DMC-GX85 compromises?

I've got a GH1 that I really like but of course now I"m tempted by the new stuff. This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is catching my eye. At first I discounted it as I didn't think it has a viewfinder, but I guess it does it must just "pop up"?

Besides that it looks super small compared to the others like the DMC-G7.  What do I give up by going to that smaller more compact body size?  Looks like a coat pocket camera for sure.

don_gh1 wrote:

I've got a GH1 that I really like but of course now I"m tempted by the new stuff. This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is catching my eye. At first I discounted it as I didn't think it has a viewfinder, but I guess it does it must just "pop up"?

Besides that it looks super small compared to the others like the DMC-G7. What do I give up by going to that smaller more compact body size? Looks like a coat pocket camera for sure.

The GX80(85) is an amazingly capable camera. it has a very convenient form factor, if you are looking for a compact size body, and has basically the same functions set of its sibling, the G7. it lacks the latest 20mp sensor of the G9/PEN-F.. but it boasts a slightly better image quality in respect to the G7 and doesn't suffer from shutter shock; from which the G7 is affected.

All in all a bargain, at today's street price.

My only complaint is its EVF, that's tiny (I wear glasses) and the LCD/AF Touchpad that is just too sensitive.

One alternative to it is the other little gem produced by Olympus, the E-M10 mark II.

I have both cameras and they're simply outstanding for the value they provide as photographic tools.

It certainly does have a ovf.  It is small.  Yes, it is small, but has some weight.  And now, they are pretty cheap, for what you get.  I have seen them on sale with 2 lenses for Under $500usd. You really can't go wrong.

don_gh1 wrote:

I've got a GH1 that I really like but of course now I"m tempted by the new stuff. This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is catching my eye. At first I discounted it as I didn't think it has a viewfinder, but I guess it does it must just "pop up"?

No it has an evf which is located on the left side of the camera. Unlike its predecessor GX7 or its successor GX9, or its bigger brother GX8, its evf is a fixed one and is not upward tiltable. All of GXs are in rangefinder form factor having the evf on a side.

G is in dslr form factor as GHs. Usually G7 or its successors like G85, or the latest G95, they have a 0.74x magnification evf (GH1 has a smaller 0.7x evf). Although on spec GX7/85/9 has a not small 0.7x evf, but it is in 16:9 such that when shooting in 4:3 aspect ratio (full resolution), the usable area of the evf will be reduced to around 0.52x... As GX's evf are of very high resolution (2.76M dots) it is very detail and bright. It can make our eye tired easily after longer period of usage. Hence, some people hate it, some can take it but none said they love it... I have no problem with it but you must try it out to see would you happy with it.

Besides that it looks super small compared to the others like the DMC-G7. What do I give up by going to that smaller more compact body size?

Ergonomic, no WR and shorter battery life. But comparing to GH1, except for the more pro video feature, you could expect a major upgrade on IQ, higher usable ISO, better stabilisation particularly on run and gun video, newer features like zebra, 4K photo, post focus... To me, smaller body 🤗.

Looks like a coat pocket camera for sure.

You need a very big pocket 😏.

alcelc wrote:

don_gh1 wrote:

I've got a GH1 that I really like but of course now I"m tempted by the new stuff. This Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds Digital Camera is catching my eye. At first I discounted it as I didn't think it has a viewfinder, but I guess it does it must just "pop up"?

No it has an evf which is located on the left side of the camera. Unlike its predecessor GX7 or its successor GX9, or its bigger brother GX8, its evf is a fixed one and is not upward tiltable. All of GXs are in rangefinder form factor having the evf on a side.

To be precise, GX7, GX8, GX9 and GX80/80 have EVF. GX1 and GX800-series do not have EVF. I got you, you probably meant "the actual GX-cameras..." / "the GX-series cameras that have EVF.."/... This is how I categorize those cameras as well, but of course this not useful for someone who is not familiar with the lineups.

GH1 is a wonderful camera, I pre-ordered it in 2009. Native ISO 100, 1.5th generation sensor, multi-aspect ratio makes it very nice. On the other hand, of course, the new cameras are in a different league. I would keep the GH1 for wideangle 16:9 work and as a second camera to have in situations when there is plenty of light.

don_gh1 wrote:

...What do I give up by going to that smaller more compact body size?

It doesn't have a minimal SS setting, which is considered very convinient when shooting A-mode. The solutions according to what I've read here yet are either using a flash, or shoot S-mode, or shoot manual.