Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Panasonic Lumix S5 – Which One Is Better?

The Panasonic Lumix S9 and Panasonic Lumix S5 are two full-frame mirrorless cameras from Panasonic, but they target different creators and workflows.

The S9 prioritizes compact size and hybrid convenience, while the S5 emphasizes versatility and full-feature hybrid shooting.

Let’s break down how they compare and determine which one might be better for you.

---

⚙️ Overview – Compact Full-Frame vs Established Hybrid All-Rounder

Panasonic Lumix S9
A compact full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at creators who value portability and modern features while retaining full-frame image quality and hybrid capability.

Panasonic Lumix S5
A well-rounded full-frame hybrid camera that offers excellent stills and video performance, stabilization, a mature feature set, and strong value.

In short:

• S9 = Best for creators who travel, shoot on the go, want full-frame in a lighter body.

• S5 = Best for hybrid shooters who want a proven feature set for both stills and video with strong versatility.

---

📸 Key Specifications Compared

Specification	Panasonic Lumix S9	Panasonic Lumix S5
Release Date	2024	2020
Camera Type	Full-frame mirrorless	Full-frame mirrorless
Sensor	24.2 MP full-frame CMOS	24.2 MP full-frame CMOS
Image Processor	Panasonic Venus Engine (L² tech)	Panasonic Venus Engine
Lens Mount	Leica L-Mount	Leica L-Mount
ISO Range	100–51 200 (expandable 50–204 800)	100–51 200 (expandable 50–204 800)
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS)	Yes, 5-axis	Yes, 5-axis (up to ~6.5 stops)
Autofocus System	Hybrid AF (phase/contrast)	Contrast-detect DFD AF
AF Subject Recognition	Humans & animals	Humans & face detection
Continuous Shooting Speed	~9 fps	~7 fps (mechanical) / faster with electronic shutter
Video Recording	Up to 6K30p & 4K60p (10-bit)	4K up to 60p (10-bit)
Video Bit Depth / Color	10-bit internal color	10-bit internal color
Color Profiles	LUT support & creative looks	V-Log, V-Gamut & cinematic profiles
RAW Video Output	Yes (via HDMI)	Yes (to external recorder)
Recording Limit	Typical ~30 min (varies by mode)	Standard ~30 min (varies)
Viewfinder	None (LCD-only)	Built-in EVF (~2.36 M dots)
LCD Screen	3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen	3.0″ fully articulating touchscreen
Touch Functions	Full touchscreen	Full touchscreen
Product Showcase Mode	No	No
Background Defocus Button	No	No
Body Material	Compact, lightweight	Traditional camera build
Weather Sealing	Yes (dust/splash resistant)	Yes (dust/splash resistant)
Audio Options	Mic input (no headphone)	Mic input & headphone output
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, micro-HDMI	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI
Battery Type	Panasonic DMW-BLK22	Panasonic DMW-BLK22
Battery Life (CIPA)	~470 shots	~400–450 shots
Dimensions (W × H × D)	Smaller, compact body	Larger body (~132 × 97 × 81 mm)
Weight (Body Only)	~486 g	~714 g (body + battery)
Approx. Price (Body Only)	Mid-range for full-frame (check on Amazon)	Historically slightly higher full-frame pricing

---

🧱 Build, Handling & Portability

The Lumix S9 stands out for being one of the most compact full-frame bodies out there, making full-frame shooting more convenient for travel, street work, everyday carry. Because of its design, lens size may also be more compact when matched with it.

The Lumix S5 is slightly larger, reflecting its more extensive feature set and hybrid orientation (more video-friendly features, controls, etc). It balances stills and video well and is great for creators who work in both domains.

👉 Verdict:

• Choose the S9 if portability and full-frame image quality with ease of carry matter most.

• Choose the S5 if you shoot hybrid content (both stills & video) often and prefer full-feature controls and flexibility.

---

🎯 Autofocus & Performance

The S5 offers a proven hybrid autofocus system that handles many scenarios well, including stills and straightforward video. The S9 brings a newer compact body with modern AF improvements—making it more responsive in many everyday shooting contexts.

👉 Verdict:

• For cutting-edge autofocus in a compact body, S9 has the edge.

• For tried-and-tested hybrid performance and stability, S5 remains solid.

---

🎥 Video Capabilities

If video is part of your workflow:

• The S9 offers strong specs for hybrid creators and is easier to carry with lighter lenses. It gives you full-frame look and good video capabilities in a compact form.

• The S5 offers excellent video performance too, with features aimed at creators who shoot both stills and video and want a robust feature set (like full controls, stabilization, good recording options).

👉 Verdict:

• S9 works great if video is important but you also prioritize portability.

• S5 works if you want a hybrid camera you’re comfortable with in both stills and video without making size too much of a compromise.

---

🧠 Image Quality (Stills)

Since both are full-frame and share similar sensors, you can expect excellent still image quality from either: good dynamic range, nice depth of field, strong low-light performance.

👉 Verdict:

• For pure image quality, both deliver.

• Your choice now comes down more to size, lenses, features and workflow rather than big differences in image quality.

---

📦 System, Lenses & Future-Proofing

Both use the L-Mount, meaning lenses are interchangeable across these bodies. That’s a big advantage. If you already have L-Mount lenses, both cameras fit.

If you plan to build a large system with many lenses or video accessories, the S5 might give you slightly more flexibility in terms of control layout and pro-features. The S9 gives you much of the same image quality in a lighter package.

---

💰 Price & Value

Generally, the S9 might cost less than a comparably featured “full-size” hybrid model thanks to its emphasis on compactness. The S5 offers excellent value especially given its hybrid capabilities and full-frame quality.

👉 Verdict:

• If budget and portability are key, the S9 gives you full-frame with modern portability.

• If value across both stills and video is your priority and you’re okay with slightly larger gear, the S5 is more than justified.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Panasonic Lumix S5 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Panasonic Lumix S9 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

---

🏁 Final Verdict — Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Lumix S5

_

✅ In short:

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix S9 if you value portability, full-frame performance, and a lighter package for hybrid/creator work.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix S5 if you prioritize all-round performance across stills and video, full-frame quality, and want features and controls to match.

---

🧠 Final Thoughts

Both cameras are excellent tools. The best one for you depends on how and where you shoot and what you carry.

• If you travel a lot, carry light and shoot everything from street to video, go S9.

• If you shoot more controlled hybrid work or build a lens system and want a full-featured body, go S5.

Reflect on what you shoot, how you shoot, and what your workflow demands — that will lead you to the right choice.