I create content mostly about Lumix M43 cameras and photography for new and intermediate photographers. I'm also an avid bird photographer. My main gear is Lumix G9, Lumix G100, and a variety of lenses.
Topics include: • how to use your digital camera • Lumix M43 cameras • camera menus • camera lenses • shutter speed • f/stop, aperture • ISO • depth of field • exposure dial • exposure compensation • skateboarding photography • flash • how to open camera raw files
Please don't email me. I try to reply to all relevant questions and comments on the videos. Links in comments are blocked.
I bought a used G9 a couple of months ago. Im a keen amateur and figured if the G9 was good enough for a pro 3-4 years ago its more than good enough for me now 🙂. It's got more features than I can shake a stick at so your videos are really helpful sorting out what I want to use from day 1 and leave the in-depth stuff for when I'm ready to get more creative. Thx.
I ignored iA Mode and iA+ Mode for a long time. How wrong I was! These automatic modes from Panasonic Lumix are incredibly "intelligent" and versatile! Only the Defocus Function does not work with my GX9: Pressing the rear dial does not cause the aperture and shutter speed scale to appear on the display. This was not a problem with the GX80.
I know this is an older video but it was very helpful today to energize me to learn more about my G9. I even got into the manual using the QR code on the camera on both my iPad and my phone to Delvin deep to some of the other settings thank you so much for making all of these videos!
That's awesome Steve. I'm happy to hear you cracked open the manual. I keep the PDFs of all my camera manuals open nearly all the time. Because I always find new things I need to know more about. Enjoy your deep dive!
I stumbled across your video researching the Lumix 100-300mm. I have a G9 that came with a 12 - 60mm at a very reduced price here in Australia, I think they were trying to clear stock to make way for the G9 II. Anyway we have a whale migration here at Shellharbour in Australia every year from September to November and they can come very close to rocky headlands. I do have have a Full Frame Nikon, but any telephoto for that camera is a ridiculous price. Looks like the 100-300mm could be what I need, the Leica 100-400mm is out of my $$ range. So thanks for your video. Should note I live 2 mins walk from salt water lake so lots of water birds too !
I use a Rogue ExpoDisc 2.0. So when I use the ExpoDisc, is there any reason to also use the white-balance card? (I have the ExpoDisc AND the ColorChecker Passport. If there is no advantage to using BOTH, I'll pull down to one.) My ColorChecker kit has a white card and a grey card. (It looks as if yours does not have the grey card.) Did you use the white card in the tutorial? Thank You!
@@Paladin1649 I used the WB card. It’s a light grey. Might look white in the video. But to answer your question you don’t need to use both Expodisc and the WB reflector card. One or the other should suffice but I’ve always preferred the WB card myself. I just find it faster to use. I still use it when doing studio work and portraits. And for my RU-vid videos when indoors.
Hi Marlene Quick question. Because the G9 ii is released , the G9 is good value second hand. I have the GH6 but would the G9 be better for photography?
Definitely use your GH6! It will work great for photography. I think it has newer phase detection AF too, which isn’t in the G9. Save your money for lenses.
The GR and X100 series cameras have built-in NDs, but they are leaf-shutter cameras with the lens integrated with the sensor. The light can be intercepted at a narrow point in the path. FF and m4/3 sensors are big, and would require large mechanisms between the lens and the sensor to accommodate NDs -- this can work with SLR mounts, but not mirrourless mounts. There are sensor features which emulate it on some higher-end cameras, I think, and of course electronic shutter modes that freeze very tiny fractions of a second. The most likely solution would be via sensor technology, and the other solution would be leaf-shutter lenses or ND-integrated LENSES -- but this would be very expensive. The S9 and fp have been criticised for the electronic-only shutter, though, so I hope that Sigma or Lumix do release such lenses. They do exist for the Leica S system and Hasselblad. Otherwise, an S9 with a fixed lens akin to the GR or X100 could be viable. Apparently, the latest X100 and GR really do make good video cameras now, however.
