GX8 VS GX80/85

As a GX8 owner, am surprised at the elation at it's sibling. Over the last few days, I have being doing precisely what a camera like the GX8 is perfect for, namely, some portrait shots, mainly outdoors, with a scenic backdrop. In the sunshine, when it popped it's head out. (Here in the U of K, the sun comes out on a few select dates throughout the year. Next is supposed to be May 23rd at around 3pm.)

The flip up HIGH RES speedy VF made it all possible and easier. My subject is shorter than me (my mum!) so the camera needed to be positioned lower down. Composing the shot was made way easier on my back, neck and all parts thanks to the flip up VF, whilst the bright fluid VF display gave me an accurate preview that reflected the final results as shown on my 27" Dell 4K monitor.

What also made my shoot easier was being to tweak the Exp Comp dial each time the sun came out, rather than faff around with the other controls. (I prefer shooting in 100% manual.)

I think that it sad when companies (Apple do it too!), launch a new product, and then remove features that made the original so compelling. The chancellor also does this. Gives with his right hands (USB charging, smaller body, new shutter etc, and takes with his left: Flip EVF, Exp Comp dial, flip forward LCD etc.)

What gets me is that the GX7 fans who wanted a smaller form factor are raving, yet the core features that was so innovative on that model (the flip up EVF!) is missing! WTF?

Why so happy?