E-M1 or GX8

tomhongkong wrote:

eques wrote:

Does it make sense for you to get one of these oldies?

I have to replace my GX7 because of the infamous thumbwheel problem. The GX9, GX80/85, EM5.2 and PenF don't handle very nice (grip too small).

Of course there is the G80/81/85, but it is more expensive than either.

How much would you pay for them in good condition with thess than 15.000 shutter actuations?

Peter

I had a GX8 about 18 months ago, but was unable to use it (left overseas) so bought an EM1.1, new from Peter Jones.

After a few months I got the GX8 back and had to decide which one to keep.

I liked the EVF on the GX8, I never had problems with shutter shock (although I could reproduce it, it never causes a problem in practice) I think that the GX8 focusing was generally faster, especially with some Panasonic lenses.

That is something I can confirm, comparing EM 5.2 and GX7 , even with Olympus lenses!

I did find that sometimes it missed focus for no apparent reason (with 14-140) I didn't find that the tilting EVF was very useful except to keep my nose out of the LCD. I didn't like the fully articulating screen very much. I did not have any real problems with the GX8, there is one function button above the rear selector which gets pushed very easily and is very annoying (I forget now exactly what it does)

However I found that the EM1 was a more satisfying camera to use. Although the menus are more complex, once set up I rarely access them. I find that the focus especially with Olympus lenses is fine and doesn't suffer from the misses. I like the tilting screen better. I did have the usual problem with the rear adjustment wheel on the EM1, fixed by Olympus under guarantee. There is also a potential EVF problem, if you have it set for long sight, and the sun shines into it (the phosphor can get burnt) Some people have reported loose neck strap lugs, but it has not affected me yet.

Oh yes, I forgot that.

Personally I find that the shape of the EM1 suits me better but you might like the GX8

I sold the GX8 and have been a very satisfied EM1 user since, in fact I have another nearly new one as a spare. (<500 clicks)

Is it still a good buy? I think you should read the 'mirror lessons' comparison between the mark I and mark ii to see where they think the advantages of the new camera are and whether they apply to you.

However I think that if I was in the market for a new body I would look carefully at the G9, but the larger size might put me off!

That is, why I look at mid range models.

If you want to see some samples, I have a current thread here on 'Photos or Lightroom' which has some examples from the EM1, with the lowly, but very practical 14-150 (which is water resistant, the Panasonic equivalent may have slightly better IQ but is not WR)

I don't think you would go badly wrong with either, but you need to check the specs and see which you will be more comfortable with

good luck with your choice

Sorry forgot about price, I think you could get a mint EM1 for around $450, not sure any more about GX8, but you can check on Ebay and KEH

tom

Thank you for your detailed comparison.

Peter