For all the stuff that doesn’t fit elsewhere!
In part 1, I gave you my opinion and rundown on the physical, ergonomic changes along with a couple of the key, new features to the GX lineup. Now, we can take a look at how this camera has evolved from a performance point of view compared to the GF1 and GX1. C’mon in for some videos and comparisons…
In this review, I want to focus on and outline my favorite additions that the GX7 has introduced to micro 4/3 shooters or those who have been shooting other Panasonic m4/3 cameras from a features standpoint. I’d also like to look at how the GX7 has progressed physically from the GF1 and GX1. Many of the features on the GX7 are not unique, but may be new for micro 4/3, or at least Panasonic system users, and I’ve been curious to shoot with this camera since the rumors started circulating. In this first part, I want to go over how this camera feels in the hand, how it interacts with the shooter, and what the new bells and whistles have provided vs the previous cameras. The next part will focus on the performance of the camera, actual image quality, et al (click here to read Part 2). I will also be comparing this camera to my Olympus OM-D E-M5 in a future article, but for now, we’ll focus on the GX7 and the advancements it has made compared to it’s predecessors.
When Panasonic started to leak the GX7 micro 4/3 camera, I, along with many micro 4/3 fans started to pine for what seemed on paper to be one of the best offerings for the system yet. Compact, nice grip, IBIS, focus peaking, a step forward in IQ, good video options, integrated EVF, WiFi, rugged chassis… I’m no fanboy, but I will admit to feeling that Panasonic has done a better job at the interface side of things, compared to Olympus in my experience with cameras from both manufacturers. If I could gain access to what I saw as Oly’s two benefits in IBIS and newer sensor tech in a Pana body with it’s more streamlined, yet still customizable interface, I had to see if it could live up to the hype. I’ve long felt that if Oly could re-engineer it’s interface and remove some of the frustrating quirks that plagued the EM5, or, if Panasonic could take a step forward in sensor performance and integrate a decent IBIS system, either could have a quintessential micro 4/3 juggernaut on their hands. Is the GX7 the answer to those desires?
A couple super deals have popped up. Please excuse the quick break from the normally scheduled programing… For my fellow micro 4/3 shooters, the above lens is temporarily on sale, and for all my fellow post processing enthusiasts, Topaz Re-Style is 50% off for just 4 more days.
The Bower (Rokinon/Samyang/whoever else they sell this lens under) micro 4/3, 7.5mm f/3.5 Fisheye, is now on sale for $199 at B&H HERE (price is now fluctuating between $200-250 or so), and also includes the 4% reward and Free Shipping! If you’ve been on the fence, this is an amazing deal on a great lens (Normally about $300). You can read my opinions on the Rokinon version (same lens) HERE. Oddly, it is only the Bower version that is on sale, but it is the same lens as the Rokinon that I own, use and love.
Also, Topaz Re-Style is about to wrap up it’s introductory sale this Saturday, at which point it will go up to “full” price ($59.99). Right now, through Saturday, you can get Re-Style for 50% off HERE for $29.99 when using the code “restyleit”, enter the discount code at checkout. I recently reviewed Re-Style HERE. Also, you can get the $30 discount off of the full collection of Topaz plugins by using that same “restyleit” discount code.
Thank you, happy shooting and carry on…
Cheers,
Tyson
I’ve had my gallery site, run through SmugMug for the last 4 or 5 years. While I found it to be a good platform for gallery and print generation, I always felt the default templates left a lot to be desired. Well, now that they jacked the annual price up well over 100% with very little warning, they have at least finally provided some halfway decent templates for those of us unwilling, or unable to find the time to learn CSS to program our very own customized websites.
If interested, you can click the image above to see my website in all it’s Smugged out glory.
While I’m not going to say I’m thrilled with it, I will say that it is a far better looking layout than what it was previously.
Anyone else use SmugMug to host their website? Tips, tricks, suggestions or criticism?
