Panasonic LUMIX S1 vs Panasonic LUMIX S9
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 9fps), subject-detection AF and 10-bit internal video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9 if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour.
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $1,000 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 shoots 30fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S1's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 launched at $1,499, $1,000 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX S1 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 is 486g (1.07 lb) vs 1020g (2.25 lb) — 534g you'll feel on a long day out.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1 or the Panasonic LUMIX S9 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 (2024) moves ahead on burst speed (30fps vs 9fps), subject-detection AF and 10-bit internal video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S1 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1 if you shoot video seriously — it brings both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9 if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 30fps burst plus dedicated subject-tracking AF keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour. Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $1,000 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 1020g (2.25 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S1 and the Panasonic LUMIX S9?
Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 shoots 30fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S1's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 100 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 50 – 204800 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 6K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 180p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | Yes |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log / HLG | V-Log / V-Log L / HLG |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | Yes |
| HDMI Output | Full-size (Type A) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 225 | 779 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | − |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | − |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 2.10M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v5.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.1 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x XQD / CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,499 | $1,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Dimensions | 148.9×110×96.7 mm | 126×73.9×46.7 mm |
| Weight | 1020g (2.25 lb) | 486g (1.07 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 380 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 400 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLJ31 | DMW-BLK22 |
