Is the Panasonic Lumix S9 an Affordable Leica Alternative?
I thought the Panasonic Lumix S9 might be the £800 Leica alternative I’d been looking for. After a year of using it, I’ve realised it’s actually something else. It’s a brilliant compact video camera that offers decent photos with limitations. Coming up: Lumix S9 sample photos, YouTube videos plus comparisons to the Lumix S5, Leica SL2-S, Leica CL and Leica M10-P.
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New Lumix S9 – Almost perfect
As a Leica photographer, YouTuber and solo traveller/ creator, I spent a lot of time looking for a small, full-frame camera that could do something my compact Leica cameras don’t. Great 4K video (for talking head/ vlogging + b-roll) and good photos (using my existing lenses) in one compact ease to use body. When the Lumix S9 was first announced I made a YouTube video discussing how it could seemingly replace so many of my existing cameras.
Why I Bought the Lumix S9
A few year past and I got distracted by other cameras. I then saw the Panasonic Lumix S9 listed on MPB (not sponsored) with a sub-£800 price tag. This immediately caught my attention, especially when I knew it has the same sensor as the new (at the time Lumix S5II camera)(but in a smaller body).
It seemed almost too good to be true. Here was a 24.2 megapixel full-frame camera with modern autofocus, image stabilisation, 4K and 6K video, open gate, anamorphic lens options, a flippy articulating screen and access to the growing L-Mount lens ecosystem, all in a body weighing just 403g.
There was one BIG catch. The Lumix S9 doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder. This would fundamentally change and limit how I use the camera. I bought it anyway as I like a challenge.
The Lumix S9 After 12 Months
I’ve now had the Lumix S9 for more than a year, and I understand it better than I did when I bought it. My conclusion is:
- For video: Brilliant
- For casual photography: Very good
- For carefully composed, static photography: Very good
- For fast, precise manual-focus photography (photoshoots): Frustrating (Not practical)
- For travel: Exceptionally good
The Lumix S9 isn’t bad at photography. In fact, the image quality can be excellent. The problem is that I can’t see to focus properly without a viewfinder (EVF), so I normally pick up other cameras instead when taking pictures.
The Two Biggest Limitations of the Lumix S9
As mentioned in my recent “Trying not to buy a Leica” YouTube video, for me the Lumix S9 has two massive design flaws.
1. Lumix S9 has no EVF
This is easily the biggest compromise. Why anyone would design a camera (for photography) with no viewfinder is beyond me, unless they are targeting the smartphone camera user where people shoot from their screen.
With a Panasonic Lumix S9 you’re composing and focusing via the rear screen rather than looking through a usual viewfinder. That works, well until it doesn’t. Here are some limitations of using a camera without a viewfinder.
| Limitation | What I notice in practice |
| No EVF | Everything is composed through the rear screen |
| Bright sunlight | The screen can become difficult to see |
| Manual focus | Precise focusing is harder |
| Wide apertures | Small focusing errors become much more obvious |
| Moving subjects | Harder to follow and react quickly |
| Eye-level shooting | Less natural and less stable than using an EVF |
| Eyesight | Small rear screen isn’t as easy to judge as a viewfinder |
For real world photography, static subjects, landscapes and tripod work are all fine even with a lack of an EVF, especially once a lens is stopped down. When I work with models this is a different story. Try shooting a moving person with a manual focus Leica M lens, say a TTArtisan 50mm f0.95 (to make it more challenging), that’s where the problem and limitations becomes obvious.
Trying to judge (and correct for) extremely shallow depth of field on a screen (that may be difficult to see in bright light), while simultaneously trying to directing the model and create pleasing compositions is possible, but it’s not particularly enjoyable. Especially as someone that relies on viewfinder diopters for accurately focusing fast lenses.
2. Lumix S9 has No Hotshoe
The second big design flaw or limitation of the Lumix S9 is the lack of a hotshoe. At first, this might sound like a minor omission but it has surprisingly important consequences. The 2 key limitations are –
| Limitation | Why it matters |
| No optional clip-on EVF | You can’t mount an external EVF to the S9 |
| No option of flash photography | Can’t trigger on-camera or off-camera flash |
This is particularly frustrating from a Leica M camera user perspective. With cameras such as my Leica M240 or Leica M10-P (or the current Leica M11), you can add an optional electronic viewfinder (“EVF” / “Visoflex”) when you need one. With the S9, you can’t, like the Leica M262 that I have.
