LVF-2 for GX1, or GX7?

Got GX1 and even LVF-2 someone gave me - because everything is looking rather white, no real constrast. Maybe I can get a good one for $80. And can get GX7 for $220. But I suppose the LVF-2 is the better EVF? I guess some of you have tried both, any advice?

eilivk wrote:

Got GX1 and even LVF-2 someone gave me - because everything is looking rather white, no real constrast. Maybe I can get a good one for $80. And can get GX7 for $220. But I suppose the LVF-2 is the better EVF? I guess some of you have tried both, any advice?

Hm, and now I see GX1 with lens and LVF-2 for $110! Well, really to the highest bidder, but standing there for two months. Maybe try $200...

I had a GX1 with LVF-2, and the viewfinder was decent, much better than the LVF-1 for the GF1, which was useless.

I never liked the bulk of the add-on viewfinder, so I much prefer the built-in viewfinder on the GX7.  Right now I can't remember the LVF-2 well enough to specifically compare it to the GX7's viewfinder.  Some people hate the GX7's viewfinder, but I have no problem with it.

But the GX7 is a MUCH better camera than the GX1 in so many other ways.  If there is a way for you to look through the GX7's viewfinder before purchase and see if you have any problems with it, I would definitely recommend that camera over the GX1.  It's not clear to me, but perhaps you already have the GX1 and are considering buying the LVF-2 versus buying the GX7.  I'd still recommend putting your money into the GX7.

On IQ, GX7 is a winner without doubt: >1 stops better higher ISO (1600 vs 400/800), improved jpg engine (for OOC jpg shooter).

On feature wise, e-shutter (kills shutterstock forever, GX1 is quite bad on this), IBIS (primitive but still better than nothing), more substantial hand grip (arguably the best among all existing GXs, except GX8), Dual dial control instead of a pushable back dial, M-video allowing P/S/A/M controls, in camera HDR/Panorama, Shadow/Highlight, Touch PAD AF (could be convenience for some), auto switching between evf/LCD (might be a big thing when you change settings on LCD a lot), and wifi...

Particularly on the LVF2 vs evf of GX7:

LVF2 is a very nice evf by itself (relative to the evf of G1: 0.7x, 0.48M dots resolution) which has a spec of 0.7x of 1.44M dots resolution. It was merely a norm of evf of M43 at its time.

But comparing to the evf of GX7 (0.7x 2.76M dots @16:9), LVF2 looks much darker, soft and lack of the clarify/fine detail, except it is bigger in 4:3 vs evf of GX7 in 4:3 shooting mode.

The catch of the evf of GX7 is under 4:3 (full resolution shooting), both sides of the evf are black out reducing the usable area to around 0.52x of 1.77M dots only (25% smaller)... Hence, the evf of GX7 in 4:3 shooting mode becomes small, very bright but has a lot of fine detail = a formula for unpleasant experience for long time using.

Also the sequential display might cause rainbow, color tearing (on fast panning), or might even trigger seasick/migraine etc if shooter has hidden physical conditions...

Like many GX7/85/9 users, I have no problem with it.

IMHO GX1 is a good camera back to its old days, but it's time has gone. Except you wish to pay a little less (<US$100 for a mint used GX1?) to experience M43, IMHO GX7 should be a no brainer nowadays.

brentbrent wrote:

I had a GX1 with LVF-2, and the viewfinder was decent, much better than the LVF-1 for the GF1, which was useless.

That is the truth , anyone who complains about even the worst current EVF should take a wee peak through the LVF-1  Though it did what it said on the jar as I could not take to composing on the rear screen { still can't really } .

I never liked the bulk of the add-on viewfinder, so I much prefer the built-in viewfinder on the GX7. Right now I can't remember the LVF-2 well enough to specifically compare it to the GX7's viewfinder. Some people hate the GX7's viewfinder, but I have no problem with it.

But the GX7 is a MUCH better camera than the GX1 in so many other ways. If there is a way for you to look through the GX7's viewfinder before purchase and see if you have any problems with it, I would definitely recommend that camera over the GX1. It's not clear to me, but perhaps you already have the GX1 and are considering buying the LVF-2 versus buying the GX7. I'd still recommend putting your money into the GX7.

rycrip wrote:

I still have both and like them for different reason.

the GX1 is smaller but with the the LV2 it is a bit bigger, but still all right. but it does'nt have electronic shutter. I use it with the pl 15 mn

The GX7 was my favorite at that time for the grip . I use it with the 20 mn and it have the tilt viewfinder

Both have 90 degree EVF and I use it a lot.

