Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Having been committed to M43 photography since it’s launch with Panasonic’s G1 some ten years ago, I have remained a staunch supporter, very happy with that choice, gradually updating my DSLR style kit.
However, for me the hobby has always been a triangle of seeking “different” photographs, using (playing) with the toys and editing.
After ten years I need to freshen it all up to move forward – which had to be to change the kit rather than just the seeking of “different pics” - but to do it without big investment?
My max size prints are 16x20s, so 16mpx is fine, and so I looked for “almost unused” to suit that requirement. Browsing through Panasonic’s range on ebay, I became interested in retro-style rangefinder – and the rather unique “prosumer” GX7, with it’s tilting 2.7mpx EVF and tilting 1mpx monitor. The bonus would be that I already had a good quality collapsible 35-100mm (70-200 equiv) and a compatible Meike speedlite. So I have traded the rest of my kit for a “like new” GX7 and a tiny “like new” quality 12-32mm (24-64 equiv) and a retro-style camera case – an almost no-cost exchange, and stayed with an all-Panasonic kit. The UK camera trading company I used was MPB (mpb.com) – they arrange insured collection for free, agree condition and quotes, and deliver for free.
I now await the new gear (due next week) with child-like excitement, and look forward to getting out and about without bags – big bonus at 78!

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Well done indeed!
We can't wait to see some samples by you using your new equipment.
JimmyT Sends

TonyP Loc: New Zealand

Good morning Delderby, your story could almost be mine. Ive had a little Lumix LX3 for a few years but always opted to carry my 'big gear' when going out to actively look for photo opportunities.
That changed a couple of years ago when I went to South America for a month long 'expedition' with my daughter and her family. I carried my big gear every day for 2-3 weeks until it just got too much. The family were content with their phone cameras and there was I draped in camera gear. So I decided to resort to just my LX3.
On arrival home I made the same decision as you and bought the LX100, a retro looking rangefinder style with a 24-70 lens, and have havent used my 'big' gear, hardly, since.
Enjoy the GX7. It would have been my decision too, but the price here in NZ was just too much for me.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi Tony - thanks for your story.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, it's all about having fun.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

You might want to look into the 20-25mpx range for that photo size. Enhances cropping, etc.

Dik

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

At 79, my bag is getting pretty heavy. Three bodies, about 10 lenses, and I have to choose what to put in the bag to keep it below 25 lb.

OTOH, it's cheaper than a gym membership.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi Dik
Yes - thanks for the tip. But the camera I want is the GX7 = 16 mpx = Now a good price and with the only swivelling EVF. My previous cameras (G5 and G3) both were also 16 mpx. At 16x20 print size I have not had a problem when cropping (don't do many at that size). Also the GX7 has an enhancement to increase the sensitivity of the 16 mpx sensor. I have found that the M43 format encourages lighter cropping.

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

It's easy to take pixels away... it's much harder to add them.

Dik

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I believe the GX7 enhancement algorithm would have to adjust the existing pixels? Surely it is only in the last couple of years that 20-25 pixels have been available in anything but Pro cameras?
Here is a hard cropped pic taken with a Fujilm S1600 (12mpx) several years ago - along with the original!

(Download)


(Download)

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

Much better than I would have thought.

Thanks

Dik

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

You will love your new outfit. I think it will bring you even more fun than the older G1. Write back on this thread once you have it and had a chance to shoot with it.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Thanks for that - I will certainly do so.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Hi again Dik - not really wishing to labour a point, thought this snippet from a review may be of interest -
"Panasonic has really started from the ground up, with a completely new sensor at the heart of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7. While it may share a similar 16-million-pixel resolution to the likes of the GX1 and pretty much every other recently announced Panasonic system camera, the company’s engineers have been able to increase the size of the photodiodes on the sensor by reducing the circuitry on the chip".

Dikdik Loc: Winnipeg, Canada

Thanks, appreciated... I'm over 70, and still in learning mode. I've always had the curiosity of a child.

Dik