In praise of the Panasonic GX7 and comments about the GX8

Noku Dzu I agree with your observations whole heartedly, the GX7 a fine camera, so much so that last month I gave my whole full frame Nikon system away to a young architectural designer who wanted to shoot B&W film.  It served me well in my business, three bodies and about nine Nikkor lenses, great gear but way heavy as I approach 70 years of age.

I learned on an old Rolleicord and shot from the waste in the late 1950s, the GX7 with its flip out touch screen allows this easy way to shoot.  I want to compliment you on your image presented.

I like to to shoot LF and MF but I can only do this close to the vehicle, these M4/3 cameras allow me to venture out further with out much weight involved.  Recently I went a bit over board and bought a new GX8 for $816.  It was too good of a price to pass by. I miss the flip out LCD so I will keep my GX7 as the swivel LCD on the GX8 is awkward to use at waste level.  The GX8 has some refinement that I am still testing out. The extra 2.20 oz. is hardly noticeable, in fact the GX8 body feels  less solid than the GX7, unlike the GX7 the GX8 is not made in Japan, so I am glad I did not pay the $1099 that shops a asking in the States.  I really like Japanese craftsmanship, so I was a bit disappointed.  Anyway, I don't notice the added 2.20 oz. of the GX8 and have learned to like the larger size and new features.  The transition is easy as GX8 is set up similar to the GX7 except for the dials on top, the GX7 is definitely superior in that regard.

The 20mp was for me the main attraction and easily observable in the image detail..  I want to use it for long shots were digital zoom needs to be employed. Otherwise it is not a great leap up from the GX7.  Also, I like to make large print and the extra 4mp helps.  All said and done I am keeping my GX7 as it easily drops into my parks pockets and takes great images.