Pen F vs GX9

I owe GX8 and GX85 before and try Pen F and GX9 for a week. Reason almost no one give attention to GX9 its because its sounds like upgrade for GX9 and thats what everybody was waiting for. But its not. Compare to GX9 there no weather sealing, smaller EVF, smaller battery. Difference is GX9 have better IBIS ( a bit later about it in a monent) and “better” new sensor. In reality image quality is almost the same between gx8 vs gx9. You need to pixel-pip to see difference. DR is no better either. So as ISO. Where its really shines ots IBIS. New image stabilization is superb. But just that one thing not going to change my mind that GX8 still a better camera overall, with better grip, control buttons...etc. Also On other markets GX9 its actually have other name - GX7 Markiii which make more sense. So yeah, why would everybody give a tons of compliments to GX9? If you want panasonic, them get yourself a new G95, or save money and get GX8. If weather sealing its not a big deal for you, then go for Pen F. Stylish camera, great image quality, great IBIS, control buttons layout are fine, I like both GX8 and Pen F for screen that you can rotate and its protect itself, so no screen protector needed. Pen F also have slightly better ISO and also it have extended lower ISO, 80 or 100, I don't remember. So as GX8 have Aye AF which works pretty much with same speed. The only reason I got GX8 over Pen F its weather sealing. I shot Chicago snow storm last year and camera was covered in snow, after that on a train home snow melted and water was all over the camera and screen. Nothing happened to camera!!! At the moment its was 20mm 1.7 lens on it which not weather sealed. So I just cover lens with palm of my hand,  basically I carrying camera like that all photoshoot. If you will need any RAW files low/high ISO, let me know.

Instagram@lomogee - my account. Almost everything was shot on GX8  and 20mm 1.8 or 15mm 1.7

Keithpictures wrote:

Hi guys,

I'm new here and hoping for some advice. I am ready to enter the MFT system with either the Panasonic GX9 or the Olympus Pen F.

I shoot mostly street and travel photography. I shoot lots of architecture and some landscapes. I prefer wide angles. I occasionally want to shoot birds in flight. Mostly, I make minimalist, colorful compositions.

instagram.com/keithpictures

I've been using my iPhone for a couple years after ditching my Canon 5D (and Contax G2) in New York, from where I received an MFA in photography and video.

Both of these cameras offer me:
- compact, fun street/travel packages with small lenses
- terrific stabilization
- 20mp MFT sensor

Reasons for the GX9:
- Great minimalist feel
- Tilting screen and EVF (which doesn't bother me at all) for quick framing
- Clear controls and menu operation
- 4K video for moving images (not videography, but silent cinematography)
- cheaper price

Reasons for the Pen F
- Super stylish
- Olympus feature of keystone correction, since I shoot a lot of architecture
- 50 Mp high resolution mode (for buildings, though I know it's a bit dodgy)

Both of these cameras have bad press. Neither have weather sealing, which is too bad. I know neither will be great for birds in flight, since they're not action cameras. I tried out a Sony a6500 and was super disappointed. I don't want a Sony, and those lenses are too big.

I've been leaning toward the GX9 because it does speak to me. No one seems to sing its praises, though, and it seems like Panasonic in general is not well regarded. I can't figure out why - all the reviewers complain about the EVF, but that's it. Everyone loves the earlier model, the GX7 mark II ( GX85 ), but no one gushes about the GX9. Am I missing something?
The Pen F is also mocked for being too much style over substance, but seems highly regarded as a lovely, fun object nonetheless. Do you agree? How bad is the auto-focus? No reviewer talks about the keystone feature. I'm curious if it works well. Any experiences out there?

The point is to get out and take pictures, so I'm wondering if the Pen F will encourage me to use my iPhone less or not. None of my local stores carry it, so I haven't been able to try it out.

All thoughts appreciated!