Travel Photographers, Content Creators & L-Mount Entry Buyers — Lumix S9 (2024): The most compact full-frame camera available — a perfect travel and content creation companion with brilliant colour science.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
Lumix S9 (2024)
A7S (2014)
Quick take: The lumix s9 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable; only the a7s is weather sealed. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Lumix S9 (2024) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 413g (with battery) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 124.6 × 73.9 × 52.8mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen (touch drag AF) | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Leica L mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S9 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Sports | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Sports & Action | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history