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:
