I'm buying an m43 despite m43 death rumors!

What just happened... I thought DSLRs were at their last run.  And now M43?  What's next camcorders?

They also told me tubes are so yesterday.

john isaacs wrote:

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.

Same here. I shoot Nikon and Olympus (I started photography in the 70s on Olympus); however, my usage is reversed. I primarily use my Nikon systems, until I took a three-week trip to Australia and realized what a pain it was to lug around two FF Nikon bodies and six-lenses around the country. Now if I get on an airplane to travel, I take the E-M5 and E-M1. The entire travel kit with lenses fit in my Retrospective 7 bag. Big difference.

Dr C, I reach for my tiny ThinkTank Mirrorless Mover 10 for grab-and-go use.

It holds my E-M1 MkI, 14-42 EZ, f/1.8 25, flash, extra batteries and cards.

Weighs practically nothing.

Did I mention that it's tiny? About 5x5.5x6.5 inches.

My full kit with E-M1 MkII and MkI, 12-100, 40-150R, 75-300 MkII, 12-50, 14-42 EZ, f/1.8 25, FTs f/2 50 macro, table tripod, etc, etc, all fits in a small backpack - 6.5x12x10.5 inches. Needless to say, I rarely carry this. I have three other grab-and-go bags for various combinations.

Love the flexibility of this system!

MatMayer wrote:

photoholiko wrote:

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

Used all 3. The 12-32mm is wonderful, don't hesitate. The tele zoom didn't impress me, I much preferred the 12-32's big sister the 35-100mm. Although it is obviously very limited in range. The camera was horrible, especially as the EVF just didn't work because I wear glasses and perhaps it is worse due to astigmatism. If you have that try before you buy. Lots of people seem OK with the EVF.

Personally I would recommend you also hold the G85 (510g), which is far more comfortable, if out of budget the G7 (410g) is a bit less sharp than GX85 (426g) but a joy to hold and use. With the 12-32mm (70g) it is extremely lightweight and there is no need for a camera bag, just a small pouch for the tele zoom. I think even centurions would have no issue carrying around the G7 and 12-32mm hanging off a couple of fingers for hours, with a wrist strap. That's impossible with the GX cameras, they need a neck strap.

I don't doubt the comfort of the grips on the G85 and G7.

But the GX models when mounted with light lenses are certainly light enough to carry on a wrist strap for hours. Perhaps I got used to it from my Nikon 1 days. Or LX-7 days. Etc..

It may not be for everyone but I do it all the time, and in my opinion having a weight dangling from your neck and bouncing on your chest is a far worse way to go.

And if you hate wrist straps, a sling is a way better way to go than a neck strap IMO.