The tilt-up viewfinder is good for using in bright sunlit situations, dark situations, where you don't want to light yourself up by using the big screen, and situations where you don't want someone who is looking over your shoulder (like a bride's nosy mother, a model's bossy friend/escort, or a pushy client) to see how you're framing a shot. There are other reasons to use the tilt-up viewfinder too. (i.e. your big review screen got broken somehow or there is dust or sand blowing in your eyes on a windy day at the beach, and the viewfinder helps block the sand)
Wait, to test the camera's image stabilization against that of the lens you went out for drinks? ... Now that's commitment. PS-I want your job, guys! Haha, thanks again for an excellent video review.
Once again, you've produced the best video review online AND you've got it out early, great stuff! As for the camera, I tried it last week, and I want it. I personally think it's a looker and, more importantly, is a joy to use.
big ups for your reviews. for me they represent a pretty perfect mixture of highly specified information with a good sense of humor. that makes it much more easy to follow.
Glad to see this video. Since deciding to replace two OMD EM5s with and EM1 and a GX7, I'm happy to see reviews that suggest that the GX7 is a very capable shooter. I was using my second, silver EM5 as a carry around shooter for everyday shots and I find that the silver GX7 is just as retro (if not more so) and is much easier to navigate for changes on the fly. I much prefer the GX7s grip, even over the accessory grip for the EM5, and the buttons, built-in flash, and WiFi and NFC functionality really complete the overall package and make this camera a winner. Being an Olympus fan, I wanted to get the EP5 instead--it wins by a small margin on looks, but even with the love-it-or-hate-it flip up EVF, I prefer the GX7 since it has the EVF built-in. I wish it was a little smaller, but all in all, the GX7 is about as good as it gets for an enthusiast micro-four thirds shooter.
Thanks for the info =) between GX7 and NEX6, which one should I get? NEX6 is a fair bit cheaper, but I thought I can learn more with the buttons on GX7
Although the ergonomics are similar, I think it's more a matter of which format you prefer--the NEXs are APS-C which is a bigger sensor with some slight advantages that may not matter to you--they don't to me as I've chosen the micro four thirds sensor of the GX7. I prefer this format as the lens quality, availability, and lens prices are better in my opinion for the GX7. Either camera will provide more than enough button functionality for the novice who wants to improve or the serious enthusiast who is looking for a secondary carry around camera system.
So pleased you have quickly reviewed the camera. Great stuff per usual. I actually do like rotating viewfinders - when you get a bit older like me it means less bending at the knee!
Rotating an EVF upwards allows you to hold the camera in a lower position, much more comfortable, you can use both your arms pressed against your body to stabilize the camera. Another useful application would be to have the camera mounted on a microscope adapter or vertical macro (bellows) equipment. With the camera pointed downwards, the rotated EVF is in a comfortable horizontal position. A lightweight camera with body stabilization and non-mechanical shutter is ideal for micro/macro work.
Hey Chris, I totally understand how you feel about the GX7. When I saw it at the Panasonic Booth, I thought it wouldn't hold a candle to the OMD series but it proved me wrong. Loving the AF and the silent shutter there (helps me stabilise my shot even more). It's so darn quick with ultrasonic lenses like the Panaleica 25. As for the tilt viewfinder, I used to shoot kids or stuff on the ground as I find myself a little more stable when I do. It won my heart. dunno what the EM1 would do more...
I agree with another poster. You guys have the greatest reviews. Chris is so comfortable in front of the camera, and Jordan's camera work is fantastic. I also admire that even though you guys have a store, you aren't afraid to point out the downsides of any product (other than saying "hey, they're all great. come buy them" lol) Keep up the good work gentlemen. PS best comment ever...."who cares, healthy's gross" lol
Easily the best camera review channel on RU-vid! Thinking about buying a GX7, mainly for video, already have 3 Panasonic lenses (20mm, 14-45 and 45-200), at around Eur300, ($360) is it a worthwhile purchase? Again, I need it mostly for run n'gun video, so good AF would be very helpful. Read somewhere, that while AF is lightning fast in photo mode, it's not so good for video. Keep up the great work!
Chris, regarding the tiltable EVF, I think its utility depends on your style. If you "grew up" in photography before live view was available, then your creative perspective will primarily be through the viewfinder. Also, if battery life and if shooting in harsh daylight is important, a tiltable EVF will be handy, at least as an option. My experience crosses both worlds. Initially, I was all EVF (GH3), using the rear screen for review, but, especially with video, I'm liking the rear screen now.
Excellent review like always, good information I got a really good idea of what it's like to use the Lumix. I could not see what lens for AF speed demo. I am glad it wasn't the end of CameraStoreTV after all. I guess I missed the part where you guys were going on vacation.
I was in Paris, taking pics of the bottom of the Arc de Triumph... And I sure had a sore back ... That flip EVF would have been perfect.. Any ceiling shot is perfect for it.
Great review as usual, although the sensor size ISO comments are a bit iffy. I've shot wth enough enough Canons to know the new 16MP M4/3 sensors are better than any APS-C sensor Canons have right now, particularly in RAW. DxO agreeing is just icing on the cake. In my personal experience The E-M5 is markedly better than the NEX-7 at high ISOs, and just a little behind the NEX-6. None are as good as the Fujis though. Still, the E-M5/1's IBIS makes it a great low-light choice for static subjects.
As usual another great review but there are few things that you completely missed out. It would have been great if you have talked about them as well. - Wifi/ NFC functionality. - More information about the new sensor and how it compares with GH3 / OM-D (which had the best m4/3 sensors to date). Thanks
11 лет назад
Hello. You can put the back of the camera close to a wall and still be able to frame with the EVF, the screen won´t tilt close to a wall. I know, it´s very rare..
The flip up EVF might be good for following action low to the ground in bright sun. Handy for panning shots and video for skateboarders, cycle races, and the like. Maybe?
The flip up EVF will work great for those with less than perfect eyesight. I for one have to wear reading glasses when viewing the LCD screen when doing awkward/angle shots with my canon camera which is a pain in the arse lol - the flip up EVF is a godsend - I will be buying this camera. Great review.
Great Review of a really interesting camera! They sure did throw a lot of features at this thing. I especially like what he said about focus speed. I'd like to try that out myself.
Chris I can understand you saying the Panasonic lens stabilisation is more effective than the Panasonic In body stabilisation, however the Oly 5-axis trumps them both. It might be worth testing a Panasonic IS lens on an Oly and switch between the two.
I also use EVF all the time, quite often in tilt mode very handy feature. If you are using the screen, just flip the EVF all the way up to prevent that sensor shut off problem. This is good prosumer camera, and small enough to carry everywhere. The WiFi phone app is awesome for remote operation. Some may find the auto focus confusing, there are three pages in the settings menu, it takes time to figure out and remember.
Except for the bells and whistles which one can decide whether they need or will use them in their shooting styles, at this point in time for the ever more increasingly important low-light/high ISO IQ, I'm still glad my first entry into MIL cameras was the NEX-5R.
I saw one review on a tripod, and finally I see a point for the moving view finder, if you use a tripod and still like viewfinders over screens then it means you do not have to squat as much to get down to the viewfinder, obviously depending on how much time you spend on a tripod, and how much you like or dislike screens, the amount of use you will get will vary....of course you could argue that using the screen would still be easier.
The articulating screen is mainly for videography. So if you don't have a use for it, than you must strictly shoot stills. Once you have one, you can't go back.
You make a good point about the lenses, and I have to admit I might be a little bias because I use my NEX 6 almost exclusively with the 50mm f1.8. And as soon as I can get my hands on the new Zeiss 16-70 f4, I think I'll be pretty set.
I use the articulating viewfinder all the time... Often I'll flip the screen for a low show, but I can't see it due to the sun or other light source. Using the view finder, I'm removing ambient light
When I don't want my EVF to sense my hand I flip it up. Also if you shot with a Hassy you come to appreciate looking down into your image. Having a flip EVF I'm able to do the same thing. Also you can turn off the auto switching in the EVF.
I don't agree with him regarding the lens stabilization of the Panasonic's being the equivalent to the IBIS of the Olympus EM1. I have worked with both and there is NO question in my mind I get a stop to a stop and a half better results with the Olympus. Also as far as focus speeds I'd say they are virtually equal, I certainly don't find the Panasonic any quicker by any means. I get the impression TCS isn't a big Olympus fan...just some attitude shows through.
I read that with the GX7 the IBIS is always OFF when the attached lens has OIS. Is that true? If so then the test with the 45mm macro is invalid since it was using OIS only.
sneaky sneaky viewfinder! :) yea my nex 6 viewfinder sensor is annoying and too easy to trigger too. used to it now though, every time my LCD is black i know something is blocking that sensor..
Check out some of the other reviews of the GX7 on youtube. The picture quality and video on the GX7 is a step up from the GH3. So if you don't need some of the other GH3 features (which you might) then the GX7 seems to have a nice sensor upgrade.
In the video, the reviewer remarked that he didn't really find a good use for the flippable EVF. Starting with night photography of the heavens where the camera is pointed upwards, I realized that it is useful for that: Pull the EVF out, and look through it and you won't have to contort your body to see the screen.
I can imagine the rotating evf in a street shooting/documentary situation. Looking down gives you a different relationship to the subject than putting it right in front of your face.
I got the Gx1 half a year ago, Im really happy with it and it was only $500, I dont think the Gx7 is worth $1000 though, its still missing important stuff like dial controlled ISO or Aperture. Still waiting for the next one.
It is super nice camera to work with, and it's been a while since I've been so happy for a camera, because with Gariz Half Case which I bought for it makes it just perfect for me. The only thing missing is with this camera is the lack of microphone input and weather protection, but then Panasonic will probably want us to buy Panasonic GH4 if we want the last thing missing ......
"Why you ever use that?" (The articulation of the EVF). Well, the problem of why is here secondary to a bigger one: the subjective way of analizing, by which if you do not find the reason, it does not mean that you have not found it, it means there is no reason (!).
I was about to ask that question. Especially with the NEX 6 being cheaper, although the Panasonic does have IBIS and a far better lens selection. :) Tough call!
great video - the GX7 to me is just awesome - got two now - now being discontinued in some country's so a new GX8 hopefully on the way - I suspect GX8 will have higher res EVF / larger view - 4K recording - faster focus like that of the GH4 and yes I think it is faster then the nice OMD-Em1 - hopefully IBIS in video - and other improvements - but a killer camera and in my mind highly under-estimated - I do have Sony NEX5n/7 and Fuji X cameras and Olympus OMD-em5 and em1 and Nikon DSLR gear - the GX7 is the most fun of them all to use - I would like to see Panasonic do what they did to the GH4 - keep the looks and buttons the same but just improve - I would love a 5 axis IBIS -
I played with a GX7 in my local camera store yesterday. Nice camera, although the one thing that really struck me was that the GX7 is, stylistically and functionally, practically a carbon copy of Sony's NEX-6 and a6000 cameras.
I agree, but I would say that the E-M5 is equal to the NEX-6 at ISO 1600 and up (and I have both). I have not been impressed with the NEX high ISO at all, now multi-shot NR does impress me!
I noticed you are right-eyed Chris; do you think left-eyed photographers would gain benefit from the tilting viewfinder? i.e. be able to avoid touching the screen with their nose :)
Will you pls make a review on Lumix G6? I belive its the most creative camera in the market. Also pls point out how close/or better it is that GH3 . Thanx
I don't recall Kai saying the GX7 was camera of the year...I believe he said it was the best looking camera of the year. It's funny how different people feel about something as subjective as looks. I personally think the GX7 is gorgeous especially in the silver trim.
Thanks for nice review. I have NEX7 and 5n and yes great IQ but I hate the menu system and lack of Fn buttons and no Mode dial. which the 6 has but when I got the GX1 it fell in love the many Fn buttons and Touch to Shoot etc. so now GX7 with its 9Fn buttons and so customizable and feature rich - I have ordered mine and just waiting. Will be interesting to see if Sony NEX8 will have better menu and button layout as Sony always make great sensor.
