Panasonic GX7 + 12-32mm, 20mm

Many people  get excited about what is coming next in cameras. I realize that I tend to keep a camera as long as I am not dissatisfied with something about it.

The GX7 was my second M4/3 camera - I purchased it in 2015. It replaced one of my Panasonic G3 cameras when the LCD quit working.

The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 was one of my two first lenses. The other was Panasonic 14-45mm which I still have, but favor the newer 12-32mm for the extra width, and small pancake style.

GX7 + 12-32mm. The thumb grip is an add-on, which mounts on the hot shoe

The GX7 and these two lenses are one of my favorite packages. The camera, with its tilting LVF and LCD, is a very convenient tool. I use the three Custom Modes for quick switching of setups.

I've taken it out a few times recently. All with 12-32 except as noted.

When walking through my neighborhood, I often photograph flowers - large to medium.

The on-board flash is very handy to illuminate a flower which is in partial shade. The Flash Exposure Compensation is easily accessible by pressing in the rear dial. My C2 mode is for flash, with AWB, and Silent Mode OFF.

Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)

Last night I went out in my garden to photograph night blooming cacti using flash.

Peruvian Apple Cactus, (Cereus peruvianus. )

A brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) has made a nest in the hollow of a fence post in my garden. Each evening she hangs out on one of her webs. The red hourglass is a lighter shade of red then that of a black widow. With flash.

At my local park/lake: Female Muscovy Duck and her brood. (Cairina moschata) . A great find: This is the first time I've seen Muscovy ducklings; they have not yet formed the red wattle (Caruncle) that adults have.

Reflections

Ceramic Sculpture Series, with flash

Stained glass window, series. With 20mm f/1.7. Early morning intense sunlight

With 20mm f/1.7

Urban, series

I carry the camera either in a small shoulder bag, or in my vest pocket when out in nature.

Hopefully, the camera will last a long time! I use Silent Mode (except for flash) , thus reducing the use of the mechanical shutter.

- Richard

The GX80 / 85 didn't work out too well for my left-handed, left-eyed, needs - so I eventually tried the GX7, which was pretty near perfect... so much so in fact that, just before lockdown, I bought myself a new GX9, for its various extra features.

Very nice camera, however I still much prefer the handling and general experience of shooting with that GX7.

I'm quite surprised that seven years have now passed since its announcement, for almost all of which I didn't think to try it!

Peter

PS - Thanks for the various tips, as well as for your pictures!

Lovely shots. Very pleasant colors.

Marko

GX7 is my first and still only m43 camera. It's a camera I liked and bonded with immediately although it lacks a couple of features I'd have wanted: FAS and live zebra/blinkies. I am hoping to upgrade before the end of 2021 though. Serious IBIS and sensor shift hi res are the main attractions. But I'm sure I'll keep the GX7 as a backup.

MacOrneille wrote:

The GX7 (purchased 2013) was my second m4/3 camera, replacing the GF1 (2009). I really needed a viewfinder, and as a bonus the GX7 had a nice grip and a tilt LCD. Now my main camera is the G9, but I'm still happy to use the GX7.

How do you like the G9? It's on my list of potential upgrades together with Pen-F and EM1ii.

GX7 is a lovely camera. I bought it back in 2015 as an upgrade to GX1. I originally pair it with 14-45, later 12-35 f/2.8 due to certain unhappy experience on 12-32, 7-14 f/4, 45-150 and 15 f/1.7. A very solid camera beyond its class.

I bought GX85 in 2016 together with 12-32. Principally I am looking for the IBIS, DUAL IS, and new features like zebra, 4K video, 4K photo and Post Focus etc... But my wife loves it and so I was stuck with GX7 until last year...

It travelled with me to many countries worldwide experiencing all sort of weather conditions from wet to cold to dry... After few tenth thousands of shots it still works in excellent condition. Because of its 12 bits e-shutter, I am more than happy to stay using e-shutter most of the time unless flash is needed.

However, lack of IBIS, DUAL IS, no 4K, no zebra, and the less sharp SOOC output (because it still has an AA filter on the sensor) etc all pushed me to upgrade despite it is still doing fine...

Enjoy yours.

richj20 wrote:

alcelc wrote:

However, lack of IBIS, ...

OH dear, Albert... you should return yours for a refund.

