Imaging Resource posted the full GX8 review:
Overall, the Panasonic GX8 is one impressive camera. Though the body shape feels slightly larger than average, the build quality and ergonomics are fantastic. The articulated LCD and characteristic tilting EVF really make the GX8 a versatile, easy to use camera regardless of where or how you’re positioned. The array of external controls will undoubtedly please advanced users looking for a highly configurable control scheme. It’s small and rugged enough to travel practically anywhere, and its speedy performance lets it capture pretty much all but the most challenging, fast-paced subject matter.
Its high-res sensor makes great images with impressive print quality results, and the GX8 is well-suited for the multimedia power user with a nice array of video features. All said and done, with its new sensor, impressive performance, high quality 4K video, as well as excellent, robust wireless connectivity features, the Panasonic GX8 wears a lot of hats, so to speak, and certainly deserves consideration if you’re in the market for an enthusiast-level mirrorless camera that can practically do it all. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the Panasonic GX8 gets the nod as a Dave’s Pick.
GX8 store links: [shopcountry 57216]
77 Responses
Still no info on release date of GH5?
Now GX8 body is more expensive than GH4 body on Amazon.co.jp. GX8 is 115,44yen while GH4 is 107,744.
We have to wait for CP+ to see what happens with various equipment.
September 2016 during Photokina.
As a GX7 owner I have zero interest in the GX8. Yes, the camera is feature rich but when actually holding the GX8 and then a Sony A7SII I just have to ask myself what was Panasonic thinking making such a large body when the Sony is essentially the same size. Yes full frame lenses are bigger (but within reason) but size and weight are supposed to be major advantages which the GX8 gave up .. and by the way unlike the GH4 the GX8 is not a world camera!
Not a world camera ! What does this mean ?
See above question which was answered.
GX8 is not that much larger than the GX7. Why people keep repeating that nonsense?
http://camerasize.com/compact/#472,629,ha,f – GX8 is slightly taller/longer, and the only big change is the depth/shape of the grip.
Otherwise, the size of the GX8 and A7 cameras might be the same, because it is the same borderline size which is needed to hold the camera comfortably in an average hand. Sensor size doesn’t play into it.
Head to the Sony forums and look for some minor moaning and whining about the A7 ergonomics: it might be as small as the GX8, but the lenses are much larger, and heavier. The A7 body offers literally no grip to hold comfortably the weight of anything but the small-ish primes. Now go to m43 forums, and find even a single complain from owners about the size or grip.
I agree…MFT has so many options. I love my EM5 II. Just the body with small primes, ad grip for more grab with larger lenses, battery holder for even more grab and versatility.
I think that the GX8 is a decent size to at least balance out with a large array of lenses.
Because it’s true. The GX7 is lighter and smaller. You may not notice the difference but many of us do.
Yes, yes, GX8 is larger. My pet peeve – is that it is taller. It will not fit my current mini bag I have for the GX7 + 20mm combo.
Yet it is hard to complain about it, after using GX7 for some time with the PL45 and 12-35 and 14-140 lenses. It is totally manageable – but definitely not comfortable.
GX7 is the best body size compromise, yes. But it is still a compromise.
I’ll take the weather-sealed body and great viewfinder over a body that is too small for me to operate as though it’s an extension of my hand.
What on earth is a world camera???
I think that the A7’s have a lot of attributes…but the bodies are actually too small when fast AF glass is put on them and don’t forget “with added adapter” in many cases. I “for now” intend to maintain two systems…a big balanced mirror-slapped system and a MFT system…In my mind they are both still totally valid. Am not sold on the Sony’s yet…perhaps Canon will wake-up…one can hope…( as I have 10 EOS mount lenses it would be great if they magically appeared with a FF mirrorless that performed exactly like my Olympus bodies…that would be incredible! Not holding my breath though).
I think…in spite of its size that the GX8 is a great camera…it’s not for everyone (me included), but I can’t deny…it does so much right it will make many happy and able to shoot the way that they want.
“World camera” is a term used to describe a camera that can be switched to work anywhere in the world (NTSC/PAL). Try recording video with a GX8 bought in the US while in Europe and enjoy the flickering. Buy a camera in Europe and enjoy a little extra banding on your photos (less noticeable but it can be present on some photos if you look closely) and video while in the US. The GH4 is the only camera that Panasonic has chosen to enable this. It’s a consumer unfriendly decision that benefits only their interests.
