Light and portable micro 4/3 for street/incidental photography?

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment.  But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack.  I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses.  Other than that, I'm open to both Olympus and Panasonic.  (My first DSLR was an Oly, then after all my Pentax gear was stolen, I went over to Panasonic for the replacement.)

The Lumix DC-GX9 seems like a reasonable choice, but do I really need a camera whose specs mirror, in many ways, my DC-G9?  Not to mention the fact that its almost impossible to get the GX9 in the US without the 12-60 Lumix zoom, when I already have the superior Leica 12-60.  So the kit lens would be wasted gear.

I also thought of the Olympus PEN E-PL9--less capable, but probably enough for what I want to do.  Not so much challenging situations, but for photos that I wouldn't otherwise get because I just don't have a camera with me at the time.

Thoughts?

Thanks

- BH

Bill Herndon wrote:

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment. But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack. I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses. Other than that, I'm open to both Olympus and Panasonic. (My first DSLR was an Oly, then after all my Pentax gear was stolen, I went over to Panasonic for the replacement.)

The Lumix DC-GX9 seems like a reasonable choice, but do I really need a camera whose specs mirror, in many ways, my DC-G9? Not to mention the fact that its almost impossible to get the GX9 in the US without the 12-60 Lumix zoom, when I already have the superior Leica 12-60. So the kit lens would be wasted gear.

I also thought of the Olympus PEN E-PL9--less capable, but probably enough for what I want to do. Not so much challenging situations, but for photos that I wouldn't otherwise get because I just don't have a camera with me at the time.

Thoughts?

Thanks

- BH

Any interchangeable lens camera no longer seriously qualifies as a toss in the back pack. The lenses take too much of a beating. I do like the gx9 for street, the tilt screen works well for that, but you’re right, I don’t like the kit 12-60. A pancake lens would work better, then the camera becomes more easy to carry. I do carry my gx9 in my backpack but it is a production to keep it clean and dry and crumb free

Bill Herndon wrote:

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment. But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack. I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses. Other than that, I'm open to both Olympus and Panasonic. (My first DSLR was an Oly, then after all my Pentax gear was stolen, I went over to Panasonic for the replacement.)

The Lumix DC-GX9 seems like a reasonable choice, but do I really need a camera whose specs mirror, in many ways, my DC-G9? Not to mention the fact that its almost impossible to get the GX9 in the US without the 12-60 Lumix zoom, when I already have the superior Leica 12-60. So the kit lens would be wasted gear.

I also thought of the Olympus PEN E-PL9--less capable, but probably enough for what I want to do. Not so much challenging situations, but for photos that I wouldn't otherwise get because I just don't have a camera with me at the time.

Thoughts?

Thanks

- BH

I have the G9/GX9 combo, and the GX9 works well as a small, easy to carry body when I don't want to shlep the G9 and its bigger lenses.

In addition to the 12-60 Lumix zoom, I have the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 pancake prime when I really want to have something small - but the 12-60 works well with the GX9 as a general-purpose lens.

Steve

The GF7 and later equivalents are tiny and have tilt screens with touchscreen to trigger focus and shoot for surreptitious shooting. Combined with one of the pancake lenses they make for a very light and compact outfit.

GF7 examples https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157688671554052

I also support recommendation for GF7/8/9/10 line. I love my GF9 as tiny take everywhere camera, with either 20/1.7 or 15/1.7.

Bill Herndon wrote:

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment. But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack. I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses. Other than that, I'm open to both Olympus and Panasonic. (My first DSLR was an Oly, then after all my Pentax gear was stolen, I went over to Panasonic for the replacement.)

The Lumix DC-GX9 seems like a reasonable choice, but do I really need a camera whose specs mirror, in many ways, my DC-G9? Not to mention the fact that its almost impossible to get the GX9 in the US without the 12-60 Lumix zoom, when I already have the superior Leica 12-60. So the kit lens would be wasted gear.

