I'm buying an m43 despite m43 death rumors!

I've had a lot of cameras and still have 2 "Systems", Sony APS-C, and m43 My favorite is m43.

The best case I can make for m43 is my G9 w/100-400mm lens. Where else can you get 800mm equiv zoom in a package that is easily carried?

I predict you will be happy with your purchase.

Jack

I don’t feel that I am making any compromises with my M4/3 gear because it is satisfying my needs.

In fact the main issue is a surfeit of camera bodies that I truly like.  I would next best buy a GX9 but I already have a GX7 which is too good to retire and a GX85 which I hold in high regard and a G9 which is wonderful kit.  So it gets not to an “upgrade” but an “add-to” situation as I don’t really have any Panasonic bodies that I am not out of love wth.

What a problem ....

But I might buy an S1/S1R somewhere down the track but only to adapt my existing crop of EF lenses to.

photoholiko wrote:

Why? at my age I may die before m43 does.

I will be doing some serious travelling in 2019 and I have been looking for a walk around camera upgrade to supplement my present travel kit (Canon 70D + 10-18, 18-55 & 55-250). I was considering the Sony A6300, Panasonic GX9 and Olympus E-PL9. Based on price and features I decided on the GX85, it came in at under $600 USD and included two kit lenses, a 12-32 and 45-150. I'm aware of the compromise I am making compared to my other choices but I like the features it offers and price was definitely a factor, it will replace my E-PL1 and Pentax Q7, though I may take the Q7 along as well.

Congratulations on the upgrade.  MFT is not for everyone.  HOWEVER, being that you have photo skills with a DSLR, you should find the MFT more capable than what others may think.  What you'll really notice is the IBIS or DUAL IS, it's a game changer that nobody other than MFT users know about.

I will start testing it when it arrives next week by simulating the types of scenery I will encounter in my travels.

If some of you use the GX85 and either of the lenses I mentioned, any comments will be appreciated.

IME with GX85 and the 2 kit lenses is, you can use them in any daylight condition, and even some low light conditions because of the DUAL IS ability of that camera.  Both are super sharp through the zoom range.   The 12-32 has a plastic mount, and no manual focus ring which drives me nuts.  But the Contrast DFD AF is super fast and accurate, even in lower light than most DSLRs.  People mock the contrast AF, but you'll soon find that the Panasonic DFD AF will be faster and more accurate in low light especially with f/1.7 lenses.  By the way, if you have the funds, check out the PanLeica 15mm f/1.7, and the Panasonic 42.5 f/1.7.  They are super sharp, and AF super fast and accurate in very low light.  And they both have super light and smooth focus rings which make one handed operation a breeze.  Having both allows you to shoot in very low light conditions.  Plus, they are small enough to carry in the pocket.  It's what I use during the night in the city, and anywhere there is almost no light.

As for the 45-150, it has a metal mount and is built with weather sealing.  Once you get that lens, check the lens firmware updates.  With the Panasonic, the DFD AF relies on the lens to work with camera for fast AF and stabilizaton with DUAL IS.  Unlike DSLRs where the lens profile is updated to the camera, with Panasonic, the lens firmware is updated to the lens.  Each Panasonic lens has a specific firmware dedicated to that specific lens.  Your 12-32 should have the latest firmware update but the 45-150 may not.  Thus, check the Panasonic online to learn how to check and update the lens firmware.  It will make a difference in AF speed, and stabilization.  You may or may not need to update the firmware, but check it to be sure you have the latest update on the 45-150 lens.

Just one more tip for the GX85.  Don't be afraid to shoot JPG and high ISOs of 3200 and 6400 or higher.  This camera has the ability to shoot high ISO and the new Venus processor, does a great job with low light and NR on JPG files.  And, test out your skills with the DUAL IS to see how long you can hold the shutter open.  The GX85 can do 1/2 to one second shutter hand held standing.  And more than 2x that while sitting.

photoholiko wrote:

Why? at my age I may die before m43 does.

I will be doing some serious travelling in 2019 and I have been looking for a walk around camera upgrade to supplement my present travel kit (Canon 70D + 10-18, 18-55 & 55-250). I was considering the Sony A6300, Panasonic GX9 and Olympus E-PL9. Based on price and features I decided on the GX85, it came in at under $600 USD and included two kit lenses, a 12-32 and 45-150. I'm aware of the compromise I am making compared to my other choices but I like the features it offers and price was definitely a factor, it will replace my E-PL1 and Pentax Q7, though I may take the Q7 along as well.

I will start testing it when it arrives next week by simulating the types of scenery I will encounter in my travels.

If some of you use the GX85 and either of the lenses I mentioned, any comments will be appreciated.

I shoot Nikon (full, APS-C), Olympus, and Panasonic.  Most of the time, I reach for my Olympus cameras.  Portability and usability are my main criteria.  Unless I specifically need the capabilities of some other cameras.

Once the em1x sucks the remaining air from the m4/3 balloon it will be game over! Or better yet, wait til that happens and buy some nice gear at fire sale prices.

Or...ignore all the nonsense and buy and use whatever you enjoy. I suspect anyone with a dimage 7 and a pentax Q in their profile knows well enough how to look past all the hype.

Ps-I still own both too! It always leaves me flummoxed whenever a file from that dimiage comes up and I think it came from a more “refined”, newer camera.