A couple of weeks ago the Australian store Discountcameras marked the GX7 as “officially discontinued”. There is now a first official statement from Panasonic Korea about that matter. They told at Dicahub that the GX7 is not discontinued yet in Korea. But he also added “It is possible it is discontinued in specific country or specific dealer”
In the meantime the GX7 price keeps dropping and you can get it for $614 only in [shoplink 47127 ebay]USA (here on eBay)[/shoplink] and 639 Euro in [shoplink 47128 ebay]Germany (here on eBay)[/shoplink].
57 Responses
Although the GX7 had a big price drop, the Olympus EM10 that came out much cheaper seems to be a better option…
the gx 7 does have better video though…but you are right the EM10 is a very nice camera
You pay what you get .
To put GX7 same level as EM10 is incorrect , 2 different class cameras .
I did try the EM10 , not even the class of GX7 .
I wouldn’t say different class. But it has much better video for sure!
Something strange about the GX7 (especially considering its price) are those dials. The front is quite okay, but the rear feels super cheap. It always turns me off when I try the GX7 in the store. I much prefer the dials of the E-M5/10, G6 and GH3! (But at least to me Pana always had weaker dials than the other brands…)
Yes’ different class. The GX7 is an enthusiast level camera while the EM10 is an entry level camera with an EVF. I think the EM10 is more comparable to the G series by Panasonic… Both are good cameras with last gen sensors and current gen processors at a lower price point.
Maybe, you are right. 😀 It is just that both have practically the same IQ, dual dials, EVFs and metal body. Also bracketing and other feature are pretty much on par and both are highly customizable.
With DSLRs these were the distinguishing factors, but the only severe advantage of the GX7 are Mg vs. Al, tilt EVF and of course video. For me an enthusiast m43 should also offer weather sealing when it is priced around 1000$ for the body (or at least headphone/mic jacks for video enthusiasts). E-M10 has got the price right for a camera with such features, at least in my opinion. 😀
But I like the GX7 form factor and handling more (except for those dials).
Could be. I did not try the EM10, I must admit.
To a lesser degree, I embrace the contradiction that all the pro photographers that I personally know have (pro in the sense that they actually make a living out of it) They all change their bodies like once every 5 years.. When they do, they carefully choose their bodies. When its done, no more hair splitting for a long long while, they just use it. In that sense, should m43 be my mount (well, yes it is) EM-10, GX7.. which ever, once you have it, its a commitment and I would not worry at that point wether the other is a better choice or not…
Absolutely, they’re not in the same league.
The things that struck me about the EM10 is that it seems too small. The controls are cramped and it has poor handling. There are square-ish angles that hit your hand in uncomfortable ways, that’s the same as the other OMD’s, too. It pretty much demands that you buy an extra grip, but that doesn’t solve the button issue. I won’t bother to mention the interface and menu layout.
The GX7 has superior out-of-the-box handling, ergonomics and, of course, much better interface.The build quality is very good, too. I have issues with some of the controls of the GX7, but in comparison they’re minor.
I’d make the grip a bit beefier and taller. Shift the shutter button forward to the top of the grip (like the A6000) and add a focus mode dial (like the GH-series) to the top.
And the pictures?
Agreed that the EM10 is on the small side, but I appreciate that when taking the smallest possible bag. The add-on grip largely negates any handling questions otherwise.
I don’t own the GX7, but I’ve found that Oly generally out performs Panasonic in stills. And I still have my GX1 for video.
If vid and stills are equally important, I agree the GX7 is the way to go. For stills and overall package, the M10 (don’t forget about IBIS) is the better package.
“I don’t own the GX7, but I’ve found that Oly generally out performs Panasonic in stills.”
ONLY if you’re a JPEG shooter. And even then, the GX7, GM1 and GH4 JPEG quality has closed the gap with the Olympus.
If you shoot RAW, then the GX7 is the better bet, because it’s better video quality and it’s ibis is good enough.
The GH4 is the king of M43 cameras at the moment, though.
Olympus having better JPEGs is really no more than an internet meme. They tend to be over saturated for my taste. It’s like shooting Velvia everywhere, all the time. Sometimes it looks great, but it’s often too much.
That being said, the EM10 is a fine entry level camera, although it is a bit overpriced for what you get. The Panasonic equivalent G6 is much better featured, and less expensive to boot, but doesn’t have the cool retro looks of the EM10 or the fake leather wrap. But… Panasonic makes photographers tools, Olympus makes fashion accessories.
I own both. I’ve really enjoyed the G6 and it’s a great value, but the G6 sensor doesn’t keep up with the M10. The M10 has the dual dials and I prefer the flip out screen compared to the fully articulated G6 screen.
I agree the Oly can occasionally oversaturate, but after a few years of shooting exclusively Panasonic M43, I was stunned at the color reproduction of the PM1. I’ve used both systems ever since.
