Decision tools · Compare
G3 vs S9
Quick take: The S9 has the highest resolution at 24MP; the G3 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·16 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
Lumix
S9 2024
Best for Travel photographers, content creators & L-mount entry buyers
£999
new today at Wex Photo Video
Price buttons are affiliate links — GearFrame may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never affects a score. Learn more
Verdictwhich should you buy?
S9 — Travel Photographers, Content Creators & L-Mount Entry Buyers: The most compact full-frame camera available — a perfect travel and content creation companion with brilliant colour science.
Who should buy what
S9 (2024)
is the right camera for you if…
- Travel photographers who want full-frame quality in the most compact package
- Content creators attracted to Real-time LUT and 10-bit video
- Photographers already in the L-mount ecosystem wanting a lightweight second body
- Lumix S5 II users who want something smaller for travel and casual shooting
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | G3Lumix · 2011 | S9Lumix · 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £20 usedBest | £999 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.2MPBest |
| Video | Full HD 1080/60i | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 4fps | 30fps electronicBest |
| Battery Life | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ~310 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 388g (with battery)Best | 403g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 115.2 × 83.6 × 46.7mm | 124.6 × 73.9 × 52.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed |
| Viewfinder | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | None — rear screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD UHS-II slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, mini HDMI, 2.5mm remote | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
G3
S9
Portrait
4.7/10
7.3/10
Street
5.8/10
6.9/10
Travel
5.2/10
6.2/10
Wedding & Events
3.2/10
6.0/10
Vlogging & Video
3.6/10
7.0/10
Documentary
3.0/10
6.9/10
Sports & Action
4.0/10
6.4/10
Landscape
3.9/10
6.5/10
Wildlife
4.8/10
6.7/10
Casual
4.1/10
6.3/10
Food
5.4/10
7.6/10
Macro
4.7/10
8.1/10
Architecture
4.4/10
7.1/10
Astrophotography
3.8/10
7.6/10
Filmmaking
—
7.0/10
Fun & simple
—
4.7/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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