Panasonic
Lumix S9
Compact full-frame L-mount for creators with LUT and social-first features.
$1,499
Released May 2024
Sony
Alpha 7R VI
66.8MP fully-stacked full-frame high-resolution body with 30fps bursts, 8K 30p, 4K 120p, and Sony's new BIONZ XR2 engine.
$4,499
Released Jun 2026
Alpha 7R VI is 2 years newer.
Wins
Lumix S9
Wins
Alpha 7R VI
3 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Resolution (66.8 MP vs 24.2 MP)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- ALumix S9 has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 32,000)
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 7R VI
133 × 97 × 83 mm
713 g (1.57 lb / 25.15 oz)
Lumix S9 is 7mm narrower, 23mm shorter, and 36mm thinner than Alpha 7R VI.
Lumix S9 is 227 g lighter than Alpha 7R VI.
Depth (front-to-back): 47mm Lumix S9 · 83mm Alpha 7R VI
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Lumix S9
126 × 74 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Lumix S9
126 × 47 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Lumix S9
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7R VI
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Lumix S9: mount data unavailable
Alpha 7R VI
✓ 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
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126, 73.9, 46.7
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Subject recognition
Adds Face, Car, Motorcycle
Codecs
Adds MOV, MP4
Weather sealing
Only Lumix S9 supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 32,000 — higher is better
Weight
486 g vs 713 g — lower is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 150 frames — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R VI
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 132.7, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SDXC UHS-II
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
Resolution
66.8 MP vs 24.2 MP — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Vehicle
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization — Both support in-body stabilization
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
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 7R VI
Pros
- ✓66.8MP fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free electronic burst
- ✓8K 30p and 4K 120p video
- ✓8.5-stop in-body stabilization
- ✓9.44M-dot HDR OLED EVF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Large files demand fast cards and storage
- –8K workflow can be heavy
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, Lumix S9 or Alpha 7R VI?
Lumix S9 scores 10.0/10 versus 5.5/10 for Alpha 7R VI — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7R VI?
Lumix S9 is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7R VI is 66.8 MP, so the Alpha 7R VI captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7R VI have in-body image stabilization?
Lumix S9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7R VI has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Lumix S9 or the Alpha 7R VI?
Lumix S9 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 7R VI reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7R VI?
Lumix S9 weighs 486 g and Alpha 7R VI weighs 713 g, so the Lumix S9 is 227 g lighter.
Do the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7R VI record 4K video?
Lumix S9: 6K Open Gate (max), 4K up to 60p. Alpha 7R VI: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Lumix S9 and Alpha 7R VI weather sealed?
Lumix S9: Yes. Alpha 7R VI: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 470 shots (CIPA) for the Lumix S9 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7R VI, giving the Alpha 7R VI the edge.
How much does each cost?
Lumix S9 launched at $1,499 and Alpha 7R VI at $4,499. The Lumix S9 is $3,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Panasonic and Sony press materials.