I don’t really understand the childish shot at the end. I haven’t found the perfect camera yet (even the ‘king’ GH4) so I consistently use both Oly & Panny. I guess we should be glad that at least you’re not trolling for FF.
FF cameras really are superior, though. They offer the optimal combination of image quality, portability and price.
If that were true FF sales would exceed Nikon 1, M43 and APS-C combined.
Proponents of any of those formats could make the same argument depending on which of those ingredients they value most (and I’d add interface/lens selection to that list).
Get your head out of your a$$.
“the EM10 is a fine entry level camera” EM10 body only is $200-$300 more expensive than a DSLR WITH lens. That right there makes it awfully tough for the EM10 to claim it is entry level anything.
The GH4 has amazing features but it’s delivered in a big bloated ugly body. Looks like a Canon DSLR. Big bloated camera bodies are what drove us away from DSLR’s towards M4/3rds, features or no features.
And yet Panasonic can’t make enough of them for the masses that want them. Bloated or not, it’s the Best M43 camera money can buy.
“Bloated” hahahahaha! That’s funny. The E-M1 isn’t to far from that, but if you want to talk about Ugly, the E-M1 can’t be beat!
Not long ago the E-M5 was the best M43 camera you could buy and Panny was seen as treading water (G6/GF6?). We benefit when both companies keep one upping each other.
And neither the E-M1 or GH4 are going to win any beauty contests.
“And yet Panasonic can’t make enough of them for the masses that want them”
GH4 is readily in stock at plenty of retailers.
difference looks academic to me at best, unless of course if you cherry pick the features that conveniently makes you tip toward this of that choice.
Different animals. The em10 is a great value but that comes at a price. For me the em5 and em10 are too small. Seem miniaturized. And I’m not liking the qc complaints in the forums.
E-shutter and a flash that can be bounced were.features that swayed me to the gx7. Size and slr form may sway some to the em10. In the end a $200 epm2 takes pictures as good as both.
I have same thoughts
recently was deciding E-M10 or GX7
dont do video at all(dont have time/hardware to postporocess it ) ….and heard that GX7 dont have good EVF
i also had on hand seconhand GX7 with 20mm pana for 699eur , but anyway choosed new E-M10 with 45mm f/1.8 for 760eur
if I woudl at least bit do video …I would give a GX7 try …but without video features the E-M10 was for me better value
ps…dont call me fanboy as my only primes are 14mm and 25 f/1.4..only now bought 45mm f/1.8 to replace manual 50mm OM lens
I’ve always taken ‘discontinued’ to mean ‘no longer produced’, but Panasonic is here clearly using the word in the sense ‘no longer sold’ or ‘no longer in stock’, explaining how there can be a difference between different countries or even dealers.
The GX7 if I’m not wrong is less than 1 year , how could it discontinue ?
Make no senses at all .
Except something new / big is coming either from rivals ( NEX budget FF as rumor suggested ) or Pana itself ( breakthrough in sensor tech ) than this will make more sense .
Just my two cents .
If at least we had GX8 rumors or leaks..
But its not the first time that a product gets discontinued again and again and again over several seasons.
because the GX7 was announced and we all oohed and ahh’d. Then cameras from Fuji, and Sony came out for the same of lower price point with nice looks and an insanely superior sensors and suddenly, the GX7 was an afterthought.
The A6000 has one of the best sensors in any digital camera and it’s $600 for the body. Now I am a Panasonic guy. I have 2 and have had about 7. I wanted the GX7 but no way I can justify paying more for the GX7 body than the Sony or a Fuji.
I’m guessing that’s why Panasonic knows the GX7 is no longer competitive, not to mention the GM 1 seems like the direction they are headed not the GX7, which is a darn nice camera but not for $800. Sony is now selling sensors to Panasonic, put a sony sensor in the GX7 and i’m buying!
You are right, the GX7 is overpriced, specially given the crappy EVF.
The GX7 price is only justifiable with a better sensor like the sensor of the GH4 (doesn’t need to be a Sony sensor) , plus the GH4 Venus Engine IX and a good EVF (like the one of the GH4 and FZ1000).
Actually, Sony USED to sell sensors to Panasonic (GH3). They are back to all Panasonic sensors. In fact, they are back to equipping Olympus with sensors for their top of the line camera (EM1).
And while I have nothing bad to say about Fuji, Sonys continued lack of lenses would make me seriously hesitant to buy an A6000. If you want a rangefinder alternative to the GX7 (and can’t afford Leica), go try a Fuji. They are slow shooters, but produce nice looking files and have a great lens line up.
I own a fuji (x-e2) and I love it. I sold my GH3, LX7 and G5. I still have my g3 and still love it. If I was to buy the A6000 I’d buy the 2 Zeiss Touit lenses for it and be happy as a clam. That said, I don’t need another camera right now. But if I did, I would not purchase the GX7 at current prices. If it dropped significantly then maybe. Frankly (can I call you Frankly?:) I think M4/3rd Sensors in the Panny’s and Oly’s need a significant upgrade. The Sensors Sony is putting in the RX series are right on the money. Stick one of those in a Panny and Im there
The Discount Camera site also says that the GX7 is a DSLR, so that must be true also. Why is an error by one small camera store being given so much attention?
