Should I upgrade my GX8 to G9?

richj20 wrote:

Pete2 wrote:

HRC2016 wrote:

How is your current camera failing you?

Good reminder. I am very happy user but I suppose you are always wanting more.

Ah, yes! This is how companies keep consumers wanting a newer version. I still have a GX8 and haven't been tempted by what the G9 offers.

However, much depends on what you photograph, and if the newer "features" will improve your results, then that is motive enough.

There are three things that can be better in G9;

1. The best thing for me in GX8 is EVF. Using that you can easily see where the camera is focusing even with glasses. The EVF in G9 is supposed to be even better. But no tilting which is a minus.

A minus for me also. I was kneeling for this framing:

Nice pictures you have taken. I realized that it is not only optics and camera quality that makes a good picture (and now I'm not talking about how good photographer you are). With GX8's good EVF your are able to see where you are focusing and how the picture is going to look. If the EVF is even better in G9 that could make me even better photographer.

Talking about GX8's EVF, I have noticed that the picture is not looking the same in EVF and afterwords when you have shot it. The brightness and color is changing. This is not very nice as you have to take many pictures to get it right.

2. G9 stabilizer is better. Good in low light.

I have hand held the 100-400mm bazooka below 1/60 sec.

Panasonic 100-400mm with DUAL IS

I would think you could hand hold the smaller 12-35mm a lot slower than that!

A quick test:

Panasonic 12-35mm original version, with DUAL IS

Again, how slow of a shutter speed do you require?!

Now my limit is normally 1/15 s. I heard that you can use even 2 s on handheld to get good pictures. This is amazing (look at timestamp 10:30 in the video). Imagine what you could do with handheld evening shots at 200 on speeds 1/15 - 2 s. Gives you lot of new possibilities.

Originally I thought that I would make some videos with GX8 also. Then I realized that without tripod the result is awful because of the camera shake.

3. G9 ergonomics is little better. But that comes with bigger size and weight.

In what way better? Have you handled it?

I haven't investigated because I'm not dissatisfied with how the GX8 handles in my hands.

- Richard

No I have not handled it. GX8 is better than my earlier GX7. This is not a big issue for me as GX8 feels good.

Then there is finally the looks. I like the retro look of the GX8. Maybe G9 would make me look more like a pro ;-).