Unlocking a New Era in Sports and Event Photography with the Lumix S9
So, it seems like we might have stumbled upon something that could revolutionize the way we shoot and share events. Groundbreaking stuff, right? Let's dive in.
A New Journey with Lumix
Back in May, I was lucky enough to get flown to Japan with Lumix, to unveil their new Lumix S9 camera and Lumix Lab App. This camera and app combo has basically changed my life, allowing me to shoot and upload instantly to my phone and social media. I know right, I’m try to contain my excitement.
Seamless Connectivity and Instant Uploads
The Lumix S9 seamlessly connects to your phone through the Lumix Lab app, enabling instantaneous uploads of any photo or video you take directly to your iPhone's photo album. This feature is absolutely game-changing. With the ability to apply presets and LUTs (Look Up Tables) to achieve the desired vibe, and using the iPhone's built-in photo editor for final tweaks, I can instantly upload high-quality images and videos to Instagram.
Real-Time Content Sharing at the Super Rugby Semi Final
I tested the Lumix S9 at the Super Rugby Semi Final in New Zealand. I was tasked with managing and updating the Super Rugby social media channels. Real-time content was a must to keep the global audience engaged, especially those who couldn't attend or watch the broadcast. I focused on capturing the electric atmosphere at Sky Stadium, including fan interactions, face paints, flags, and, of course, the players. It was a real "you had to be there" vibe, but through the magic of the S9, no one had to be there.
But then, disaster struck. During halftime, my brand-new SanDisk SD card decided to have a meltdown, displaying the charming message, "This card can’t be read, insert again." I lost an entire half of content and the ability to post instantly using the S9 in the second half. Did I bring another card? Of course not. But I did have a backup camera with a CFExpress card, so I managed to post halftime and full-time score updates. Crisis averted, sort of.
Versatility and Convenience
The Lumix S9 offers multiple shooting formats, including MP4 Lite for phone-friendly videos and JPG and RAW formats for higher-resolution edits in Lightroom. The JPG format is more than enough for social media, ensuring quick and easy uploads. Because, who has time for RAW files when you're busy being a social media superstar?
Essential Gear for Professional Content Creation
Apart from the S9, I swear by Peak Design for my camera mounts and peripherals. They're crucial for my workflow. I use the speed clip and mount on my backpack, a capture clip attached to my belt, and camera mounts for quickly attaching and detaching my camera strap. I even used two anchor links to attach a hand strap to the S9. It’s all about efficiency, folks.
Capture Clip: Peak Design Capture Clip
Anchor Links: Peak Design Anchor Links
Peak Design Camera Accessories: Explore Peak Design
Conclusion
Overall, the Lumix S9 is rapidly becoming a staple in my professional content creation toolkit. Its ability to quickly shoot and upload high-quality images to social media sets it apart and makes it an invaluable asset for anyone in the field of sports and event photography.
You can pick up a Lumix S9 here.
