The HLD-7 battery grip for the E-M1 arrived at the store, I went there to pick it up before driving to the office. While there, I noticed they had the Panasonic GX7 back in stock and I had a chance to play with it.
- The body is very nice just as it is ... good to hold, doesn't need a grip extension, etc.
- It seems fast and easy to get around in the menus.
The let-down is likely relative to what I've "become used to" ... Compared with the E-M1 EVF, the GX7 is definitely a significant step down. The clarity is there, but it seems small and dim by comparison to what I get out of the E-M1. The illusion of being an optical viewfinder is lacking.
I do like the built-in viewfinder articulation and the overall feel of the body, but the GX7 is definitely "prosumer" where the E-M1 is definitely "pro grade". With the HLD-7 fitted, the E-M1 is the next step beyond the E-1, E-3, and E-5 DSLRs with overall better performance and operation.
I'd put the GX7 as being a good follow-on to the L1 ... a prosumer grade camera, but not quite up to the level of a pro grade camera.
G