Until recently, the best Micro Four Thirds body has been the Olympus E-M5. Great IQ, built-in viewfinder, stabilisation, a complete package of wonderfulness. Now there is the Olympus EP-5, which has upgraded specifications compared to the E-M5; but no built-in viewfinder. If you pay for the optional stick-on viewfinder, you will end up paying more than an E-M5; but then you get the better specs (including a better viewfinder). It’s a lovely piece of kit (I have had a hold and the construction is so solid); but it is hard to fathom why Olympus has dropped two very similar models into the same price area. Presumably the current E-M5 is about to head downwards in price, or be discontinued, and/or there will be a higher grade and therefore more expensive OMD range offering later in the year.
But what of Panasonic? Some very competent cameras at a variety of price points; but their flagship model is the GH3 which is a bit of tank, and a very expensive tank, and probably not what you would choose unless you are into video.
The classic GF1 lacked a spiritual successor until the GX1 came along; but the GX1 still had the bolt-on viewfinder option disliked by so many. Where was the top-of-the-range model for stills shooters; compact in size, with a built-in viewfinder and the best of Panasonic’s technology? Those pining for such a beast often referred back to the 1996 Panasonic L1:
It didn’t sell that well at the time; but now it is considered something of a classic; especially by those who think Panasonic should bring out a modern successor. And finally it looks like they will, welcome to the soon to be announced GX7:
I always enjoyed the fact that the viewfinder on my GX1 could be folded upwards so I could stare down into it; something I miss on the E-M5. The GX7 has a built-in viewfinder which also can be tilted upwards; great feature. Plus the viewfinder apparently has an even higher resolution than that of the one available for the EP-5. The other stand-out feature of the GX7 is that it offers in-body stabilisation; quite a step for Panasonic given that they build stabilisation into many of their lenses. We will have to wait for tests to see whether the IQ matches up to the Olympus offerings, but there is a rumour that this camera has the best IQ of any MFT camera.
Given that the specs have been leaked so comprehensively (see them all here), it is likely that the official release of the GX7 is imminent (UPDATE: It will be released on 1st August). If you are considering a new MFT body (and you should); then it may be worth waiting a few days to see whether the GX7 is for you.
Comments 🔗
2013-07-31| David saysSo how do you spell ripoff?
http://static.bhphoto.com/images/images345x345/984420.jpg
Araeady released by Fuji, the beautiful X-M1
2013-07-31| Clive saysDavid, it’s worse than mere rip-off. The L1, especially with that Leica glass, looks glorious. This new GX7 looks like a poor clone of the latest batch of “retro style” small digitals, trying to invoke the look of the older style rangefinder cameras.
Just because Fuji did it once and people cooed, it hardly follows that other manufacturers should follow in their footsteps.
I dare say we’ll end up buying them if the performance is as good as the leaks suggest, but, sorry, the design is just fugly.
Please send all flame-bait responses to Steve Ballmer at Microsoft. He probably has nothing to do with the GX7, but Ballmer and flame-mail are just made for each-other…
;)
2013-08-01| Spike saysMaybe it will look better with the newly announced Leica Nocticron 42.5mm F1.2 lens bolted onto the front.
2013-08-02| Clive saysSpike, I am intrigued by this release and specification from Panasonic. My first inclination would be to ignore both this and the EM-5 and follow your advice and go for the 75mm prime, which surely is on the must-have list.
But then we get to an interesting conundrum: for the next camera purchase, what makes more sense - the OM-D EM-5 or the GX7? My first thought was a little surprise that Panasonic hadn’t tweaked the sensor up beyond 16MP, but on reflection I suspect that they’re getting close to a sweet-spot, and/or the limits of modern CCD fabrication [given the fact that the sensor is still significantly smaller than Canon’s APS-C or APS-H, to say nothing of a 35mm.
The silent shooting option does look tempting, and the integral flip-up DVF and articulate panel do seem to hold the edge over the Olympus. The only sad thing is the price: pre-order offers in the UK are quoting £820, roughly double what I paid for my GX-1 shortly after that came out. Is it twice the camera? I’m sure it’s good, but I’m not sure it’s that good.
My initial thoughts on the black/silver model were really negative. I’ve now seen the all-black alternative and it’s certainly better, but I actually think I prefer the look of my GX1. Not really important, however, as ergonomics in use and IQ are going to be the most important factors.
I shall await the dpreview in-depth analysis with interest, at least until the obviously superior m43info review comes out, that is!
2013-08-03| Spike saysI suspect the E-M5 will win on colours and stabilisastion, the GX7 on ergonomics. Give it a few months and the price will drop, it’s crazy how cheap the GX1 became, no point in selling mine. I shan’t be getting a GX7; but will try and convince someone I know to do so in order that I can steal it and test it. There’s a new OMD on the way, higher spec than the E-M5. Wait and see how that looks, by which time the GX7 will have been well reviewed. In the meantime, go get the 75mm! Panasonic UK are holding some GX7 sessions over the next few weeks. Addresses here: http://www.43rumors.com/gx7-magnum-photographers-will-use-it-and-uk-tour-from-panasonic/ Please go along and try it out and then report back here with your findings! I can give you guest post status if you wish, with all the attended benefits *that brings.
*None