Let’s compare the Panasonic S9 versus the Sony A7C II. Starting with the comparison,
1. Sensor
we know the key difference here is the sensor resolution. Both cameras feature BSI CMOS sensors, but the Sony A7C II has a 33-megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, whereas the Panasonic S9 uses a 24.2-megapixel sensor BSI CMOS. If we compare them side by side, the Sony A7C II will show slightly more details due to the higher-resolution sensor, specifically when you are pixel-peeping at 100% scale, as many of us do as photographers. However, the difference is minimal and not noticeable until you test both images under lab conditions.
2. AutoFocus
The autofocus sensitivity of both cameras is slightly different. The Sony A7C II’s autofocus sensitivity range is -3 EV to 20 EV, whereas the autofocus sensitivity range of the Panasonic S9 is from 0 to 18 EV., so Sony A7C II II practically more usable in low-light condition compared to the S9
3. AI integration
Regarding AI integration, the Sony A7C II camera is more advanced, with a dedicated AI chip inside it as well as dedicated AI alkgo. The autofocus capability and tracking performance of the A7C II is better compared to S9, and it can track subjects like trains, airplanes, and other moving objects. This doesn’t mean the Panasonic S9’s autofocus system is inferior or bad; it is quite good since Panasonic also uses a hybrid autofocus system. However, if you compare it with Sony, you will notice some differences. however, the S9 camera sensor is also very suitable for general-purpose photography and usage.
| Feature | Panasonic S9 | Sony A7C II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | 24.2 megapixels | 33 megapixels |
| Detail Level at 100% Zoom | Lower detail | Higher detail |
| Autofocus Sensitivity Range | 0 EV to 18 EV | -3 EV to 20 EV |
| AI Integration | No dedicated AI chip | Dedicated AI chip |
| Autofocus Capability | Good, hybrid autofocus system | Superior, advanced tracking performance |
| Tracking Performance | Efficient but slightly lower than Sony | Excellent, tracks moving objects efficiently |
| General Photography Usage | Suitable | Suitable |
3. Mechanical Shutter vs Electronic
Sony A7C II camera has two options: one is a mechanical shutter and the other is an electronic shutter. The Panasonic S9 remains limited to electronic only. With the help of a mechanical shutter, you get a mechanical range starting from 1/4000 of a second to 30 seconds long exposure in the Sony A7C II camera. The electronic shutter range of both cameras is the same, from 1/8000 of a second to 60 seconds. However, the Sony A7C II’s electronic shutter range limited to 1/8000 of a second to 30 seconds.
4. Continuous shooting speed
Let’s compare the continuous shooting speed with full-time autofocus support and auto exposure support. With the Panasonic S9 camera, you are able to capture approximately 30 frames per second with the help of the electronic shutter. The Sony A7C II camera’s continuous shooting speed is limited to 10 frames per second with the mechanical shutter.
5. Pre-shooting buffer
One more thing that you get with Panasonic that will help you as a photographer is a pre-shooting buffer of approximately 0.50 seconds, which effectively counts 15 frames per second in the Panasonic S9 camera, which is absent in the Sony A7C II.
6. Pixel Shift High-Resolution Mode
Advantages associated with the Panasonic S9 camera include sensor-shift high-resolution mode. With the Panasonic S9 camera, you can capture 96-megapixel high-resolution images while using this mode, but there is one condition: you have to place your camera on a tripod, and the subject should be still.
Being a Panasonic camera, you also get some abilities of post-focus mode, so you can change the focus point after taking a shot, but all these facilities are only available in RAW files, not available in JPEGs.
9. Video Mode
Let’s compare the video specifications of both cameras since both cameras are made for content creators. Let’s see which camera is best for you.
Regarding recording formats in both cameras, the Panasonic Lumix S9 supports MOV format, MP4 format, and MP4 HEVC format, but is missing the All-I intra-recording format. The Sony A7C II supports the XAVC S, XAVC SI (which is All-I intra format), as well as the latest XAVC HS.
10. Video Time Limits in Panasonic S9
The Panasonic S9 can capture up to 6K video at 60 frames per second, with a maximum of 10 minutes only. After that, the recording will stop, and you have to start it again. No 6K recording video mode is available in the Sony A7C Mark II.
The Sony A7C II camera captures 4K at 60 frames per second, and the Panasonic S9 also captures 4K at 60 frames per second, but with a 1.5x crop. In both cameras, you have to face a crop while recording 4K at 60 frames per second. However, in the Panasonic S9 camera, the recording time of 4K 60 FPS videos is limited to 15 minutes only, whereas in the Sony A7C Mark II camera, you can record videos until the camera gets overheated. Additionally, since the All-I intra format is available even while shooting 4K at 60 FPS in the Sony A7C Mark II, the overall bit rate jumps to 600 megabits per second (Mbps).
