New camera wanted - replacement for Lumix GX7

I am an amateur photographer, and enjoy taking primarily landscapes. The majority of my photos are during my travels ( I do a lot). I enjoyed having my Lumix GX7 coupled with a very small selection, albeit very OK for my needs, of lenses i.e. Lumix G Vario 12-35 2.8 Mark I (70% of photos), Lumix G20 (about 25% of photos) and Lumix G Vario 45-175 (occasional use, maybe less than 5%).

I am looking for suggestions for changing the camera body, since my GX7 is showing its age and has presented some issues (I have the camera since it came out). I like its form and probably I would not go to something much bigger unless it presents substantial upgrade. My budget is around the 700 but not more than 1000 Euros.

I would be grateful for your suggestions.

ST13 wrote:

I am an amateur photographer, and enjoy taking primarily landscapes. The majority of my photos are during my travels ( I do a lot). I enjoyed having my Lumix GX7 coupled with a very small selection, albeit very OK for my needs, of lenses i.e. Lumix G Vario 12-35 2.8 Mark I (70% of photos), Lumix G20 (about 25% of photos) and Lumix G Vario 45-175 (occasional use, maybe less than 5%).

I am looking for suggestions for changing the camera body, since my GX7 is showing its age and has presented some issues (I have the camera since it came out). I like its form and probably I would not go to something much bigger unless it presents substantial upgrade. My budget is around the 700 but not more than 1000 Euros.

I would be grateful for your suggestions.

I also had the GX7 and absolutely loved it! I know have the GX8 and although in the beginning I found it big, after some time, I like it even more than the GX7 due to the fantastic tilt EVF, the bigger grip and the weather resistance.

If I were to get now a m43 body, I would either look on the GX9 or the GX8. In September we may also see the new EM5 mk3, which is my last hope for replacing my GX8 (unlikely, but you never know...)

You will love the GX8 coming from the Gx7.  I have owned the GX85 and GX9, much prefer the larger grip and wonderful Oled EVF of the GX8. In the US you can obtain a used copy in the $500 USD range. It will be interesting if Panasonic does come out with a true successor to the GX8, I'd be tempted. But for the present, I am very satisfied with the GX8. I believe a bargain at present market pricing for the used models.

ST13 wrote:

I am an amateur photographer, and enjoy taking primarily landscapes. The majority of my photos are during my travels ( I do a lot). I enjoyed having my Lumix GX7 coupled with a very small selection, albeit very OK for my needs, of lenses i.e. Lumix G Vario 12-35 2.8 Mark I (70% of photos), Lumix G20 (about 25% of photos) and Lumix G Vario 45-175 (occasional use, maybe less than 5%).

I am looking for suggestions for changing the camera body, since my GX7 is showing its age and has presented some issues (I have the camera since it came out). I like its form and probably I would not go to something much bigger unless it presents substantial upgrade. My budget is around the 700 but not more than 1000 Euros.

I would be grateful for your suggestions.

IMHO you can´t go wrong with GX9 - there are some differences but not something you wouldn´t get accustomed to soon. When I changed from GX7 to GX85 I was surprised by some things (e.g. changed postion of BBF button), but as I said - one week or so and initial "discomfort" disappeard.

Take advantage of the offer of gx85 plus two lenses for $ 598. I got it a few weeks ago for $ 498, a great bargain!!!

The Panasonic g9 can sometimes be had for a 1000 euro. It’s really a good camera with great stabilization which might benefit a landscape photographer. I’m not familar with the gx9 so I can’t compare those two.

For starters, which style of camera do you like? Are you intent on sticking with the rangefinder style or willing to look at Dslr styled m43rds bodies?

For rangefinder style :

Panasonic GX80/85 or GX9

Olympus Pen F

For Dslr style :

Panasonic G80/85 or G9 (These are a bit bigger, esp. The G9)

Olympus Em10II/EM 10III

Olympus EM 5II

GX80/85

shinndigg wrote:

For starters, which style of camera do you like? Are you intent on sticking with the rangefinder style or willing to look at Dslr styled m43rds bodies?

For rangefinder style :

Panasonic GX80/85 or GX9

Olympus Pen F

For Dslr style :

Panasonic G80/85 or G9 (These are a bit bigger, esp. The G9)

Olympus Em10II/EM 10III

Olympus EM 5II

Thank you for the kind suggestions. I am accustomed to rangefinder style, but I don't mind the DSLR as long as they are not too big. I am split between the gx9 and the new to come G90/95. The later appears to be a very good camera, although as I am not a video guy I will not use its advertised qualities on that front to the full. Opinions?

If you prefer the rangefinder style, is say GX9 or GX85. You're Already accustomed to Panasonic menus, so...

When GX85 is a natural upgrade of GX7 (I did it when GX85 was launched) because of the size and weight factor had eliminated GX8 from my wish list, GX9 could be a more advisable move if I upgrade today from GX7.

Apart from the size and weight, I also found it might not be a good ideal to going back to older hardware standard whereas GX8 fell into such scenario despite it is a premium model of its time, the only WR RF Panny, and has an adorable high quality evf. GX8 was among the last to use the older hardware standard (non floating IBIS sensor, noisy shutter, no IBIS support on video etc...). It is a key consideration of me on using the technology driven mirrorless. GH3 or GH4 had been the flagship at their time. But I don't think people without budget issue will keen to get any of them nowadays.

