upgrading from a Panasonic GF2 m4/3rds

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

Sandbites said:

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

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Huge, in all three areas.

Sandbites said:

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Click to expand...

Big.

Sandbites said:

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

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GF7? GF7 has no EVF, and is quite small, with fewer button controls. GX7 or GX8 are much more full featured cameras, with EVF. The GM5 is also quite small, but has an EVF, and a magnesium alloy body, although it does not have a flippy LCD. The GX7, GF7, and the GM5, I believe use the same 16MP sensor, but the GX8 has a new 20MP sensor.

Sandbites said:

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

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If you want interchangeable lenses, the LX100 will not be a good choice. If you don't, it will. If you do want interchangeable lenses, any of the current gen M43 models above will have significantly improved IQ, AF performance, and high ISO output over your GF2.

-J

Sandbites said:

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Click to expand...

Any of the recent generation 16mpx models will be a noticeable upgrade to the 12mpx regardless the prefix.

Sandbites said:

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

Click to expand...

The GXs are more alike to the early GF models in design philosophy although a bit larger.
The newer GF models are the compact series, and all share the same or very similar 16mpx sensor as other Lumix's.

Sandbites said:

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

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No.
The LX100 is a sweet darling of a camera and seems to be well regarded.
The only drawbacks I can see with an LX100 is the fixed lens and no built-in flash.
It's also a bit large for the compact class it seems to occupy.
It would be a nice improvement over a GF2.

Sandbites said:

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

Click to expand...

From experience of a GF3 which has a similar (if not the same) 12 megapixel sensor, yes there are numerous improvement in going to the newer models with the 16 megapixel sensor, particularly in speed and low light. I haven't used a GF7 but as it was released after my GX7 I would expect it to be similar or better. Whether it is a big increase in PQ is a bit subjective.

Panasonic models are:

GF series is basically the entry level models. Nothing wrong with that, but may not have some of the features of the others, or have different features (such as the selfie features on the GF7)

GX is larger, and basically a rangefinder style body, with a built in viewfinder. More of a pro series I guess, particularly the GX8

There are also the GM models (smaller than the GF's, but different target market - the GM5 can still be had although it is listed as discontinued on some sites), the G series (DSLR style body) and the GH series (pro series DSLR style aimed also at the videographer)

Hi

I would have a look at the Olympus range also. Especially the EM10 mkII and if secondhand the original EM10.

Thank you I've narrowed it down to LX100, gf7 or GF8... I have a Nikon D600. So I just need a walkabout travel lens that's easy to pocket in a jacket

Another good but often overlooked choice is the GF6. It also have a Selfie LCD like GF7 and most importantly, GF6 has the Wireless Flash support that is missing in the latest GM1, GM5, GF7, GF8.

Another GF6 Advantage is the longer battery life using the same battery as GF3, GF5, GX7, and LX100

Sandbites said:

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

Click to expand...

Yes to all of the above.

Sandbites said:

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Click to expand...

Pretty big upgrades.

Sandbites said:

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

Click to expand...

(GD7=GF7?)

Mostly controls, viewfinder and some higher performance features. The basic image quality is on par.

Sandbites said:

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

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Depends on what lenses you have.

I also have Nikon FF and used to own the GF2. I think u will LOVE the GF7. It actually has better UI than the GM1, and has the same shock-free shutter and excellent 12-32 lens. and it is pocketable! I have owned virtually all the m4/3 cams, and it is a great little device! Great touch screen and AF.

Hi guys I'm still with my GF2. After reading your comments I almost bought the latest GF7 while in Japan last April.

However, on several recent vacation trips I brought my Nikon FF with a prime lens. THe FF is bulky I know but the FF sensor really spoils you, specially for very dark street shots and hip shooting. Now it's a toss up between the latest GF and the Sony RX1. Somehow the Sony draws me because of the FF, I'm only hesitant because of the US$2,000 price tag. I don't know if the GF7 will approximate the PQ and instantaneous shot capability of Sony's Compact FF

Sandbites said:

Hi guys I'm still with my GF2. After reading your comments I almost bought the latest GF7 while in Japan last April.

However, on several recent vacation trips I brought my Nikon FF with a prime lens. THe FF is bulky I know but the FF sensor really spoils you, specially for very dark street shots and hip shooting. Now it's a toss up between the latest GF and the Sony RX1. Somehow the Sony draws me because of the FF, I'm only hesitant because of the US$2,000 price tag. I don't know if the GF7 will approximate the PQ and instantaneous shot capability of Sony's Compact FF

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M43, like any smaller sensor cameras from the bigger brother APS, to smaller brother 1", are all a kind of compromise. In front of Medium format, FF itself is a compromise in IQ but gain in portability. Same thing happening down the road from APS, M43 to 1". But the IQ gap is just getting smaller down the path.

So the real question is would you only after that better IQ, or you should also weight in other considerations from cost, size and weight, analog vs digital technology etc. It is a highly personal matter. I still met people carrying large format film camera from time to time ....

For RX1, IMHO sensor might not be the major concern, but the versatility of its fixed lens. If it would be enough for your need, it is a good camera. If not, it might be a questionable choice since it can't change lens.

GF7 has just been replaced by GF8 and is as cheap as GM1. GF is the entry/economy line of Panny, would be a joke to compare it with FF gears. GH4, GX8, EM1 or EM5 II might be in better position to stand beside FFs not on IQ, but on the overall ability.

Sandbites said:

Sandbites wrote: Hi guys I'm still with my GF2.