Just noticed for the very first time the somewhat inconsistent (I'm not gonna say sloppy...) editing at the beginning, where between wide angles and close-ups of the GX7, you alternate between having the 20mm f/1.7 and the 12-35mm f/2.8 affixed to the body... ha!
Hi! I would like to know your opinion. Now the Gx8 in stores in Europe is 1099Eur and the Gx7 is 570Eur, both with 14-42mm lens. Make sens to spend extra money on Gx8? I'm not a professional photographer. It's for travelling, family and day by day use in normal conditions. Or the Olympus OEM-D10 is also available for 680Euros, with 14-42mm and 40-150mm Kit lens. Wich one is better. Which one should I choose? Please guys help me, because you know these cameras much better than I. Thank You ! I really enjoy your videos guys ! Good luck
+Radu Cerescu go for gx7 unless you want the best and are not price sensitive at all. gx8 doesn't worth that much. According to Panasonic's pricing strategy, you'll see its price drop very fast - as what had happened with gx7. gx8 has substantially improved EVF and focusing speed. A little more feature. But none of these is worth the big price difference, nor a big concern for you. olympus EM10 is more or less the same. You may decide which one to choose based on 1. price difference in your country and 2. which design (Panasonic's rangefinder design or Olympus's SLR design) you prefer.
Nice review! good to hear about the cinema and stuff. sometimes reviews are just boring in general, so its nice with some extra info thats not just specs. too bad you cut that woman out who was coming round the corner :-) cheers
Hey Man which one do you think is better this the Panasonic GX7 of the Sony A6000, I'm looking at doing landscape photography and long exposure photography as well as holiday pictures and everything in between. Lens choice and picture quality is a key factor along with screen resolution and evf resolution. Many thanks.
have both - The GX7 is much more fun to use - great Touch LCD with Touch To Focus and Touch for all menu settings - very fast focus and also in low light - great selection of lenses available and because of IBIS you can use the Olympus lenses as well even though they do not have IS - like the fantastic 45mm F1.8 and the super fantastic 75mm F1.8 - Video is very nice - manual controls are nice - you have 9Fn keys - of which 4 physical Fn buttons all programmable - two dials that can be programmable - the one on the back is great with a push you can change the function so really a 2 in 1 - So what does the A6000 have - yes a bit larger sensor and more mega pixels - so in good light you will get a bit better resolution for landscape - but higher pixel density does not help low light performance - which I think is somewhat similar - with the A6000 maybe a tad better with a comparable lens say a 35mm F1.8 - but Panasonic has a 25mm F1.4 ( x2 50mm ) - they also have now a 45.5mm F1.2 lens - so that will do better then a F1.8 lens although a bit larger sensor - I think in the early review he started out like so many - bias against Panasonic as not a serious camera brand - but towards the end he rated right with the super Olympus OMD -Em1 which costs quite a bit more - but also well worth looking into - The A6000 has an improved menu system now and faster focus then the older NEX6/7 and eye detect focus which is super - so focus is maybe a bit better for moving objects - So really the A6000 is a very nice camera - but the real issue with the NEX and now A5000/A6000 or the Emount is that there are not many lenses - and no fast F2.8 zooms for example - only a very expensive Zeiss F4.0 vs M43 has a 12-35(24-70mm F2.8) and a 35-700(70-200mm F2.8) from Panasonic and a similar lenses from Olympus that are super nice - also a 7-14mm F4 ultra wide angle and there is no match for the super 40mm(80mm) F1.8 and 75mm(150) F1.8 portrait lenses from Olympus - Sony only has a 35mm F1.8 and a 50mm F1.8 - so really only the 50mm F1.8 as a portrait lens - Another factor is that the GX7 and A6000 are not weather sealed but the Olympus OMD-EM1 is - so if that is needed then you might look at it - I have 2 GX7's a OMD-EM5 and OMD-EM1 and Sony NEX5n NEX7 and A6000 and Fuji X-T1 and X-100s - and my favorite camera to use of all is the GX7 - just fast and has great dial access - it also has C1 C2 C3 where you can save custom settings which I use a lot Either way you go - you will get great cameras - if you do not plan to get many lenses then the A6000 is fine - but if you will be needing wide angle and fast zooms then I would say you need to look to the Panasonic GH4 or GX7 or Olympus OMD-EM1 or if you need a bit better low light performance then Fuji X-T1 ( but it will cost you a lot more and no IS in Fuji Prime lenses ) - Of course the Nikon D810 is the king for landscape - but of course lots more money and a FF DSLR size and weight - The focus in the A6000 is very fast but so is the DFD Focus in the GH4 and the focus in the GX7 - for fast moving action then the Fuji X-T1 will give you the most keepers - even a bit better then the A6000 - but for stills the GH4 and GX7 and A6000 are just as fast So now you are totally confused :)
jon hermannsson thanks for that in depth comparison. But considering the micro 4/3 sensor is smaller than the Sony, dose that mean that a 50mm lens on the Sony has a wider field of view, than a 50 mm on the Panasonic?
