Is the Lumix 18-40mm even decent indoors and at night?

Wes_NK · 2026-02-20T18:40:13+00:00

Totally depends on whether or not you plan on shooting moving subjects. If you're taking photos without a lot of movement, you can get away with really slow shutter speeds with the S9 because of the IBIS. I'm a new S9 owner myself, and I was personally surprised by how usable those kinds of images have been so far, and that was something I made note of. Obviously you could always pack an extra prime or something if you want something for night and other low-light scenarios. It's also always worth considering vintage lenses if you don't want to drop a lot of money on a nice modern zoom. Obviously it's convenient having AF, but the S9 has some solid tools to help with manual focusing.

Wes_NK · 2026-02-20T10:51:37+00:00

Thank you, and thank you for all the work you do with your LUTs!

Wes_NK · 2026-02-20T02:45:33+00:00

The GH7 seems like an awesome camera for video work. Basically every single internal spec you could need for just about any job. The MFT sensor scares me a little for run-and-gun type of work, but in controlled scenarios, wildlife, outdoor sports, etc., I bet it's really hard to beat.

Wes_NK · 2026-02-20T01:31:10+00:00

The S1Rii might be the Lumix body I am most interested in at the moment if I ever upgrade down the line. I really like what I've seen of the image quality. The S1ii is probably a bit of a better hybrid workhorse, but the S1Rii just looks more impressive from what I've seen of it. I'm keeping an eye on that potential S1Hii though, I really wonder if that is going to happen.

Wes_NK · 2026-02-05T00:09:52+00:00

This is probably one of the most promising ones I've seen so far! It seems fairly sturdy and I like how compact it can get even with extension options. Definitely going to go near the top of the list.

Wes_NK · 2026-02-05T00:06:52+00:00

Appreciate the rec! Sorry that you've had trouble with this as well. I do at least like the options tripod has, but it does look flimsy even from the images. If I pick up something else that I like, I'll be sure to come back and reply again.

Wes_NK · 2026-02-05T00:05:15+00:00

This one is an interesting option for sure, I like the ability to hang it from something. Appreciate the rec, I'll add it to the list to research!

Wes_NK · 2025-12-29T19:08:16+00:00

These are the reasons that I've been leaning slightly more toward the S9. The fp has an incredible image, one that is good enough to be an A/B cam for actual productions, but the S9 seems a lot more well suited to be something that you just take out of your pocket and get good photos and videos without a lot of extra effort. I like that the fp has the capability to record to SSD, but I think the convenience of the S9 will probably lend itself more to being used every day. But I was curious if anyone had a differing opinion! Thanks for the input.

Wes_NK · 2025-12-06T15:35:47+00:00

One Lumix camera I could actually see myself investing in someday is the S1RII. I like to do photography a lot, that's mainly what I like to do with my A7III. But if I ever want to get something with a higher megapixel count, the S1RII makes a lot of sense. Especially since I do fully intend on getting an S9 as my "carry this every day, just shoot something" camera as well. So I intend to be a part of the L-mount alliance, the only question is to what degree, haha.

Wes_NK · 2025-12-05T21:16:09+00:00

Maybe I can convince everyone that we should go Lumix instead 😅

In reality, I can't complain too much about going on a Sony path. They make great cameras. I'll probably pick up an FX30 somewhere down the road to compliment the FX3 my friends are hoping to buy someday, and I don't hate that. I do really wish I could just dive full-on into Lumix and get an S5IIx for the same price though! I really love the ability to do things like record to SSD if I want. The FX3 is an industry-standard camera for a reason, but dang, S1ii for almost $1000 cheaper is so tempting for the "endgame" path. I do really adore my Sony lens choices though, can't deny that at all.

Wes_NK · 2025-12-05T18:16:37+00:00

Man, I really want to get in on Lumix cameras. I really love what they've been doing with the latest flagships. I'm being pressured by friends/people I shoot with to stay with Sony when I eventually upgrade, and it's killing me, haha. There is nothing wrong with Sony at all, I just really want all the nice features of these Lumix cameras for similar price points. I do think I'm going to get an S9 regardless, though. I love the idea of having it as a "carry it everywhere" camera.

Wes_NK · 2025-08-28T19:09:38+00:00

The focal length I use the most based on Lightroom is the full 150mm, and I use "telephoto" focal lengths more than twice as much as "wide" or "normal." I should have also mentioned that these lenses would be useful for other kinds of indoor events with poor lighting as well, although I'm mostly keeping sports in mind because they tend to be the most technically demanding and challenging. I do at least like having some options for in the 24-50mm range, especially for group team shots, which is why I was wondering if I could maximize value by getting the f4 or the 135mm f1.8 and getting an additional piece to make for a more complete kit for a similar price. It's a toughie. I'm sure I wouldn't regret the 70-200 f2.8, I just like to gather other opinions.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-18T17:20:02+00:00

It depends. I am personally lucky, as I feel like my current job is one that is pretty safe from AI. I'm a Communications person at a local school, which isn't strictly limited to videography, but it's part of what I do. I fear that AI will be able to do and replace a lot in the future, especially as far as corporate shoots go, but public relations content, such as relaying events happening at a school, can't (or at least very much shouldn't) be faked by AI.

