Which would you prefer: GX7 or GX85?

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

Me personally GX80 by a wide margin - have had both. New tech - it is GX7-II in Japan. Fair to say there are some features which some miss like tiltable EVF flash synchro etc. and some more. However new feaures (if nothing else then new shutter and IBIS) made it for me.

I prefer the GX7, it's a better camera for my personal preferences and usage.

For me the biggest thing is the difference in flash sync speed - 1/320s vs. 1/160s. I shoot macro with flash and that extra stop of shutter speed can make the difference between a sharp and blurred shot.

There are a few other things, like the lack of ability to control an external TTL flash using the pop-up flash on the GX85. To me that's one of the main things that a built in flash is useful for.

I also prefer the ergonomics of the GX7, it simply feels better in my hand and the tilting EVF is occasionally useful.

I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with my GX7, but the GX85 doesn't do much to fix the things I dislike about it. The only new feature I'd really like from the GX85 is focus bracketing.

I thought I'd buy the GX80 to replace the GX7. But I find that each has its own attractions and I have kept them both. It means I have a good back-up camera as well as two similar designs so they don't confuse me. Well, not much.

Maggie

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

I had GX7, given to my wife and upgraded to GX85, later my wife loves GX85 and exchange GX7 with my GX85... Looking forward to upgrade GX7 to GX95 (if any)  . Simply speaking, GX7 is my main camera recently.

If GX85 has the same tiltable evf as GX7, GX85 would be a hand down winner (compared to GX7) because of:

• New shutter,
• Dual IS for compatible lenses and IBIS for non OIS lenses,
• Stabilized 4K and 1080 video,
• DFD enable,
• 4K video as well as 4K-Photo, of course the Post Focus and in-camera focus stacking ability,
• Because of the new feature Operation Switch, the front and back wheel can each controls 2 parameters instead of 1 (looking like 4 wheels system),
• 4 bracketing modes including the most interesting Focus bracketing in additional to the normal Exposure bracketing (also f/stop and WB bracketing as well),
• No AA filter making its images sharper than those from GX7,
• Improved algorithm or what making ISO 6400 of GX85 close to ISO 3200 of GX7. So GX85 can use ISO 3200 without much hesitation,
• Zebra alert, Focus Peaking etc just make GX85 be more enjoyable to use.

The only strength of GX7 is of it's cheaper cost (GX85 is very cost friendly already). For 8 bits jpeg shooter, the 12 bits e-shutter of GX7 vs 10 bits of GX85 might not be a concern at all.

Therefore, IMHO if on a tight budget, or don't wish to spend too much at the present moment for whatsoever reason (wait for new model, backup etc), GX7 is an excellent cost/performance option. Otherwise, GX85 is an obvious choice.

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

This is an interesting question to me because my GX80 (EU version of the GX85) arrived only this morning! I have used a GX7 mainly for photography but also as a "B-roll" video camera. I'm starting to use 4K more and more and wanted a relatively cheap camera to carry on this function while being capable of 4K. I was also attracted by the IBIS in video mode and better all round stabilization. I wanted to be able to try them both side by side before deciding whether to sell my GX7 or not.

First impressions are mostly very good I have to say:

• Much snappier operation than the GX7. Instant startup and no lag while reviewing shots or clips. Virtually instantaneous SAF focusing with a lens like the 12-35 f2.8.
• I thought I would miss the focus mode switch, but focus mode can be assigned to one of the function buttons, making it only slightly less convenient.
• Stabilizer works well in video mode.

Things I don't like as much:

• Grip is much smaller than on the GX7, though I will get used to it.
• Shutter button and surrounding front dial moved slightly, so it is level with the mode dial and not on the slightly higher top plate. Also the front dial seems slightly stiffer.
• No remote release socket. (Wi-fi app can be used instead.)
• Only one custom setting position on the mode dial. Others available via the touch screen.
• I might miss the tilt up EVF on the GX7. Against this, the fixed EVF projects abount 1/4 inch less from the body and I did find the tilting EVF sometimes would snag when taking out of a bag etc - a minor issue.

