Still Using the GX7

larsbc wrote:

FadedPhotoGuy wrote:

Anyone else still using the GX7? I actually 'downgraded' from the GX85 which in many (most) ways is a superior camera because the ergonomics of the GX7 are just so much better for me. Honestly, in the unlikely event there is ever a GX10 I hope Panasonic looks backwards as to how a body and controls should be shaped.

I absolutely agree. While I have sold my GX7 and replaced it with a GX9, I do feel that Panasonic nailed the ergonomics with the GX7 and neither of the subsequent models can match it. They should also skip the retro look and get rid of the exp comp dial or at the very least, move it so that the rear command dial falls naturally under the thumb, just like it does on the GX7.

Agreed.

I found the relocation of the back dial on GX85 ( moving slightly more towards the right edge) should have make the dial harder to operate. It could be a reason of easier damage of the dial.

Therefore a totally different customization from pervious Pannys, or from GX7, I set EC (the most frequent used control which need to do quick) to the front dial and let the back dial to handle the relatively rare used shutter speed/aperture on S/A mode.

The dials and button config of GX7 is quite perfect IMHO.

Aberaeron wrote:

Isola Verde wrote:

I'm also left-eyed, and defy anyone right-eyed to try using the EVF of any of these cameras my way for a day's outing!

A central or RHS EVF would be most appreciated.

Odd thing to say since the viewfinders are hard on the left on these cameras and therefore suit right eye viewing better than left eye viewing. I’m puzzled.

I defy you to use it left-eyed for a day... as you'll then perhaps experience the difficulty!

.................

[ Edited to add: I still very much want to see another "range-finder" style camera from Panasonic and....]

What else I would like to see on any GX10 - if a 7-grip clone doesn't suit everyone - would be the sort of screw-on additional grip that Olympus provided for cameras such as the PL5 (but with two or even three "depths" to span the different sizes of hand).

Something along the lines, if a little less gross, than was proposed in this old thread..

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3360566

Peter

Panasonic did offer a ridiculously expensive grip for the GX85 and GX9 but JJC make a very good one for less cost

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-DMW-HGR2-Panasonic-DMC-GX80-DC-GX9-GX9-GX80-GX85/dp/B0833YJX2Q

Yes, I bought the JJC version back in November 2020 (but rarely use it)

Does it help hold the camera securely?   Yes it does.

Is it a good way to do that?  Hardly - if I'd wanted a camera of GX8 size and proportions, I would have bought one.

...........

At present - when a modestly-sized and weighted camera with decent stabilisation and EVF is called for - it's the E-M10iv that I'm usually reaching for... leaving the Lumix trio to fester.

Peter

Isola Verde wrote:

Aberaeron wrote:

Panasonic did offer a ridiculously expensive grip for the GX85 and GX9 but JJC make a very good one for less cost

https://www.amazon.co.uk/JJC-DMW-HGR2-Panasonic-DMC-GX80-DC-GX9-GX9-GX80-GX85/dp/B0833YJX2Q

Yes, I bought the JJC version back in November 2020 (but rarely use it)

Does it help hold the camera securely? Yes it does.

Is it a good way to do that? Hardly - if I'd wanted a camera of GX8 size and proportions, I would have bought one.

Exactly. Those add-on grips defeat one of the few advantages of small camera bodies. But, then, the GX8 really isn’t much bigger than a GX7. What the necessity of add-on grips really point to is ergonomic design failure.

Ironically, the 1/4” thick bottom plates of add-on grips make a GX7-series body roughly the same size of a GX8 without all the GX8’s advantages of far better ergonomics, more external controls, much better handling and an excellent and far more usable EVF than the GX7-series. Then there’s weather sealing.

Pete_W wrote:

uniball wrote:

Bassam Guy wrote:

uniball wrote:

Great question, though perhaps the wrong forum.

Which forum is more appropriate?

Don't know. Panasonic doesn’t appear to be an actively discussed marque anywhere. Yet they sell well. Maybe their users photograph rather than discuss photographing?

It does feel that Panasonic discussions are fading way. It's getting harder to find a post.

GX85, a capable compact model which is 4K support, first 5-axis IBIS/DUAL IS of the brand at a low price tag of US$500 for a twin lens kit set, had drawn in a lot of new users to Panny. A lot of discussion by that time.

Later, G9, had also been discounted to very attractive price, also converted not small no. of users to the brand. It was also once a hot discussed model.

Today G9 is nearly 5 years old. No more excitement.

GH5 mk-II and GH6 are more video centric models. TBH threads on these models had been more than I expected on this still centric gear forum.

So, naturally OM1 has dominated in recent months.

I suppose when Photontophotos will publish the sensor performance of GH6's 25Mp sensor, it might drive some attention on Panny...

I'm still using my GX7 which works fine. I have no intention of wasting my money and changing it unless it breaks

SC489 wrote:

I'm still using my GX7 which works fine. I have no intention of wasting my money and changing it unless it breaks

I wonder if we all feel that way about some "stuff", and differently about others?