The Biggest SAD part of Panasonic S9 even the Full HD video recording mode of the Panasonic S9 Camera is limited to 20 Minutes Only, its look like the Camera is only designed to serve the TIK-TOK or You Tube SHORTS Creators ONLY.
| Feature | Panasonic S9 | Sony A7C II |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Formats | MOV, MP4, MP4 HEVC | XAVC S, XAVC SI (All-I intra), XAVC HS |
| 6K Video Recording | Yes, up to 60 fps (10-minute limit) | No Limit |
| 4K Video Recording | Yes, up to 60 fps (1.5x crop, 15-minute limit) | Yes, up to 60 fps (1.5x crop, limited by overheating) |
| Maximum Bit Rate | 200 Mbps (6K/5.9K) | 600 Mbps (4K All-I intra) |
| Recording Time Limits | 10 minutes (6K), 15 minutes (4K 60 fps) | No fixed limit (until overheating) |
| Crop Factor in 4K 60 fps | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Panasonic S9’s 6K and 5.9K recording are limited to the MP4 HEVC format, with recording going up to a maximum of 200 megabits per second (Mbps). So, that’s a very limited amount of data you are getting even when you are recording 6K or 5.9K with the Panasonic S9, and the time limit is also there of 10 minutes.
Detailed Comparison
| Camera Name | LUMIX S9 | Panasonic A7C MK2 |
| Audio rec. method | MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 H.265/HEVC |
MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 |
| Recording Format | MOV MP4 MP4 Lite |
XAVC S, XAVC SI, XAVC HS |
| 6K | 6K 29.97p 200Mbps (3:2 / 17:9) 5.9K 29.97p 200Mbps (16:9) |
– |
| 4K | FF 4K 29.97p – 150Mbps 4:2:2, 10bit LGOP C4K 29.97p – 150Mbps 4:2:2 10bit LGOP APS-C – C4K 59.94p – 200Mbps – 4:2:2 10bit LGOP 4K 47.95p – 200Mbps 4:2:0 10bit LGOP |
~60p – UHD ALL-I /LGOP ~600Mbps |
| FHD | ~119.88p – 150Mbps – 4:2:2 10bit – LGOP | ~60p ALL-I /LGOP ~222Mbps |
| high speed | 4K APS-C 60fps 4:2:0 10bitFHD 180fps 100Mbps 4:2:0 10bit |
~120fps |
| Video Crop | 4K 60p APS-C 4K 30p Full |
None (4K 30p) S35 (4K 60p) |
| Cont. shooting |
6K 10 minutes 4K 15 minutes FHD 20 minutes |
Unlimited |
| Internal recording | 4K 60p 4:2:2 10bit | 4K 60p 4:2:2 10bit |
| Time Lapse Video | correspondence | – |
| Video rec. function | LUT Assist HLG Assist Anamorphic Desqueeze..and..Timecode Waveform Monitor Vectorscope Zebra Color Barney Control Red Frame |
TC/UB Zebra Peaking Active Electronic IS Hybrid AF HLG Proxy AF Transition Speed AF Shift Sensitivity Flexible Exposure Settings Focus Map Breathing Compensation |
| Video Profile | V-Log CinelikeD2 CinelikeV2 Like709 Like2100 Like2100FL Real-time LUT |
PP1-PP11 |
| Electronic IS |
Active IS | Active IS |
11. Panasonic S9 Professional videography features for cinematic use
The Panasonic S9 camera uses the same software that is used in the Panasonic S5 II, so you get all the features that are present in professional cameras even though you have to face recording time limits even in Full HD. But at the same time, you are getting features like anamorphic de-squeeze, time code functionality, waveform monitor, and vector scope. These are some features that a professional may require while shooting video with a camera available in the S9. The recording time limit is two hours in full HD and should be removed.
12. Gyro-based image stabilization system and focus breathing compensation
The Sony A7C Mark II is a bit more vlogger-oriented camera. That’s why SONY is giving gyro-based image stabilization for stability in handheld V-Log. At the same time, due to the presence of a dedicated AI chip, the camera is now able to do AI auto-framing of the subjects and track the subject with its movement. And finally Focus Breathing compensation for flawless AF performance.
Verdict: Panasonic S9 Core Specs very appealing, but at the same time the time limit in video ruins everything, So Sony A7C Mark II is more recommended over the Panasonic S6
Get Sony A7C II from Amazon.com | B&H Store
