Lumix model differences

brentbrent wrote:

Though the model numbers support how you categorized them, in actuality it is different:

1. GX7, GX85, GX9 are really one series, and in fact in Japan the latter two are named GX7 mkII and GX7 mkIII. They are all about the same size, and all share the same viewfinder (though it does not tilt on the GX85). They all have a tilt LCD. The GX85 had some improvements over the GX7, but it also had some cuts in features to hit a lower price point. I have a GX7 and I was not tempted by the GX85. The GX9 is a clear upgrade over either the GX7 or GX85. In its favor, there are some amazing two-lens kit deals with the GX85.

I have one of each - I agree that the GX85 is hardly a major advance on the GX7 (which was an outstanding camera when introduced).  The GX7 remains competitive today and it is one of those cameras I would find it hard ever to part with.  The GX9 is a very good camera but is somewhat feature stripped compared to the G9.  Panasonic made a major mistake in my opinion in the area of the on/off switch, the smaller mode dial and the “useless” mechanical wheel for EV control.  A mechanical EV control is useless “retro” frippery in my opinion as it is so easy to switch and change EV once the camera is switched on - in fact I change EV often and it is usually in A mode with eye to evf and the regular front wheel changes EV easily and can be seen in the evf.  Furthermore it is easy to try and twirl the rear wheel and find that you are actually moving the EV wheel above it instead.  As a result I have switched it off - it is just an “ornament” for me and I have to put up with the smaller mode adjuster and more awkward on/off switch placement for some frippery that I do not need or wish to use.

Accidental turning of the GX9 EV wheel is compounded when regularly switching between the GX9 and the GX7 and GX85 with the regular and well placed front and back wheels.

The GX9 is a great camera slightly marred by Panasonic’s own goal with a mechanical EV wheel which surely is more about style than substance.  Please Mr Panasonic - give it a miss on future models ....

The only issue with the flip up evf is that it tends to get hooked up in a camera bag.  (The fixed evf of the GX85 does not protrude as much and therefore does not seem to get snagged). Use the flip evf? Only twice on the GX7 and never on the GX9 - some seem to like it - I never seem to need to use it and when I tried it feels awkward.  On the GX7 is was a handy place to hide the dioptre wheel for easy access and adjustment - but it does not even do that on the GX9.

Tilt evf and tilt lcd seems overkill to me.

2. GX8. This camera should really be considered a one-off, at least so far. It has a bigger body, bigger, beautiful EVF, and is weather resistant. It was the first camera with Dual IS. Though its four-axis IBIS isn't as good as the later five-axis IBIS in the GX85, G85, GX9, etc., it does OK. It seems to be becoming a bit of a cult classic, as it appears Panasonic may never release a true successor (the GX9 is a successor to the GX85, as mentioned above).

3. GX850 - a rebranding of the GF line. A smaller camera than the others, no EVF. I don't know as much about this one. It has its fans but never appealed to me.

4. GM5 - a little gem, supremely well built, with a tiny but usable EVF. To make it this small, they had to build a totally new shutter mechanism that is electronic shutter only once you go faster than 1/500. I think the GX850 uses that same shutter.

As far as I know the GF7-GX950 series uses the basic works of the GM1/5 series but in a larger body and “only” a tilt lcd.  The GF7 has progressed to the GX950 (the latter not available everywhere) by annual updates and has had some passed in improvements over the GM1/5.  But unfortunately the GF7, etc has been marketed to more entry level users - hence the flip up lcd and promotion of “jump shot” etc.  The GM1/5 was a more expensive build type and with the built in evf in the GM5 it is a more serious camera than its tiny size gets it credit for.  I think that the more commonly available GX850 is probably quite a useful camera but it has never attracted me and I have a few GM1/5 bodies instead.