I'm hoping for lots more happy motoring from my 2003 VW Golf, but have enjoyed owning and using quite a few of the cameras introduced across those years.

Peter

FadedPhotoGuy wrote:

Anyone else still using the GX7? I actually 'downgraded' from the GX85 which in many (most) ways is a superior camera because the ergonomics of the GX7 are just so much better for me. Honestly, in the unlikely event there is ever a GX10 I hope Panasonic looks backwards as to how a body and controls should be shaped.

Yes, I still use my GX7 but less than my Pen-F.

Since the Covid pandemic, I do not have anymore G.A.S.  Nowhere to travel, nowhere to shoot.

one blind eye wrote:

Since the Covid pandemic, I do not have anymore G.A.S. Nowhere to travel, nowhere to shoot.

People do travel. It is more hassle with those tests, filling forms, showing proofs, but it is possible, and people travel.

buratino wrote:

one blind eye wrote:

Since the Covid pandemic, I do not have anymore G.A.S. Nowhere to travel, nowhere to shoot.

People do travel. It is more hassle with those tests, filling forms, showing proofs, but it is possible, and people travel.

I’ve been to Europe twice since November. Italy and Spain.

Getting everything aligned took a little extra time, but I’m used to making reservations for everything online… airport parking, flights, hotels, trains, meals, museums, etc. … so what are a few COVID tests? Not much.

I just asked my hotel where to get tested for the return flight. Pretty easy, really.

Our CDC vaccination + booster cards were accepted no problem anywhere they asked to see them. in Italy every museum asked. Spain not at all.

We make a point of only eating outside wherever we go. Sometimes it’s a bit chilly, but we prefer being safe.

Just got booster #2, so we’re off to Italy again in May. Roma, Napoli, Pompei and Sorrento.

I went from a G1 to the GX-7 and then to the GX-8 and stopped. I love the GX-7 and use it occasionally; however, the GX-8 meets all of my needs. IMHO the GX-8 was one of the best Panasonic cameras and still has a cult-like following. I keep waiting for a new version of the GX-8 but am more than satisfied with the present version.

jeffharris wrote:

buratino wrote:

one blind eye wrote:

Since the Covid pandemic, I do not have anymore G.A.S. Nowhere to travel, nowhere to shoot.

People do travel. It is more hassle with those tests, filling forms, showing proofs, but it is possible, and people travel.

I’ve been to Europe twice since November. Italy and Spain.

Getting everything aligned took a little extra time, but I’m used to making reservations for everything online… airport parking, flights, hotels, trains, meals, museums, etc. … so what are a few COVID tests? Not much.

I just asked my hotel where to get tested for the return flight. Pretty easy, really.

Our CDC vaccination + booster cards were accepted no problem anywhere they asked to see them. in Italy every museum asked. Spain not at all.

We make a point of only eating outside wherever we go. Sometimes it’s a bit chilly, but we prefer being safe.

Just got booster #2, so we’re off to Italy again in May. Roma, Napoli, Pompei and Sorrento.

To spend Christmas and meet New Year 2021 in Hawaii, I had to scan/monitor available PCR test facilities at night - to get one more than 100 miles from Chicago. There were no real future reservations - only a sliding short-term window of booking options.

To get my vaccination in spring 2020, I drove 3 hours south from Chicago one way. I mean it could be nervous, especially before. Now it is much easier. My friend came to the US from Singapore last year, it was not so easy. My former colleague returned from Australia last year, she said the country was locked with no ins and outs.

jeffharris wrote:

buratino wrote:

one blind eye wrote:

Since the Covid pandemic, I do not have anymore G.A.S. Nowhere to travel, nowhere to shoot.

People do travel. It is more hassle with those tests, filling forms, showing proofs, but it is possible, and people travel.

I’ve been to Europe twice since November. Italy and Spain.

Getting everything aligned took a little extra time, but I’m used to making reservations for everything online… airport parking, flights, hotels, trains, meals, museums, etc. … so what are a few COVID tests? Not much.

I just asked my hotel where to get tested for the return flight. Pretty easy, really.

Our CDC vaccination + booster cards were accepted no problem anywhere they asked to see them. in Italy every museum asked. Spain not at all.

We make a point of only eating outside wherever we go. Sometimes it’s a bit chilly, but we prefer being safe.

Just got booster #2, so we’re off to Italy again in May. Roma, Napoli, Pompei and Sorrento.

Sounds like a wonderful trip back to Italy..

I have read from a recent travel blog, Covid 19 is on the decline in all of Western Europe. UK, Germany, Belgium, etc.

It’s been said, Italy and Spain’s Covid infections are almost down to zero, and even if one gets infected with Covid, one is unlikely to be hospitalized or die. Most museums and restaurants in Europe do not strictly enforce Covid safety measures anymore. No masks or social distancing required. Is that true?

Maybe I’ll get back to international travel later this year. Thailand, Hong Kong, China (Shanghai), and Singapore. Uk, Ireland, Germany, Crete, Poland, and Slovenia also on my bucket list. 🤔 👍

My GX7 and Pen-F itching are to be used again! I have new Samyang F.E. want to shoot..👍😁