Kelvin Bastow the Sony 50mm with APS-C sensor is actually 50mm x 1.5 crop factor so in Full Frame terms a 75mm. so the Sony 35mm F1.8 is closer to the actual 50mm range or 52.5mm. - Panasonic has a 25mm F1.4 - M43 uses a crop factor of 2x - so that lens is actually 50mm F1.4 - very nice lens. Olympus has a 17mm F1.8 so that is actually a 35mm lens - so yes if sensor is a bit larger then filed of view is a bit wider and taller - like a FF would have a bit wider field of view then a APS-C - but of course it matters also what lens you have - so like I mentioned, if you where looking for actual 50mm then the Panasonic 25mm (x2) F1.4 would be closest to 50mm as the Sony 35mm F1.8 is a bit over 50mm - Often for landscape photography one might use a wide angle - Sony has a 16mm lens so actually a 16x.15=24mm - Panasonic has a 7-14mm so 14-28mm - so considerably wider angle of view - the Sony 50mm F1.8 is priced well but not so ideal for landscape as it is 75mm actually - the Sony 35mm F1.8 is wider of course 52.5mm and more money although still at a good price - so the field of view is of course a bit wider with a larger sensor but can be less with a longer lens compared to a smaller sensor camera - it would only apply if you where actually comparing same focal length lenses - so if you need ultra wide then the Sony has the 16mm F2.8 which is fairly inexpensive but also a very mediocre lens - Panasonic has the 7-14mm F4 which is a much better image quality lens and is a zoom and quite a bit wider but is fairly costly - Olympus has a superb 7-14mm F2.8 Pro grade weather sealed coming out soon - B&H has it listed now but no price yet so still few months away. So if you are looking for wider angle shoots the GX7 or an OMD-EM1 with the 7-14mm F4 would give you a wider field of view and just as sharp if not sharper over the Sony A6000 with the 16mm F2.8 - so not because the A6000 but because of the so so 16mm F2.8 lens - M43 just has much larger selection of lenses and better lenses - but of course you get what you pay for - there are few Zeiss E mount lenses available like the Zeiss 32mm F1.8 for $720 and although a bit better then the 35mm F1.8 Sony - but the Zeiss has no IS - So like I said before if you will be wanting to get good glass from wide angle to fast zoom then M43 is the way to go - but if you will be just using a kit lens and a 50mm F1.8 then you will get marginally better results with the larger sensor A6000 - and as it is a marginal difference then I would also consider Fun and Ease of use - the A6000 does not have Touch LCD or Touch To Focus which is a really nice feature - as you can simply just touch the spot on the LCD that you want in focus and the camera will ( the GX7 and OMD-EM1/10 ) focus and take the picture instantly - so no moving a focus point ( for example ) left left left up up - which takes time and then you have to reset for next shot - on the GX7 for example you can move the focus point with your finger - so you can be looking into the viewfinder and have your finger on the LCD and you will see in the viewfinder how you are moving the focus point with your finger - so much quicker then up up up left left for example -
Yes me too. I like panasonic and sony but panasonic has a larger lens selection especially for pancakes. Sony has the bigger sensor...and the a6000 is on sale for 599 right now smh???
Great review, as always, but something looks different about your video. Different frame rate, perhaps? It looks more fluid than it should be, almost like you were shooting in 60p vs 24p... or maybe I'm seeing things. ;)