Where is the mechanical shutter, where is the electronic viewfinder, where is the microphone input, where is the external flash connection, where are the convenient controls in the S9? No? 1500$? S9 goodbye.
First of all, the answer to all your questions is the S5ii/X, that's where. You want those things ? Buy one of those cameras. Secondly, where are your photos / videos, showing us the work or art you do where you would need any of the things you ask about..?!
@@TopshelfJunior, I expected to see an analogue of the Sony a7cII or lumix gx9 for full frame, as the S5M2 in a compact body while maintaining the main functionality, with an estimated price of $1500-1800. But Panasonic did some dubious garbage.
I got the transparent glass for my G9, saw a video he just presses white balance and the color is set back to normal without any special filter. It's kinda not worth selling if you get the nice focal length. I noticed that on the Nikon Nikor it just set up for the right focal length while the adapter screwed it up completely.
The original video for Vans was made for instagram and I had a mix of horizontal and vertical images and clips so instead of bouncing up and down I thought a square format was the happy medium. Plus I’ve always loved the square format.
Hi Marlene on my Lumix G 9 mark 2 when in Aperture setting I can only adjust shutter speed and when in Sutter speed I can only adjust Aperture how doo I get them to work independently please
They do have ND filters built into some of the bridge cameras, so I don’t see why they can’t put them in the professional style cameras. It would add a littlebulkiness I’m sure.
Hi Matti. Great to see you here. I’m very interested to hear your impressions of the S9 and how it fits into your style of photography, as you use a wider variety of cameras than I do. Thanks for watching!
I was interested in this camera because of its suitability to colour creativeness. However, in Australia, it carries a high price of AUD$2500, a lot of cash for a camera without a viewfinder. So will wait until it’s getting on a bit in age, when the price hopefully will drop. Also, I have heaps of mft lenses, which means I would have to buy new ones for this camera. I still use the OM-D EM-1 iii, and it’s still good, but am looking to upgrade in the near future. Prefer mft - am probably a little older than you are!
You are not the first Aussie to say it's pricey there. I'm in the same position preferring MFT and with a bunch of MFT lenses and no FF. And at this point in my life not sure I'll get into another system with lenses. But I would consider this camera with the kit lens and a nice prime. Hopefully they make an MFT version for us. Cheers!
Thanks Marlene..appreciated your thoughts..fun is often underrated IMO! Interesting comment about the built in ND filters..a quick internet search referenced 43 cameras that have them, whereas I usually only think about OM (on which I don’t think can be used for the video side?). I can see this camera working well for the right audience and frankly, being a great second camera for other LUMIX FF users. It does need more small lenses (Sigma makes a few) to be a great fit though. Glad to see you still like to do ‘the work in camera’ when you can! And btw, the lazy light option looked good to me!
Hi Gordon, Who knew? That's a lot of cameras. I should have done that research before opening my big mouth. ;) Thanks for the info! And, you're correct, the OM ND is only for photos. Glad you liked the window light. But I found myself cringing now and again when watching. Cheers!
4:45 I love most what you say about this camera, but no way it is entry level. Both the features and the price is not entry level. This is the only no-grip full frame digitak camera other than the crazy expensife fully manual focusing Leica M10 or M11. This the camera I've been waiting for since Sony A7 opened mirrorless FF camera market. The dead simple soapbox shape, bo grip just like the film cameras in the 70s and 80s used by all photographers including professional sport photographers for decades. Sigma made the fantastic i series prime lenses and now Panasonic made brilliant camera for them. The only thing I am missing is that the shoe mount is dumb, so an external $500 tilt up EVF like fantastic the ones made for Leica M10 and M11 is not possible for S9.
