Shutter Shock & Shopping for Used 2nd Camera Body

dwkyre wrote:

The GM1, GM5, GF7, GF8, and GX850 all have the same shutter. It indeed exhibits no shutter shock, but has some serious limitations. I have no problem with these limitations, but some people might. The GX85 shutter is advertised as an improvement over more traditional shutters, not over all M43 shutters; they tend to ignore the GM shutter in those marketing materials, as it is a bit of an outlier.

If you truly just want a second body, a GM/GF would be a great option. they are really quite small and capable. If you don't mind skipping the EVF on the GM5 (I use it sometimes, but it is really quite bad), there is the GM1. If you don't mind a more plasticky build (and a bit more bulk), you can look at the GF7, GF8, and GX850.

I am sure you can find a really cheap GF7 if you look. It is a more plasticky GM1 with a tiny bit more bulk, but it also gets you a flippy screen. I believe the GF8 was basically the same hardware with some extra selfie features built into the software.

The GX85 is not terribly expensive. It might not be so hard to grab a second one. The other cameras I mentioned above are smaller, but have a more limited shutter and no in body stabilization. That being said, if you want to feel something magically small, find a GM1.

Great to hear that those GM/GF models and the GX850 are possibilities -- I'll dig into the limitations as part of the eval as I only skimmed enough to get a sense vs. GX85.  I do find the GM-1 size pretty interesting as a second body.  Thanks!