Earlier this year, Panasonic launched their new LUMIX S9. As their smallest full-frame camera, the S9 joins a unique and rather rare breed of compact full-framers. This article will try to figure out the market positioning of the LUMIX S9. You can read all about the camera’s specs and features here. Still, for perspective, we’re talking about a 24-megapixel, full-frame camera capable of 6K open-gate video, 10-bit 4:2:2, and 4K 60P while being smaller than most APS-C cameras around. The concept of a compact, full-frame camera was always a challenging one. Various manufacturers have tried to produce high-end compacts over the years, but few have been successful. Still, the dream is there, generating demand, which in turn creates a constant flow of unique, clever, and original designs. But why is this concept so tricky? Panasonic LUMIX S9. Image credit: Panasonic Bigger is better? We know that bigger sensors normally yield better technical image qualities. We also know that the best camera is the one you have on you, so we want it to be light and compact. The contradiction between these two vectors sets the stage for a challenging design journey. Many digital high-end compacts opted for a fixed lens solution. FUJIFILM’s X100 series is the poster child here, but recognition is due for some others. Sony’s RX1 series was probably the most compact full-frame offer. The Leica Q is quite popular, at least in Leica’s terms, and there was the lightroom-enabled ZEISS ZX1. Like its L-Mount counterpart, Panasonic took...
Published By: CineD - Wednesday, 19 June