Replacement for Canon Powershot G1x mkI

A bit of background but maybe useful for "guiding" my decision...

I started photography back in the late 1980's, cutting my teeth on 35mm compact cameras before progressing to medium format Bronica and Pentax 645's. After a lengthy break, I bought a used Canon 5d mkI plus 24-105 L lens but as with the medium format cameras, the weight eventually overcame my pursuit of image quality and I've settled over the past couple of years with Canon G compacts, currently a G1x (mkI). However, despite its virtues (and on my list of wants for my next step/s),

1) 28-112 equiv zoom (28-90 would be ok for me)
2) Fairly compact
3) Great screen (op/evf not of prime concern for me)
4) Good IQ
5) Proper dials and customisation ability,
it has several shortcomings that I find I want to address with an alternative camera;

i) Close focus to within a few inches (not 1:1 macro but certainly closer than the G1x gets!)
ii) Faster focusing/less hunting in low light.

I think that a micro 4/3 camera would give me an ideal balance between IQ and portability/handling-I have fairly big hands and most of the Olympus slr-type cameras I've held up to 6 months ago felt too small in hand for me. The Panasonic Lx-100 compact felt just right (although I would really like an 90mm equiv. telephoto), a little better than the Panasonic Gx7 (this was still really good). I have around £600 to spend, at least initially (see below).

My favourite time taking pictures was when I had a Bronica Etrsi with prime 45, 75 and 150mm lenses (28, 45 and 90 mm equivalents). I think this was reflected in the pictures I took;I am quite proud of some of the slides I produced then. So I was thinking that maybe I should go back to basics and get an interchangeable camera with prime lenses. As I couldn't afford 3 lenses from the off, I'd be happy to get a camera and one lens, purchasing the other two as and when funds allow this. To this end, I was thinking of a Panasonic GX7 plus the 20mm 1.7 lens? As I guess this may be replaced soon, it has some good deals on it (£550 inc. the £50 cashback, plus a free case and spare OEM battery). I would then look at adding something like the Panasonic 14mm f2.8 plus the Olympus 45mm f1.8. The Panasonic Lx-100 has confused me somewhat, as its combination of lens, sensor and traditional dials/controls appeals greatly to me, so views from anyone who has these cameras/lenses would be welcome, as well as other suggestions if you can put forward some alternatives?

Sir, a good old argument between a fixed lens camera (DC although a high grade one) and a system camera.

I would always prefer GX7 (GX7 vs LX100 as you originally suggested) because it offers:

1) all the flexibility and expansion ability of a system camera,

2) much cheaper (close to end of its product cycle),

3) similar IQ (GX7 in fact is 16M vs LX100's 12M); and

4) similar in portability (if lenses are having similar AoV coverage) plus all the others.

In terms of LX100, its sole advantage is its fast regular zoom the size ofwhich is impossible for regular M43s'.

As you planned, you might start with a prime. But in future you might add whatsoever lenses (prime or zoom) as you like. Please bear in mind, your lens portfolio might not be limited to native AF M43 lenses, but also any legacy MF lenses as well (now or in future you might have. I reuse my old Nikkor ai lenses at no extra cost but just a <US$10 cheap adapter).... As every good forum member's opinion: lenses matter, not the body! Fixed lens camera would die with its lens but system camera wouldn't.

alcelc wrote:

Sir, a good old argument between a fixed lens camera (DC although a high grade one) and a system camera.

I would always prefer GX7 (GX7 vs LX100 as you originally suggested) because it offers:

1) all the flexibility and expansion ability of a system camera,

2) much cheaper (close to end of its product cycle),

3) similar IQ (GX7 in fact is 16M vs LX100's 12M); and

4) similar in portability (if lenses are having similar AoV coverage) plus all the others.

In terms of LX100, its sole advantage is its fast regular zoom the size ofwhich is impossible for regular M43s'.

