair it with a G9 (a M43 version of the S9 that works with all the same micro lenses) for riskier shoots where I don't want to risk damaging the G5.
There is a market for the S9. It is a bit smaller and simpler. It's more for people who don't want to fiddle with learning how to assign buttons and want more of a point-and-shoot type of camera. They aren't serious photographers, nor cinematographers or UA-camrs. But they still want a full-frame sensor and interchangeable lenses. They'll use it on trips and vacations, family reunions, etc. Me, I think I struck gold with my S5II.
I just don't understand the comparisons. The S9 was not made and designed to compete with video production cameras. Its designed for a new market of content creators on social media. The fact that it can take the same video quality and have the same IBIS system is just the cherry on top. The S9 has an improved autofocus and has a hybrid zoom focus....that alone is a good reason to buy an S9 over the S5ii
I think, the S9 is for the needs / wishes of the Asian Vloggers primarily. Not for US / European Video-(Semi-)-Pros… read, it is selling well there… The G9II X and GH7 are best for a (Semi-) Pro, why chose the S5II or the S9?
Would you have an opinion on the s9 vs the Zv-e1, I shoot music videos and cinematic, but it’s pitch black and sundown at 3-4pm here My biggest gripe is grain I appreciate your editing and graphs!
I had a ZV-E10 that I just returned for an s5ii. idk if the IBIS on the s9 is as good, but my shaky hands are 1000x less noticeable on the s5ii. The FF sensor is definitely getting me less grainy stuff at night, although I'm shooting at f/1.8 50mm prime which is also probably helping. I would guess that performance would be the same on the s9.
@@seanmurray170 def started liking the sony once i compared the two a little bit more, I do like lumix tho def switching to HLG Vlog is too grainy sadly no prime thanks for the tip!
@ I will say, handheld Sony footage is useless for me as I am shakey as well as if I just survived a massive bomb at the epicenter Only when I hold a camera though, But on a tripod the Sony looks so amazing with minimal in camera tweaks, I am working on making my Sony the slow mo cinematic video camera and using the s9 as a photo and video camera, the in cam settings are nice being much more expansive but I feel like I had to turn a few things on or off to get anywhere close to the Sony, was confused at first but the iso was locked at min 4000 lol Now I am getting it swinging I love it, but def am considering possibly offering a trade for a a7cii maybe… I do love Lumi. Features but that Sony image is so true to life- def need to play with the lumix more Hard to pick which brand to get primes for…
On a different note, it appears Nikon has a quality control problem on its hands with the S5II competitor Z6III. I have sent 2 of the Nikons back. Here’s a video about the issue. ua-cam.com/video/k9fm6Kk412c/v-deo.htmlsi=94xpjXk2_EtpppID
I came to a our local camera store, held both cameras and left with the s5IIx, I couldn't justify getting the S9 since they really weren't that much different in size of weight (if you use a pancake lens, which is what I would be using out and about for casual work anyway). Ahh, I wish the s9 was just a tad smaller. My intention was to go in person, and get convinced on the spot to get the s9, I really wanted to want it. But I just couldn't. I wanted a bit more out of my camera.
The price point Panasonic lists for it makes no sense for the S9. If it were maybe $1,000 USD it would be a really great beginner filmmaking cam. But the S9 is 1500 USD… only 200 USD less than the S5ii so why not just get one of those.
This is not a beginner camera at all, its a sheep in disguise. This camera for $1,000 makes no sense to me...this will eventually go down. The real problem here is that the S5 II & S5 IIX were underpriced. If this was Sony, the S5II would be 2k, the IIX would run for 2.5k and keep the same price of the S9 and nobody would bat an eyelash. Why would Panasonic release a Full Frame 6k Open Gate camera for less than $1,500 when the closest Full Frame 6k Open Gate sensor is on the Black Magic with no IBIS, no AF etc.for over $2k. Panasonic probably doesn't have the production pipeline to meet the demand a Full Frame 6K for $1,000 would ensue. I think they really missed the boat on a lot of things but what they did achieve, was making a damn nice camera. *At least, that's how I see it*
@@lfcruzsierra having shot an RX1R II for almost a decade, I’ve tried dozens of cameras but nothing was compelling. The features of the S9 really make it a joy to use and saves me so much time editing for everyday photos.
@@zerodeefex7765 It's a joy to create with it. It has the quality, portability and feature rich experience I wanted from a camera. I like when camera make me forget that I'm using them and just feels like a tool to create.
