Upgrade Guide
Lumix TZ99→Lumix S9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the TZ99. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the S9
-
Resolution24MP vs 20MP (+4MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Burst rate30fps electronic vs 10fps
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 | TZ99 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +3.9 | ||
| Street | +1.5 | ||
| Travel | +0.7 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +3.7 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.9 | ||
| Filmmaking | +4.2 | ||
| Documentary | +3.3 | ||
| Sports & Action | +2.5 | ||
| Landscape | +2.7 | ||
| Wildlife | +2.0 | ||
| Casual | +0.2 | ||
| Food | +2.8 | ||
| Macro | +2.9 | ||
| Architecture | +3.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | +5.2 | ||
| Fun & simple | -1.3 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | TZ99 | S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £493 | £1,299 | |
| Released | 2025 | 2024 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch MOS | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 20MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/30p | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with face detection | Phase-hybrid AF with subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | IBIS — up to 5 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 10fps | 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | 380 shots (CIPA) | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 322g (with battery and card) | 403g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None (screen only) | None — rear screen only | |
| Screen | Tilting touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen (touch drag AF) | |
| Mount | Fixed Leica 30x zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent) | Leica L mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD (UHS-I) | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See TZ99 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 TZ99
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Camera family history