As you planned, you might start with a prime. But in future you might add whatsoever lenses (prime or zoom) as you like. Please bear in mind, your lens portfolio might not be limited to native AF M43 lenses, but also any legacy MF lenses as well (now or in future you might have. I reuse my old Nikkor ai lenses at no extra cost but just a <US$10 cheap adapter).... As every good forum member's opinion: lenses matter, not the body! Fixed lens camera would die with its lens but system camera wouldn't.

alcelc,

Thanks for the reply. I note with interest your collection of Panasonic cameras and lenses. Do you reach for the 14mm prime much?

As an update, I've just been into town to have a closer look at the GX7, Lx100, A6000 and Fujifilm X-pro1, the latter of which has an offer of camera plus 18+27mm lenses for £699.99. The GX7 is £549.99 inc rebate (plus a free battery), the A6000 is £549.99 and the LX100 is £579.99 inc. rebate.I've now discounted the Lx100 (a bit too small) and the A6000 (plasticky, didn't feel right-I plan to keep the camera for a long time but concentrate on the lenses), so this leaves the GX7 with 20mm and Fujifilm X-pro1 with 18mm and 27mm. I'm very tempted by the Fuji, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the size/weight between it and the GX7 but the latter's handling is a little easier in the hand on initial testing in store. Decisions decisions....

I'd also consider the A6000 with the 16-70 lens (24-105 mm equiv) as that's the closest you'll get to the zoom range you are talking about. The camera's pretty cheap and the lens really isn't, but can be had in a kit from time-to-time.

I really wish someone would do a modern and sharp 12-60 lens for m43.

Dr_Jon wrote:

I'd also consider the A6000 with the 16-70 lens (24-105 mm equiv) as that's the closest you'll get to the zoom range you are talking about. The camera's pretty cheap and the lens really isn't, but can be had in a kit from time-to-time.

I really wish someone would do a modern and sharp 12-60 lens for m43.

Excellent idea. It would be great if Panny would produce 12-60 f/3.5 (to keep the lens small and not too slow).

You need to decide if interchangeable lens is really what you want.  If it is micro four thirds is a wonderful choice, but there are many other interchangeable lens choices with larger sensors than the G1X.  Look at the lenses, weight, size and use camerasize.com with lenses to help you decide. Olympus, Sony, Fuji, Samsung are all potential candidates...

If you have decided you want to go for an MFT interchangeable lens camera, then a GX7 with a 20 is a great choice, and you have many lenses to then select from, and not just Olympus and Panasonic...for example the Rokinon fisheye is brilliant, as is the Sigma 60 mm 2.8.  And if you want to go high end, look at Voightlanders, but the point is there are many native lenses that you can use, and most legacy lenses will be adaptable also.  If you want a wide angle, I would suggest considering the 12-32 zoom over the 14.  It is about the same size as a 20, gives you the 12 mm wide, which I prefer much to a 14 mm and some nice flexibility for a small kit lens...but I really digress....

As an all in one solution, the LX100 is a great solution by all accounts, but then so is the Sony RX100 series...

fastestlouigie wrote:

alcelc wrote:

Sir, a good old argument between a fixed lens camera (DC although a high grade one) and a system camera.

I would always prefer GX7 (GX7 vs LX100 as you originally suggested) because it offers:

1) all the flexibility and expansion ability of a system camera,

2) much cheaper (close to end of its product cycle),

3) similar IQ (GX7 in fact is 16M vs LX100's 12M); and

4) similar in portability (if lenses are having similar AoV coverage) plus all the others.

In terms of LX100, its sole advantage is its fast regular zoom the size ofwhich is impossible for regular M43s'.

As you planned, you might start with a prime. But in future you might add whatsoever lenses (prime or zoom) as you like. Please bear in mind, your lens portfolio might not be limited to native AF M43 lenses, but also any legacy MF lenses as well (now or in future you might have. I reuse my old Nikkor ai lenses at no extra cost but just a <US$10 cheap adapter).... As every good forum member's opinion: lenses matter, not the body! Fixed lens camera would die with its lens but system camera wouldn't.

alcelc,

Thanks for the reply. I note with interest your collection of Panasonic cameras and lenses. Do you reach for the 14mm prime much?

