Panasonic S9 vs Sigma fp L

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and the Sigma fp L are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in May 2024 and March 2021. Both the S9 and the fp L are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are equipped with a full frame sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Sigma provides 60.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic S9		Sigma fp L
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Leica L mount lenses		Leica L mount lenses
24 MP – Full Frame sensor		60.2 MP – Full Frame sensor
6K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)		ISO 100-25,600 (6 - 102,400)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 1840k dots		3.2" LCD – 2100k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
30 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		Lens stabilization only
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
470 shots per battery charge		240 shots per battery charge
126 x 74 x 47 mm, 486 g		113 x 70 x 45 mm, 427 g

Check S9 price at
amazon.com
Check fp L price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and the Sigma fp L? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Panasonic S9 and the Sigma fp L are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The S9 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, red, green), while the fp L is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sigma fp L is notably smaller (15 percent) than the Panasonic S9. Moreover, the fp L is markedly lighter (12 percent) than the S9. It is noteworthy in this context that the fp L is splash and dust-proof, while the S9 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the S9 gets 470 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLK22 battery, while the fp L can take 240 images on a single charge of its Sigma BP-51 power pack. The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Panasonic S9	126 mm	74 mm	47 mm	486 g	470	n	May 2024	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
2.		Sigma fp L	113 mm	70 mm	45 mm	427 g	240	Y	Mar 2021	EUR 2 299	amazon.com
3.		Canon R8	133 mm	86 mm	70 mm	461 g	220	n	Feb 2023	EUR 1 799	amazon.com
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	126 mm	85 mm	65 mm	465 g	325	n	Oct 2020	EUR 999	amazon.com
5.		Fujifilm X-S20	128 mm	85 mm	65 mm	491 g	750	n	May 2023	EUR 1 399	amazon.com
6.		Fujifilm X100V	128 mm	75 mm	53 mm	478 g	420	Y	Feb 2020	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X100VI	128 mm	75 mm	55 mm	521 g	450	Y	Feb 2024	EUR 1 799	amazon.com
8.		Nikon D780	144 mm	116 mm	76 mm	840 g	2260	Y	Jan 2020	EUR 2 499	amazon.com
9.		Panasonic G9 II	134 mm	102 mm	90 mm	658 g	390	Y	Sep 2023	EUR 1 899	amazon.com
10.		Panasonic GH5 II	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	727 g	400	Y	May 2021	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
11.		Panasonic GX9	124 mm	72 mm	47 mm	407 g	260	n	Feb 2018	EUR 799	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic S5 II	134 mm	102 mm	90 mm	740 g	370	Y	Jan 2023	EUR 2 199	amazon.com
13.		Sigma fp	113 mm	70 mm	45 mm	422 g	280	Y	Jul 2019	EUR 1 999	amazon.com
14.		Sony A7C	124 mm	71 mm	60 mm	509 g	740	Y	Sep 2020	EUR 2 099	amazon.com
15.		Sony A7R	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	465 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	EUR 2 099	ebay.com
16.		Sony A7S	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	489 g	380	Y	Apr 2014	EUR 2 399	ebay.com
17.		Sony A6700	122 mm	69 mm	64 mm	493 g	570	Y	Jul 2023	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The S9 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 40 percent) than the fp L, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a full frame sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the fp L is 2 percent bigger. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 60.2MP, the fp L offers a higher resolution than the S9 (24MP), but the fp L has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.79μm versus 5.94μm for the S9). Yet, the S9 is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 1 month) than the fp L, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the S9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sigma fp L implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the fp L for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 47.6 x 31.6 inches or 120.9 x 80.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 38.1 x 25.3 inches or 96.7 x 64.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 31.7 x 21.1 inches or 80.6 x 53.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic S9 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The S9 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sigma fp L are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 6-102400.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Panasonic S9	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/30p	25.4	14.8	3297	96
2.		Sigma fp L	Full Frame	60.2	9520	6328	4K/30p	25.3	14.4	3001	96
3.		Canon R8	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4k/60p	24.5	14.7	3295	93
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	24.2	13.7	2057	85
5.		Fujifilm X-S20	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	24.3	14.0	2315	86
6.		Fujifilm X100V	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/30p	24.2	13.6	1996	84
7.		Fujifilm X100VI	APS-C	39.8	7728	5152	6.2K/30p	24.3	14.1	2397	86
8.		Nikon D780	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	25.3	14.3	2877	95
9.		Panasonic G9 II	Four Thirds	25.0	5776	4336	5.7K/60p	23.4	13.5	1710	78
10.		Panasonic GH5 II	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/60p	23.7	13.1	1136	79
11.		Panasonic GX9	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	23.1	12.8	1163	74
12.		Panasonic S5 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/30p	25.4	14.6	3158	96
13.		Sigma fp	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.2	14.2	2829	94
14.		Sony A7C	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3407	95
15.		Sony A7R	Full Frame	36.2	7360	4912	1080/60p	25.6	14.1	2746	95
16.		Sony A7S	Full Frame	12.0	4240	2832	1080/60p	23.9	13.2	3702	87
17.		Sony A6700	APS-C	25.6	6192	4128	4K/120p	24.3	14.0	2329	86
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the S9 provides a higher video resolution than the fp L. It can shoot video footage at 6K/30p, while the Sigma is limited to 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The S9 and the fp L are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the fp L can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-11. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic S9, the Sigma fp L, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Panasonic S9	none	n	3.0 / 1840	swivel	Y	1/8000s	30.0/s	n	Y
2.		Sigma fp L	optional	n	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	n
3.		Canon R8	2360	n	3.0 / 1620	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0/s	n	n
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S20	2360	n	3.0 / 1840	swivel	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm X100V	3690	n	3.0 / 1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	n
7.		Fujifilm X100VI	3690	n	3.0 / 1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
8.		Nikon D780	optical	Y	3.2 / 2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	n
9.		Panasonic G9 II	3680	n	3.0 / 1840	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
10.		Panasonic GH5 II	3680	n	3.0 / 1840	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
11.		Panasonic GX9	2760	n	3.0 / 1240	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0/s	Y	Y
12.		Panasonic S5 II	3680	n	3.0 / 1840	swivel	Y	1/8000s	9.0/s	n	Y
13.		Sigma fp	optional	n	3.2 / 2100	fixed	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	n
14.		Sony A7C	2360	n	3.0 / 922	swivel	Y	1/4000s	10.0/s	n	Y
15.		Sony A7R	2400	n	3.0 / 1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	4.0/s	n	n
16.		Sony A7S	2400	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
17.		Sony A6700	2360	n	3.0 / 1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	11.0/s	n	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the S9 and the fp L is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The S9 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the fp L offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic S9 and the Sigma fp L both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the S9 and the fp L write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras support UHS-II cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S9 and Sigma fp L and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Panasonic S9	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Sigma fp L	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	-
3.		Canon R8	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm X-S20	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm X100V	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm X100VI	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
8.		Nikon D780	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
9.		Panasonic G9 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
10.		Panasonic GH5 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
11.		Panasonic GX9	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
12.		Panasonic S5 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
13.		Sigma fp	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	-	-	-
14.		Sony A7C	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony A7R	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony A7S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony A6700	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	YES	3.2	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the fp L has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The S9 lacks such a headphone port.

