New camera for universal use + astro (to replace GX80) - flexible budget

[mketh]

Hi,

I'm a begginer photographer, few years ago I bought Lumix GX80, which was a nice, small form factor camera. Lately I wanted to get back to the photography and have some spare budget so I was thinking to replacing GX80 for something more modern.

Regarding the use, it should be quite universal - travel, landscapes, dogs (reliable AF would be nice), city and some astrophotography (Astro features like star focus would be nice). During last weeks I made some research and I am still not decided. I am not commited to any system - MFT, APS-C or FF, will consider any of them.

I liked Panasonic handling in GX80, so that was my first brand to take a look:

G90 - quite small body, good price, but a bit old now and missing some more modern features and outdated AF

S5 II - new AF, modern features, not-bad price for a FF system, but quite bulky and has expensive lenses

Besides the above I was considering:

OM-5 - small body, quite modern, has some features helpful in astro (like star focus and light composite) but I guess in image quality, especially astro, will be behind FF or APS-C

FujiFilm X-S20 - new model, modern features, size and quality between MFT and FF. No weathersealing and astro features though.

Few days I bought S5 II and Sigma 28-70, but tbh I am not convinced if I want to keep it or if there will be better choices for me. Especially that advertised Starlight AF simply doesn't work for me.

Any input appreciated, thanks!

 

[BBbuilder467]

Hi,

I'm a begginer photographer, few years ago I bought Lumix GX80, which was a nice, small form factor camera. Lately I wanted to get back to the photography and have some spare budget so I was thinking to replacing GX80 for something more modern.

Regarding the use, it should be quite universal - travel, landscapes, dogs (reliable AF would be nice), city and some astrophotography (Astro features like star focus would be nice). During last weeks I made some research and I am still not decided. I am not commited to any system - MFT, APS-C or FF, will consider any of them.

I liked Panasonic handling in GX80, so that was my first brand to take a look:

G90 - quite small body, good price, but a bit old now and missing some more modern features and outdated AF

S5 II - new AF, modern features, not-bad price for a FF system, but quite bulky and has expensive lenses

Besides the above I was considering:

OM-5 - small body, quite modern, has some features helpful in astro (like star focus and light composite) but I guess in image quality, especially astro, will be behind FF or APS-C

FujiFilm X-S20 - new model, modern features, size and quality between MFT and FF. No weathersealing and astro features though.

Few days I bought S5 II and Sigma 28-70, but tbh I am not convinced if I want to keep it or if there will be better choices for me. Especially that advertised Starlight AF simply doesn't work for me.

Any input appreciated, thanks!

Did you consider lenses or manual focus? The only thing moving is the dogs. The lenses interchange with micro 4/3.

 

[mketh]

Thanks, regarding the lenses, I had an opportunity to use PL 8-18mm 2.8 with my GX80 during a few days trip to Iceland and I really liked that lens. Overall, though, I didn't think it would be very wise to buy a lens for an outdated body, which is also 3 x more expensive than the camera itself.

Therefore I initially considered G90 + PL 12-60mm 2.8 for a general use, but again - the body is already a bit old.

Generally, I'm a beginner and would definitely prefer solid AF than a MF - that's why for astro i'd really like to have some kind of working Star AF.