I also thought of the Olympus PEN E-PL9--less capable, but probably enough for what I want to do. Not so much challenging situations, but for photos that I wouldn't otherwise get because I just don't have a camera with me at the time.

Thoughts?

Thanks

- BH

I took so many damn street photos in Toronto with my old epl-5 and the 17mm f2.8 lens

nobody noticed and it was so fast to use

the tilting screen was excellent to use and touch to focus and shoot was great

these damn flippy screens really are horrible in certain circumstances

they can take a completely innocuous camera and turn it into “look at me taking photos!”

but of course you don’t need to flip it out

windmillgolfer wrote:

The GF7 and later equivalents are tiny and have tilt screens with touchscreen to trigger focus and shoot for surreptitious shooting. Combined with one of the pancake lenses they make for a very light and compact outfit.

GF7 examples https://www.flickr.com/photos/dieselgolfer/albums/72157688671554052

Tilt screens are so useful

im afraid Olympus will only release flippy screens now

Bill Herndon wrote:

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment. But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack. I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses. Other than that, I'm open to both Olympus and Panasonic. (My first DSLR was an Oly, then after all my Pentax gear was stolen, I went over to Panasonic for the replacement.)

The Lumix DC-GX9 seems like a reasonable choice, but do I really need a camera whose specs mirror, in many ways, my DC-G9? Not to mention the fact that its almost impossible to get the GX9 in the US without the 12-60 Lumix zoom, when I already have the superior Leica 12-60. So the kit lens would be wasted gear.

I also thought of the Olympus PEN E-PL9--less capable, but probably enough for what I want to do. Not so much challenging situations, but for photos that I wouldn't otherwise get because I just don't have a camera with me at the time.

Thoughts?

Thanks

- BH

I think the idea of getting an Olympus is a good one, as one would better complement the G9 rather than mostly being a subset.

I had an E-PL5 which was decent but a little frustrating to use due to my being genetically cursed with five thumbs on both hands. I'm sure the 9 is much better than the 5 but you might find the layout challenging.

I then purchased an E-M5 II, with the intention of using the E-PL5 for the same uses you are looking to address. However, the E-M5 II is small enough that I can take it everywhere. One fits snugly in a cargo-shorts pocket, whereas the E-PL5 slid in easily. So, I gave the E-PL5 to my nephew, and haven't missed it for a moment.

It would be nice if there were something like an E-M5 II with a 20MP sensor, PDAF, lighter weight (244g less than G9), and all the unique Olympus features. Were there a newer E-M5 model I would suggest it as something to consider - if this hypothetical camera was priced reasonably.

Bill Herndon wrote:

I have my Lumix DC-G9 for all those situations when the shooting is challenging--when I have the time and wherewithal to carry my bag, lenses and other equipment. But now I'm thinking that I would like to have something portable, lighter, and less conspicuous for street shots...something I can toss in my briefcase or backpack. I *do* want an interchangeable lens camera and want to continue to use my micro 4/3 lenses......Thoughts?

Sounds like you will soon be looking for a used GM5 with low shutter count

GF7 and an Olympus 12mm f/2.

The GF7 with the Panasonic 14mm pancake is also good.  Smaller, but not as sharp as the Oly 12mm.

The GF7 is a great little camera.

I like the Olympus E-M10 series. I use the E-M10 Ii, it is very similar in size and weight to my Lumix LX100 compact. The Lumix weighs in at 14 ounces, and the Olympus with the  14-42EZ tips the scale at 17 ounces.

entirely pocketable. The Sigma is VERY sharp. Use this in hardship locations

Depends how small you want to go. The GM5 has been mentioned - you're more likely to find a used GM1.

I have the GM1 with Lumix 12-32 and 20/1.7 lenses: lightweight, pocketable, superlative image quality.

The GX7 MkIII with the 15mm f/1.7 is my choice for M43 Street Photography. Small, feature rich, you can't go wrong with that combo.

For the short time I had it, I couldn't get past hiw small that Panna/Leica lens is!