Talk Me Out of Panasonic G7

JSB wrote:

I'm looking for a mirrorless camera option and have been looking at the Panasonic Lumix G7. There is a great deal at B&H for the G7 with a Panasonic 14-140mm kit lens for around $900. I will be using this camera for mostly landscape photos. In the future I would like a macro lens for flower photography and a long lens for birding. I'm not interested in video although it has 4K video. It also has a pop-up flash. I like the feel of the G7 body because I'm use to an SLR body type. I want to be able to print images up to 16x20 inches. The salesman also suggested the Panasonic Lumix GX8. It has a 20MP sensor (versus 16MP for the G7), in-body image stabilization and better weather seals. It is more of a rangefinder body style and lacks a pop-up flash. The cost of the GX8 is greater. It comes as a body only option with a price of about $1000. The price of a Lumix 14-140mm lens is about $500. Overall it will cost me about $600 more to put together a GX8 and lens than the G7 kit. Is it worth the price or should I stick with the G7? Will I regret not getting the GX8 if I buy the G7 package? Above all, I really want to be able to print up to 16x20 inch images. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.

I personally have the GX8.  Despite what other posters said, its a little bit smaller than the G7, but also heavier since its made from Magnesium.  I also purchased mine from a Canadian seller on ebay so that saved me $200 bucks.  Compared to my old GX7, operations and picture quality was an improvement.  The G7 has a similar sensor as the GX7 but same AF and video features as the GX8.  So if you dont mind giving up a bit of IQ, then the G7 is a no brainer at half the price with a lens.  My zoom lens needs were satisfied with the 12-32 f3.5-5.6 and 35-100 f4-5.6 and I got them for $135 a pop on ebay dekitted.

So my GX8 setup was $1,100 in total.  $859 for GX8 body (currently for $819 from the same seller), and $260 for the two lens.

Honestly, you can't go wrong with the G7 and the value it presents with the 10x zoom.