Oh…I NEVER shoot video. 1st thing I do with a new camera is reassign the video button.
Still shooters do not need world camera….but thanks for the info….I was not aware that there was a difference.
Pity the poor SECAM users.
Astonished how many people complain on the size and price of the GX8, yet the EM1 is just as large AND cost more when first released…
Then again, I’m not, this is 43 rumors after all…
You can compare the GH4 to the EM1 but not the GX8 to the EM1. The GX8 is supposed to be a ranger finder like body which is a different type of body.
So range finder means it has to be exactly GX7 size?
I think GX7 is too small with bigger lenses, and GX8, GH4 and E-M1 are much better suited for that. Ergonomics en build quality is also better.
If you really want small you are in luck because a GM5 successor is coming.
The point about MFT is that you are making a trade-off. A smaller sensor vs. APS-C but you are getting a smaller and lighter camera. When the Sony A7SII is essentially the same size as a GX8 with a Full Frame (!) sensor the point of MFT is lost for most photographers who are using this system.
I’m likely going to sit out Panasonic and Olympus body generations for a while because of their choice to retard their cameras without reason. The no World Camera type stuff. Since I also do video I’m investing in Blackmagic body’s and am also closely paying attention to DJI who are doing very innovative work with the OSMO. Both have models that use the MFT system.
MFT is unstoppable but Panasonic and Olympus need to stop limiting their camers in-software and focus on the core strength of what MFT is which is low weight/small form factor for many of us.
Anything bigger than the GM5 is too large for a rangefinder body. Why won’t Oly make a proper sized rangefinder camera?
Hopefully they will (Pen F), but properly sized could still be a bit larger than the GM5. I’m hoping for something between (so not as small as) GM5 and (not as big as) GX8. B.t.w. just let me know if you want to borrow a shirt.
Exactly. My only complaints about the GX7, which I’ve used for over 2 years, was the small EVF and the body being a bit too small. The GX7 is a great camera, but the GX8 improves on it in many, many ways.
They compliment each other very well, I must say!
In your mind, that is.
The GX8 is a perfect substitute for the E-M1 and it’s a great second body to the GH4.
That may be the case for the way that you use the camera. But are you arguing that the EM1 and GH4 are not DSLR like bodies? What makes the GX8 a perfect substitute to the EM1? If I was shooting with a DSLR like body I would prefer the ergonomics of the EM1. Don’t understand how you can compare these quite different cameras …
The GH4 seems to have started with the shape of the Olympus E-5 dSLR. It fits me almost the same and I switch back and forth.
The E-M1 and the GX8 are pretty much the same, except for the location of things and the 150,000 actuation shutter in the E-M1, and the great video in the GX8.
The size is similar enough, as is the poor battery life, but the grip of the GX8 is more comfortable, less angular.
The only real ergonomic foible of the GX8 is the Fn7 button in front that is activated accidentally. On the E-M1, it’s that I can change the focus point while I’m trying to shoot because the !@#$ rear display is out in the open. Then, again, it’s possible to accidentally change the focus point on the Nikon D7200 and it doesn’t have a touch-enabled rear display.
If you were moving from a dSLR, you would want to move to the GH4, full stop. Neither the E-M1 or the GX8 would feel a comfortable substitute. If you were moving from a bridge (dSLR-like) camera, who knows?
I would rather use my GH4 instead of the E-M1 or the GX8 or sadly, my Olympus E-1 or E-5 dSLRs or my Nikon D7200.
I think the same as you. The GX8 is too high compared to the GX7. I hope they will tone down the bulkyness in the next iterations.
I liked the Lumix GX8 so much I decided to purchase a second body. Both came from B&H Photo. Got the first body during a one-day special sale for $899. Got the second one for $999. Since I purchased the second body at $999 within 30 days, and after e-mailing B&H about their current promotion (throwing in a B&H $100 gift card), B&H sent me a $100 B&H gift card. Got to love B&H Photo’s awesome customer service. I’m going to use the gift card for the 12-35mm f/2.8 lens when I am ready to get it.
Nice! Better use that gift card for the Oly 12-40mm. GX8 has decent IBIS, and the 12-40mm is a better lens overall then the 12-35mm.