If you buy a Lumix S9, you’re essentially making a decision, I’m happy to use the rear screen. For me that changes what lenses you’ll use with this camera and how you’ll shoot. Let’s cover that next.
How I Use the Lumix S9 for Photography
As mentioned in the YouTube video, when using the Lumix S9 for taking pictures I’ve found three approaches that work well enough to make me use this camera.
1. Small Autofocus Lenses
The easiest photography solution with the Lumix S9 is simply to use autofocus lenses. The S9 has pretty decent phase-detection autofocus and Panasonic’s modern subject-recognition system, so autofocus lenses make the camera much easier to use for everyday photography.
In terms of autofocus accuracy, the Lumix S9 is the best of the cameras I own beating the Leica SL, Leica SL2-S, Lumix S5 and my various smaller MFT Lumix cameras.
When I use small compact cameras I prefer to pair them with equally small lenses. Putting a huge Leica SL prime lens on the front works but rather defeats the point of buying such a tiny body. (Just get a Leica SL3-P instead with ergonomic grip and EVF instead in this instance – this Leica has the best autofocus accuracy to date).
The whole appeal of the S9 is the complete package – Small body + Small lens + Full-frame sensor
2. Fixed-Focus Lenses
Another approach when using the Lumix S9 camera, is to embrace simplicity. Fixed-focus and special-purpose lenses remove the need to constantly worry about precise focusing.. or focusing at all. Think of lenses such as:
- Pinhole-style lenses (often build into a Leica M body cap)
- Holga-style lenses (often build into a Leica M body cap like from Retropia)
- Other deliberately simple or experimental optics
These aren’t lenses you buy because they’re technically perfect. They’re fun precisely because they aren’t. These lenses make a lot of sense on the S9 because you’re no longer fighting the camera’s lack of an EVF.
I enjoyed using the Retropia lens for casual street and travel photography on my Leica M262 when I was teaching a Leica workshop in Cannes last month. Ultra-light M camera setup. Add some grain in post and the images look like film!
3. Manual-Focus Lenses and Zone Focusing
Probably my favourite way of shooting is using Leica lenses on the S9. Rather than trying to precisely focus a fast manual-focus lens through the rear screen, I prefer to use wider lenses and zone focusing. As a Leica guy I tend to use Leica M lenses but you can adapt any SLR lens via the correct L mount adapter.
With a wide lens, a sensible aperture and a pre-set focusing distance, I can stop worrying about whether I’ve nailed focus through the screen. Instead, I can concentrate on timing and composition. With this setup suddenly the S9 makes a lot more sense as a Leica-lens camera alternative, and you get the benefit of the articulating screen for creative angles (or shooting from the hip if that’s your thing).
Optical Viewfinder for Lumix S9
For zone focusing my preferred setup is to attach an optical viewfinder to the Lumix S9 coldshoe. I set the camera to auto (auto exposure) and manually dial in my desired focus distance on the lens. I then close the LCD screen and look through the optical viewfinder to compose my shots. It’s almost like shooting film with a rangefinder camera (except I don’t need to focus).
You can buy camera viewfinders for the Lumix S9 from Voigtlander or Leica (top quality but expensive) or cheaper plastic options from brands like KEKS.
Best Lenses for the Lumix S9
As a guy that spends his life reviewing lenses for YouTube (and on here), and who has access to most lenses for Leica M mount and Leica L mount, let me give you some of my top picks when it comes to the best lenses for the Lumix S9. I think we need to break it down into manual focus lenses and autofocus lenses.
I select my lenses firstly by size for this camera and that may mean compromising absolute optical performance. I’ve learnt over the years that better resolution and impressive MTF charts don’t equal better photos. Having the camera with you is what matters the most. Size matters.
Best autofocus lenses for the Lumix S9
First autofocus lenses. For me smaller and or lighter lenses are my preference on the compact Lumix S9. Some lenses that spring to mind are –
- Compact Sigma DG DN lenses for Leica L mount
- Compact TTArtisan lenses for Leica L mount
- Lightweight Lumix S lenses (35mm, 50mm, 85mm) + Zoom lenses
- Viltrox 28mm f4.5 pancake (My go-to lens for video and travel)
Best Leica Lenses for the Lumix S9
When you ask me about manual focus lenses for the Lumix S9 I’m looking at Leica M mount lenses. These are some of the smallest full frame lenses you can buy (which is what brought me to Leica). Top choices here would be lightweight wider lenses for an increased depth of field (just stop the lens down for zone focusing).