I want to like this camera but I am hoping for a camera to replace my GX9, the S9 just isn't half the camera the GX9 is. I understand it is for a different audience, but I am hanging on every Panasonic release, waiting for that GX9 II. Anyhow, I enjoy watching your videos, this one, like all, was interesting. By the way, I was in BC on holiday in June (with my GX9 😉). You are very lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world.
Hi Michael, This camera was definitely fun to try, has great image quality, but in the long term I am sticking with MFT due to size, weight, and cost of glass for FF. I am also hoping for another small MFT camera from Lumix soon! In the meantime, I'm quite happy with my G100, especially with the 15mm f/1.7 prime attached. It's a great combo that I use a lot more than my big G9. Ah, nice that you could explore western Canada. I'm heading to northern BC in September for a little holiday myself. Thank you for taking the time to watch my video. Cheers.
Very cool to see you checking out the S9, Marlene. It definitely is a cool little camera. You were very informative back during my G9 days. Welcome over to the FF side! LOL!
Well thank you for coming back and checking out this video. It was sure nice to shoot with this camera. I still have more to learn about the S9, but it's a good start. I was actually a FF Canon 5DMk2 shooter before my LUMIX switch about 11 years ago. But things are much different with mirrorless FF. Cheers!
I use a 1dxmk3 along with its big white lenses and other canon full frame bodies. I saw what the s9 offered and was so impressed in using it I ended up purchasing a s5iiX and 6 Sigma DG DN C lenses which are phenomenal. Tiny fun camera with pro features, full frame etc. Currently working on Kodak Film stock LUTs.
A suggestion for ND filters would be to buy the biggest diameter filter that you are happy with. And then get step-up rings for the diameter of your lenses. That way you only have to buy one set of ND filters or a single variable ND filter and get them to fit all your current and future lenses.
Yes, that is a very practical solution, Frank! I actually do have a Variable ND for my old beat up Lumix 12-35mm MFT lens. I should probably pull it out again and use it! Hmm maybe it fits my 9mm lens..... thanks for stopping by! Always great to have a chat with you.
Given the relative newness of the s9, here in Australia the price of this camera is higher than the S5II and S5IIX but less expensive than the G9II. All seems a bit upside down! The main things the S9 is missing for me as a ‘fun’ camera is weather sealing. I’d also like a hotshoe EVF but it is the weather sealing that is a real problem as I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking the camera to the beach, pool, on holidays, to a restaurant/ bar etc.
Yeah the sale price on S5ii and S5iix is pretty strong at the moment for end of financial year, it does make the S9 seem like a worse offer. But ah well, I picked one up anyway. Lol
@@walrusgumboot Regardless of the chatter about S9, that camera will no doubt deliver brilliant image quality for you. Enjoy! PS - what lenses did you get / are you using? The yet to be released 18-45mm seems like it will be an excellent match.
@@Democratiser I picked up the Sigma 45mm and 24mm. I already have a few LUMIX lenses too for my S5ii. I am pretty sure I’ll get the new compact zoom too when it comes out, looks to be a great general purpose lens.
Been playing around with my S9. So far really enjoying the camera. The 20-60 is not so big. The 26 f8 should be here soon so we will see how that goes. Been using the Sigma 45 2.8 and that is a nice pairing. Can’t wait for the 18-40.
Great to hear you are liking the camera. Yes, a nice compact zoom or fast prime would be perfect for it. That 26mm might be a shocker after using the Sigma 45. Hopefully the 18-40 is smaller than the 20-60. Thanks for stopping by!
It's not for everyone, and maybe not even me in the long term. But I do enjoy the chance to test out new gear and it's been 11 years since I shot FF, so that was fun too.
Enjoyed your video and agree with it being a small and fun camera. Did you experiment with that hybrid zoom they added ? Was wondering if gimmick or actually good. If only Lumix could resurrect the GM series for small and fun (and of course MFT has actual small primes and mini zooms) it would sell. Or reconfigure the S9 into MFT or perhaps update the G100 into a mini G9II with some fun features for everyday carry. The Lumix lab app is alot of fun and even edits whatever videos/photos are on the phone as well. Too bad the G9II and S5II still cannot pair directly with the app so there's the extra step to use Lumix Sync.
