Pen F vs GX9

Hi guys,

I'm new here and hoping for some advice. I am ready to enter the MFT system with either the Panasonic GX9 or the Olympus Pen F.

I shoot mostly street and travel photography. I shoot lots of architecture and some landscapes. I prefer wide angles. I occasionally want to shoot birds in flight. Mostly, I make minimalist, colorful compositions.

instagram.com/keithpictures

I've been using my iPhone for a couple years after ditching my Canon 5D (and Contax G2) in New York, from where I received an MFA in photography and video.

Both of these cameras offer me:
- compact, fun street/travel packages with small lenses
- terrific stabilization
- 20mp MFT sensor

Reasons for the GX9:
- Great minimalist feel
- Tilting screen and EVF (which doesn't bother me at all) for quick framing
- Clear controls and menu operation
- 4K video for moving images (not videography, but silent cinematography)
- cheaper price

Reasons for the Pen F
- Super stylish
- Olympus feature of keystone correction, since I shoot a lot of architecture
- 50 Mp high resolution mode (for buildings, though I know it's a bit dodgy)

Both of these cameras have bad press. Neither have weather sealing, which is too bad. I know neither will be great for birds in flight, since they're not action cameras. I tried out a Sony a6500 and was super disappointed. I don't want a Sony, and those lenses are too big.

I've been leaning toward the GX9 because it does speak to me. No one seems to sing its praises, though, and it seems like Panasonic in general is not well regarded. I can't figure out why - all the reviewers complain about the EVF, but that's it. Everyone loves the earlier model, the GX7 mark II ( GX85 ), but no one gushes about the GX9. Am I missing something?
The Pen F is also mocked for being too much style over substance, but seems highly regarded as a lovely, fun object nonetheless. Do you agree? How bad is the auto-focus? No reviewer talks about the keystone feature. I'm curious if it works well. Any experiences out there?

The point is to get out and take pictures, so I'm wondering if the Pen F will encourage me to use my iPhone less or not. None of my local stores carry it, so I haven't been able to try it out.

All thoughts appreciated!

Some people (including reviewers) wanted a successor to the GX8, and the GX9 isn't that.

Nevertheless it is a fine camera, especially for the travel role.

Mark

Some people (including reviewers) wanted a successor to the GX8, and the GX9 isn't that.

Nevertheless it is a fine camera, especially for the travel role.

I wonder if it would get the praise it deserves if Panasonic stuck to the Japanese naming convention and simply called it the GX7 mark III. Some of the bad press definitely feels like Panasonic shooting itself in the foot.

That said, I agree that it should have carried over some of the more important features of the GX8; namely: the OLED viewfinder (in the smaller size) and weather sealing. Those two minor points would silence many critics.

FWIW, one of my favorite features of the Pen-F (which is only shared on MFT by more expensive bodies) is that it has 4 custom settings on the mode dial. I would find it difficult to get by without that feature, which is why I own two Pen-Fs (one black, one silver). I find it to be a very enjoyable camera to shoot with, as long as you're not shooting fast action or using large lenses. I think it's a much more capable camera than is given credit.

Gave up GX8 for GX9 - excellent little camera especially for street which has a minimum shutter speed setting in aperture priority mode and I can live with the viewfinder - do not miss any GX8 IQ and can live without excellent viewfinder.

my 10 cents...

Keithpictures wrote:

Reasons for the GX9:
- Great minimalist feel
- Tilting screen and EVF (which doesn't bother me at all) for quick framing
- Clear controls and menu operation
- 4K video for moving images (not videography, but silent cinematography)
- cheaper price

Reasons for the Pen F
- Super stylish
- Olympus feature of keystone correction, since I shoot a lot of architecture
- 50 Mp high resolution mode (for buildings, though I know it's a bit dodgy)

I would say, if you really need 4K video, go with the GX9. If not, Pen F is IMHO a much better choice. Hi-res and keystone compensation are both very useful for architecture, live composite can also be quite useful feature, and there are other interesting features as well (like using auto ISO with manual aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials).

You can also wait a couple of months, to see what new small cameras will Olympus introduce.

Hey thanks man, for the encouragement and perspective.

I've ordered the GX9. I just feel some FOMO about the PEN F, which seems to be a lovely and adored camera. I feel the need to somehow try it out before forgetting about it, as I've already done with APS-C cameras.

Good to know you enjoy Panasonics 👍

FWIW, one of my favorite features of the Pen-F (which is only shared on MFT by more expensive bodies) is that it has 4 custom settings on the mode dial. I would find it difficult to get by without that feature, which is why I own two Pen-Fs (one black, one silver). I find it to be a very enjoyable camera to shoot with, as long as you're not shooting fast action or using large lenses. I think it's a much more capable camera than is given credit.

Custom settings are definitely worth considering. It's a drawback that the GX9 has just one, and puts a bunch of unnecessary stuff on its mode dial instead. TBH I'd prefer the Fuji style of classic dials, which the LX100 has.

Why do you have two PENs? Do you customize each one differently?

