Thinking of buying the Lumix G7 as my first camera.

Nothing wrong with a G7 but having gone through a few camera generations with the system I recommend at least one of the 20MP models, one with IBIS. Not just for the increased image detail but also for the continually improving dynamic range and high-ISO performance.

A 24-25MP model sounds attractive but I don't happen to own one, and there are only a couple to choose from still. They will be serviced and receive firmware for a longer period, than a nine-year old model, as another benefit.

Good luck!

Rick

I was sorting through my pics just the other day and was surprised at just how good some of the pics taken with the G7 were















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rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

The Canons you listed have no flip screen but will likely be better at focusing on moving targets. Also keep in mind that 2 of those Canons (being DSLRs) will not have silent shutter option. I prefer an APS-C sensor in general, but the differences are not huge. The camera is far more than the sensor, anyway. If you do macro or telephoto, you might like some of the offerings in Micro Four Thirds. Generally smaller. I personally have a preference for a flippy screen and often prefer a silent shutter. Out of the G7 and G85 (two cameras that made my shortlist too), I consider the stabilization on the G85 to be worthwhile but if it doesn't fit the budget, I would be perfectly happy with the G7, especially if you value smaller size. Keep in mind I haven't tried either of these in real life. I am using older G cameras. Good luck with your choices.

The sensor in the G7 is perfectly capable for someone who is getting into ILC photography for the first time. If you go this route, though, do make sure you buy Panasonic lenses with OIS. This will go a long way towards alleviating the lack of IBIS in that particular body. Thankfully, Panasonic has a slew of great lenses with OIS that will fit the bill. I can highly recommend the P12-32, P30mm macro, P42.7 and the PZ 45-175. I am sure others will chip in with their favourites if you ask!

By the way, if you do end up buying a G7 and need new batteries for it, consider buying the Sigma BP51. These are half the price of the Panasonic flavour but come from the same factory. No need to buy third party clones.

Good luck!

Actually the G7 is considered by some to be a classic. There are many that shoot with it. And, the important thing is the lens. It is more important than the body. Bodies come and go. Put your money into lenses. I'm not sure if you are more into video or stills. You might also look at the GX80/85, but it doesn't have a flip out screen, it has a tilting screen. That's why I asked about video. If you want to be in front of the camera, the G7 is the better option. But, these are both capable cameras. Good luck with your decision.

At B&H in the U.S., the G7 with 14-42 lens is $500, and the G85 with 12-60 lens is $600. To me that's a no-brainer to get the much better G85 with the more versatile lens.

I assume the price differential must be greater where the OP lives.

rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

The G7 is probably OK, but I’d look at the G80/85 instead. It was a substantial upgrade from the G7, still with the 16MP sensor, but just a better camera overall.

B&H has a G85mm and 12-60mm f3.5-5.6 kit for $600!
Good deal and a SOLID camera and lens combo.

Look for reviews to help choose. They’re always helpful.

rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

Background: I've been a professional event photographer for 20+ years. You can see what I've used over the years in my gear list. From 2012 to 2019 I shot exclusively with Micro Four Thirds, first a GX1 + G3, then a GX7 + G6, then GX8 + GX9. In 2020 I began transitioning to a 35mm-format Sony FE kit for dark environments where flash was impractical or forbidden.

I found MFT practical for low-light event work only because I used two or three bodies, each bearing a relatively bright f1.7 or f2.0 prime lens. Even the f2.8 zooms were often not bright enough to get action-stopping shutter speeds in the dim hotel ballrooms and other event venues in which I work, especially for the longer focal lengths (e.g. 35-100/2.8). As a result, I used off-camera flash a lot to light stages and conference rooms. In a nutshell, professional event work can be done with MFT, and there is amazing wedding work out there by MFT pros, but you'll be pushing the envelope at times, and you'll need the knowledge to use on- and off-camera flash well.