However, on several recent vacation trips I brought my Nikon FF with a prime lens. THe FF is bulky I know but the FF sensor really spoils you, specially for very dark street shots and hip shooting. Now it's a toss up between the latest GF and the Sony RX1. Somehow the Sony draws me because of the FF, I'm only hesitant because of the US$2,000 price tag. I don't know if the GF7 will approximate the PQ and instantaneous shot capability of Sony's Compact FF

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I know that feeling. I play test the Sony A7 + 55mm f/1.8. The bokeh is beautiful, the color transition is smoother (buttery), and noise is none existent @iso3200. Most impressively is the overall SIZE is actually a tad smaller than Gh4 with a similar prime. What hold me back was the $1000 price tag for Sony 55/1.8, but now that Sony has release a cheapo $249 Sony 50mm f/1.8, I'm back looking @Sony FF once again.


Sony A7 with FF sensor (left) and Panasonic Gh4 with M43 sensor (right)



I love my M43 (GF6 + PL15mm f/1.7 + 25/1.7) and will never get rid of it. However, like you, once you got the taste of FF, its hard to go back. I believe there is a market for a Full Frame 4:3. There are many ex-M43 shooter (like you) who have switch to Canon, Nikon, or Sony mainly for its FF benefits.

M43 system is "nearly complete". Going forward, expanding FF will not only retain existing M43 users from switching to Canon/Nikon/Sony, it will also add new lens sales to both Olympus and Panasonic. I believe FF and M43 can co-exist within a brand. Sony has 3 mounts (SLT, APS-C, FF), Canon has 3 mounts, (FF, APS-C, EOS-M), and Nikon had 3 mounts (FF, APS-C, 1"?), even Pentax has managed a 4 mounts (MidF, FF, APS-C, and 1" Q). It shouldn't be too difficult for both Olympus and Panasonic to maintain 2 mounts.

Sandbites said:

Hi guys I'm still with my GF2. After reading your comments I almost bought the latest GF7 while in Japan last April.

However, on several recent vacation trips I brought my Nikon FF with a prime lens. THe FF is bulky I know but the FF sensor really spoils you, specially for very dark street shots and hip shooting. Now it's a toss up between the latest GF and the Sony RX1. Somehow the Sony draws me because of the FF, I'm only hesitant because of the US$2,000 price tag. I don't know if the GF7 will approximate the PQ and instantaneous shot capability of Sony's Compact FF

Click to expand...

Gx80/85/7II with the panaleica 15mm F1.7 is what you are looking for then. AF and operational speed, the sony cannot compete.

Sandbites said:

Hi Guys i have a GF2 which i bought in 2011. I want to update to a new Micro 4/3rds if there will be an improvement in PQ, speed of focus, focus to shoot speed and use under low light.

Question will the new GF7/GF8 give me a big or merely incremental update from my GF2?

Whats the difference between the GD7 and GX models?

Would i better off with my GF2 than an LX100?

Click to expand...

Your new camera is called GX80 (or GX85 depending where you live).

It is a no brainer.

Perhaps it is worthwhile to consider waiting for Oly E-M1 Mk2. It is expected to have at least 20Mpixel sensor with higher dynamic range, high sensitivity etc. It may be in a different league to current offerings.

007peter said:

007peter said:

Sandbites wrote: Hi guys I'm still with my GF2.

However, on several recent vacation trips I brought my Nikon FF with a prime lens. THe FF is bulky I know but the FF sensor really spoils you, specially for very dark street shots and hip shooting. Now it's a toss up between the latest GF and the Sony RX1. Somehow the Sony draws me because of the FF, I'm only hesitant because of the US$2,000 price tag. I don't know if the GF7 will approximate the PQ and instantaneous shot capability of Sony's Compact FF

Click to expand...

I know that feeling. I play test the Sony A7 + 55mm f/1.8. The bokeh is beautiful, the color transition is smoother (buttery), and noise is none existent @iso3200. Most impressively is the overall SIZE is actually a tad smaller than Gh4 with a similar prime. What hold me back was the $1000 price tag for Sony 55/1.8, but now that Sony has release a cheapo $249 Sony 50mm f/1.8, I'm back looking @Sony FF once again.


Sony A7 with FF sensor (left) and Panasonic Gh4 with M43 sensor (right)



I love my M43 (GF6 + PL15mm f/1.7 + 25/1.7) and will never get rid of it. However, like you, once you got the taste of FF, its hard to go back. I believe there is a market for a Full Frame 4:3. There are many ex-M43 shooter (like you) who have switch to Canon, Nikon, or Sony mainly for its FF benefits.

M43 system is "nearly complete". Going forward, expanding FF will not only retain existing M43 users from switching to Canon/Nikon/Sony, it will also add new lens sales to both Olympus and Panasonic. I believe FF and M43 can co-exist within a brand. Sony has 3 mounts (SLT, APS-C, FF), Canon has 3 mounts, (FF, APS-C, EOS-M), and Nikon had 3 mounts (FF, APS-C, 1"?), even Pentax has managed a 4 mounts (MidF, FF, APS-C, and 1" Q). It shouldn't be too difficult for both Olympus and Panasonic to maintain 2 mounts.

Click to expand...

Based on the above images, it appears that there is potential to increase the size of m4/3 sensor without changing the mount. Sony did exactly the same for APS-C E mount by increasing the sensor size to FF. If Oly and Pany increase the sensor size while maintaining the mount and the lenses, I expect, dynamic range, sensitivity and pixel count can be increased. More real estate on the sensor is very important to the picture quality.

love my GF7! Also have the wonderful (original) Rx1. They are very different (obviously)

It is nice to slap the 12 & 45 primes on my GF and EM5.