Is the EVF on GX9 really worse than that on the GX7

MiguelATF wrote:

This is an old thread but I thought I'd chime in with my take, since the original question - about the GX9's viewfinder compared with that of other, previous GX's - is and was one which concerned me as well.

My short answer: no, it's not worse. In fact, it seems to me to be not only just as good - but possibly better.

Longer answer: I used a GX7 as my main camera for several years, liked it immensely, and thought the EVF was quite adequate. Then, a few years ago, I sold it and 'upgraded' to a GX8 - whose EVF was, in a word, superb - possibly the best electronic viewfinder I've ever used on any digital camera. The GX8's viewfinder was significantly better than the GX7's in just about every way.

Now, after hemming and hawing about getting a GX9 - mainly because I didn't want to 'sacrifice' or 'lose' the GX8's enormous EVF, and had heard and read, from a number of photographers, that the GX9's EVF was in fact worse than the GX7's - I took a deep breath and made the plunge, buying a lightly used GX9. And... guess what?

It's EVF isn't quite as good as that of the (significantly larger) GX8 - but it is at least equal to - and I think (a subjective opinion, admittedly) probably better than - that of my old GX7. It's clear, bright (almost too bright) and eminently viewable, both with and without glasses. It also tilts like the GX8's EVF, a small but really handy bonus. I've only been using it for a few days now, but there are zero problems - and, in fact, it's actually a good enough EVF to be enjoyable to use.

Obviously we all have different standards and different opinions. But for me, the GX9's EVF is surprisingly usable - and, all things considered, quite good

I agree with you, but I strongly suspect that Panasonic may have improved the optics they use in front of the EVF screen in the year or two since the GX9 was released.

Early GX9 reviews said that its EVF was just like that in GX85, which had kind of a "Coke bottle" optic that blurred unless your eye was directly centered in the eyepiece.  I had tried a GX85 in the store and was so put off by that, that I never bought one, and didn't even try a GX9 after that, due to the reviews (and there was nowhere to try one in person near me).

However, this summer I decided to cave, and gave the GX9 a try after all.  I have a GX8, which has a stellar EVF, but I wanted the better IBIS and the updated color engine and shutter mechanism of the GX9, so I got one.  I was actually surprised to find that there was no optical distortion in front of the EVF panel; it was vastly superior to the GX85 I had tried, and completely acceptable for my use.  Even though it is smaller than the one on the GX8, it's not tiny, and it is clear and sharp and does what I need it to do without issues.

So, my experience matches yours...I do think Panasonic might have changed the thing just a bit from its initial release...

-J