Pen F vs GX9

First, please use paragraphs. Second, proofread - you compare the GX9 to the GX9 at least a few times.

Gwynedd wrote:

gustabod wrote:

I have both, same purpose as you describe. the Pen f for about 18 months, the GX9 just recently (I wanted a smaller body and was almost set to buy a Sony RX100V, but the ability to change lenses and use those panaleica primes swayed me). I also own, and kept, a GX8.

I find the GX9 the more flexible option, with the ability to shoot at waist level, simpler control set up, lighter body. The Pen F is prettier, granted, but somehow more cumbersome, to my way of using. I shoot mostly RAW, the "film emulation" didn't do it. Both deliver good enough image quality, but still suffer from that micro 4/3 "flatness" - not an issue for you coming from a phone.

I will probably get rid of the PenF soon, the Panny is my swiss army knife for travel.

regards

That MFT "flatness" is such a genuine problem. Using the very best lenses like the 75 1.8 and the Leica Nocticron helps but it's still an issue. It's a shame Oly won't go FF because I love their design philosophy.

-

That flatness issue disappears when you step away from the brick walls and taped-to-the-wall newspapers.

Try it. Maybe get a cat.

Gary Martin wrote:

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.

Here's a tip:

The E-P5 and E-M10 mk II let you assign custom modes to the otherwise useless stuff on the mode dial like the "Art" mode.

But then Olympus dumbed-down the mk III version of the E-M10 and took that feature away. Boo!

JPrice wrote:

Just Saying . . . . I replaced a Pen F with a GX9, which I replaced with a Pen F.

Both cameras are excellent and both take marvelous photos . . . The Pen F, however is, to me, MUCH more fun to shoot with and I am MUCH more "proud" to take it out in public . . . It just looks better . . . and it looks more like a "fine" camera.

It's better to NOT stand out.  But again, if what you want is to have the camera be part of your looks and dress, sure, the PenF wins hands down.  If you want to do street photography I think the GX9 has the better looks.

That said, Panasonic has really disappointed me with the rear dials catching a bit of dust and the dial becomes "jumpy" and nervous.  It's too bad because their fake leather doesn't fall off like Olympus usually does on me (my penF thumbnail rest fake leather fell off).

7 months ago the OP bought a GX9.  Sorry you missed it.

James Pilcher wrote:

Well, it appears you've already ordered the GX9, less than three hours after your original post. I was going to extoll the virtues (and drawbacks) of the Pen F, which I've owned for 2-1/2 years. No point now.

Honestly, I wish you the very best with your purchase. Let us know when you decide to switch to the Pen F! You know you will.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Life is good in the woods

Of course there is a point now... people like me, reading this thread 5 months later trying to decide which body will be my second...