The Panasonic lens allows dual stabilization and faster autofocus. I have this combo and the focus speed and accuracy is just amazing.
It’s also a bit smaller and lighter and allows for stabilized 4K video.
I use the 12-40mm with my GX8 and it’s a great combo! Autofocus is incredibly fast. I got the 12-40mm for the extra reach, close focus ability, manual focus clutch and generally better performance over the 12-35mm. No regrets!
I used them during a recent trip to Prague, Vienna and Budapest and they performed admirably!
Tomorrow I’m off to Buenos Aires and the coast of Uruguay for 2 weeks and I’ll be using the GX8, Panny 7-14mm, 12-40mm, Voigtländer 17.5mm and 100-300mm. My girlfriend will use the GX7 and 14-140mm II + 20mm. The 12-40mm works great with the GX7, too.
I have both and for critical photos, I use the 12-40mm, but the 12-35mm is useful. The Dual I.S. thing doesn’t seem to work all that well so far but at least, it doesn’t make things worse.
I went to the shop this morning, thinking of treating myself one for Chrismas.Noway, this thing is just ridiculously large for a m4/3.Hopefully Oly new Pen will fit the bill.
Hmmm…I have the Oly Pen and compared to the GX8 it falls short especially because of the lacking EVF, the less than stellar interface (personal) the less than stellar controls on body, no 4K video, no good video period btw, no weathersealing, no AF-c that is anywhere close to being usable. I like my EPL5 with attached EVF from 2012 to 2014. Since I have the much larger GH4 I use it less than less. And aspontaneously cracking screen like mine has aren’t really appealing from a quality point of view. I’d much rather buy a GM5. Mind you: I do think the EPL-line is still a very good cam, but I also feel that it is so far removed from all angles of the GX8 that comparing the two seems at least strange to me. What I did not liek about the GX8 is easily dealt with: a rather slippery grip. It is stil much better than any grip for at least my EPL5 but it can’t compare to the GH4 grip sadly. But you can get a rubber grip and you’re fine.
My next cam is likely going to be the first Oly cam with handheld HiRes AND good CDAF focus tracking.
Q is referring to the new PEN with VF…release early 2016.
Exactly . Wait for new PEN .
It should fit your bill .
If the GX8 is that impressive what no gold award from DP .
Stop cheating yourself . GX8 is not good enough
Did you forget to add “for me” at the end? I guess not, since your ego is so big that your opinion is absolute and infallible.
It hasn’t been reviewed by DPReview yet. How do you know it won’t get a hold?
Trust me , no chance GX8 going for Gold award .
Maybe Silver if it is lucky or Bronze award is the most likely .
Gold, silver…
Yun, you will always hold the boron award.
I trust you!!! I trust all super biased fan boys. I watch FOX news too. And read Steve Huff every day!!!
Actually it will gain the worst camera of the year award.
You should get a gold award for complaining.
In all likelihood because DO did not review it yet?
What to review if the imaging standard is almost the same as it’s predecessor ?
Waste of R&D , better review something that really make sense or
worth of value .
How the Yun stole Christmas
EbeYunster Scrooge….. 🙂
Looks like we all got a tool for Christmas.
Yun turned into a tool.
Maybe he needs some help… ?
Ya’ll have to understand that Yun is personally insulted by Panasonic’s new 20MP sensor!
Pffft. A technicality.
Have you used a GX8?
I’d guess not.
Every who thinking the GX8 is too large…Google GX8 with leica 42.5mm 1.2. It barely fits the size of the body.
Now think about the 100-400mm
Starts to make sense now.
I’ve used the Panasonic 100-300mm with a GM1 before to nail walk-around nature shots. Does it look funny, sure, but I could care less — it’s about the ability to always have a camera with you with incredible range for the size/weight. “The best camera is the one you have with you” — the bigger the camera the less likely you are to take it with you.
And this to me is the advantage of MFT GM series (as small as it get’s and nobody takes you serious or is intimidated), GX series (you are out to shoot and need things like stabilization, ruggedness, and more fine grained control that would be hard to do in the form factor of the GM series), GH series (you want a DSLR like body and the most advanced MFT capable camera for video — the body is still smaller than a comparable APS-C or full frame camera.)