This is exactly what I said since the very beginning...the S9 makes no sense, because the S5II exists, even for 300 more (forget about cheaper), why would someone who wants to take video pick something with record limits? Everyone kept saying "but its so much lighter and pocketable", and that might be true if you use the f/8 manual focus lens, but couldn't i just put that same lens on the S5II? The S5II is not all that much bigger, just a bit thicker, but you get so much more camera for that couple of extra grams and centimeters. I also really just don't get why people seem to think that an extra 250 grams makes a camera bad for taking on vacation, I think you were spot on when you said that if you throw a pancake lens on the S5II and a strap, I doubt you would notice the difference very much. So, if someone likes the S9, great for them, but from a pure marketing and product category perspective, it makes no sense to offer a camera that is pretty much worse in many ways (objectively does not include as many features), and then charge more money for it, you are setting your new product up for failure, if another of your offerings is objectively a better value. It would be like Sony offering the ZV-E1 at 3000 while the A7SIII is 3200...obviously no one would buy the ZV-E1 at that price, and Panasonic set the price on the S5II where they did, one would assume they knew the prices of their other cameras when choosing the price for this one.
This is the first review about the s9 that I actually agree with. I like how you stated the specs objectively and then addressed the biggest deal breaker which is the price. 5 stars
People expected the S5II minus a viewfinder. As an added deflated they limited the video recording limits. Then they didn’t launch it with a f2.8 pancake. Finally the price. The short comings would be easier to understand if they had set the MSRP at $999 body and a street price at $899 body. The influencer controversy didn’t help either.
Thoughts now that they removed the limit?
Is the s5 IIx a better camera for video? I mean is recording in ProRes a better option ? Does it give you crispier image ?
Great job on this video just what i needed.
The Panasonic S5 Mark 2 is more up my alley.
Love my S9! Check out the SIRUI grip, makes the camera that much better!
How do you find the rear dial, all the reviews I see complain about it being flimsy and easy to nock a setting out
@@markshirley01 I don't know about knocking dials...all the rear dials are solid and clicky. The menu control wheel is the only one that deserved better IMO.
@@lfcruzsierraI own both cameras, and totally agree with you.
The S9 getting daily use.
@@walrusgumboot I don't wanna take out any other camera. This covers all the bases plus it's compact and looks dope! Chef Kiss!
@@lfcruzsierra totally! I’m using the Sigma 45mm f2.8 (also have the 24mm f3.5 but the 45mm is mostly on). What you using?
I enjoy your channel and observations (usually) but have a bone to pick on this review - respectfully.I was an early-adopter of the S5, am heavily-invested in L-Mount glass, was one of the first to get the S5M2X, and will have the S1H2 on pre-order the second it's available. I love having a small S5M2 to take on a trip, shoot B-roll, location-scouting, and to take to my granddaughters birthday party. When I need the heavy artillery, the big guns come out. But for everyday, casual carry, I love having the S9 and leaving the rock collection and family jewels behind
I totally agree that this is what the S9 is made for, but the problem is its price. If it were $1k, it would fit that gap, but for what you don't get over the S5ii and the fact that it's only 25% smaller (the lenses matter more than the body with sizes that close), it's just a bad price point/offer. For anyone in the market who doesn't already have a camera, I have to recommend the S5ii, used or on sale, every time. It just makes more sense.
I switch to top smartphone camera, its more covert and good quality for use on internet
Im currently a Sony shooter, the feature I covert from Panasonic is the stabilization, I would buy a Panasonic camera as a second camera just for some nice stabilisation for the odd clip, where I don't want to use a gimbal. A S9 with the new zoom for £1000 and Id snap one up.
I wish they had a G9. I want to buy the G5ii, and I'd love to pair it with a G9 (a M43 version of the S9 that works with all the same micro lenses) for riskier shoots where I don't want to risk damaging the G5.
There is a market for the S9. It is a bit smaller and simpler. It's more for people who don't want to fiddle with learning how to assign buttons and want more of a point-and-shoot type of camera. They aren't serious photographers, nor cinematographers or UA-camrs. But they still want a full-frame sensor and interchangeable lenses. They'll use it on trips and vacations, family reunions, etc. Me, I think I struck gold with my S5II.
I just don't understand the comparisons. The S9 was not made and designed to compete with video production cameras. Its designed for a new market of content creators on social media. The fact that it can take the same video quality and have the same IBIS system is just the cherry on top. The S9 has an improved autofocus and has a hybrid zoom focus....that alone is a good reason to buy an S9 over the S5ii
Hey, what are the lenses you’re showcasing throughout the video on the S5ii?
I think, the S9 is for the needs / wishes of the Asian Vloggers primarily. Not for US / European Video-(Semi-)-Pros… read, it is selling well there…
The G9II X and GH7 are best for a (Semi-) Pro, why chose the S5II or the S9?
Would you have an opinion on the s9 vs the Zv-e1, I shoot music videos and cinematic, but it’s pitch black and sundown at 3-4pm here
My biggest gripe is grain
I appreciate your editing and graphs!
