Geeky Nerdy Tech review of the Lumix S9

Geeky Nerdy Tech shared his Lumix S9 vloggin setup guide:

• SmallRig bottom grip: Adds ergonomics and a dedicated ¼-20 tripod mount without removing the grip.
• Manfrotto Pixi mini-tripod: Attaches directly to the grip’s ¼-20; rock-solid, easy angle adjustment, perfect for tabletop or walk-and-talk shots.
• 20–60 mm f/3.5–5.6 kit zoom (▶ recommended): Offers 20 mm wide-angle for talk-to-camera plus 60 mm reach for run-and-gun flexibility. Small size, good IQ.
• 18–40 mm f/2.8 zoom: Lighter and more compact, but narrower range and slower than the 20–60. Good if weight is your main concern.
• 18 mm f/1.8 S-Series prime (▶ favorite): Ultra-wide for immersive vlogs, sharp, fast for low-light, pleasing bokeh, superb IBIS performance even at “High.”
• 24 mm f/1.8 prime: Nice portrait-style look, but too tight when IBIS crops for stabilization—best reserved for controlled, static setups.

• Stabilization modes
  • Standard: Minimal crop, everyday handheld vlogging balance.
  • High: Extra smoothing for running or bumpy terrain, but heavy crop—use sparingly.
• Quick toggle: In Movie mode, hold the D-pad to open the menu, select “Stabilization → Video,” then map that to a custom button for on-the-fly switching.

• Wireless lavalier pack (▶ e.g. Comica Ultra or Rode Wireless Go II): Far-field mic placement, dual channels, internal backup recording, 32-bit float, far superior isolation outdoors or on the move.
• On-camera shotgun mic (budget option): Only for controlled indoor/studio use—reject for most vlogging scenarios.

• Picture profiles & codecs
  • Natural: Ready-to-go straight out of camera.
  • Flat: Slightly desaturated for easy highlight/shadow recovery.
  • Cine D: Low-contrast, cinematic base for short films in mild lighting.
  • Portrait: Punchy colors, flattering skin tones.
  • V-Log: Only if you’re comfortable heavy grading in post.
  • Recording format: 4 K 10-bit 4:2:0 at 25/30 p — smooth motion and efficient workflow; for maximum color headroom (or 6 K open-gate), switch to 4:2:2 or higher in MOV.

• Final recommendations
  • If your shoulder and budget allow, get the 20–60 mm kit zoom; otherwise the 18–40 mm keeps weight down.
  • Add the 18 mm f/1.8 prime for your crispest wide-angle, low-light, and bokeh shots.
  • Invest in a wireless lavalier system for consistently clean, isolated audio.
  • Map stabilization and peaking controls to custom buttons for instant access.

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One more S9 review: