GX7 vs GX80

DeathArrow wrote:

Would 10 bits with e-shutter on GX80/85 mean worse IQ than 12 bits on GX7? The majority of shooting would be with electronic shutter so that is important to me.

In real life the difference is not really observable. As we have 14~140 on GX85 (my wife loves the lens), e-shutter is the best solution otherwise shutter shock might still be there despite of the improved m-shutter. Not really noted the real disadvantage of 10 bits output on the SOOC jpg.

Is it a big difference between dual IS and 5 axis on GX80 vs the IS in GX7?

Yes. GX7 has a very primitive IBIS, which is not more than 1 stop. GX85 is around 1.5~2 stops ( home tested using 14 f/2.5).

GX7 is non DUAL IS compatible. So, any OIS lens be mounted, it will use OIS. So far, it is around 3~3.5 stops for the Panny lenses I owned.

GX85 is DUAL IS capable. So when non DUAL IS Lens has OIS be used, it will expect IS similar on GX7 (so the 14~45, 14~42PZ, 14~42 Mk-I, 45~200 Mk-I & 100~300 Mk-I). Other Panny OIS lenses that are DUAL IS compatible can expect 4~5 stops IS.

So, in a word, yes except for the older OIS lenses.

I won't use long lenses, I will use a 17mm or 20mm prime.

I have 14 since G1 (~6/7 years). Due to lack of IBIS on older Panny bodies (G1, GX1, GF3), I found f/3.5 OIS lens allowed me to use slower shutter speed than the f/2.5. 3~3.5 stops OIS kills the 1 stop faster speed of the lens.

Basically the IBIS of GX7 can give this non OIS lens a new life on GX7, more closer to the slow shutter speed as f/3.5ish OIS lenses. On GX85, the around 2 stops IBIS really make the difference.

Therefore if non OIS lenses be your major lenses, GX85 is the better option if you need the ability on using slower shutter speed.

If you shoot video, the more powerful IBIS is the better.