DMC-GX85 compromises?

don_gh1 wrote:

I've got a GH1 that I really like but of course now I"m tempted by the new stuff. This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is catching my eye. At first I discounted it as I didn't think it has a viewfinder, but I guess it does it must just "pop up"?

No it has an evf which is located on the left side of the camera. Unlike its predecessor GX7 or its successor GX9, or its bigger brother GX8, its evf is a fixed one and is not upward tiltable. All of GXs are in rangefinder form factor having the evf on a side.

G is in dslr form factor as GHs. Usually G7 or its successors like G85, or the latest G95, they have a 0.74x magnification evf (GH1 has a smaller 0.7x evf). Although on spec GX7/85/9 has a not small 0.7x evf, but it is in 16:9 such that when shooting in 4:3 aspect ratio (full resolution), the usable area of the evf will be reduced to around 0.52x... As GX's evf are of very high resolution (2.76M dots) it is very detail and bright. It can make our eye tired easily after longer period of usage. Hence, some people hate it, some can take it but none said they love it... I have no problem with it but you must try it out to see would you happy with it.

Besides that it looks super small compared to the others like the DMC-G7. What do I give up by going to that smaller more compact body size?

Ergonomic, no WR and shorter battery life. But comparing to GH1, except for the more pro video feature, you could expect a major upgrade on IQ, higher usable ISO, better stabilisation particularly on run and gun video, newer features like zebra, 4K photo, post focus... To me, smaller body 🤗.

Looks like a coat pocket camera for sure.

You need a very big pocket 😏.