Gave The GX7 MkII Another Go...

MrALLCAPS wrote:

So after a discussion where I stated the four thirds sensor has no "3-D Pop", I went out and picked up a GX7 MkII (I refuse to call it anything else) and the Tiny 15mm f/1.7.

I must admit, amazing camera, with its only minus is the sensor. Sure, I could nitpick and wished for weather sealing and a better, Larger Evf, but it is what it is.

But man, the size with that 15mm on the front is cool. Much smaller than my X-Pro2, I was just firing away on my evening commute, without a care. I tried zone focusing, but as soon as the camera goes to sleep when not in use, its gone and I'd have to reset.

And for "ME" the Noise is too much compared to my fuji's. The Fuji's have a very fine noise grain, while the MkII's noise was very harsh. Dynamic Range was an issue as well, trying to bring out detail in the peoples dark clothing. Separation was not on par with my Fuji's either, it didn't break up subjects well.

But all in all, this isn't about bashing the kit. I looked at it next to my X-Pro2 and laughed at how much more discreet it was and the advantages it had being so on the streets. It has a ton of features that would keep me busy for days. The 15mm f/1.7 is an amazing little lens that was made for the streets. The flat top I love. Handling is okay, but at its size, it's manageable. The size of the Evf didn't really bother me and I wear glasses. It's only real knock to me is the sensor size.

-Waiting on a Full Frame L-mount GX7. I'd drop my X-Pro easily for it. Or, Fuji could just knock off the GX7 and use it on the X-E series.

Glad to see you tried this out.  I remember your posts from my 10-25 thread.  If you can get your hands on the 20/1.7 and/or the 42.5/1.7 you will see the "pop" I was referring to that doesn't exist on the 15/1.7.

Also the 20MP sensor really is better than the 16 for DR.  You were able to pull out quiet a bit of details from the shadows on your photos, but you would be able to do a stop or two better with the 20mp.
On second thought just get the 42.5/1.7. The 20/1.7 will just have you bouncing back and forth between the 15 and 20.  Also pick up the 35-100/f4, to complete your set up.  Lots of tricks to get an effective range of 400/mm from that tiny lens built into that camera.

I actually like the look of the antialiasing filter on the GX8, feels more photorealistic and the grain is 'cleaner' than the 16 without the filter.