Overall though the two cameras are quite similar in look and feel. The much reduced grip on the GX80 along with the fixed EVF slim it down a little. I have yet to see whether removal of the anti-aliasing filter from the sensor makes a visible difference.

For me, I think the extra features and the faster operation mean I will keep the GX80. Undecided at the moment whether to sell the GX7 as it's a camera I like very much. I probably will let it go in time as I don't really need two similar cameras!

larsbc wrote:

alcelc wrote:

• Improved algorithm or what making ISO 6400 of GX85 close to ISO 3200 of GX7. So GX85 can use ISO 3200 without much hesitation,

Looking at Dpreview's comparison shots at ISO 6400 and 3200, in raw and jpeg, I don't see that difference at all.

So bad you can't see the difference. On my first batch of tested images from GX85, I was impressed by its improvement from GX7. YMMV.

• Zebra alert, Focus Peaking etc just make GX85 be more enjoyable to use.

FWIW, the GX7 also has focus peaking.

Sorry, my bad.

The only strength of GX7 is of it's cheaper cost (GX85 is very cost friendly already). For 8 bits jpeg shooter, the 12 bits e-shutter of GX7 vs 10 bits of GX85 might not be a concern at all.

The GX7 has other advantages but I think for most people, the GX85 comes out on top in terms of pros and cons.

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

In one word - IBIS

I expect that I'd prefer the '85 bit the gx7 is more affordable, and right now that's big. I would need to buy more stuff to see 4k at its best (monitor and TV) so HD is plenty good. What I wish for most are weather seals and the shutter update, so my dream camera is still just that. For now the gx7 and a better bank balance are my best option.

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

p.s. if you're interested - I just posted my initial impressions review of the GX85

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59437903

Went straight from GX7 to GX8, and kept the GX7 - well, am giving it to my son. Also have the GM5.

GX85 seemed a step backwards in some ways - non-tilting EV, 10 bit output with electronic shutter. The changes to  the GX85 were not so important to me as to what the GX8 offers.

F.

GX7's mechanical shutter goes to 1/8000 vs 1/4000 on GX85.  GX7 has a metal body - not necessarily superior for durability, but it has a substantial feel.  Someone here has commented that although the EVF specs are identical, s/he found the GX7's to be superior - I can't speak to that.

The GX85 certainly has some improvements, but for me personally, not enough to switch from the GX7, and maybe not enough to choose it over the GX7 if I owned neither of them.

Had the GX7 after the G5, then got a GX85.  Returned the GX85 for the G85 - absolutely prefer the G85 EVF (much larger image, much higher eyepoint for this eyeglass wearer), and love the larger grip.  The grip size is GX85 < GX7 <<< G85.  Also, althpough for 3 years I loved the GX7 rangefinder style, at the end of the day the centered 'SLR' style of the G5 and G85 just feels so much easier to me.  The dual IBIS of the G85, larger battery and numerous control dials also makes for an easier shooting experience.  Having said that, the removal of the anti-aliasing filter from the GX85 and G85 sensors makes for a great increase in feather and fur detail.  Now looking to sell the GX7 as I don't plan on it for a second body.

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

I choose the gx8 over the gx85 mainly because of its tilting EVF which I consider a must for these type rangefinder cameras. With gx85 I am sure I would not be able to fit my nose and my left eye to this small body

Lloyd B wrote:

If you have a GX7, will you let it go for the GX85? Which of the two would you prefer? Any advantages of the GX7 over GX85 and vise versa?

Cuts out any hint of shutter shock. The GX7 (and I have one and love it) can do SS with some lenses at some shutter speeds.

On the other hand, I think the grip of the GX7 is better and the GX85 suffers from the built-in flash not being able to act as a trigger for other flashes using RC although an accessory flash in the flash shoe can do so. Crazy -- someone in the design department was out to lunch at a crucial moment! The GX7 built-in flash can be the trigger flash for RC flashes.