Hal

I believe the same rear dial push to toggle magnification between PIP and full screen works for any lens when you are in MF mode. The only difference is that with native Micro Four Thirds AF lenses, you activate the magnification feature by turning the focus ring on the lens (assuming that you have the Menu properly set for AF+MF) and then once the magnified view is active, pushing the rear dial toggles between the PIP and full screen views. You use the same shutter half press maneuver to leave magnified view. I've only had my GX85 for a few days, but I'm quickly growing to love it. Yes, my dearly departed EM5 II was a sexier piece of of gear and had the feel in hand to match the good looks. But I personally find the form and function of the Panasonic cameras to be superior from an ergonomic standpoint. Yes, the GX85 grip is a slight step back from the GX7, but it is completely fine and comfortable. The EVF is not cutting edge, but again it is completely fine and comfortable (and yes, I do perceive of the rainbow tearing effect and it doesn't really bother me). But overall, the speed and ease with which I can adjust my focus point, my magnified view, the lens FOV setting for the IBIS, etc. are all far superior to my old Olympus. Thanks to everyone on the forum for sharing your feedback on the GX85. It helped convince me that it was a good move to replace my EM5 II with the GX85 for its run/gun stills/video capabilities. I found a great condition, sub 400 shutter count EM5 Mark I to have my OMD fix (same stills quality for a fraction of the cost).

Also thinking about your post on the coming death of the DSLR and the role of software, it seems to me that all of the workflow challlenges with disruptive innovations like the Magic Lantern work might be at least partially mitigated by some related computer based software right? Maybe efforts like Magic Lantern could offer the custom firmware for free (as they now do) and sell some related post porcessing and workflow software specifically designed to complement the on camera firmware? Of course maybe I don't fully understand all of this stuff!

Hi Andrew! Long time follower, first time commenter. First, thanks for all of the incredible content and analysis as well as creative inspiration so freely offered through your amazing blog! I wish you continued success in life and work ;-) Second, this has been one of your most illuminating posts. As an m4/3 enthusiast with an OM-D E-M5 and a GX1, I am always on the watch for an alternative body that offers more cinematic video features. The recent Panasonic GM1 actually intrigues me a great deal as it basically offers everything on the GX7 minus 60p video and one or two other features. But it seems like a great replacement for the GX1 and possibly a body that could serve double duty as a poor man's BMPCC. I am not sure about its bitrate (24 MBPS maybe?) nor its bit depth (probably 12 bit but if the GX7 is 14 bit like the GH3, I would assume the GM1 would be as well?). But it offers 24p native and only holdholds back the 60p to avoid overheating from the video image processor. However, if a hack could bring direct RAW writing to memory card and offload proceesing to a computer then I assume the overheating ussues would be a mute point? Could a RAW effort like the Magic Lantern work be done on One or more of the m4/3 bodies, especially any with 14 bit depth? The still image quality from all of the leading m4/3 bodies is already past the point of sufficiency for my needs. I would love to get more out of the video of some of the existing bodies currently available. Thanks! Hal