Based on size, weight and performance my go-to favourites currently include –
- Thypoch Ksana 21mm f3.5 (or Voigtlander Color Skopar 21mm lenses)
- Brightin Star 28mm f2.8 pancake (YouTube)
- Voigtlander Color Skopar 28mm f2.8 (Type II* – Lighter + focuses closer)
- Mandler 35mm f2 (Aluminium version is lighter)
- Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4
- Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f3.5 (YouTube)
Panasonic Lumix S9 for Video
This is where my opinion of the S9 completely changed (and why I’ve not sold it). The Lumix S9 fast became my main video camera for YouTube. It replaced my Lumix S5 thanks to the smaller size for overseas trips and better face detect autofocus. I bought the Leica SL2-S planning to use it for photos and video but I still seem to gravitate back to the S9 for the smallest video setup.
Lumix S9 Video Rig
If you’re a video guy you’ll likely appreciate this comment more. When it comes to setting up a camera for video specifically you can go big and fully rig it out with a monitor, follow-focus and the like or keep it stripped back to the absolute bare bones.
If you saw my video on how I shoot my YouTube videos as solo creator you’ll see I made a full Lumix S9 rig with a SmallRig cage and then all the trimmings. I loved the setup but then my focus became purely video and this negatively impacted my photography. (I enjoyed the video side of things so much that I took less photos).
Focusing all my time and energy on making nice looking video would be fine if effort and time equated to more views on YouTube. In reality my “arty” videos (using the big Lumix S9 video rig) performed no differently than any other video.
As a content creator it’s pleasing to make nice looking footage but my viewers seem to come to me for the lens review info not the arty b-roll. As such, I try to find a happy middle ground where I create some nice b-roll for some videos yet keep my focus on the photos. (Also it just wasn’t practical trying to carry a massive video rig in addition to a digital camera and my film cameras).
Lumix S9 Compact Video Rig
Learning from doing, my current S9 video setup is the complete opposite of my fully rigged out monster. What I needed was an easy to carry, functional, no-frills setup. No filters, no tripod, no fancy lens. For this I just pair the Lumix S9 camera with a cheap Viltrox 28mm pancake-style lens, a RØDE VideoMic (I get better audio from this than my lav mics) and a carbon telescopic selfie stick. The result is an incredibly compact travel setup.
The Lumix S9 flip-out screen is perfect for talking to camera, the 3.5mm microphone input means I can use a proper external mic, and the camera offers 4K and 6K recording, image stabilisation and modern autofocus. It’s small enough that I can throw the whole setup into a bag without thinking about it. That’s something I value enormously.
A camera doesn’t help me much if it’s sitting at home but the S9 is a camera I can actually carry. For travel and YouTube, that makes it far more useful to me than a technically superior camera that’s twice the size.
Lumix S9 – Best Lumix for Travel
To give a recent real-world example of using the S9, if you saw my latest YouTube video I took the above mentioned basic video setup when I travelled through Spain. Everything fit into a compact Wotancraft 2L Pilot bag (+ pouch). If you want to carry water and a few small film cameras I’d take the Wotancraft 3.5L Pilot bag instead but it did all fit.
See some Wotancraft bags below – closed top “Pilot bags” and open top “Canteener” variants.
My daily carry for Spain was the Lumix S9 + 1930’s Leica I Barnack camera + Yashica T4 point and shoot (smaller version of my Yashica T3) all in the little bag. My preference is film but as a YouTuber I need digital content too. These 3 cameras gave me full-frame photos for YouTube + 4K video (Lumix S9), black and white film images (Leica I) and colour film photos (Yashica T4). Without doubt one of my most impressive small travel setups to date.
Can You Get the Leica Look From a Panasonic?
As a Leica shooter you might wonder, can you get the “Leica look” from a Panasonic Lumix camera? Whether the term is just myth or legend what matters to me is can I get the Matt look from the Lumix S9? The answer is yes.
Obviously the final photo is not solely the result of the camera body (or sensor). The lens, the lighting, the colours and how you edit all matter more. Personally, I’m happy with the colours from the Lumix sensor and I feel many might prefer them to raw file colours from the latest generation Leica cameras (where the Sony sensor gives photos that magenta cast).
If you shoot JPEG you’ll likely prefer Leica camera colours out of camera (what Leica are famous for) but if you are shooting in RAW and editing later, you can get equally nice colours from a Lumix camera. For my photos I just apply my Leica-inspired MrLeica Lightroom presets for Lumix in post-production. See all MrLeica presets here.