Both the S9 and the fp L are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. Neither of the two has a direct predecessor, so perhaps they will constitute the origins of new camera lines for Panasonic and Sigma. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Sigma websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Panasonic S9 better than the Sigma fp L or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-S9:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (6K/30p vs 4K/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (470 versus 240) on a single battery charge.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (40 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 1 month of technical progress since the fp L launch.

Reasons to prefer the Sigma fp L:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (60.2 vs 24MP), which boosts linear resolution by 59%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 1840k dots).
• More compact: Is smaller (113x70mm vs 126x74mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 59g or 12 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2021).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the S9 comes out slightly ahead of the fp L (11 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic S9 and the Sigma fp L place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the S9 or the fp L perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Panasonic S9	..	..	..	..	..	..	May 2024	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
2.		Sigma fp L	4/5	..	4/5	..	4/5	4/5	Mar 2021	EUR 2 299	amazon.com
3.		Canon R8	4.5/5	+ +	4.5/5	87/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2023	EUR 1 799	amazon.com
4.		Fujifilm X-S10	5/5	..	4.5/5	86/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	EUR 999	amazon.com
5.		Fujifilm X-S20	5/5	+ +	5/5	86/100	..	4.5/5	May 2023	EUR 1 399	amazon.com
6.		Fujifilm X100V	5/5	+ +	4.5/5	86/100	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2020	EUR 1 499	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X100VI	5/5	+ +	4.5/5	87/100	..	4.5/5	Feb 2024	EUR 1 799	amazon.com
8.		Nikon D780	5/5	..	5/5	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	EUR 2 499	amazon.com
9.		Panasonic G9 II	5/5	..	4.5/5	87/100	..	4.5/5	Sep 2023	EUR 1 899	amazon.com
10.		Panasonic GH5 II	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2021	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
11.		Panasonic GX9	4/5	+	4/5	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	EUR 799	ebay.com
12.		Panasonic S5 II	4.5/5	+ +	5/5	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2023	EUR 2 199	amazon.com
13.		Sigma fp	4/5	..	4/5	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2019	EUR 1 999	amazon.com
14.		Sony A7C	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	86/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2020	EUR 2 099	amazon.com
15.		Sony A7R	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	EUR 2 099	ebay.com
16.		Sony A7S	4/5	..	..	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	EUR 2 399	ebay.com
17.		Sony A6700	4.5/5	+	4.5/5	88/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2023	EUR 1 699	amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Check S9 price at
amazon.com
Check fp L price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Check S9 price at
amazon.com
Check fp L price at
amazon.com

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