I had a ZV-E10 that I just returned for an s5ii. idk if the IBIS on the s9 is as good, but my shaky hands are 1000x less noticeable on the s5ii. The FF sensor is definitely getting me less grainy stuff at night, although I'm shooting at f/1.8 50mm prime which is also probably helping. I would guess that performance would be the same on the s9.
@@seanmurray170 def started liking the sony once i compared the two a little bit more, I do like lumix tho def switching to HLG Vlog is too grainy sadly no prime thanks for the tip!
@ I will say, handheld Sony footage is useless for me as I am shakey as well as if I just survived a massive bomb at the epicenter
Only when I hold a camera though,
But on a tripod the Sony looks so amazing with minimal in camera tweaks,
I am working on making my Sony the slow mo cinematic video camera and using the s9 as a photo and video camera, the in cam settings are nice being much more expansive but I feel like I had to turn a few things on or off to get anywhere close to the Sony, was confused at first but the iso was locked at min 4000 lol
Now I am getting it swinging I love it, but def am considering possibly offering a trade for a a7cii maybe… I do love Lumi. Features but that Sony image is so true to life- def need to play with the lumix more
Hard to pick which brand to get primes for…
Can you give a link for download footage from S9 to try them in the editors? Ideally, FHD 60 fps, in maximum quality. Thanks!
How to keep that S9? Only two hands.
On a different note, it appears Nikon has a quality control problem on its hands with the S5II competitor Z6III. I have sent 2 of the Nikons back. Here’s a video about the issue. ua-cam.com/video/k9fm6Kk412c/v-deo.htmlsi=94xpjXk2_EtpppID
Plus the image quality of the new Z6 is really bad for the price point.
My understanding is there is no more recording limit on S9
I came to a our local camera store, held both cameras and left with the s5IIx, I couldn't justify getting the S9 since they really weren't that much different in size of weight (if you use a pancake lens, which is what I would be using out and about for casual work anyway). Ahh, I wish the s9 was just a tad smaller. My intention was to go in person, and get convinced on the spot to get the s9, I really wanted to want it. But I just couldn't. I wanted a bit more out of my camera.
Is open gate not 3:2 and not 4:3?
It's 3:2, he missed typing it.
The price point Panasonic lists for it makes no sense for the S9. If it were maybe $1,000 USD it would be a really great beginner filmmaking cam. But the S9 is 1500 USD… only 200 USD less than the S5ii so why not just get one of those.
Those of us who want a smaller body. It’s fantastic.
@@zerodeefex7765 Indeed!
This is not a beginner camera at all, its a sheep in disguise. This camera for $1,000 makes no sense to me...this will eventually go down.
The real problem here is that the S5 II & S5 IIX were underpriced. If this was Sony, the S5II would be 2k, the IIX would run for 2.5k and keep the same price of the S9 and nobody would bat an eyelash.
Why would Panasonic release a Full Frame 6k Open Gate camera for less than $1,500 when the closest Full Frame 6k Open Gate sensor is on the Black Magic with no IBIS, no AF etc.for over $2k.
Panasonic probably doesn't have the production pipeline to meet the demand a Full Frame 6K for $1,000 would ensue.
I think they really missed the boat on a lot of things but what they did achieve, was making a damn nice camera.
*At least, that's how I see it*
@@lfcruzsierra having shot an RX1R II for almost a decade, I’ve tried dozens of cameras but nothing was compelling. The features of the S9 really make it a joy to use and saves me so much time editing for everyday photos.
@@zerodeefex7765 It's a joy to create with it. It has the quality, portability and feature rich experience I wanted from a camera.
I like when camera make me forget that I'm using them and just feels like a tool to create.
This is exactly what I said since the very beginning...the S9 makes no sense, because the S5II exists, even for 300 more (forget about cheaper), why would someone who wants to take video pick something with record limits?
Everyone kept saying "but its so much lighter and pocketable", and that might be true if you use the f/8 manual focus lens, but couldn't i just put that same lens on the S5II? The S5II is not all that much bigger, just a bit thicker, but you get so much more camera for that couple of extra grams and centimeters.
I also really just don't get why people seem to think that an extra 250 grams makes a camera bad for taking on vacation, I think you were spot on when you said that if you throw a pancake lens on the S5II and a strap, I doubt you would notice the difference very much.
So, if someone likes the S9, great for them, but from a pure marketing and product category perspective, it makes no sense to offer a camera that is pretty much worse in many ways (objectively does not include as many features), and then charge more money for it, you are setting your new product up for failure, if another of your offerings is objectively a better value.
It would be like Sony offering the ZV-E1 at 3000 while the A7SIII is 3200...obviously no one would buy the ZV-E1 at that price, and Panasonic set the price on the S5II where they did, one would assume they knew the prices of their other cameras when choosing the price for this one.
why is no one talking about birtrate ? s9 has 200 mbps vs s5ii has 4 times over it