I skipped M8 and went to M8.2 and been on M9 for a while now.
Reasons I went with M8.2 over M8 (saved up a bit more to get the M8.2)
Most of the reasons are user experience really.
- shutter feel. I didn't like the shutter sound on the M8. To me, M8.2 was definitely quieter, felt slightly less vibration.
- Covering, I like the rugged covering of M8.2 better for grip
- LCD screen, M8.2 has sapphire screen, but there are screen protectors that you can slap on the M8
- Charger, I hate the M8 batter charger, it's just too big. I also heard that the charging time on the M8.2 charger is shorter.
- I don't need 1/8000 shutter speed.
- frameline issues.
The only really smart change is the adoption of frame lines that are related to the scene representation at a distance of two meters. The M8 has frame lines that relate to the scene framing at a distance of 0.7 meters. The idea behind this choice is to be sure that the photographer gets every part of the scene that he sees on the sensor at every possible distance. But the downside is the fact that at longer distances the sensor captures much more of the scene that the photographer assumes he gets based on the selected frame lines in the finder.
(
http://www.imx.nl/photo/Analysis/page121/page121.html)
Easier to change ISO
Useful too is the option to change the ISO speed when you press the release button and turn the selection wheel. The change in EV value is visible in the finder. Not the best of solutions, but given the limited opportunities for change, this is quite acceptable.
(
http://www.imx.nl/photo/Analysis/page121/page121.html)
- I like black paint of M8.2
🙂
If your budget is fixed at $2500, you may still get lucky and find an M8.2. Sometime 1-2 years ago, I think I sold mine for a few hundred more.. Not sure how much they sell for these days.
