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I'd be quite surprised if there isn't an S9 body with the 25MP M43 sensor inside it somewhere in the labs, but as you say would it be a commercially sensible product? But looking at the way the used prices for GX85/GX9/E-M5 iii and OM-5 are holding up, at present there's obviously demand for that size/weight of M43 camera.

I hate actual lens flare, in my opinion when it comes to lens flare from photography lenses used for video or in photographs there is nothing more annoying than lens flare. I am guessing anamorphic lenses flare in a much more complimentary way than the lenses that I own because I do everything I can to avoid it during a shoot. My lenses when they flare completely ruin the contrast and clarity, and usually the flare is a very undesirable odd pattern that is burned into the footage. It is on my list of complaints regarding my Canon EF 24-105 F4.0 L lens, even with the lens hood on it, it flares uncontrollably if the sun is at just the right angle.

You would be mad to buy a Fuji X100V at that price when you can get (if you can find one), a VI at retail for less, but those things are now stupidly overpriced for what they are… I am in that camp that think the S9 is over-priced also. It has some great spec…but has some ‘missing’ spec and for me it felt too toy-like in hand. I had to buy and use one to discover this. The dials etc and sheer build felt inferior to the S5 line which itself feels (and probably is) inferior to the S1 line…as to be expected really because you cannot realistically expect all the bells and whistles for less money. And that is the point. Next to it’s not that much bigger but better almost everywhere sibling, the S5ii, the S9 is arguably over-priced and so unless size & weight and possibly aesthetics, is the ONLY factor, an S5ii makes far more sense. That does not stop me liking the S9. It needs either a cage or at least a grip to make it handle, though of course, even with a pancake, it doesn’t really fit into a pocket. Jacket maybe, but not say jeans. It is highly capable, but for me to justify it, it would need to be below $€£1000 and would have to be designated as a B camera for my needs. I’d choose it over a Fuji X100VI easily in 2024.

And that is exactly it. I would prefer to get the cleanest/nicest image as in, 'like a raw file' and edit it to taste after the fact. Also, shooting for that in the first place as already knowing what the intended grade etc might be, but if there is some great fooking flare across the thing...and you don't want that, then you're fooked! Bladerunner in 1982 was fantastic and one of my all time favourite movies, but then Michael Bay came along...