Can't seem to find the right m4/3 camera

Max5150 wrote:

Looking to downsize. APS-C bodies like the Sony 6500 are a good size but the lenses still too big. I was looking at the Panasonic G7, GX8/GX9, and GX85 in the store. I like the size and handling of the G7 more than the GX8/9, but want higher spec. G5 is too big - might as well buy an A7iii at that point.

Is there a higher spec G7 sized model in Japan that I'm not seeing here in the USA?

G80/85 is the successor of G7.

GX is another line of product on rangefinder form factor and having a few things omitted e.g. Mic in port, certain AF setting, non WR etc. So is a more causual model to the G line in a more compact form (resulted a smaller viewfinder).

Might worth to note that G80/85 (GX85 being the equivalent generation in GX line), is the first to use the newer generation of hardware standard of Panasonic MILC. It is the 2nd, after GX85 (the test bed), to use a floating sensor provides 5-axis IBIS for still and video including 4K, the true DUAL IS-2 is much more powerful than the previous Gs relied on lens OIS (2~2.5 stops more effective stabilisation), nearly shutter shock free quit m-shutter plus a close to full spectrum operation  EFCS to combat possible shutter shock and rolling shutter effect, DFD for faster CAF etc.

G7 is of good value but might lack of all latest wonders of the newer Panasonic MILCs, not to mention the older G6/5...

If not of money matter, I shall never look back on the G5/6/7...

Finally GX8 is a premium model in its own class has no succeeding model yet until now. Despite of its relatively older generation of hardware be used and a few years old already, in my City it is still around <US$50 more expansive than G85. Right tell how good it is.

GX7, GX85 (a.k.a. GX7II in Japan), and latest GX9 (a.k.a. GX7III in Japan) are a lesser spec class line of product sitting on top of the entry class GX850 (called GF9 in some region) and GF10.

I could also go Olympus 10miii

Please be noted, when EM10-II (non 4K) is in similar class to GX7 or GX85, EM10-III has been made an entry class model more close to EPL and GF of Panasonic...

or 5mii, but their menu and a few other things has me leaning Panasonic. Not sure what's coming out in the near future either, but I usually stick with what's been out for a little while. I'm more interested in stills than video, but do take video as well.

Any suggestions about higher spec Panasonic in Europe or Japan markets?

If the Gs might not be good enough for you, there is the GH5 (more on pro video) or G9 (more on still) from Panasonic... On Olympus, when EM5 is sitting in similar class slightly higher than Gs, it has a flagship EM1-II as G9 on still shooting.