Panasonic LUMIX S1R II vs Panasonic LUMIX S9
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 30fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S9 is still the value pick at $1,499 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S9 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 30fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S9 if…
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $1,800 less, freeing money for lenses.
- ✓You value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 launched at $1,499, $1,800 under the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Resolution: 44.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II vs 24.2MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX S9 is 486g (1.07 lb) vs 795g (1.75 lb) — 309g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II shoots 40fps to the Panasonic LUMIX S9's 30fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II or the Panasonic LUMIX S9 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II (2025) moves ahead on burst speed (40fps vs 30fps), resolution (44.3MP vs 24.2MP) and 8K video. The Panasonic LUMIX S9 is still the value pick at $1,499 ($3,299 for the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II). If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX S9 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 40fps burst keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 30fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 8K capture (up to 30p) and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you want maximum detail for landscapes, studio or large prints — 44.3MP resolves noticeably more than 24.2MP and gives more cropping latitude. 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're budget-conscious — it launched at $1,499, about $1,800 less, freeing money for lenses. Choose it if you value portability — at 486g (1.07 lb) it's noticeably lighter than the 795g (1.75 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II and the Panasonic LUMIX S9?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX S1R II is the stronger video tool — 8K, 4K up to 60p and 10-bit internal.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Partially-Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 44.3 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Lens Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 80 – 51200 | 100 – 51200 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 40 – 204800 | 50 – 204800 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/8000 | − |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/8000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 40 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 8.1K | 6K |
| 8K Recording | Up to 30p | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 120p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | 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 | 779 | 779 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | − |
| Low Light AF | -6 EV | -6 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | Yes |
| Animal AF | Yes | Yes |
| Vehicle AF | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | − |
| EVF Resolution | 5.76M dots | − |
| EVF Magnification | 0.78x | − |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3.2" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 1.84M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Vari-Angle |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.2 | v5.2 |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB-C 3.2 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x CFexpress Type B + 1x SD UHS-II | 1x SD UHS-II |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $3,299 | $1,499 |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy | Aluminum Alloy |
| Dimensions | 134.3×102.3×91.8 mm | 126×73.9×46.7 mm |
| Weight | 795g (1.75 lb) | 486g (1.07 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 340 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 380 shots | 470 shots |
| Battery Type | DMW-BLK22 | DMW-BLK22 |
