BCNretail had a chat with Panasonic manager Tsumura Toshiyuki.
Why did they choose a large full-size sensor for the Lumix S9? The reason is to clearly differentiate it from smartphones. That’s what Toshiyuki Tsumura said:
Obviously, full-size sensor cameras are easier to understand because they are easier to blur and have less noise. I would like you to first experience a full-size sensor that you can’t get with a smartphone. It is people who are knowledgeable about cameras who will be able to understand the advantages of Micro Four Thirds. For people with low camera literacy, Micro Four Thirds is difficult to use. If it’s a full-size sensor that blurs and has less noise, even those people can get on board.
What they are probably missing is that the younger generation doesn’t care so much about sensor size. Esthetics, Compact size, affordable price, usability, connectivity, film styles are more important for them. I can see a cool looking compact MFT camera selling good among that target group.