I like your website a lot. Which camera did you shoot most of your work with?

I have a PEN-F and GX85.  For traveling, definitely the PEN-F.

For sporting events(high school basketball), GX85 because its AF-S is faster and more accurate.  I also shoot in 4k photo mode and that's the main reason for the purchase.

Okapi001 wrote:

features as well (like using auto ISO with manual aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials).

I think the GX9 also has that capability (unlike previous Panasonic models).

Mark

Okapi001 wrote:

Keithpictures wrote:

Reasons for the GX9:
- Great minimalist feel
- Tilting screen and EVF (which doesn't bother me at all) for quick framing
- Clear controls and menu operation
- 4K video for moving images (not videography, but silent cinematography)
- cheaper price

Reasons for the Pen F
- Super stylish
- Olympus feature of keystone correction, since I shoot a lot of architecture
- 50 Mp high resolution mode (for buildings, though I know it's a bit dodgy)

I would say, if you really need 4K video, go with the GX9. If not, Pen F is IMHO a much better choice. Hi-res and keystone compensation are both very useful for architecture, live composite can also be quite useful feature, and there are other interesting features as well (like using auto ISO with manual aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials).

You can also wait a couple of months, to see what new small cameras will Olympus introduce.

Well this definitely makes me really consider the PEN. Do you suppose a new PEN F will come out any time in the next year? One nice thing about the GX9 is that it's brand new, so it's more future-proofed.

I think I need to get my hands on a PEN F to really understand it myself.

Keithpictures wrote:

Well this definitely makes me really consider the PEN. Do you suppose a new PEN F will come out any time in the next year? One nice thing about the GX9 is that it's brand new, so it's more future-proofed.

It may be brand new, but apart from the 4k video, there are no other technological advantages of being a more recent model.

There are rumours Olympus will annouce three new models in January 2019, one of them presumably a new Pen model. Not sure when will be available, though.

Okapi001 wrote:

Keithpictures wrote:

Well this definitely makes me really consider the PEN. Do you suppose a new PEN F will come out any time in the next year? One nice thing about the GX9 is that it's brand new, so it's more future-proofed.

It may be brand new, but apart from the 4k video, there are no other technological advantages of being a more recent model.

There are rumours Olympus will annouce three new models in January 2019, one of them presumably a new Pen model. Not sure when will be available, though.

Regarding modern tech, Bluetooth is the feature I was thinking of specifically. I definitely want to geotag each shot easily, and have the low-power connection always on. Also support for UHS SD cards. I suppose that's specifically important for video.

Also, the stabilization has always been strong for Olympus, but IBIS counts in this category for the GX.

It'll be great to see what updates the PEN F will get. Another factor that dissuades me actually is the articulating screen. I'm a little surprised they employed that when it's not exactly a video camera. Do you like facing it to yourself or to the side? The tilting screen is a nice point about the Pany.

I guess you don't have AF problems with the PEN F? So many reviews mention this..

Both great cameras I would assume GX9 is cheaper.  You should handle them in person as you may taking a liking one way or another. The IQ is more or less the same, PEN-F probably has better features on stills, GX9 better video, its all down to how it makes you feel.

For me PEN-F all the way

Not sure why there is a post asking for opinions on these 2 cameras, and in about 3 hours you already ordered one. Seems like you already wanted to order it and just wanted 2 people to bless the purchase or something.

Not saying you made the right or the wrong choice. You will decide. Might be a positive or a negative experience and decision.

The Pen-F is a GREAT camera if used in its limits. It is VERY customizable and CAN do a lot IN CAMERA. Again, all that is a wonderful feature if that is what you want to do. Keep in mind that you could shoot images on it in RAW and then convert that RAW to ANY of the myriad of artful options, IN THE CAMERA.

It is very stylish and feels great in my hand anyway. Toss on the 12mm f/2.0, the 17mm f/1.8, the 25mm f/1.8, 45 f/1.8, or 75mm f/1.8 and the thing can sing and be a great tool. You could put a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 on there and love it. It has so MANY options with primes and some zooms too that is a very good purchase, no matter any negative reviews about its ability, or lack of, doing C-AF or shooting birds or fast moving kids.

In the end, I think you ordered way too quick, and ordered the wrong one, but that is my opinion. Your opinion may be different, but I'll have to swap to know.

Keithpictures wrote:

Also support for UHS SD cards. I suppose that's specifically important for video.

For 4k video, which Pen F doesn't support.

It'll be great to see what updates the PEN F will get. Another factor that dissuades me actually is the articulating screen. I'm a little surprised they employed that when it's not exactly a video camera. Do you like facing it to yourself or to the side? The tilting screen is a nice point about the Pany.

I  often use the screen in reverse position, for additional protection while the camera is in the bag.

I guess you don't have AF problems with the PEN F? So many reviews mention this..

No, I only use S-AF, which is very fast and accurate.

The problem with so many reviews is that many reviewers don't really use the camera in "real life", to achieve real results (not just for a few test shots during the usually quite short review period). How often do you see really good photos (not just properly exposed and focused) in such reviews?