The G7 is a fine camera, but the newer 20MP sensors offer somewhat better dynamic range and less noise, letting you shoot at slightly higher ISO in really low light. Panasonic's S-AF is very fast and reliable in quite low light, but C-AF lags behind other systems. I was always happy working only with S-AF, and Panasonic's TouchPad AF feature for positioning an AF point with my thumb on the rear screen worked marvelously well. Even my $3500 Sony a7RV isn't as good in this regard, though it has other charms.

DxO PhotoLab's DeepPRIME XD noise reduction is an event shooter's best friend, effectively raising the ceiling on usable ISO by about two stops. With it, I consider the max acceptable ISO for event work with my GX9 to be 12,800, which is pretty darn good. Had this been around four years ago, I might not have felt the need to switch to 35mm format.

For event work, I used an Olympus 12/2, Panasonic 20/1.7, Olympus 45/1.8 and Olympus 75/1.8, all plenty sharp. For sports, particularly nighttime or indoor sports, though, things could get tough. Long focal lengths with fast action in low light are a challenge for any system, and MFT lacks the big glass you might want, depending on what, where and when you're shooting. Olympus' 45-150/2.8 might do the trick if you're not far from the action, but it's not cheap.

--
Event professional for 20+ years, travel & landscape enthusiast for 30+.
http://jacquescornell.photography
http://happening.photos

brentbrent said:

At B&H in the U.S., the G7 with 14-42 lens is $500, and the G85 with 12-60 lens is $600. To me that's a no-brainer to get the much better G85 with the more versatile lens.

I assume the price differential must be greater where the OP lives.

Click to expand...

At those prices I agree. If there is any way you can come up with the extra hundred go for for it. For the lens alone it's worth the difference.

At that price range you might also look at the G100. No IBIS but it works well with stabilized lenses. The zoom range on the kit lens is limited -- 12-32 -- but you get a newer sensor (20 MP) and image pipeline.

Looking at introduction dates I get:

G100 -- 2020

G85 -- 2016

G7 -- 2015

A lot changed in those five years.

I own both a G100 and G85. If I were buying now the choice would be which is more important to me -- the 12-60 lens or the newer imaging technology.

Gato

Before you buy a camera be sure it has the capabilities to do what you would like to do now and perhaps in the future as your skills grow.

If you have the time you can watch this fairly long tutorial on the G95. Starts with the basics and takes you through most of the features and how to use them. It will also give you a good general idea regarding the Panasonic menu system which is rather consistant and user friendly.


I purchased my first digital ILC camera, the Lumix G95 in April 2021. It's a great camera and worth stretching the budget. I've used it for photographing the NYC City marathon. This camera is a jack of all trades, but continuous auto focus is one of the weak points if you were to try and capture birds in flight or warblers moving among the branches. If tracking fast moving subjects is important to you, you will need a much greater budget, not to mention additionally more expensive lenses.

I got my start in film a long time ago, but shot pocket cameras after that as that is what suited me for years and years of wilderness backpacking where the ounces you saved meant the more food you could carry and stay out for more days! And my high end wilderness gear didn't leave much room for a photography budget.

Good luck with your search!

rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

The G7 is certainly OK, I had one, but the G80 and 12-60mm kit lens represent a big upgrade, not least because of the weathersealing. If possible, wait until you can afford the G80.

One other model, with 20MP, is the GX8, I bought one recently and I prefer it to the G80 which I still have. The GX8 has a good EVF, that tilts, and many configurable Fn buttons. The weight and size of the GX8 is midway between the G7 and G80. The GX8 is the same age as the G7, and both must have ceased production years ago. So, even a new G7 will be years old.

All of the above are mirrorless and use the same battery. Mirrorless is much preferred to any dSLR.

--
Stuart
Member of LSAPS - Lytham St Annes Photographic Society
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FZ330 images https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157659823425652
TZ60 images https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157642261079494
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rahmanmanohar said:

I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses.

Click to expand...

I am assuming you mean the G7 is just the right size, with a decent grip. There are much smaller and bigger m43 cameras. Sometimes it is best to have hands on experience...

rahmanmanohar said:

My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.

Click to expand...

The R100 is a new model (2023). Unlike the G7 (2015). There should be a major difference in price, especially used.

rahmanmanohar said:

Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy?

Click to expand...

