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Debating Panasonic GX 8 purchase

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PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them. Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
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Funnily enough, I was looking at bird pictures from the FZ1000 just today, on a boat trip to see the last of this season's avocets. (I have the GX7 and was using the 14-140 but that's not really relevant). I was blown away by the stills from the 4k video mode and by the reach of the FZ1000. To such an extent I came away wondering if I should buy this camera just for birds and fast-moving objects such as sports people and other wildlife.

For your big trip to Africa, I'd think hard about what it might be like to be changing lenses in a dusty environment. The fixed lens of the FZ1000 along with its long reach could be a big advantage.

I'd stick where you are.

Maggie
 
I'd agree about the Olympus menus, they definitely need a rewrite. Fortunately, once you've set the camera up to suit you, there's less need to go into them. I would always take the manual for any camera I am using in electronic format these days. That way you can search for the function you need.

Nick
 
maggiemole said:
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them. Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
Funnily enough, I was looking at bird pictures from the FZ1000 just today, on a boat trip to see the last of this season's avocets. (I have the GX7 and was using the 14-140 but that's not really relevant). I was blown away by the stills from the 4k video mode and by the reach of the FZ1000. To such an extent I came away wondering if I should buy this camera just for birds and fast-moving objects such as sports people and other wildlife.

For your big trip to Africa, I'd think hard about what it might be like to be changing lenses in a dusty environment. The fixed lens of the FZ1000 along with its long reach could be a big advantage.

I'd stick where you are.

Maggie
Click to expand...
I'm a GX8 user and love the camera - so much so that I just traded in my GH3 "backup" camera for a slightly used 2nd GX8 body. Having said that, however, the caution on changing lenses in dusty environments - assuming you are talking about a dusty, safari type trip in Africa - is very relevant. We took our African Safari trip in 2011, before I downsized all my gear to MFT. I shot with a Canon 7d and 70-300L lens for long shots and a Powershot G1X for wide shots. Never took the 70-300 lens off the 7d body. That lens on the APS-C body gave me a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 112-480mm and there were only a few shots where I wished I had more reach than that.

So in balance, I'd probably come down on the side of sticking with what you have, unless you are willing to pay the price of upgrading to the GX8 plus the new Panasonic 100-400mm zoom - and assuming you can obtain the lens prior to your trip. If you want a backup camera (always advisable when you are in remote locations), spend you money on a second FZ1000 or consider the G7 combo with the 14-140 lens if you want an entry into the Interchangeable lens platform. It is available through B&H for less money than the GX8 body only and appears to have favorable specs and reviews. Reach is limited to 280mm (35mm equivalent), but it can still give you a lot of great shots from a special trip.
 
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "can't go below f8"? I'm interested in an FZ1000 for a specific purpose and would like to know if there's some kind of aperture limitation.
PhotoTaker76 said:
Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
 
Jacques Cornell said:
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "can't go below f8"? I'm interested in an FZ1000 for a specific purpose and would like to know if there's some kind of aperture limitation.
Jacques Cornell said:
Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Camera is never set-up for ever. And danger is when you did not change anything in a long time and suddenly you have to - so many tricky settings spread all over the UI. Then manual or forum is the only way to go. Or upgrading a firmware and you can start again from scratch.
 
Robstar63 said:
Jacques Cornell said:
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "can't go below f8"? I'm interested in an FZ1000 for a specific purpose and would like to know if there's some kind of aperture limitation.
Robstar63 said:
Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Robstar63 said:
Jacques Cornell said:
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "can't go below f8"? I'm interested in an FZ1000 for a specific purpose and would like to know if there's some kind of aperture limitation.
Robstar63 said:
Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Jacques Cornell said:
Robstar63 said:
Jacques Cornell said:
PhotoTaker76 said:
I have an Fz1000 and like it, but have done issues. Placement of the tripod plate over the battery cover, less clear action photos (birds flying), can't go below f8 among them.
Click to expand...
What do you mean by "can't go below f8"? I'm interested in an FZ1000 for a specific purpose and would like to know if there's some kind of aperture limitation.
Jacques Cornell said:
Just unsure about another camera. But have big trip to Africa coming up and I want hood photos. Forgetting price, would you go with a gx8 or stick with what I have?
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
After some more thought and a trip to the shop to try out, I ended up going with the G7. I found the set up much like the FZ1000 in terms of the dials and menus. It came with a 14 to 42, which I tried out with a beautiful sunset.

I also picked up the 100 to 300 for a steal. I found it $200 off at another shop and my shop price matches.

In the end, I like the feel of the G7 and the grip, more than the GX8.

Thanks for all your opinions.
 
tesilab said:
Stew Volt said:
Marty is correct, and I'll even suggest the body is far less important than your lenses. Because the GX8 is fairly new I'd suggest GX7 now and spend your extra $ on lenses. You can always buy a GX8 when the price comes down.
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OP said "forgetting price" so please oblige him.

GX8 is a fantastic choice. A 100-400mm lens sounds ideal for the birds. Just remember I've forgotten all about the price.
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Since we're ditching price constraints, don't forget to add the 7-14mm and 15mm for low light.GX8? Absolutely!

I'd also suggest the upcoming 12-60mm as a general purpose, all-day lens. The 12mm end is nice to have and you could almost skip the 7-14mm because of it. Personally, I find the wide f2.8 zooms a bit short for my taste. I have a 12-40mm and GX8, and while it's an excellent combo, that 40mm constraint.

Another thing. I've read numerous safari threads and lots of talk about dust and limiting lens swapping. The OP might want to bring the FZ1000 along for general shooting, keeping the 100-400mm on the GX8.
 
PhotoTaker76 said:
Thanks Everyone!

a friend suggested a G7 over the GX8, so I am torn.
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Had a both, returned the GX8, money was not an issue. GX8 seems great on paper but every time you pick up the G7 you're reminded how bad the GX8 ergonomics are. Had I not had them both simultaneously I'm sure I would have convinced my self GX8 was better and remained blissfully ignorant. I didnt need the extra IS, but I really miss the EVF.

GX7 was great, but I like zebra and the FAS a lot :-(

Also, you'll definitely miss the convenience of a superzoom, swapping lenses in the field sucks.
 
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