Wednesday, September 6, 2023

μ43 commentary, part 2

 I've expended a lot of energy on research for cameras, and it generally pays off. In a curious way it has failed me several times recently, to my shock and frustration.

Put simply:

Why can't I like newer Lumix bodies??


I loved the G1, so small and with many nice options (unique ones in fact, as it was the first mirrorless body!). The GH1 was also nice, though I had to part with it quickly in one of many budget crunches since 2010.

The GX1, GX7 and EM1 supplanted the early bodies for quite a while, as did the eP5. Each brought new features that I really liked.

My next steps forward just didn't work out:

  •  The G7 had all the specs I sought (wx seals and iStab were covered by my Pentax gear) and it fit my hand so well. But by now I was happier with tip screens so flipping was less fun, and my brain didn't mesh with the 4k features despite my coveting them.
  • I then reverted to the GX series with the GX8 and its wx seals and IS.. but the flip screen and external Exposure Comp dial irritated me.  Close but not quite, compared to the eM1 original.
Oh My: had I gone over to the OM side and its curiously complex menus? Both systems brought cool new features, but on paper Lumix made more sense. 
So I tried a few more times!
  • When the G85 came along with better stabilization and wx seals it just had to be the one!! Nope. The GX85 brought a new shutter and in-body charging.. but I reverted to my preferred GX7 and its oddball USB connection. Of course is not the same oddball USB connection as Olympus.. that would be too easy. 
  • Last and not least: the G9. So many agree it's a bit large but Perfect for their needs.  Nearly every owner said "try it first, it's not for everyone". They are correct: this camera fit me worse than all the others. The first time i turned it on I put my finger on the shutter, moved forward to change the front dial - and powered the camera off. Front dial is Behind the shutter, Canon style. Having used everything except Canon this was contrary to all my previous experience and would once learned every other camera would feel wrong. I couldn't bear it.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

And so I continue in the μ43 system with the best I can afford, the eM5.iii (and its 'normal' micro-USB connector!) and have reluctantly accepted that Lumix G bodies don't suit me. 

Though I shall never know why !!

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