Panasonic
Lumix S9
Compact full-frame L-mount for creators with LUT and social-first features.
$1,499
Released May 2024
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Lumix S9 is 2.6 years newer.
Wins
Lumix S9
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Burst (mechanical) (10 fps vs 0 fps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher RAW buffer depth (828 frames vs 200 frames)
- ALumix S9 has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 10 fps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Lumix S9
126 × 74 × 47 mm
486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
Lumix S9 is 5mm narrower, 23mm shorter, and 33mm thinner than Alpha 7 IV.
Lumix S9 is 172 g lighter than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 47mm Lumix S9 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix S9
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix S9: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Lumix S9
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126, 73.9, 46.7
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Eye, Car…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds MOV, MP4
Weight
486 g vs 658 g — lower is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
AF points / zones
779 vs 759 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
RAW buffer depth
828 frames vs 200 frames — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 51,200
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Lumix S9
Pros
- ✓Ultra compact FF
- ✓Creator LUT features
- ✓Open gate
Cons
- –No EVF
- –Single slot
- –Limited pro controls
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, Lumix S9 or Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S9 scores 10.0/10 versus 8.0/10 for Alpha 7 IV — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S9 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix S9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix S9 or the Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S9 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7 IV?
Lumix S9 weighs 486 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Lumix S9 is 172 g lighter.
Do the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
Lumix S9: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
Lumix S9: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 470 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix S9 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the Alpha 7 IV the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix S9 launched at $1,499 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Lumix S9 is $1,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Panasonic and Sony press materials.