Upgrade to E-P5 or E-M10 mk II or GX80/85 or something else?

So, I asked a while back whether I should pull the trigger on E-P5 to upgrade from my E-PL6. I hesitated and just as I was going to pull the trigger I noticed the 225€ 1500 shutter count E-P5 was sold. Now I feel like I do want a new camera this spring. There's no hurry though. There are bound to be sales and probably even a cashback before or at least during summer.

My main pondering is between E-P5 and E-M10 mark II. I have VF-4 viewfinder and am used to using LCD only whenever it isn't too sunny. This would work fine with E-P5, but I reckon I can probably get almost all I paid for VF-4 back if selling it and maybe I'd actually begin to use VF more if I had one more conveniently available. Overall it also seems that E-M10 II has fairly few features that E-P5 doesn't have. Focus bracketing might be nice I guess. Electronic shutter I have no idea whether I'd use.

The third option is GX80/GX85 (stupid Panasonic naming). I do like the rangefinder form factor, but other than that, I have no real idea how it compares to the Olympus cameras for stills. For example, how good is the IBIS? For video I suppose it's far superior with its 4k capabilities, but video matters very little to me.

E-P5 is currently 300€ new but it's discontinued so the stock is very low. I think that's a pretty good price. Some camera stores sell used ones. Currently there's an approximately 20k shutter count one for sale at 229€, which doesn't feel like worth it especially when the 1500 shutter count camera was cheaper when I failed to pull the trigger.

Both E-M10 mk2 and GX80 cost about 500-550€. I'm not really willing to pay that much for them, but E-M10 mk2 has had a 100€ cashback twice since last June and I bet it'll have that again later. Sales seem to be for kits more often than for bodies though, but then again I might be willing to pay slightly for a kit lens (or 12-40mm f/2.8 if the camera is ever bundled with that like the more expensive versions) as I know I can get a buyer for my E-PL6 with kit lens way easier than without.

So, long story short, does anyone have any insight on this choice? All I really know is that E-M10 mk2 can use my spare battery unlike the others.

Not much to gain, but weight

Miron09 wrote:

Not much to gain, but weight

Not even the 5-axis IBIS, more dials, WIFI, 1/8000s shutter speed on E-P5, electronic shutter on E-M10 mk 2, better LCDs and potentially the integrated EVF? 0s anti shutter shock some people seem to love. I'm personally unsure how many of my botched shots are due to shutter shock so I'm not putting much weight on that myself.

They're also so small cameras that the extra weight doesn't matter to me at all

I know the sensor itself does fine in my E-PL6, but its small size and age do have disadvantages. Of course it's somewhat questionable if they're big enough disadvantages.

If you can sell your VF-4 and effectively knock the price down on the E-M10 mkII or GX85, you are probably close on price.

All three are nice cameras with different strengths and weaknesses.

E-P5 is currently 300€ new

Both E-M10 mk2 and GX80 cost about 500-550€ (minus the sale price of the VF-4)

I prefer using an EVF and the placement of the EVF on the rangefinder style cameras doesn't work for me since I use my left eye.

If I were to have only one camera of the three, it would be the E-M10 MkII since it can take a grip and balance better with my larger lenses. If you don't need that feature and price is important, I'd probably go with a quality used E-P5.

With more uptodate Trupic and sensor. Can be found for USD 200

Miron09 wrote:

With more uptodate Trupic and sensor. Can be found for USD 200

Sadly here E-PL6 tends to be over 200€ new and not that much less even used so E-PL7 prices tend to be even higher. E-PL7 would also feel like a too small upgrade when it has worse IBIS than the alternatives (except maybe GX80? I don't know) and only one physical dial.

I bought my EM10 (2.5 yrs ago) over a E-P5 because I prefer built-in EVF and flash because I know I'll either forget to bring along detachable or lose them.  Secondarily, I like the dSLR look.

I have since upgraded to PEN-F (+GX85).  I do miss the lightweight and smallish size of my EM10.  I also think the EM10ii is a better camera than its predecessor.

If you see yourself dabbling into 4K (both video and 8mp still grabs), then the GX85 is more future-proof.  I complement my PEN-F with one for that reason.  One of my preference for Olympus was its SOOC jpegs.  The GX85 has caught up with my EM10 on that.  The IBIS on the GX85 works fine and when coupled with (most) Panasonic lenses gives me dual OS.  How much better that is over EM10i/ii, I don't know.  Let's just say, I don't notice any as both IBIS systems are good.

