Upgrade Guide
Lumix GH5 II→Lumix S9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Strong upgrade
The S9 improves across 3 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most GH5 II owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the S9
-
Resolution24MP vs 20MP (+4MP)
-
Burst rate30fps electronic vs 9fps
-
Generation3 years newer (2024 vs 2021)
Unchanged or similar
-
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 | GH5 II | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.6 | ||
| Street | +1.7 | ||
| Travel | +1.1 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +0.2 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.7 | ||
| Filmmaking | +0.9 | ||
| Documentary | +0.7 | ||
| Sports & Action | +0.4 | ||
| Landscape | +1.4 | ||
| Wildlife | +0.4 | ||
| Casual | +1.5 | ||
| Food | +1.4 | ||
| Macro | +0.8 | ||
| Architecture | +2.0 | ||
| Astrophotography | +2.4 | ||
| Fun & simple | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GH5 II | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £979 | £999 | |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 20.3MP Four Thirds Live MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | Unlimited 6K/4K recording, 4K/60p, 10-bit 4:2:2, V-Log | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with Depth-from-Defocus (225 areas), face/eye detection | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS with Dual I.S. 2 | IBIS — up to 5 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 410 shots (CIPA) | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 727g (with battery and card) | 403g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | EVF | None — rear screen only | |
| Screen | Fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L mount | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD (UHS-II) | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See GH5 II and S9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the S9 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the GH5 II
Related buying guides
Camera family history