Lumix model differences

SFfPhoto wrote:

GX7,9 & gx80/85 seem almost identical - not sure why Panny produced both & LARGE price difference.

You kinda have to understand the history of Panasonic's "range-finder-style" MFT cameras.  In order:

GF1, 2009 - first MFT RF-style camera, 12MP, no built-in EVF (there was a poor, low-resolution add-on EVF available).  This was an enthusiast's camera, with lots of controls.  It was followed by GF2, GF3, etc., which were considered "let-downs" by many because more novice-oriented.  The GF1 was my first MFT camera

GX1, 2011 - the true successor to the GF1, enough controls for enthusiasts, now with 16MP sensor, and a better add-on EVF. I bought one to replace my GF1.

GX7, 2013 - for its time, it was a stunning tour-de-force RF-style camera, in my opinion.  In about the same size as the GX1, Panasonic added a built-in, tilting EVF (the first MFT RF-style camera with built-in EVF), a tilting LCD, a better 16MP sensor, two control dials, 1/8000 shutter speed, 1/320 flash sync with the built-in, tilting flash, focus peaking, two-axis image stabilization (a first for Panasonic), and more.  This was a premium MFT camera, and it was released with a price of $1,100 with 14-42 lens.  Some people complained, though, that the EVF was too small, and the IBIS wasn't good enough.

GX8, 2015 - a bigger camera than the others, as I've said above.  It had to be bigger to include the big, beautiful EVF.  It also was the first camera with Dual image stabilization.  It had the 20MP sensor and was weather-resistant.  I think it was designed to address complaints against the GX7, and to leapfrog it in features and image quality.  But some people complained that it was too big, wanting a GX7-sized successor to the GX7, and DPR's review was harsh (overly so, many of us think) in complaining about it having a shutter shock problem.  $1,200 body only.  It apparently did not sell as well as Panasonic hoped.

GX85, 2016 - apparently deciding that there wasn't a sufficient market for high-priced RF-style cameras, Panasonic released the GX85, $800 with the 12-32 lens.  It had some improvements over the GX7 (5-axis IBIS), but some reductions in features in order to meet that lower price point.  No tilting EVF, plastic body, no mic jack, lower max shutter speed, etc.

GX9, 2018 - This is a true and unqualified upgrade to the GX7.  20MP sensor, tilting EVF returns, etc.  $1,000 release price with 12-60 lens.

The price differential now between the GX85 and GX9 reflects the fact that the former is three years old, and the latter has a lot of improvements.  The great deals available on the GX85 make it a more difficult decision whether to choose it or the GX9.  Presumably Panasonic manufactured a bunch of them, and they want to sell all of them.