In short, I'd choose an EM10ii or GX85 over a E-P5.

I use either an EM 1 or an Epl7, the latter is pocketable.

addlightness wrote:

I bought my EM10 (2.5 yrs ago) over a E-P5 because I prefer built-in EVF and flash because I know I'll either forget to bring along detachable or lose them. Secondarily, I like the dSLR look.

I have since upgraded to PEN-F (+GX85). I do miss the lightweight and smallish size of my EM10. I also think the EM10ii is a better camera than its predecessor.

If you see yourself dabbling into 4K (both video and 8mp still grabs), then the GX85 is more future-proof. I complement my PEN-F with one for that reason. One of my preference for Olympus was its SOOC jpegs. The GX85 has caught up with my EM10 on that. The IBIS on the GX85 works fine and when coupled with (most) Panasonic lenses gives me dual OS. How much better that is over EM10i/ii, I don't know. Let's just say, I don't notice any as both IBIS systems are good.

In short, I'd choose an EM10ii or GX85 over a E-P5.

Thanks especially for the insight on GX85! I feel like Panasonic users are a minority on the forums I read, probably because they're photography forums, and have been really wondering how viable alternative it is.

I'm quite sure that while the prices right now look equivalent, eventually either GX85 or E-M10mk2 will be substantially cheaper than the other due to a sale or a cashback, but I think I'll probably get the one that I can get cheaper than the other faster.

I'm not sure if I missed it but do you have any existing lenses that you'd be keeping to use on your new camera? That might make the decision a bit more clear cut.

I bought a GX80 a month ago due to the £200 cashback and I'm loving it! It's taking a bit of getting used to coming form a Canon APS-C set up but I'm super happy so far! The kit lens is great and I've paired it up with a 35-100mm (New grey import for £115) and the 20mm 1.7 (used for £155). That little lot will hopefully do me for my travel needs - super lightweight and small.

I had a look at the Oly E-M10 II as the 5 axis stabilisation seemed to put it way above Panasonic's offerings, but with the GX80 pretty much matching it now then it was an easy decision with the lower price and the fact that Pany lenses tend to be lighter and more compact. Yes they also work on Oly bodies but pair better with native cameras from what I've read.

Elmokki wrote:

addlightness wrote:

I bought my EM10 (2.5 yrs ago) over a E-P5 because I prefer built-in EVF and flash because I know I'll either forget to bring along detachable or lose them. Secondarily, I like the dSLR look.

I have since upgraded to PEN-F (+GX85). I do miss the lightweight and smallish size of my EM10. I also think the EM10ii is a better camera than its predecessor.

If you see yourself dabbling into 4K (both video and 8mp still grabs), then the GX85 is more future-proof. I complement my PEN-F with one for that reason. One of my preference for Olympus was its SOOC jpegs. The GX85 has caught up with my EM10 on that. The IBIS on the GX85 works fine and when coupled with (most) Panasonic lenses gives me dual OS. How much better that is over EM10i/ii, I don't know. Let's just say, I don't notice any as both IBIS systems are good.

In short, I'd choose an EM10ii or GX85 over a E-P5.

Thanks especially for the insight on GX85! I feel like Panasonic users are a minority on the forums I read, probably because they're photography forums, and have been really wondering how viable alternative it is.

That's understandable as we identify each brand with its flagship product.  Panasonic chose to emphasize video with its GH4/5 while Olympus with its EM1i/ii.

I used to religiously upgrade my video recorder (choosing Sony or Canon mostly) until last year when the GX85 was released.  I shoot 90% stills and 10% video.

I'm quite sure that while the prices right now look equivalent, eventually either GX85 or E-M10mk2 will be substantially cheaper than the other due to a sale or a cashback, but I think I'll probably get the one that I can get cheaper than the other faster.

That's a very prudent approach

I plan to use all the lenses I have of course! That said, I'll probably sell the 14-42mm kit lens alongside my E-PL6 and while the Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 is nice, I'm probably eventually going to buy either the Olympus 75-300mm or the Panasonic 100-300mm if I feel like it. My primes, Panasonic 25mm f/1.7, Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and Olympus 60mm, I do plan to keep even in longer run though.