Mine has IBIS:

So does mine!

Although it's a less-able version than subsequently fitted in the GX80/85 and GX9... re framing of stills before shooting, and whilst taking video (which I don't!)... but still good enough to make a positive difference.

Peter

richj20 wrote:

Isola Verde wrote:

richj20 wrote:

alcelc wrote:

However, lack of IBIS, ...

OH dear, Albert... you should return yours for a refund.

Mine has IBIS:

So does mine!

Although it's a less-able version than subsequently fitted in the GX80/85 and GX9... re framing of stills before shooting, and whilst taking video (which I don't!)... but still good enough to make a positive difference.

As I recall, I've rarely needed to use slower than 1/30 sec, but a quick test showed good results at 1/6 sec. with my 20mm.

- Richard

Think we can call that confirmed!

I bought mine particularly to use it with the slow Oly 9/18 zoom, for interiors - but also like how the little primes benefit... a game-changer.

Peter

It is fantastic.

For me, I could expect only 1+ stop max from GX7. It is just better than nothing.

Even on 5-axis IBIS of GX85, according to me home test (take 7+ out of 10 shots which were sharp on 1:1 examination), its IBIS should be around ~2+ stops only (14mm f/2.5 could do the slowest 1/8")...

richj20 wrote:

sola Verde wrote:

The GX80 / 85 didn't work out too well for my left-handed, left-eyed, needs - so I eventually tried the GX7, which was pretty near perfect... so much so in fact that, just before lockdown, I bought myself a new GX9, for its various extra features.

Very nice camera, however I still much prefer the handling and general experience of shooting with that GX7.

Ergonomics is quite personal, for sure.

I usually don't pay attention to others' complaints about the handling of a particular camera. I need to handle the camera myself to see how it feels.

For example, it was difficult for me to use the GX7 one-handed, so I installed that neat thumb grip.

The GX8 has a bigger hand grip, so doesn't need the thumb grip for me.

PS - Thanks for the various tips, as well as for your pictures!

You are welcome!

- Richard

Got myself one of those grips - Fotodiox Type A seemed the most appropriate - and gosh... what difference it makes, also with the GX9, so may be needing a second!

For the first time, a comfortable and balanced way of using either camera with Lumix 12/60 kit lens.

In future, each time your ears burn, that'll be me - out somewhere, shooting, and sending you another round of thanks!

Peter

richj20 wrote:

Many people get excited about what is coming next in cameras. I realize that I tend to keep a camera as long as I am not dissatisfied with something about it.

The GX7 was my second M4/3 camera - I purchased it in 2015. It replaced one of my Panasonic G3 cameras when the LCD quit working.

The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 was one of my two first lenses. The other was Panasonic 14-45mm which I still have, but favor the newer 12-32mm for the extra width, and small pancake style.

GX7 + 12-32mm. The thumb grip is an add-on, which mounts on the hot shoe

The GX7 and these two lenses are one of my favorite packages. The camera, with its tilting LVF and LCD, is a very convenient tool. I use the three Custom Modes for quick switching of setups.

I've taken it out a few times recently. All with 12-32 except as noted.

When walking through my neighborhood, I often photograph flowers - large to medium.

The on-board flash is very handy to illuminate a flower which is in partial shade. The Flash Exposure Compensation is easily accessible by pressing in the rear dial. My C2 mode is for flash, with AWB, and Silent Mode OFF.

Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha)

Last night I went out in my garden to photograph night blooming cacti using flash.

Peruvian Apple Cactus, (Cereus peruvianus. )

A brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) has made a nest in the hollow of a fence post in my garden. Each evening she hangs out on one of her webs. The red hourglass is a lighter shade of red then that of a black widow. With flash.

At my local park/lake: Female Muscovy Duck and her brood. (Cairina moschata) . A great find: This is the first time I've seen Muscovy ducklings; they have not yet formed the red wattle (Caruncle) that adults have.

Reflections

Ceramic Sculpture Series, with flash

Stained glass window, series. With 20mm f/1.7. Early morning intense sunlight

With 20mm f/1.7

Urban, series

I carry the camera either in a small shoulder bag, or in my vest pocket when out in nature.

Hopefully, the camera will last a long time! I use Silent Mode (except for flash) , thus reducing the use of the mechanical shutter.

- Richard

Great pictures! You must have a great camera