Depends on the price and what you intend to do with it. Those older m43 cameras aren't so good for sports (one of your intended uses).

rahmanmanohar said:

I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect?

Click to expand...

Are videos important to you?

Conference (photos?) are not a challenging photographic situations for any camera.

No idea what your "hobby" means. Shooting bugs? portraits? IDK.

rahmanmanohar said:

Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference?

Click to expand...

Honestly? Yes and no.

In broad daylight, differences are minor.

But in high contrasts scenes (sunsets for example) or in bad light, the differences become more apparent. More obvious in photos than video.

rahmanmanohar said:

Or should I look for something else?

Click to expand...

Of course, image quality is not everything in photography. Many people chase the ability to blur backgrounds with big-sensored cameras. Both m43 and APSC can do it, but it's easier with ASPC.

But it depends on the situation. If you plan on shooting portraits of people, especially a single person, face and shoulders and or full body shot in the distance, easier to do in APSC.

But if you have a group of people together or a single person holding something at a different distance than his/her body, you can still do it on APSC (you likely need to stop down) but it is still easier to do on m43 with often not stopping down so the learning curve is easier on m43. More forgiving.

rahmanmanohar said:

Thank you.

Click to expand...

You're welcome

rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

Does the G7 at least do DfD? If by sports the OP means something more active than golf, would the G7 yield a decent hit-rate compared to a DfD or PDAF camera? Is this mysterious "hobby" birdwatching or stamp collecting? Before I bought an E-M5 III in 2019, moving subjects were more miss than hit.

My experience with the G7 was short as I returned it because of an issue with shutter shock which was worse with particular lenses.

My experience with the G80/85 was very satisfying and many years later I still own and regularly use two of them. They are great for both stills and excellent 4K video. I will never part with them.

I recommend you go to the extra cost of the G85 or buy a decent used example.

rahmanmanohar said:

Hello, I am considering buying the Panasonic Lumix G7 as my first proper camera, which I think will serve me well given my budget. (I already thought of the G85, but the price is too high, and second-hand is not an option; there is a lack of listing for the m43) I am pulled to the G7 because of its size and the price of the lenses. My other options are the Canon 3000D, 1500D, and the R100. But I am not too keen on buying the first two, given my experience handling a similarly sized camera (the Canon 700D is what I am currently borrowing for my use case); those cameras are too big for me. As for the R100, I am not sure about that because of the reviews I have read online.
Now for my question: is the G7 still a good buy? I will use it for all-around documentation purposes (sports, conferences, etc.) and my hobby. Am I going to miss features that I might need? What do I need to expect? Would choosing a 16mp M43 sensor over 24mp/18mp APS-C make a stark difference? Or should I look for something else?
Thank you.

Click to expand...

I had one, well-designed camera all around, except has the old Panasonic shutter design with shutter shock. I sold mine, no regrets.

Bought the G9, superb camera but too big for me. So I sold that in favor of a GX9; not ideal either but I'm happy with it.

If you like the G7 form-factor, get a G95 instead.

Skeeterbytes said:

I recommend at least one of the 20MP models, one with IBIS. Not just for the increased image detail but also for the continually improving dynamic range and high-ISO performance.

Click to expand...

Thank you for your reply, Rick.

An Olympus model comes into my mind (EM10 MKIV), but as much as I would love to buy one. I cannot find stores within my vicinity that sell it.

Thank you for your reply, Trevor.

Excellent shots you have there, Trevor. Do you have more examples of the G7? I would love to see more for me to be able to level my expectations and have a sense of what the camera can do.

Very much appreciated.

Thank you for your reply, Joseph.

I am used to not having stabilization in cameras, though it would be nice to have one. I suppose I am ready to pull the trigger on the G7.

Thank you.

I don't see any issue with the g7, but at least here in the states there isn't a huge difference in price between that and the g85, which is a considerably better camera. I have the even older g5, and the g85 for Panasonic gear, and even though the resolution is the same, the g85 seems sharper.

So I would check again to make sure that you might not be able to find a g85, even if it's a little bit more than the g7, because it's a substantial upgrade overall.