GX8.... the lens whisper

Started off with a GX85 about 3 years ago.  Back then I was really debating which m43 camera to get Olympus, GX8, G7, etc...  but the GX85 won out because of the 5 stabilization, and in camera charging, but the GX8 was a close second.

Fast forward to today, and I picked up like new GX8 at a great price.  I have my favorite lens the 20 f1.7 and the 35-100 f4.  These are really sharp lenses and give me the flexibility to capture 99% of what I am interested in.

I pop the 20 onto the GX8 and shoot a few pictures in auto mode, and the pictures look a bit better, but not so much so that I am wowed.  I try the other lenses I have the 15 f1.7, 42.5 f1.7 again better pictures but nothing that wows.  Camera feels good, and the view finder is INSANELY good compared to the GX85, but I am still debating selling the GX8 because its not THAT much better than the GX8.
Then I put my 12-32 on and I am blown away by the clarity and sharpness that I am seeing.  I counted this lens as a disposable lens, but NOW?  it looks great! Much better than the point and shoots, and even the EOS M I had a few years back. The 12-60 f3.5 is a similar experience. I put the 14 2.5 on, again, very sharp, and low noise pictures even at the higher ISOs.  Lastly...  I put on the BCL 15, and yes even this low level lens NOW produces indoor pictures that are useable.

This GX8 deserves all the praise it gets and I see why people are disappointed with the GX9.  Add the EVF, 3.5 jack, and the weather sealling to the GX9 and that is probably the best street camera out.

Just a thought, but have you loaded the latest firmware upgrade ?

I can also recommend the GX8 guide from Wim Arys @ https://www.wimarys.com/panasonic-lumix-gx8-settings-tips-and-tricks/

dabhand wrote:

Just a thought, but have you loaded the latest firmware upgrade ?

I can also recommend the GX8 guide from Wim Arys @ https://www.wimarys.com/panasonic-lumix-gx8-settings-tips-and-tricks/

Thank you so much dabhand!  I have firmware 2.0 loaded, I will check for a new version.

Latest GX8 firmware is v.2.2.  Probably worth updating, but it won't improve IQ.

Regarding your evaluation of results of shooting the GX8 with different lenses, perhaps you should look at whether your shots are using the e-shutter or the mechanical shutter.  The GX8 is often criticized for shutter shock.  Though I think it's mostly a bad rap (I only noticed it with the 14-140 v.II lens), your results might differ.

brentbrent wrote:

Latest GX8 firmware is v.2.2. Probably worth updating, but it won't improve IQ.

Regarding your evaluation of results of shooting the GX8 with different lenses, perhaps you should look at whether your shots are using the e-shutter or the mechanical shutter. The GX8 is often criticized for shutter shock. Though I think it's mostly a bad rap (I only noticed it with the 14-140 v.II lens), your results might differ.

I use both mechanical and electronic shutter and the results were both better than the GX85.

I totally agree, Gave my GX85 to my daughter at Christmas and purchased a "like new" GX8 for $600 and have not looked back. Just the confidence that the larger grip of the GX8 gives me and how it feels in my hand makes for a big improvement to me and allows me to use the midsized zooms and still feel comfortable. I am really enjoying the GX8.

It is a great little gem for sure. Had mine for 3 years and still love it. I have looked at the G9 and GH5, but don't feel they are enough of an upgrade for my purposes. I would rather buy an additional GX8.

I think Panasonic is missing out on an opportunity giving this camera a true successor. Just add better IBIS, a better shutter and throw in a few other changes (button moves ect) and they have a winner I think a lot of people would buy it.

It is the most enjoyable camera I have ever used.

RnF wrote:

It is a great little gem for sure. Had mine for 3 years and still love it. I have looked at the G9 and GH5, but don't feel they are enough of an upgrade for my purposes. I would rather buy an additional GX8.

I think Panasonic is missing out on an opportunity giving this camera a true successor. Just add better IBIS, a better shutter and throw in a few other changes (button moves ect) and they have a winner I think a lot of people would buy it.

It is the most enjoyable camera I have ever used.

Absolutely!

RnF wrote:

[The GX8] is a great little gem for sure. Had mine for 3 years and still love it. I have looked at the G9 and GH5, but don't feel they are enough of an upgrade for my purposes. I would rather buy an additional GX8.

The G9's IBIS, lack of AA filter, improved shutter, great ergonomics, and some other features/improvements convinced me to buy it.  I'm holding on to my GX8, too, but I wouldn't buy an additional one

I think Panasonic is missing out on an opportunity giving this camera a true successor.

I agree,  A true successor to the GX8 would be great.

A couple of Panasonic cameras that apparently didn't sell all that well when released (GM5 and GX8) have turned out to have quite a cult following!

Finally getting comfortable with this camera and my goodness this thing is a beast when it comes simplifying shooting great photos. Handling is better, and more importantly I can use the tiny 14mm f2.5 to to shoot surprisingly sharp photos, as sharp as my 20mm f1.7.

The dynamic range is also better with the GX8 as is lower noise at higher iso.

I do miss the tilt screen and the video steadiness of the from the GX85, but otherwise this is an all around better experience.  Not sure I would have appreciated the GX8 without my year and half with the GX85, so the GX85 did serve its purpose.

Exact;y!