Thanks all,
Tyson
If you’ve been waiting for an Alien Skin software sale, now may very well be the time. I’ve not ever seen them offer any more than 50% (I don’t even remember seeing a half off sale in the past!) so it is as good as I’ve seen it!
I like the AS plugins a lot, and have been absolutely loving the new Exposure 5. You can read my take on some of their plugins via the links below, and you can buy any of these directly from AlienSkin.com (click here). I get no kickbacks from Alien Skin, and have no monetary incentive to sell their plugins, I just really enjoy using them and for those who may also be interested, it won’t get much cheaper than this. Go get you some.
I’ve not been shy about my love of the Topaz plugins. They are powerful, fun and offer some of the very best values for the buck. Right now, Topaz is offering their entire bundle (which includes Adjust, DeNoise, B&W Effects, ReMask, Lens Effects, Detail, Simplify, Clean, InFocus and DeJPEG – 10 Plugins!) compatible with Photoshop, Lightroom and Aperture, (at a savings of $350 off of the per plugin price) for $199 (normally $299) if you use the code “july4” when checking out here at Topazlabs.com.
While I wish that they would include the recently announced and released Clarity (click to see my review) in the bundle, it is still an amazing value with all of the other tools included. (I’d strongly suggest checking out Clarity with or without the bundle, it’s rad)
I personally use and LOVE DeNoise which I feel is the best noise reduction plugin currently available, Adjust (haven’t reviewed this one yet but use it often), Clean which is a really cool plugin for skin retouching and Fractalius like effects, and even like to dabble with the newly updated B&W Effects which is a great, affordable black and white conversion plugin. I’ve yet to use many of the others, but I am very curious about ReMask, Lens Effects and DeJPEG for their specific skill sets. Perhaps I’ll try them out myself and report back 😉
You can check out, buy or download free trials of any of these, or any other plugins Topaz offers at the Topaz Website HERE. Remember to use the code “july4” to get the 33% discount off of the bundle if you do choose to buy!
Topaz offers really good sales on their plugins often. Sometimes its a bundle discount like this, or sometimes it is an individual or more general discount. I keep up with their sales, so if you’re waiting for a particular plugin to go on sale, feel free to subscribe via email (at the top right of the page) or on Facebook or Twitter to keep track of them if you’d like. 🙂
Happy Summer, have fun, thanks for the read and happy shooting!
Tyson
One very cool thing about writing a photo gear and tutorial blog is that I get asked to review cool products. While perhaps not the most glamorous of topics, screen protection is one that can make a lot of practical sense. For a minimal investment, you can insure the longevity of your screens, protecting them from other things in your pockets, camera bags, backpacks, purses, etc. With newer technology, and seemingly everything with a screen at this point being touch capacitive, keeping screens clean and scratch free is harder than it’s ever been. Enter Expert Shield, the company aiming to provide the best screen protecters in the biz. C’mon in to find out more…
Simple, clean, sleek and comfortable. A proposed redesign of one of Portland’s premier downtown hotels. With views of skyscrapers and the cacauphony of Broadway pulsing through the heart of Downtown Portland, the photography-centric hotel needed a revamp.
I’m sure there are new cameras on the horizon. With every camera manufacturer pumping a few new bells and whistles into newer body styles and wrapping it around warmed over sensor tech, those among us who play the patient opportunists really benefit. I held off on the GX1 when it was released and opted for the G3 when upgrading from my GF1. I gained the beautiful EVF, and at the time saved about $500 (when looking at the GX1 + add on EVF). I’ve since been running a two camera setup (much as I do with my full frame work setup) as it allows me to always have a backup as well as be able to eliminate much in the way of lens changes. Because I use the Olympus OM-D E-M5 as well, and I’ve recently traded my G3 to my brother in law for favors yet to be determined, I felt I could justify a compact body, sans EVF again. Enter the GX1 which is now down to only $250 just about everywhere! (it’s available at B&H – CLICK HERE – with 2% reward and free shipping). C’mon in to see a couple shots of and with the GX1…
Tyson Robichaud Photo-blography 