Panasonic GX7 or GX80?

[Sangoma]

Looking for one or something similar.

The differences I see as advantages are that the GX80 does not have a low pass filter, and that the GX7 has a faster mechanical shutter, the GX7 also has a longer battery life

The 4K video of the GX80 is not an advantage to me.

Both the sensors have almost identical performance, and the GX80 is about 2 1/2 years later.

Any one had both and can make comparative comments?


Any others similar (Panasonic M43)? I want a viewfinder and IBIS.

 

[StuartPearson]

I'm interested in a similar upgrade or possibly a bigger jump. I have an aging Panasonic G5 and would like something with ibis, I'm even considering a G9 but it's a fair investment. Will watch with interest the comments you get.

 

[Sangoma]

I'm interested in a similar upgrade or possibly a bigger jump. I have an aging Panasonic G5 and would like something with ibis, I'm even considering a G9 but it's a fair investment. Will watch with interest the comments you get.

I have a G9 and a GX9, they are both excellent.
The G5 is also very good, but as you say does not have IBIS.

Both the GX7 and GX60 are 16MP, the same as the G5, where as the G9 and GX9 are 20MP (as is the GX8 and G100), which may be more of an improvement.

 

[woof woof]

Yup. I've had the GX7 and now have the GX80 and GX9.

Personally I wouldn't touch a GX7 or any Panasonic camera without the redesigned shutter without a lot of thought as shutter shock can be an issue if you're using a susceptible lens with the mechanical shutter in the affected shutter speed range. It could mostly be an indoor issue as if there is flickering artificial lighting you'll want to use the mechanical shutter to avoid banding but you'll likely be smack bang in the affected shutter speed range. Outside you can probably use the electronic shutter and avoid the SS issue entirely but you may suffer rolling shutter effects.

So, GX7's are nice cameras but anyone looking at one needs to be aware of the potential issues.

Oh, I also remember something about having to move the back screen to open one of the port covers, a poor design rectified on the later RF style cameras.

 

[seadog99]

I have, although I no longer use them, the GX80 and the GX8. Not a lot between them, the smaller camera seemed marginally sharper, I guess because the GX8 has an AA filter.

The biggest difference to me was handling, especially with larger lenses, the GX8 was a lot better.

 

[Sangoma]

Decided to go for a GX7, half the price, and I have not experienced shutter shock with a G7, and after reading many reviews, I don't think it will worry me.

 

[gjhill]

Decided to go for a GX7, half the price, and I have not experienced shutter shock with a G7, and after reading many reviews, I don't think it will worry me.

I have just purchased a GX7 as an edc , maybe move on my G9 which I bought on impulse when on offer at John Lewis

 

[Adamcski]

What's the smallest body they do with ibis out of interest? Does anyone know?

 

[AndrewFlannigan]

Decided to go for a GX7, half the price, and I have not experienced shutter shock with a G7, and after reading many reviews, I don't think it will worry me.

I think you'll be pleased with it. I've never regretted buying mine. As for the shutter shock, I've never seen any sign of it...

 

[Sangoma]

Decided to go for a GX7, half the price, and I have not experienced shutter shock with a G7, and after reading many reviews, I don't think it will worry me.

Well, it arrived this morning, (well under 24 hrs from placing the order) can't see a mark on it, and initial quick tests show it OK, will test it properly at the weekend.

Shutter count just over 2k, looks immaculate, so pleased so far.

 

[StuartPearson]

I have a G9 and a GX9, they are both excellent.
The G5 is also very good, but as you say does not have IBIS.

Both the GX7 and GX60 are 16MP, the same as the G5, where as the G9 and GX9 are 20MP (as is the GX8 and G100), which may be more of an improvement.

I ending up buying a GX8 from CEX which was delivered this week, not had a lot of time to play about with it yet. Has more functions button than I know what to do with!! Initial thoughts are it does not feel as comfortable in the hand as my G5 but maybe it's something to just get used to. Trying to work out now if I should trade my G5 along with some lenses for a 14-140 lens.

 

[Sangoma]

I ending up buying a GX8 from CEX which was delivered this week, not had a lot of time to play about with it yet. Has more functions button than I know what to do with!! Initial thoughts are it does not feel as comfortable in the hand as my G5 but maybe it's something to just get used to. Trying to work out now if I should trade my G5 along with some lenses for a 14-140 lens.

The G5 is SLR shape whereas the GX8 is RF shape, though the GX8 does have a decent grip on it.

There is more than one version of the 14-140, you need to avoid the Mega OIS version, it is bigger and heavier and does not support Dual OIS on the cameras that support it.
The Power OIS version (of which there are tw0 I think) is not much bigger/heavier than the 12-60 lens, and is a lovely lens to use on a GX7/8/9. I have one always attached to my GX9.

 

[StuartPearson]

There is more than one version of the 14-140, you need to avoid the Mega OIS version, it is bigger and heavier and does not support Dual OIS on the cameras that support it.

Thanks for the advice, I did see there was two models but hadn’t investigated further yet. Will make sure it’s the power OIS type. The 12-60 is my current lens of choice.

 

[Sangoma]

Well, it arrived this morning, (well under 24 hrs from placing the order) can't see a mark on it, and initial quick tests show it OK, will test it properly at the weekend.

Shutter count just over 2k, looks immaculate, so pleased so far.

That one had to go back, had a mark on the sensor that was not dust.

Got another one yesterday, shutter count under 400, new type 14-42 lens, as new in the box with everything, just over £200.

Not a mark on it, slight dust on the sensor, but not even worth cleaning

 

[woof woof]

That one had to go back, had a mark on the sensor that was not dust.

Got another one yesterday, shutter count under 400, new type 14-42 lens, as new in the box with everything, just over £200.

Not a mark on it, slight dust on the sensor, but not even worth cleaning

A repair centre told me, and I believe them, that Panasonic had a problem with sealing their sensors and a common fault on some models is contamination under the sensor glass. If you see this it's quite clearly defined, even more so than contamination on the glass as when under the glass is nearer the sensor and therefore shows up as being more defined.

 

[Sangoma]

A repair centre told me, and I believe them, that Panasonic had a problem with sealing their sensors and a common fault on some models is contamination under the sensor glass. If you see this it's quite clearly defined, even more so than contamination on the glass as when under the glass is nearer the sensor and therefore shows up as being more defined.

I could see the mark on the surface of the filter, it was about .25-.5 mm long, needed to use an "electronic microscope" at just the right angle and lighting to see it.
Looked like a tiny scratch.