But now I have a GX8...

About what I have been thinking. Never tried GX7 and can't possibly now. My worry, with glasses, is that the GX7 EVF is too small. While the one on my GX1 is really ok, apart from damaged brightness and contrast. Found GX1 very cheap, same battery as my G3 - which still is a favourite. But GX7 is rather cheap now....

brentbrent wrote:

I had a GX1 with LVF-2, and the viewfinder was decent, much better than the LVF-1 for the GF1, which was useless.

I never liked the bulk of the add-on viewfinder, so I much prefer the built-in viewfinder on the GX7. Right now I can't remember the LVF-2 well enough to specifically compare it to the GX7's viewfinder. Some people hate the GX7's viewfinder, but I have no problem with it.

But the GX7 is a MUCH better camera than the GX1 in so many other ways. If there is a way for you to look through the GX7's viewfinder before purchase and see if you have any problems with it, I would definitely recommend that camera over the GX1. It's not clear to me, but perhaps you already have the GX1 and are considering buying the LVF-2 versus buying the GX7. I'd still recommend putting your money into the GX7.

As mentioned I got GX1, but could sell it with some lens I guess. I see the difference in IQ, GX7 is also better than G3 of course. And then the IBIS. But the size, maybe G3 is smaller?! So you can be fooled by GX7, not exactly small, at least by todays standard. I judge the sellers as much as price. $150 would be good enough I think.

alcelc wrote:

On IQ, GX7 is a winner without doubt: >1 stops better higher ISO (1600 vs 400/800), improved jpg engine (for OOC jpg shooter).

On feature wise, e-shutter (kills shutterstock forever, GX1 is quite bad on this), IBIS (primitive but still better than nothing), more substantial hand grip (arguably the best among all existing GXs, except GX8), Dual dial control instead of a pushable back dial, M-video allowing P/S/A/M controls, in camera HDR/Panorama, Shadow/Highlight, Touch PAD AF (could be convenience for some), auto switching between evf/LCD (might be a big thing when you change settings on LCD a lot), and wifi...

Particularly on the LVF2 vs evf of GX7:

LVF2 is a very nice evf by itself (relative to the evf of G1: 0.7x, 0.48M dots resolution) which has a spec of 0.7x of 1.44M dots resolution. It was merely a norm of evf of M43 at its time.

But comparing to the evf of GX7 (0.7x 2.76M dots @16:9), LVF2 looks much darker, soft and lack of the clarify/fine detail, except it is bigger in 4:3 vs evf of GX7 in 4:3 shooting mode.

The catch of the evf of GX7 is under 4:3 (full resolution shooting), both sides of the evf are black out reducing the usable area to around 0.52x of 1.77M dots only (25% smaller)... Hence, the evf of GX7 in 4:3 shooting mode becomes small, very bright but has a lot of fine detail = a formula for unpleasant experience for long time using.

Also the sequential display might cause rainbow, color tearing (on fast panning), or might even trigger seasick/migraine etc if shooter has hidden physical conditions...

Like many GX7/85/9 users, I have no problem with it.

IMHO GX1 is a good camera back to its old days, but it's time has gone. Except you wish to pay a little less (<US$100 for a mint used GX1?) to experience M43, IMHO GX7 should be a no brainer nowadays.

Thanks for the really good comparison!  Seems like things are more clear now. Been unsure about the Panasonic system, will not buy the new cameras. But got some fine lenses. Even if NX500 is the main camera in low light, my Panasonics are useful in daylight. But G3 is falling a bit behind.

Any camera with this name ? Appeared now, could it be GX8 maybe? Strange. Well, people here should know!

eilivk wrote:

Any camera with this name ? Appeared now, could it be GX8 maybe? Strange. Well, people here should know!

Panasonic gives some cameras different names in Japan, the U.S., and Europe:

JAPAN ................. U.S. .......................Europe

GX7 II ................ GX85 ....................... GX80

GX7 III ................ GX9 ......................... GX9 (I think)

brentbrent wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Any camera with this name ? Appeared now, could it be GX8 maybe? Strange. Well, people here should know!