GX85 has a few, but very major improvement on GX7. True IBIS, Dual IS for 1~2 stops more effective stabilisation, a soft shutter, 4K video and photo, live zebra, 1 stop better high ISO, no AA filter, more bracketing modes, focus stacking, more customizable etc a long list to go...

GX9 has all the goodies of GX85 and a 20Mp sensor for a few more years to go before M43 can move onto more pixel.

If there is no budget issue, I shall go for GX9. If wish to save money on lens, I shall go for GX85.

dinoSnake wrote:

All the recommendations are good, pretty much because all the available Panasonic rangefinder-type cameras are good.

The two question are: what are you looking for, and where are you willing to compromise. Because every single model currently available is a bit of a compromise, in some form or fashion, from the GX7.

The GX8 is the only camera you can still buy new that has the high speed shutter of the GX7. 1/8000 top shutter, 1/250 X-sync, plus best titling viewfinder, 20mp, best 4K video (unlimited length), and other details The compromises are somewhat larger body, no built-in flash, Dual I.S. (not "2"), can have shutter shock with certain lenses.

As GX8 does not use a floating 5-axis sensor, the Dual IS is on a more primitive side than the later DUAL IS of GX85/8, or DUAL IS 2 of G85/95, G9 & GH5. And the IBIS is not video supported IIRC.

GX85 is small and offers Dual I.S. 2 with vibration-reducing shutter, but shutter is 1/4000 & 1/160 X. 16mp and no titling viewfinder, but built-in flash.

Same as GX9, It has DUAL IS only, not DUAL IS-2.

GX9 has 20mp and titling EVF, but the slower electromagnetic shutter and built-in flash. Small body.

So on reach you gain some, you lose some. Opinion? I'm not parting with my own GX7 for now, it's my travel camera when I'm riding my motorcycle. If I had to make a choice? I hate to say it, because it means a bit more difficulty packing, but GX8 - it's the only one that really floored me with its improvements, the other two seem updated but side steps somehow.

ST13 wrote:

I am an amateur photographer, and enjoy taking primarily landscapes. The majority of my photos are during my travels ( I do a lot). I enjoyed having my Lumix GX7 coupled with a very small selection, albeit very OK for my needs, of lenses i.e. Lumix G Vario 12-35 2.8 Mark I (70% of photos), Lumix G20 (about 25% of photos) and Lumix G Vario 45-175 (occasional use, maybe less than 5%).

I am looking for suggestions for changing the camera body, since my GX7 is showing its age and has presented some issues (I have the camera since it came out). I like its form and probably I would not go to something much bigger unless it presents substantial upgrade. My budget is around the 700 but not more than 1000 Euros.

I would be grateful for your suggestions.

It's a good time for cameras in the Lumix era.  For your price range the upgrade for the G7 in 2017 was the G85.  Since travel is your main style, the GX9 would be the best option.  The larger resolution will be great for the landscapes, and the new JPG processing that turns out great shots with great color tones.

alcelc wrote:

dinoSnake wrote:

The GX8 is the only camera you can still buy new that has the high speed shutter of the GX7. 1/8000 top shutter, 1/250 X-sync, plus best titling viewfinder, 20mp, best 4K video (unlimited length), and other details The compromises are somewhat larger body, no built-in flash, Dual I.S. (not "2"), can have shutter shock with certain lenses.

As GX8 does not use a floating 5-axis sensor, the Dual IS is on a more primitive side than the later DUAL IS of GX85/8, or DUAL IS 2 of G85/95, G9 & GH5. And the IBIS is not video supported IIRC.

Those who haven't actually owned a GX8 and instead rely on lists of specs may not have any idea just how good a camera it is.

brentbrent wrote:

alcelc wrote:

dinoSnake wrote:

The GX8 is the only camera you can still buy new that has the high speed shutter of the GX7. 1/8000 top shutter, 1/250 X-sync, plus best titling viewfinder, 20mp, best 4K video (unlimited length), and other details The compromises are somewhat larger body, no built-in flash, Dual I.S. (not "2"), can have shutter shock with certain lenses.

As GX8 does not use a floating 5-axis sensor, the Dual IS is on a more primitive side than the later DUAL IS of GX85/8, or DUAL IS 2 of G85/95, G9 & GH5. And the IBIS is not video supported IIRC.

Those who haven't actually owned a GX8 and instead rely on lists of specs may not have any idea just how good a camera it is.

GX8 had been on my upgrade list for a whole year after my wife took over GX7 from me and let me used GX1. A few times testing in showroom, not found GX8 bad but can't get over the size issue as a RF body.

It is a premium model, but in reality it is a fact that it has some shortage from newer models. If you are happy with it, totally fine.

However, I personally prefer a newer model whenever possible on the technology demanding product. I suppose if you buy a new iphone today,  you might not look for a iPhone 5 or 6 but will pick a newer model as long as your budget allows? When GX9 is not more expansive than GX8, or GX85 is under deep discount currently, I shall always suggest to get a newer model.

I am totally agreed with you that GX8 is still a powerful shooting machine. A reason that its latest gray market price is higher than G85 and GX9.

😁

If you are mostly using that zoom I’d suggest looking at compact 1” sensor cameras like the lx10, g7x and rx100. You’ll find they going to be faster and close enough in dynamic range to your current set up with the zoom. If you want to stick with the 20mm prime then go gx9.