Initial impression of the GX7 after using it for about an hour. It's got a really solid feel and looks great. Buttons have good tactile feed back and ergonomically I prefer it to my EM-5, which I have had since the day of the launch in Singapore. I use the EM-5 mainly for macro and ultra tele.
However, compared to the EM-5, the sensor seems less bitingly sharp, with the same lenses. It handles high ISO a little better than the EM-5, but on 100% there is some smudginess, which may be due to more noise reduction. However unless you pixel peep, the impression on viewing the pictures is of greater smoothness at high ISO so for most people it should look pleasant if not better. It is able to focus in far lower light levels than the EM-5. It's crosshair focusing mode (sort of a very precise spot) is where the GX-7 applies gain, magnifies and then focuses when light levels are low. Reminds me of my old Pentax K5. Anyway, it focuses pretty impressively fast in near darkness. With MF and magnified focus peaking, I can also focus much more precisely than the EM-5, say if I want one of two eyeballs in focus. In bright light I would say the GX7 is as fast as the EM-5, which is high praise indeed.
As I'm traveling later this week, I won't be able to give it a true workout until I shoot with my super sharp Oly 60mm macro this weekend. In any case, there are lots of test shots around the internet that one can compare with if one wants. For me, it's a keeper as I prefer the ergonomics and looks to the EM-5, while the EM-1 is probably too pro for me.
