Upgrade Guide

Lumix Lumix G9→Lumix Lumix S1

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Lumix

Lumix G9

£549

2017

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

Lumix S1

£1499 (+£950)

2019

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the Lumix G9. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the Lumix S1

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	Lumix G9	Lumix S1
Price	£549	£1,499
Released	2017	2019	↑
Sensor	Micro Four Thirds Live MOS	24.2MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	20MP	24MP	↑
Video	4K 60fps, C4K 24fps	4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (full-frame), 1080p/180p, V-Log (upgrade)
Autofocus	225-point contrast-detect DFD	DFD contrast-detect AF — reliable but slower than phase-detect rivals
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops (6.0 stops dual IS)	5-axis IBIS — 6 stops
Burst Rate	20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic	9fps continuous with AF/AE	↓
Battery Life	400 shots (CIPA)	~380 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	658g (body only)	898g body only	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF 0.83× 3.68M-dot	OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.78× — one of the finest EVFs available
Screen	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M-dot	3.2" touchscreen, tilting
Mount	Micro Four Thirds	L-mount (Leica/Panasonic/Sigma)
Memory Cards	2× SD UHS-II	Dual SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See Lumix G9 and Lumix S1 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Lumix S1 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the Lumix G9

Related buying guides

Camera family history