X-E4 + 27 2.8 as GM5 20 1.7 replacement?

Tom Schum wrote:

christ0f wrote:

Hi!

I have been using the GM5 with 20 1.7 for years and was quite happy with results of rendered image, that prime has a nice contrast, field of view. The AF didn't bothered me for my type of photography.

Will the X-E4 with the new 27 2.8 WR be at least that good or even better? Do you have any experiences with that equipment? I often shoot the 20 1.7 @ 1.7 or 2, there was a nice shallow depth of field, making some equations to relate to FF, meaning 1.7 x 2 = 3.4 vs 2.8 x 1.5 = 4.2 gives an edge to the u43 lens.

Some real world samples appreciated

Thanks!

Sensor pixel sizes (GM5 vs X-E4) are the same: 3.77 microns. Sensor areas are 367 sq mm for the X-E4 and 225 sq mm for the GM5.

27mm is 40mm equiv as is the 20mm F1.7 you are using on the GM5. I like my 27mm F2.8 but I see your 20mm F1.7 is rated excellent:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/lenses/panasonic_20_1p7_ii

Have you thought about getting a new m43 body and still using this same lens? Maybe something like a G9 ($1000 at B&H) might make a world of difference:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/slrs/panasonic_dcg9

The sensor on the X-E4 is current design, and the GM5 is 8 years old. You will probably get better image quality from the X-E4 but I think the 27mm F2.8 will not satisfy you in terms of bokeh. Just a guess though.

If you don't mind manual focusing and manual aperture with your X-E4, something like the Pergear 25mm F1.8 might be a good choice for you, and not expensive ($100 or less, but I don't know where to get them). The F1.8 aperture will get you better bokeh wide open.

Another lens for m43 that can give great bokeh is the completely manual Mitakon 25mm F0.95:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1190008-REG/mitakon_zhongyi_mtk25mf095bk_speedmaster_25mm_f_0_95_lens.html

Affordable at $350. I have their 35mm F0.95 for the Fuji x mount (again completely manual). It's nice.

You have a lot of choices. I've been a Fuji owner since 2014 and sometimes wished I had started with m43 because I might still be using m43. But Fuji ain't bad!

Going from a GM5 to a G9 is going to be one hell of a shock to the system in more ways than one...