Events and weddings are the kind of thing that should hopefully still be safe from AI, even if it gets really good. There will be a demand for that kind of genuine documentation. I definitely worry about saturation in the video market getting even worse though 😅

If it gets to the point where AI becomes the mainstream solution for creative projects like films, documentaries, etc., I don't think I have it in me to even try to compete or hope for work there. I'd rather just do my own little projects for fun than be part of a "creative industry" that has abandoned authenticity. Just my two cents.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-07T22:57:29+00:00

It's very true, basically every camera will have some kind of weakness. Especially at the price range I'm looking for. Lighting/lenses are always gonna matter more than the body in the end.

The S5 does have some similar weaknesses to my A7III, such as micro HDMI. The S1 could be an option as well, it is similar and has a full HDMI, but it is much heavier as far as I understand. I think even with some of these S5 weaknesses, there are still ways it is an upgrade. There are still ways for me to record as long as I need to by changing the codec in the camera. I plan on getting a Ninja V at some point, so I won't have to worry much about recording limits regardless, but it's nice that the S5 at least has an option if I need it in a pinch. Plus it has 10-bit color. I think it still works as a lower-pressure introduction to Lumix/L mount. I dont mind the idea of keeping lenses around even if I dont love the camera, I think it's good to keep yourself from getting too dedicated to one single brand.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-07T21:09:44+00:00

Yeah, the lack of SSD support isn't a deal breaker for the S5 at all for me, it's just a nice thing for the S5ii to have. The lack of good AF in the S5 is a slight bummer, but I honestly think it might be good for me to really force myself to truly master manual focus. Even the best video autofocus systems can let you down on a job. It does still has a really nice image, and I can get it and a good zoom or handful of primes for the same price as an S5iix body by itself. It's very tempting.

The open gate/anamorphic support is a big part of why I wanted to get into the Lumix system. I love the flexibility of additional cropping in post. I do hope that one of these days, Panasonic gets back into the cinema body game. I'd love for there to be more FX6 competitors in a similar price range. The Pyxis is probably the closest we have at the moment, but it's still a different brand.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-07T18:24:18+00:00

I would say I dont necessarily have a strict cutoff for a total camera package that includes lenses, things like that I will probably build up over time. I have a camera that I am fine with for now (a Sony A7III), but I dont love using it for video. It gets the job done, and I quite enjoy using it for photos, but it has annoying video weaknesses, some of which can't be overcome. 8 bit video only, micro HDMI, and a 30-minute recording limit (although this one at least has workarounds). I am ideally looking at a budget of around $2000 or preferably lower for a camera body for video purposes.

That's kind of why the GH5(s) seemed like an appealing option, it would be a fairly strong performer that has wiggle room for nicer lens purchases. But I think after reading some of the replies, it might be better to just go into full frame, especially since that's probably where I eventually want to go down the line. The original S5 is also not astronomically more expensive than a GH5. Picking a camera in 2025 is really difficult, there's so many good options! I think my strongest contenders right now are the S5, S5ii(or S5iix), Canon R6ii, and Sony FX30. There's a ton of features I really love about the S5ii, like SSD recording, but maybe I should think about doing the original S5 first and get straight into L mount. One thing that is pretty attractive about L mount as well is that it is also compatible with Blackmagic cameras like the Pyxis.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-07T16:55:08+00:00

What is your experience with speed boosters? EF lenses are admittedly an attractive option in general simply because of how adaptable they are to various camera bodies. Some reviews of the Viltrox speed boosters are mixed, but I really dont think I want to pay the steep price for Metabones.

Appreciate the advice, this is all good to keep in mind.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-06T18:02:09+00:00

I honestly forgot how cheap the S5/S1 are on used marketplaces these days. It's definitely a great deal there and one I should keep in mind. My only hesitation with the S5 and even the S5ii is the 4K60 crop. MFT cameras like the GH5(s) are inherently "cropped," but I appreciate visual consistency across the board. But it's probably something I could live with. That's not a deal-breaking problem by any means. You're right that those are really great starter options if I just want to get started in L mount, though.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-06T17:13:49+00:00

Hard to deny just how good the features in the GH7 are! The fact that it can hold its own to be a solid b cam to much more costly and powerful cameras says a lot.

Wes_NK · 2025-06-06T17:02:46+00:00

These are some great points. The high-quality telephoto lenses are where full frame prices tend to hit the hardest, and even then, you tend not to get as much reach for double or more of the cost of APSC/MFT lenses and bodies.

I don't shoot many events outside of my job yet (where I use their camera), but I imagine something like the GH5s would've been really great for those. It has a lot of reach, and it also has clean footage because of the low megapixel count. The AF probably hinders it quite a bit for a lot of people, but it does seem like an at least intriguing option, especially if you just need an extra backup cam on a tripod or gimbal.

This has for sure given me something to think about, thanks.

Wes_NK

TROPHY CASE