Upgrade Guide
Lumix G9→Lumix S9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The S9 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most G9 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the S9
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Resolution24MP vs 20MP (+4MP)
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Burst rate30fps electronic vs 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic
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Generation7 years newer (2024 vs 2017)
Unchanged or similar
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | G9 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.8 | ||
| Street | +1.6 | ||
| Travel | +1.0 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.5 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.9 | ||
| Filmmaking | +1.2 | ||
| Documentary | +1.2 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.2 | ||
| Landscape | +0.9 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.2 | ||
| Casual | +1.5 | ||
| Food | +1.5 | ||
| Macro | +0.7 | ||
| Architecture | +1.3 | ||
| Astrophotography | +2.6 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | G9 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £999 | £999 | |
| Released | 2017 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K 60fps, C4K 24fps | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | 225-point contrast-detect DFD | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops (6.0 stops dual IS) | IBIS — up to 5 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 400 shots (CIPA) | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 658g (body only) | 403g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF 0.83× 3.68M-dot | None — rear screen only | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M-dot | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L mount | |
| Memory Cards | 2× SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the S9 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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