Advice needed. GX9 vs GX8 vs EM-5ii

Hi everyone,

I'm planning on switching to M43 from Pentax and was looking to see which body I should get. My top choice when researching around was the GX8... only to find that the GX9 has replaced it. The reason I was looking at the GX8 was the better EVF (apparently, I havent seen it yet),and to me more importantly, weather sealing. I've been spoilt by the pentax weather sealing to be honest. Never had to worry about my camera and sealed lens in the elements.

I've been bouncing between these three as I'm wondering also whether I need the weather sealing in the first place. I primarily shoot when I travel these days and might go hiking, take near waterfalls, these sort of things. I was hoping for something compact (why most people come to M43 too I've realised) and light that I can carry around all day with little fatigue. '

Do you guys know of anywhere thats still selling the GX8 new? Or should I just forgo the seal for the newer sensor, better shutter (apparently) in the GX9. Or stick with a few years old tech with (supposedly) slower autofocus in the EM 5 ii but has the weather seal..

Compromises for all sadly. Hoping to get your opinions. thanks in advance!

felixcat8888 said:

The GX8 can no longer be found "New" but apprently can still buy it "New" from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/PANASONIC-Mi...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B011B8QW38 or pair it with the 12-60/3.5-5.6 (Weather sealed) at another cost.

If you read reviews on the GX8/9, and the Oly EM5II, all 3 are good in their own way.

I have used the GX8 which I bought 2nd hand from another user, but it is as heavy as my Pentax APS-C camera and weather sealed. The only disadvantage is that there is no built in flash, which is not a problem for me. (Sold it away after a month and kept my EM5II)

If I recall, there are 3 GX8s being sold on our Buy & Sell thread.
https://www.clubsnap.com/threads/wtsell-mirrorless-panasonic-panasonic-gx8-body.1724326/
https://www.clubsnap.com/threads/wt...onic-gx8-black-camera-and-6-lens-set.1724061/
https://www.clubsnap.com/threads/wtsell-mirrorless-panasonic-lumix-gx8-12-35mm-f2-8-v1.1721151/

I too have the EM5II and it is compact enough to bring along on a holiday, paired with the Oly 12-40/2.8 lens and I do have several prime lenses from both olympus and Panasonic. I don't find the AF in the EM5II slow at all.

I have also tried the 12-60/3,5-5.6 lens and it is good as a travel lens.

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Hey Felix,

thanks for the reply! I didnt expect to find you here haha. I'm seriously considering the Em5 ii with the 14-150 kit lens at the moment as both are sealed. Been spoilt by pentax's weather sealing. Dont think the 16mp will be too bad too. Thinking of pairing it with the 17 f1.8 for low light. Do you think this will work? Really appreciate your opinion! You take great photos!

felixcat8888 said:

Thank you. Why not get the Oly 12-40/2.8 or even the Pana Leica 12-60/2.8-4 or even the Pana 12-60/3.5-5.6? All are weather sealed too.

The 17/1.8 is good as is the 12/2 and PL 15/1.7. I currently have the 12-40/2.8, PL15/1.7, PL25/1.4, Oly 45/1.8 and Oly 75/1.8 lenses.

A few of us have 2 systems. Our Pentax DSLRs, either K1 or others and the EM5II or Pen F.

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thanks for the reply! I was thinking of getting the 14-150 as a travel lens. This way i can bring it on hikes etc and not have to change my lens, and have the 17mm there as a low light solution. I was considering the 12-40 as well as I really like the 2.8, but am not sure if the range will be an issue when travelling.

felixcat8888 said:

You can even consider the Panasonic Leica 12-60/2.8-4 or the Panasonic 12-60/3.5-5.6 for travel. I had the Panasonic 12-60/3.5-5.6 but sold to another buddy.

Why not consider the Panasonic Leica 15mm F1.7?

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I'm not so familiar with the Panasonic side of things sorry. Are these good lenses? The Panasonic 12-60/3.5-5.6 does sound interesting... Actually the other option after giving your previous suggestion some serious thought is to get the 12-40 f2.8 and a cheap oly 40-150 . would this be suitable?

really appreciate your help!