Panasonic gives some cameras different names in Japan, the U.S., and Europe:

JAPAN ................. U.S. .......................Europe

GX7 II .........x....... GX85 ....................... GX80

GX7 III ................ GX9 ......................... GX9 (I think)

Thanks! Was just going to buy, for $200, when I noticed the II.

eilivk wrote:

Thanks! Was just going to buy, for $200, when I noticed the II.

The GX80/85 (or GX7 II) has some improvements over the original GX7, including better image stabilization and a new shutter that avoids shutter shock. But it also has some downgrades, which I listed in this post: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59716801

brentbrent wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Thanks! Was just going to buy, for $200, when I noticed the II.

The GX80/85 (or GX7 II) has some improvements over the original GX7, including better image stabilization and a new shutter that avoids shutter shock. But it also has some downgrades, which I listed in this post: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59716801

Ok, thanks, don't think I will change my mind. Only one point. According to dpr the EVF not useful outdoors and strong rainbow tearing! Will check some other tests. I thought the tilt would make it BETTER, in strong sun, looking down...

eilivk wrote:

brentbrent wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Thanks! Was just going to buy, for $200, when I noticed the II.

The GX80/85 (or GX7 II) has some improvements over the original GX7, including better image stabilization and a new shutter that avoids shutter shock. But it also has some downgrades, which I listed in this post: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/59716801

Ok, thanks, don't think I will change my mind. Only one point. According to dpr the EVF not useful outdoors and strong rainbow tearing! Will check some other tests. I thought the tilt would make it BETTER, in strong sun, looking down...

...but dpr seems to be alone with this EVF problem, a lot of good reviews from known sources.

eilivk wrote:

Ok, thanks, don't think I will change my mind. Only one point. According to dpr the EVF not useful outdoors and strong rainbow tearing! Will check some other tests. I thought the tilt would make it BETTER, in strong sun, looking down...

A minority of people experience tearing. I don't recall ever hearing anyone complain that the EVF is not useful outdoors. But there is an extended eyecup available for the GX7, which I bought and like. DMW-EC1

brentbrent wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Ok, thanks, don't think I will change my mind. Only one point. According to dpr the EVF not useful outdoors and strong rainbow tearing! Will check some other tests. I thought the tilt would make it BETTER, in strong sun, looking down...

A minority of people experience tearing. I don't recall ever hearing anyone complain that the EVF is not useful outdoors. But there is an extended eyecup available for the GX7, which I bought and like. DMW-EC1

OK, I'll see if it's on, the seller got glasses. Should be ok for the glasses too. Get the camera early tomorrow.

Evf, basically a tiny TV screen. No matter in what position, the difference is small. If we look at it from the top, the shade of ourself might help slightly under strong sun. Same effect as wearing a cap and look at evf horizontally.

There is an optional oversized rubber eye cup to help. I don't need it despite I am spectacle wearer. But some are happy with it.

Similar to smartphone screen, strongly related to the brightness of the display. The evf (so are the LCD) of GX7 (GX85 & GX9 uses the same display units) are very bright so are usable in most usual lighting confitions. LVF2 of GX1 is worse (quite bad relative to that of GX7/85/9) in this respect.

I found the beauty of waist level low angle shooting a lot from LVF2, very happy to enjoy the tiltable evf of GX7, missed it a lot on GX85 (a.k.a GX7 mk-II in Japan)...

GX7.ii =GX85 by another name, also gx80. The GX9 is GX7.iii in Japan. It's the worst property of Lumix m43 cameras

I tried the gx85 twice, thinking i should just get past my issues and love it. I couldn't, the gx7 is right for me. I like the af/mf switch with fn button for af-on, that works even when switch is set to mf. Gx9 went to 3 settings on af/mf switch, just another way for me to miss shots.

eilivk wrote:

brentbrent wrote:

eilivk wrote:

Ok, thanks, don't think I will change my mind. Only one point. According to dpr the EVF not useful outdoors and strong rainbow tearing! Will check some other tests. I thought the tilt would make it BETTER, in strong sun, looking down...

A minority of people experience tearing. I don't recall ever hearing anyone complain that the EVF is not useful outdoors. But there is an extended eyecup available for the GX7, which I bought and like. DMW-EC1

OK, I'll see if it's on, the seller got glasses. Should be ok for the glasses too. Get the camera early tomorrow.

I have a GX7, and my glasses have quite a strong prescription.

I have had no  problem with the GX7 viewfinder, altough I did buy the deeper eyecup. The  eyecups are available on eBay.

My GX1 sits on the shelf and I rarely use it. The GX7 is a great little camera.