GX7 EVF great or not so great

I was very unimpressed with the GX7s EVF and several others have commented similarly.  Others have said how brilliant it is.  If you've seen a GX7 perhaps you'd like to vote.  It is hard to believe that views can be so different on a simple assessment.

Manip16 wrote:

Could you explain what you didn't like about the GX7's EVF (e.g. colours, refresh, size, etc)?

It seemed very small and like looking into a tunnel like some of the OVFs on low end DSLRs that I've looked at in the past.  It may well be bright and clear but any benefit was more than negated by the size.  My G5 is a much more pleasurable experience to use

I'm wondering the same thing about the GX7 EVF.  I own the FZ200, which IMO has a fantastic EVF.  Anyone own both the GX7 and FZ200 that can comment on how the EVFs compare?

imashination wrote:

It seemed very small and like looking into a tunnel

Probably caused by the fact that youre looking into a very small tunnel.

I dont think anyone should expect any wonders from it, its extremely small and compact for convenience, to expect an imax viewing experience from it is just unrealistic

All a bit odd to me because for years, contributors for these forums have been saying viewfinder quality is of paramount importance and a big reason why they wouldn't give up their DSLRS and now that doesn't seem to be the case. So much so that a large percentage of people who have seen the GX7 think it is very good.  If it is very good I would say the G6s EVF is fantastic.

It seems that the glass in front of the veiwfinder is as important as the EVF itself in determining how the view is perceived.
All the comments about the Oly equivalent viewfinders (VF-4 and E-M1) suggest that they used high quality optics which seem to have been more successful despite having fewer pixels.

rcjim wrote:

own the FZ200, which IMO has a fantastic EVF.

Fantastic? Yes, nice and clear, but talk about tunnels ... ! I alternate between my FZ200 and LX7 with LVF2, and the difference is huge: Smaller camera, much bigger view.

How can anyone base anything on the totally subjective opinions people post here? The only way to find out anything is to try it yourself.

Well, I only just got my GX7 a few hours ago, but I must say I am very impressed with the EVF so far. I could see instantly that is a huge improvement over the GH3's. I wear glasses, and the only problem is that in 16:9 mode I cannot see the extreme edges of the view, due to the distance of my eye from the VF. I don't think that will bother me, but if there is a larger eye cup available I may get one.

There is no distortion or curvature of the view like you get with the GH3 if your eye position is not exactly right, and I had no problem adjusting the diopter to get a clear view.

The complaints about size - well all I can say it is much better than I feared when I originally read those comments. The display is also very sharp and has more accurate colours than the others I have used. My "beloved" GH2 has a nice large display but it does suffer from the "rainbow" effect to some degree.

I have played back some video files recorded on the GH2 via the GX7 and they look great through the EVF.

Definitely the best Pana EVF to date I would say (having used G1, GH2 and GH3 before). I have not used a NEX but did look through a friend's NEX 7 EVF earlier this year. Of course it is hard to compare now, but the GX7 view looks larger and clearer to me than I remember that of the NEX.

BTW, the camera is beautifully made and a bit smaller than I was expecting. If you have large hands you may find it fiddly to use in some respects. Try before you buy if you possibly can.

My first impression of the camera though is very very good. The battery is small and spares will be needed but of course no time yet to work out how the battery life is. One interesting thing - there's a rubber flap in the battery/SD card slot cover which reveals a small hole, e.g. for a cable of some sort. Does this mean some kind of accessory battery pack or mains adapter could be (or become) available?

Rick

I haven't seen the GX-7 at my camera shop, still waiting???

Anyway, each person is different and their expeditions are different. I have a XZ-1 as a back up, and use the VF-2 view finder, it's small and works good for me. I also wear glasses and no problem there.

But will wait and see about the EVF on the GX-7? No matter the equipment you buy nothing will be perfect.

Gary

I'm as confused as a baby in a topless bar.

The G1's EVF is great. So is the NEX-7/6/5R's EVF.

I have had GX7 2 days, most of which has been grey outside, and I have spared the cats, so little use yet. I can only compare with EM 5 which I still have. Bigger eye piece on Oly, but in actual use I find little practical difference, perhaps slight edge to Oly - But when set on pinpoint focus the briefly magnified focus area on the GX7 is excellent so for me overall it is a winner - everything is a compromise, but they have packed a lot in.
John

morepix wrote:

rcjim wrote:

own the FZ200, which IMO has a fantastic EVF.

Fantastic? Yes, nice and clear, but talk about tunnels ... !

David
www.pbase.com/morepix

Wow, now I know I'm going to love the EVF in the GX7!!!!