Yes, I did play with the hybrid zoom a bit, but not enough to really review it. All of your small camera ideas are great and I completely agree! I've played a lot with the LUMIX Lab app too, and edited many photos and clips taken with all sorts of cameras. It's a whole new world of image editing on the phones with that app. Love it. Hopefully it gets updated with more direct camera connections soon. I think Sean mentioned that on his last livestream that it was in the works.
Hi Jo I can give you an answer. Simply because so many people and me are waiting for this camera and the idea is there but only with the same features of a smart phone ! You can only use with big lenses ! And manly to make movies ! If you love make fix pictures you immediatly understand the limits of this toy… so the deception is so great that the only way is to hate … Pana he ! What’s that joke !!!! You can make so great camera … so if you need I can explain what we need. But I’m sure you know.
It's always fun for us when you're having fun, Marlene!👍 The S9 is almost exactly the camera I'm waiting for, the m4/3 GX9ii😊 If Lumix builds it, we will come with $$
I’m with you on the GX9II! I really hope it has weather sealing though like the GX8. Otherwise it is a qualified fun camera: ‘fair weather fun’ camera like the S9 is unfortunately.
Hi Marlene, great to see you! I agree the L Classic Neo is a good look. I too like the simplicity of using S&Q on my G9ii, great for large birds in flight like Gannets. I’m not good with stuff like downloading/using LUTs, is that something I can do with G9ii, or do we have to wait for the new LUMIX Lab App?
Hi Sue, You can download the Lumix Lab App right now and start experimenting with LUTs and photo styles. I’ll put the link in the video description. It actually works with any jpg photos and most videos that are on your phone/tablet. I’ve tested it!
I have those cameras too and love them both. I’m not leaving MFT but was nice to have the chance to test out the FF gear. and the S9 is a really fun camera!
I got an S9 and am really enjoying it. Other than EVF/Hot Shoe/Mech Shutter, which I knew before I bought it, I really don’t see features missing. EVF - monitor seems very bright (on level 3) and I rarely shoot from eye height anyway, Hot Shoe - never use flash anyway, Mech shutter - mostly use electronic shutter on my S5ii anyway and haven’t had any issues so far with banding. I added a couple of Sigma i series primes and love the combo. Great as an everyday carry for my needs.
@walrusgumboot Great to get your take on the S9. Very similar to my experiences. And I've heard a couple of others using Sigmas on this camera. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Steve! Great to hear from you. I am just testing the FF waters with a loaner I got from Lumix USA folks. I should have my long form “first look” video up by Friday. Earlier if I can get my computer to cooperate. Hope all is well.
Enjoyed…and you should get revenue for all the great shoe photos! Looking forward to more S9, but suspect this would have been as good on the G9ii too!
Hi Gordon. If you follow me on instagram @imagemaven you will see my personal skater video from yesterday. But it’s nothing like this one 🤣 And, I started shooting and editing my first S9 video for RU-vid today. Hopefully have it online by Wednesday. (Been having computer problems so things are slow to get done lately.) Stay tuned!
Look at you getting early Hands-On with all the new stuff!! I don't know if this will ever be a camera for me but I'm excited that one of my favorite deep dive Panasonic users will have all the scoop on the new products.. the sharing of body design between the S5 Mark II and the G9II leads me to think there might be an MFT version of this camera in the future.
Hi Clint! Yes, so fortunate. I do like this camera a lot. It’s very fun to use. Gateway FF camera. But like you, I live in hope for an M43 version of this kit!
@@ImageMaven .. if I'm honest if I don't see a combo of the new 25 mp sensor, updated focus and new stabilization along with a EVF... It would be tough for me to gauge my interest.
