The more new cameras that come out the more I appreciate my GX85

I take primarily candids and sports video with my camera so use this as a guide.

When I bought the GX85 as my first serious camera in a long time.  I new it was the most feature rich camera in that size at that time.  (The only reason I didn’t get the GX8 is because it wouldn’t do in camera charging).  That said the only features I really want are bigger sensor, better focusing, improved handling, mic jack, weather sealing, and bluetooth.  Even the GX9 doesn’t offer the last two.

BUT think about everything else that the GX85 offers:

in camera charging, 5 axis IBIS (even during 4k video), 4k video/30p, real time 1080p/60 video cropping with no loss, in camera RAW processing, on camera flash AND a flash shoe, a battery that is common to multiple cameras (LX100, ZS100, ZS200, GX7,85,9), battery life is decent, UNLIMITED video recording time.  All this in a range finder style body.

And one of the issues I have with the GX85, focus speed, is actually improved with the better lenses.

So whats the point of all this?  I have seen many cameras released since I have purchased the GX85, and nothing really surpasses this feature set in a range finder body.  The XE3 no IBIS, G1Xm3 no 4k and soft lens not a range finder, x100f no 4k or ibis, xf10 no flash shoe or real 4k, zs200 no flash shoe slow lens, lx100ii no mic and no improved dust protection.

These are all cameras I have considered upgrading to, and when I shoot with my GX85 I think I am crazy to consider anything else.  Change the lens get a different device...
BCL 15 turns the GX85 into a sunny day point and shoot.
PL15 f1.7 turns it into a mini Leica Q.
Lumix 12-60 turns it into a great hybrid camera for video and photos.
PL15 - 42 f1.7 turns it into the perfect travel kit. (sub the 35-100 f4 if you want to zoom)
Thanks for the time.

You are very correct in what you state about the GX80/GX85. I have the same camera and this was despite owning a LX100.

The GX80 coupled with the 12-32 kit lens makes it a beast of a camera at the price it is sold at, circa £350-£400 in the UK. I was able to pick mine up for £309 brand new with a 2 year warranty.

Prior to making the purchase I was looking at the Em5 M2, G80/G85 and the Gx8 also but as soon as the GX80 went on offer I snapped it up.

I recently played with the GX9 though I have no need for the features it has I did like the grip of the camera, so much more comfortable.

Photography, for me is a hobby so I can't justify spending thousands on bodies and lenses.

Let's see what Panasonic bring to Photokina, a G90 is rumoured.

EGuitarStar wrote:

You are very correct in what you state about the GX80/GX85. I have the same camera and this was despite owning a LX100.

The GX80 coupled with the 12-32 kit lens makes it a beast of a camera at the price it is sold at, circa £350-£400 in the UK. I was able to pick mine up for £309 brand new with a 2 year warranty.

Prior to making the purchase I was looking at the Em5 M2, G80/G85 and the Gx8 also but as soon as the GX80 went on offer I snapped it up.

I recently played with the GX9 though I have no need for the features it has I did like the grip of the camera, so much more comfortable.

Photography, for me is a hobby so I can't justify spending thousands on bodies and lenses.

Let's see what Panasonic bring to Photokina, a G90 is rumoured.

The LX100 is what brought me to Panasonic, but when I got the GX85 with the prime, it was hard to stay with the LX100.  That said if the new version was weather proof with a mic jack I would have one.