Because it’s GX7 , a very well done RF camera that ever created in m4/3 history . We can’t tolerance any unreasonable remarks made to this lovely camera .
Nope, because it’s a Panasonic.
The bias here is sickening.
As usual, your comments are irrelevant, just like YOU, MrALLCRAP.
Because (as the admin has addressed) Olympus fanboys complained that Panasonic was being given too much (positive) attention. Gotta knock EM flown a peg of two!
Because this is a rumor site, which is all about clutching at straws and making hens out of feathers.
wishful thinking GX8… 8MP, improved EVF, mic input, remove touchscreen capability, 4K(Cine/DCI)/2K/1080p 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/59.94/60/Vari-crank up to 120fps, better manual controls, dedicated exposure comp, dedicated ISO dial (yeah, go ahead and copy the Fuji X-T1 for control layout), at a minimum clean 10bit-4:2:2 HDMI output (basic on-board recording facilities), DC input, side mount media slot, LANC port, base 100 ISO, shutter angle paradigm for video mode rather than shutter speed in menus, bluetooth audio output, no crop sensor in video mode… and GLOBAL SHUTTER!!!!
If it would be Cine4K (4096×2160), it is 9MP. But it is 17:9 format, to have good ratio for portrait orientation (a camera like this should not be just for video), the sensor would need to be extended vertically, to something like 12MP (4096×3072) oversized (with diagonal bigger than image circle) and cropped from there as needed (including to 4096×2160).
Your right, maybe take the Sony approach and do a video-centric version with low-pixle count – hell, even 4K is not that important for me, a super low-resolution 2K sensor would be fine too. Then release a high MP version without AA filter for photogs.
Think you guys/gals are asking for the GH5
no
well those kind of specs are 1 to 2 generations forward on the GH series. Doubt many will show up in a rangefinder which may be a one-off. I’d expect a GM2 before a GX8.
GH4 offers SDI output, XLR audio inputs, and professional DC connector with the accessory as well as a fully articulating LCD. Technology moves on, so it makes sense that eventually products aimed at a “lower end market” will supersede the prior “high end” product. The GM1 outperforms high end DSLRs of previous years with respect to video. I would welcome a GM2 with a global shutter and 2K capability (allows for post production image stabilization for one) and 60fps capability and HDMI output while shooting (current model can only utilize for playback).
SONY SENSOR!
It is still not market as discontinued even by that specific Australian store. You make too much out of a mistaken click of some store clerk. 🙂
Did Panasonic fix their IBIS in video and live view?
No, stabilizer only works for stills still 😉 I personally don’t feel that stabilization is necessary for cine-use (other than the use of camera support, glide/stedi-cam, etc…) Better stabilization will be done by post anyways, if really necessary. It may even be unwanted – making handshake shots too smooth depending on the application.
For non-pro applications GX7 is made for, ” use of camera support, glide/stedi-cam, etc” are irrelevant. Even tripods are almost irrelevant. Only proper handheld stabilization matters.
I’ll admit that for some beginners without proper technique, handheld stabilization is a must have. For the rest of us it’s just a nice perk, but if you still lack those basic skills, a beginners camera might be more suitable to learn with before you “graduate” to a camera that demands proper technique.
When we talk about beginner, what I often see is large chunk of unedited footage. All the best if they learn to have better stabilization, but for many, “beginner graduation” in video editing would actually do even better. Sound editing and transition to do away with zooming, focus hunt, auto metering as well as chunk of irrelevant part of the video capture..
To learn to have 2 minutes of footage that tells a story rather than 8 minutes painful to watch…
Panasonic has stabilized lenses that are more effective.
Right, effective at stabilizing rotation and translation? 😉 And Pana and Oly and many others have lenses which don’t benefit a bit from the fact that a few Panasonic lenses have OIS.
Only Admin thought/pretended it was discontinued. We readers always know it was not. Even Pana hired photog Giulio Scorio confirmed it was not discontinued. Seems just like traffic generation for the site.
This sites admin must be dense and stubborn beyond belief. The story was determined to be a mistranslation in the comments.section minutes after he posted. Still 4-5 mentions of the gx7 being discontinued on 43rumors after.
43rumors.com “FT0” no credibility. Just a place to talk sh1t about gear.
Heck of a piece of journalism. “It’s not discontinued here but maybe somewhere else”.
smh
Hey… What does Korea say about the EM1 getting 4K video in a firmware update lol
‘discontonued, althaugh’…..who the hell has written this article??!…..maybe they are some kids who didn’t like GX7 and want it to be ‘discontinued’ soon lol