I noticed the £200 cashback on GX85 too late, though I wonder if any reputable company had even shipped to Finland. It seemed like an amazing deal and an amazing cashback since it wasn't tied to the country of the buyer.

If I were to buy a camera right now, at least locally E-M10 mk2 would actually be slightly cheaper. That said, I don't remember seeing any local Panasonic cashbacks on cameras while I really expect E-M10 mk2 to get a 100€ cashback in May or June at latest just like last summer and last Christmas. Then again who knows. Sales by retailers might make a difference as well.

Elmokki wrote:

I plan to use all the lenses I have of course! That said, I'll probably sell the 14-42mm kit lens alongside my E-PL6 and while the Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 is nice, I'm probably eventually going to buy either the Olympus 75-300mm or the Panasonic 100-300mm if I feel like it. My primes, Panasonic 25mm f/1.7, Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and Olympus 60mm, I do plan to keep even in longer run though.

I noticed the £200 cashback on GX85 too late, though I wonder if any reputable company had even shipped to Finland. It seemed like an amazing deal and an amazing cashback since it wasn't tied to the country of the buyer.

If I were to buy a camera right now, at least locally E-M10 mk2 would actually be slightly cheaper. That said, I don't remember seeing any local Panasonic cashbacks on cameras while I really expect E-M10 mk2 to get a 100€ cashback in May or June at latest just like last summer and last Christmas. Then again who knows. Sales by retailers might make a difference as well.

IMO: EM-10 MKII is very small and if you intend to use it comfortably with bigger lenses you have to take into account buying also the ECG-3 grip, so add another 50€ 😉

gipas wrote:

Elmokki wrote:

I plan to use all the lenses I have of course! That said, I'll probably sell the 14-42mm kit lens alongside my E-PL6 and while the Olympus 40-150mm f/4-5.6 is nice, I'm probably eventually going to buy either the Olympus 75-300mm or the Panasonic 100-300mm if I feel like it. My primes, Panasonic 25mm f/1.7, Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and Olympus 60mm, I do plan to keep even in longer run though.

I noticed the £200 cashback on GX85 too late, though I wonder if any reputable company had even shipped to Finland. It seemed like an amazing deal and an amazing cashback since it wasn't tied to the country of the buyer.

If I were to buy a camera right now, at least locally E-M10 mk2 would actually be slightly cheaper. That said, I don't remember seeing any local Panasonic cashbacks on cameras while I really expect E-M10 mk2 to get a 100€ cashback in May or June at latest just like last summer and last Christmas. Then again who knows. Sales by retailers might make a difference as well.

IMO: EM-10 MKII is very small and if you intend to use it comfortably with bigger lenses you have to take into account buying also the ECG-3 grip, so add another 50€ 😉

Well, the other option to view it is this: As far as I know neither E-P5 or GX85 have the option for anything similar. If I ever get a large enough lens for it to be an issue, I wouldn't have to buy a new camera!

Have you given thought to the G80/85 if you like the E-M10 Mk II?   It is another good camera, packed with latest features and a great EVF.

Chas2 wrote:

Have you given thought to the G80/85 if you like the E-M10 Mk II? It is another good camera, packed with latest features and a great EVF.

It looks great, but it seems to be priced more akin to E-M5 MK II which puts it a bit out of my budget range.

Chas2 wrote:

Have you given thought to the G80/85 if you like the E-M10 Mk II? It is another good camera, packed with latest features and a great EVF.

In my opinion, the G80/85 is overall the best value m43 camera, even more when its price will inevitably go down. I forecast that during the next cashback campaign it can be had for less than 400€.

gipas wrote:

Chas2 wrote:

Have you given thought to the G80/85 if you like the E-M10 Mk II? It is another good camera, packed with latest features and a great EVF.

In my opinion, the G80/85 is overall the best value m43 camera, even more when its price will inevitably go down. I forecast that during the next cashback campaign it can be had for less than 400€.

Huh, do you mean GX80/85 instead? If not, how expensive is G80/85 right now where you live? It seems to be 859€ cheapest in Germany and here in Finland the cheapest I could quickly find was around 970€. It'd be pretty amazing to get one for under 400€

I have an E-M10 and am considering an upgrade to a PEN-F. I am puzzled over your statement “I do miss the lightweight and smallish size of my EM10”. I do not have access to a PEN-F but did compare the physical size/weight and the difference is minimal. Can you explain why it is feels smaller?

Earl
Madrid