As a long term Leica user I feel almost guilty saying this, but if I pair a Leica lens to a Lumix camera I can get Leica look photos. I did this for a period using my Lumix S5 before I later bought the Leica SL (Typ 601) and I was more than happy with the images. (Leica cameras give you a nicer feeling camera, something you want to use, but if you’re only interested in the final image, Lumix cameras paired with Leica lenses work great).
Leica Look Lumix Photos
Rather than take my word for it let me share some photographs. As a Leica guy, I was happy with the look of these Lumix photos. Could you tell the difference? Let me share both Lumix S5 and Lumix S9 photos as I use the cameras differently.
Lumix S5 + Leica Lenses + My Presets
These images were shot with the Lumix S5 and Leica M, L, R mount lenses. Just RAW files with a MrLeica preset applied in Lightroom. (The Lumix S5 image quality is great but the viewfinder is lower resolution vs the Leica SL. With my eyesight the SL is a much better choice for manual focus lenses. That’s why I stopped using the S5. See more on the Lumix S5 in the comparisons further down).
Lumix S9 + MrLeica Presets
These images were shot with the Lumix S9 and Leica M or L mount lenses. Again, RAW files with a MrLeica preset applied in Lightroom. Notice the sudden change in photo style. From my usual close up portraits to wider scene captures. I can’t see to focus fast aperture portrait lenses with the S9 (as no viewfinder) so I switch to wider lenses.
Panasonic Lumix S9 alternatives
If you found this article searching for opinions on the Lumix S9, what are some alternatives? I’ll put my hands up and say that my knowledge of digital cameras is very much limited to Leica and L Mount. Sigma make a few quirky L mount cameras you might want to check out and then we have Lumix and Leica.
For Lumix cameras the Lumix S9 is their smallest full frame camera. If you don’t mid something larger you can get higher performing more complete options. I think all Lumix cameras offer photo plus video.
When I look at Leica alternatives I’m including any interchangeable lens option – Leica M cameras, Leica SL series and even the APS-C Leica CL.
If you don’t care about the brand, search for compact cameras from the likes of Sony, Nikon, Canon and Fuji. I just don’t know about these so I can’t comment.
Below are cameras I own and how they compare to the Lumix S9.
Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Leica SL2-S
If you’re coming from Leica, the Leica SL2-S is probably the most obvious comparison. Both cameras offer full-frame L-Mount photos and video but with very different approaches.
| Panasonic Lumix S9 | Leica SL2-S | |
| Typical UK price | ~£800–£1,300 depending on condition | ~£2,000–£2,500 used |
| Sensor | Full-frame | Full-frame |
| Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24.6 MP |
| Weight | 403g body (without battery) | 850g (without battery) |
| Viewfinder | None | Built-in EVF |
| Screen | Fully articulating | Fixed |
| Hot shoe | No | Yes |
| Card slots | 1 × SD | 2 × SD |
| Video | 6K / 4K | 4K |
| Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
The Leica SL2-S is a much more serious professional camera and is my go-to for photos. The Lumix S9 is more compact, less than half the weight, and much better suited for travel.
Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Leica CL
The Leica CL is an interesting comparison because compared to the Lumix S9, the two cameras are almost identical in weight and a similar size, yet totally different under the hood.
| Panasonic Lumix S9 | Leica CL | |
| Typical UK price | ~£800–£1,300 | ~£1,000–£1,400 used |
| Sensor | Full-frame | APS-C, 1.5× crop |
| Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Weight | 403g (without battery) | 403g (without battery) |
| Viewfinder | None built-in | Built-in EVF |
| Screen | Fully articulating | Fixed |
| Hot shoe | No | Yes |
| Card slots | 1 × SD | 1 × SD |
| Video | 6K / 4K | 4K, but much more limited |
| Mount | L-Mount | Leica L-Mount |
As you can see, the Lumix S9 gives you full-frame in essentially the same body weight as the APS-C Leica CL. The Leica CL is primarily a stills camera whereas the Lumix S9 was designed as a compact hybrid camera, excelling for video and can take nice photos too.
Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Leica M10-P
The Leica M10-P is a digital rangefinder whereas the Lumix S9 is a modern mirrorless camera designed around video and autofocus. Why compare them? Because they are both compact 24MP full frame sensor cameras so are shortlisted for my photos overseas.
| Panasonic Lumix S9 | Leica M10-P | |
| Typical UK price | ~£800–£1,300 | ~£3,500–£4,500 used |
| Sensor | Full-frame | Full-frame |
| Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24 MP |
| Weight | 403g (without battery) | 600g (without battery) |
| Viewfinder | None | Optical rangefinder |
| Optional EVF | No | Yes |
| Screen | Fully articulating | Fixed |
| Hot shoe | No | Yes |
| Card slots | 1 × SD | 1 × SD |
| Video | 6K / 4K | None |
| Mount | L-Mount | M-Mount |
| Focus | Autofocus | Manual / rangefinder |
The Lumix S9 is not a replacement for an Leica M10-P. Both cameras offer completely different shooting experiences. The S9 is about convenience whereas the M10-P gives you that rangefinder experience. The S9 complements a Leica M cameras offering video, a flip screen (for difficult angles) and L-mount which gives the option of close focus of any Leica M lens (via a Light Lens Lab close focus helicoid adapter).
Panasonic Lumix S9 vs Panasonic Lumix S5
The older Lumix S5 (Later replaced by the Lumix S5II) is the closest option to the Lumix S9 camera. I own the Lumix S5 but I now use the S9 instead for video.
| Panasonic Lumix S9 | Panasonic Lumix S5 | |
| Typical UK price | ~£800–£1,300 new/used | ~£500–£750 used |
| Sensor | Full-frame | Full-frame |
| Resolution | 24.2 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Weight | 403g body (without battery) | 630g body (without battery) |
| Viewfinder | None | Built-in EVF |
| Screen | Fully articulating | Fully articulating |
| Hot shoe | No | Yes |
| Card slots | 1 × SD | 2 × SD |
| Video | 6K / 4K | 4K |
| Mount | L-Mount | L-Mount |
For most users, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is arguably the better conventional camera offering a standard EVF, twin card slots, a hot shoe, a larger grip and more traditional controls. If you’re happy without these and want the smallest possible setup, the S9 is for you.
The S5 is the camera I’d recommend if I wanted a great value conventional hybrid camera. (I replaced mine with a Leica SL (Typ 601) but both cameras offer a similar set of features. The S9 is the camera I’d choose if I want something I can carry everywhere (for both photos and video).
So, Is the Lumix S9 a Leica Alternative?
After more than 12 months with the Lumix S9 is it a Leica alternative? I don’t think the answer is simply yes or no. Are you talking about good image quality or the tactile feel of the camera?
When I say “Leica alternative” I only mean the fact that I need a small digital box that lets me mount different lenses and takes acceptable photos on a full frame sensor.
This is nothing to do with whether the Lumix S9 camera inspires me to take photos, it doesn’t. It’s merely a tool which does the job. A compact travel solution for video + photos. A Lumix WILL NOT give you the same physical experience a Leica camera.
As a Leica fan, if you want an iconic looking mechanical thing of beauty, look at Leica M cameras. All models do the same job but the older M8 and M9 don’t have the EVF option (if you need that as a backup). Leica M cameras are easy on the eye, and feel great plus it’s a refreshingly different shooting experience to most modern cameras with an EVF.
If you’re on a screen all day for work, stepping away from this and using a rangefinder camera is fun. For travel and street photography Leica M cameras are my top choice. My stealthy black lightweight M262 when I don’t need LiveView and the sexy Leica M10-P conversion with it’s beautiful wooden Kamerakraft grip if I do need the optional EVF.
If you want a camera with all the mod cons like built-in EVF (honestly it’s like cheating), flippy screen, autofocus etc, look at the latest Leica SL series cameras (Leica SL3, SL3-S, SL3-P). For my model photography my SL cameras (SL + SL2-S) are fantastic. I couldn’t wish for anything else and this lets me focus on the lenses. Interesting lenses make interesting photos, not the camera.
Conclusion
So for me the Lumix S9 is a tiny full-frame camera with excellent video, modern autofocus, image stabilisation and access to Leica M lenses via the L-Mount ecosystem. At around £800 used, that’s pretty compelling when compared to modern Leica prices.
For video, I think the S9 is genuinely exceptional and for photography, I think you need to understand its limitations and work with them. Travel is where the Lumix S9 shines. Video and photos in a camera that’s a similar size to a Leica M, it’s a camera that fills the void my Leicas cameras can’t.
YouTube – The excitement of buying the Lumix S9
I made this video after buying my S9. It’s maybe one to listen to rather than watch as the white balance is way off. Apologies.
The Lumix S9, as a Leica M EV1 alternative
As someone interested in the new Leica M EV1 camera, I wondered if the Lumix S9 would work as a cheaper alternative. I take the Lumix S9 as my only digital camera to Spain for 10 days.
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