Upgraded to DMC-G7 from DMC-G10

The G10, about 5 years ago, was a slightly defeatured G2.

I upgraded to the G7 when its price dropped to $599 on sale.  I've heard it is now at least sometimes even lower with the kit lens, which makes it a certified bargain in my opinion.

Obviously changes from the G10 to G7 include

1) 16MP, up from 12MP

2) Fully articulating LCD screen

3) Higher resolution LCD and EVF

4) Eye sensor - automatically switches from LCD to EVF

6) WiFi controllable

7) Big one: 4K photo modes, and 4K video capture

Many more new features, reassignable controls, double control wheels, very nicely thought out control layout and still familiar menu operation.

I have taken enough pictures with it to know:

1) With the G10, ISO 800 shots typically required luminance noise reduction up at about 35 to really subdue noise (using PSE 14's ACR). I bought the 25mm f/1.4 lens so that I could shoot at f/1.4 in dim light and use ISO 400.  With the G7, I have shot at ISO 1600 using the 14-140mm II zoom - I wanted the flexibility and I knew I would have to use ISO 1600 due to losing at least 3 f stops, from 1.4 to 4. I was very pleasantly surprised to see that the luminance noise reduction needed was only about 25, about what I'd often use for ISO 400 with the G10.  Of course, your opinion may vary from mine but I am VERY happy with the improvement.  I haven't tried it yet, but I believe ISO 3200 should be very usable.

2) The new 14-42mm kit lens that came with the G7 is smaller and lighter than the 14-42mm kit lens that came with the G10. It takes a smaller filter!  Although I appreciate the 14-140 zoom, that little, light, kit lens is very appealing and the image quality is very good, surprisingly good.  I can see myself using it. I almost never used the kit lens for the G10.

3) I have used the WiFi, with the Panasonic Image App, on an Android phone (Motorola Droid Turbo).  Using WiFi is not the most straightforward thing to do, but once you get connected to the camera (instead of your usual WiFi network) it works well!  You can see what the viewfinder shows, and control the camera; and you can review pictures and download (fairly small) JPEGs to your phone.

4) The articulating LCD has already turned out to be useful.

5) I have not tried 4K photo modes but I have seen results from others, it works like an 8MP 30 fps burst mode.  This means an almost "perfect moment" 8MP still is almost guaranteed. I've seen pictures of birds that would have required extreme luck without this feature.

6) Time lapse photography built in.  Not everything an astrophotographer might want (max 60 second exposure) but really cool for any better lit use!

I think the G7 has the same 16MP sensor as the GX7. I realize that the GX8 has a newer 20MP sensor.  However, the GX8 costs approximately double what the G7 costs now, and I really wanted the G7's form factor (with EVF).  The G7 is not weatherproof.  Neither was the G10, it was  not a problem in my five years of use.

In conclusion: This was the camera I wanted, at a price point that no other camera in this form factor is close to.  If you have $500 to spend, not $1000 or more, the G7 is (I believe) your only choice in this form factor. Even if you do have $1000 to spend you really should take a good look at the G7.

In my ratings below I will try to be as honest as possible, not a fan boy. I'm not sure what EVF camera I would give a really high rating for Action/Sports, so please understand that the OK there is not for the G7 uniquely, but that I would probably give that to any EVF camera.