GX1 or G5?

xdayv · #1 July 18th, 2012, 07:28 PM

Now that the G5 has been announced, what should I choose? (Note: will keep G3, I intend to have 2 bodies.)

The GX1 at a very good price seems to be unbeatable. I'm currently leaning towards this, having been familiar with the GF1 handling...

On the other hand, the G5 seems to be a very good upgrade from the G3. And the one big factor that wins me over to the G5 is the built-in viewfinder, and also similar handling with the G3.

Though I might wait for real world reviews of the G5, I might jump ahead for the GX1.

meyerweb · #2 July 18th, 2012, 07:48 PM

They're really very different cameras. Other than the fact that they use the same lenses, and have very similar sensor performance (it would seem), they have little in common.

The G5 has a built-in EVF, a larger grip, and an articulated screen.

The GX-1 has more metal in it's skin, no EVF, a fixed screen.

Do you care one way or the other about those things? Adding a finder to the GX1 will increase the cost substantially. If you really prefer a finder, I don't think you'll be very happy with the GX-1.

OTOH, if you rarely use the finder, maybe you'd prefer the GX-1.

Jonathan F/2 · #3 July 18th, 2012, 07:50 PM

I'd get the GX1 personally. It's nice to have a modular style camera.

drewbot · #4 July 18th, 2012, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan F/2

I'd get the GX1 personally. It's nice to have a modular style camera.

This. In addition to the fact that you'd have one EVF body and a bar shaped one. Put a big lens on the G3 and a tiny pancake on the GX1 and you're set.

hkpzee · #5 July 18th, 2012, 09:21 PM

Since the GX1 is selling at such attractive price now, if I were you, I'd go for it now, and when the G5 price starts coming down, upgrade the G3 to a G5 then...

jloden · #6 July 18th, 2012, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkpzee

Since the GX1 is selling at such attractive price now, if I were you, I'd go for it now, and when the G5 price starts coming down, upgrade the G3 to a G5 then...

I agree :)

The G5 would be a good upgrade to the G3, whereas the GX1 is a different animal. It's a little smaller (especially if you don't have the LVF2 attached) and a different style of camera. I think it makes a good complement to my G3 personally.

I will likely replace my G3 eventually with an OM-D, G5, or GH3 - which one will depend on what Panasonic comes out with for the GH3, and what the price points look like for the 3 cameras several months down the line. My take is if you're looking for something as an upgrade to the G3 - then go for a G5. If you're looking for something different, the GX1 is a good deal and an enjoyable camera to use.

dixeyk · #7 July 18th, 2012, 10:04 PM

I have long been a fan of the mini DSLR style Panasonics. I absolutely loved my G2 and the GH2 but I recently decided to go minimalist and sold off everything and picked up a GX1. They really are different beasts and it depends on what you want out your camera. The EVF and articulated LCD are awesome and open up some interesting creative options. BUT...I have been very impressed with the way the GX1 handles. It is fast, very comfortable in the hand (perhaps a bit more comfy than my beloved G2 because it's lighter) and is proving to be a great have with you at all times camera.

Consider that the GX1s seem to have dropped in price dramatically and can be had for much less than a G5 will be (when it is available).

crsnydertx · #8 July 19th, 2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixeyk

Consider that the GX1s seem to have dropped in price dramatically and can be had for much less than a G5 will be (when it is available).

Not sure about the "much less" if you take into account the need to purchase the EVF for the GX1...

xdayv · #9 July 19th, 2012, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkpzee

Since the GX1 is selling at such attractive price now, if I were you, I'd go for it now, and when the G5 price starts coming down, upgrade the G3 to a G5 then...

I'll consider this path... sounds good hehe.

michaeln's Gallery · #10 July 19th, 2012, 07:35 AM

I have the GX1 and from what I have seen of the G5 I am not tempted. It's too big for my taste. I like the ability to slap the 20mm on the GX1 and carry it in my pocket. I like the flexibility of being able to have the EVF when I want it and not have it when I don't need it.

And, although it's really a minor aesthetic thing that doesn't matter in The Great Scheme Of Things, I think the mini-SLR look is silly. I don't like the look of the G3, GH2, G5 or OM-D. To me, they look like DSLRs that someone shrunk by mistake in the dryer.