AF of 14 f/2.5 is fast and accurate, a standard wide angle good for many general purposes (especially for indoor shooting). To be honest, as being raised from film photographing (only 135mm, not as pro as you), my GX1 which produces quite acceptable images, and handy, at ISO 800~1600 comparing to the old days is already my dream tool. Not only flash is less and less essential nowadays, I find f/3.5 could already allow me to do surprisingly good (up to 1/6" or below handheld) with the help of OIS. As thin dof does not my cup of tea, practically very fast lenses indeed not a must to me.

As an update, I've just been into town to have a closer look at the GX7, Lx100, A6000 and Fujifilm X-pro1, the latter of which has an offer of camera plus 18+27mm lenses for £699.99. The GX7 is £549.99 inc rebate (plus a free battery), the A6000 is £549.99 and the LX100 is £579.99 inc. rebate.I've now discounted the Lx100 (a bit too small) and the A6000 (plasticky, didn't feel right-I plan to keep the camera for a long time but concentrate on the lenses), so this leaves the GX7 with 20mm and Fujifilm X-pro1 with 18mm and 27mm. I'm very tempted by the Fuji, there doesn't seem to be much difference in the size/weight between it and the GX7 but the latter's handling is a little easier in the hand on initial testing in store. Decisions decisions....

Indeed any system camera in general should be a more advisable choice. Nowadays any camera could produce good images. X-pro 1 was once the darling of many good forum members here.

I just personally like the compromise of M43 (smaller sensor vs smaller and lighter overall package) over other formats. However, comparing to the generation of sensor as well as feature advancement of mirrorless along the last 2~3 years, Fuji's X-pro 1 might be older among its siblings vs GX7 within the M43 line.

Finally, it might just be my personal prejudice. After experienced the ovf of Panny's LC5 + add-on wide angle converter, evf had been added as my fundamental requirement on any future digital camera. I would never fond of that hybrid view finder of a range finder style body.

i am a longtime -- and enthusiastic, within its limits -- G1x owner too.  It has the limits that you cite.  And, in the fullness of time i shall seek a replacement too.

I also tend to be a "horses for courses" guy: i maintain, in addition to the G1x, a m4/3 and FF systems.  I find roles for all of them.  And the G1x is the grab-and-go when i'm going really light, or perhaps handing off to my wife.  She hates the system cameras but easily uses the G1x.

I am unaware of a m4/3 lens that meets the portability requirements (when mounted on a small m4/3 body) for the focal range of the G1x.  If anything i wish more tele.  Well, there is the 14-150 . . . which is precisely the size lens i do not wish to carry.

Can you live with primes?  Well then, lotsa choices.  Is a 24-62mm equv FOV good enough for you?  The Oly 12-32mm is your cuppa tea.  But you would have to bring a tele too.

I don't see a m4/3 that meets the full range AND size you desire.  If i did, i'd buy it and not continue with the G1x.  There are multiple fixed lens choices, of course.

Good luck.

Just thought I'd update this thread for archiving purposes...

Thanks for all the helpful advice and comments throughout btw.

I ended up keeping the G1x but I've added a Sigma DP2 Merrill compact to my "arsenal", which I'll now use as my walk around camera. I'm going to add a close-up lens for macro work (not something you can do easily with the G1x) and the Canon will be for general stuff, which the Sigma just does not do. It has no I.S., Iso 100 or 200 or nothing, terrible AF, horrible battery life, poor screen (and no evf) and many other negatives. Apparently, when it nails it, the IQ at ISO 100 or 200 makes up for its many shortcomings. I like a challenge.....

alcelc wrote:

In terms of LX100, its sole advantage is its fast regular zoom the size ofwhich is impossible for regular M43s'.

The big draw of the LX100 for me (GX7 owner here, contemplating an LX100 as a second camera) are the 4k photo, 4k video, and stabilized video with fast apertures unattainable on an m43 zoom+body.

Voldenuit wrote:

alcelc wrote:

In terms of LX100, its sole advantage is its fast regular zoom the size ofwhich is impossible for regular M43s'.

The big draw of the LX100 for me (GX7 owner here, contemplating an LX100 as a second camera) are the 4k photo, 4k video, and stabilized video with fast apertures unattainable on an m43 zoom+body.

Agreed and sorry to have overlook the 4K because I don't have particular interest in it.