Lately I have been scanning a lot of old trannies that were shot on a 35mm Minox and it has been making me wonder about a GM. Oh, but Nauticam doesn’t make a housing for it so now that the price of a GX8 is starting to drop maybe I’ll be able to afford one soon – especially as I held one recently and thought all the remarks about build quality and enormous size are just not true. For me, natch.
There are some nice Boxing Day deals on the GX8 in Australia with it selling for $799 (US$580) with a free Lumix 25mm f/1.7 included.
Nice.
What? Where’s the link, do they ship to the states?
Not sure on international postage but the free 25mm f/1.7 is a local only promotion.
http://www.digidirect.com.au/slr_cameras/panasonic/panasonic_dmc-gx8_body_-_silver________dmc-gx8gn-s
I’ll have to disagree about the “fantastic build quality”. The camera feels cheap and plastic-y, not well put together at all, with flimsy buttons and levers. I was thinking of buying a GX8, but once I actually held one in my hand I decided against it. Panasonic needs to step this up a few notches. Compared to Canon and Nikon for example Panasonic cameras feel like cheap toys.
That is one of the reasons I switched over to Oly…I think that they are built better..but not overly so…neither company is making a rock like my Canon 5D III w/battery grip….
The whole thing is a substantial block of magnesium…but then again…that is what makes my Oly’s so much fun to use…they are light and responsive and feature-packed.
Love the way they handle.
Hmmm. I’ve never heard that before. Switching to Oly for build quality? Oly has a bit of a rep for bad quality control. Lots of buttons that fall off, lenses where the mount breaks under regular use, or strange electronic glitches. It’s usually the Panasonics that are rock so.id workhorses.
Olympus micro Four-Thirds bodies, except for the E-M1 don’t seem substantial, but they don’t seem worse than the cheaper Panasonic bodies.
I once heard that the 12-40mm f/2.8 lens fell apart without any stress and yet, I’ve practically abused mine in just less than two years and it’s fine.
I think Olympus bodies peaked with the E-1 but they E-5 seems fairly strong.
I’m a little concerned with the uncovered display in the back of the E-M1 but I’ve yet to drop mine.
You’ve confused the GX8 with the G7 Fabian. The latter uses the plastics while the GX8’s chassis is diecast magnesium alloy. The thing is rock solid. Also unlike the G7 all the dials are of brushed metal and everything has a suitably premium feel to it. It’s also weather sealed, which conflicts with your “not well put together” comment and claim of “flimsy” construction.
You’re wrong, the GX7 also has a magnesium body.
You’ve confused the GX7 with the G7 MrALLCAPS.
This comment reeks of spin.
First off, it has a Magnesium body : https://www.google.com/search?q=gx8+magnesium+body&oq=gx8+magnesium+body&aqs=chrome..69i57.14260j0j4&client=tablet-android-hms-tmobile-us&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=cNJ_nV0tJWp2CM%3A
Second, I never heard of anything popping off of any Panasonic body, yet I’ve heard numerous complaints of buttons, doors and eye cups falling off Olympus bodies. So are you sure you’re talking about the GX8?
Just because Canon/Nikon cameras weigh like a brick?
You just don’t get it, don’t you. It is a feature very important to photography: ability to nail bricks with the camera.
I doubt you’ve even held one.
I actually got a cover for my Nikon D7200 because I was afraid of bumping it, whereas my GX8 and GH4 don’t need anything else. They’re quite well built. Panasonic knows how to build a strong body.
A picture is worth a thousand words, really.
http://www.43rumors.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/GX8magnesium-700×362.jpg
(that’s not plastic, just in case you’re wondering)
Rubbish comment …
GX8 is still round 1000 Euro over here in Germany.
It already dropped 200€, though.
Regarding the above review: All nice and convincing, BUT NOT one word about shutter shock and how this problem has been solved. Currently using the GX7, interested to upgrade, but wait ..
While it doesn’t have an electronic first curtain shutter (EFCS) as some other mirrorless cameras do, the fully electronic shutter in the GX8 is one of the best, so use this if you are concerned about shutter shock in the affected shutter speed range.
It does a full 12-bit RAW capture (i.e. no degradation in DR or quality when pushing files), and matches the 1/30s readout speed of the 10-bit-only GH4. The only e-shutter on the market that has a better readout speed than this is in the Nikon 1 system.
Even the $3300 A7r II has a worse rolling shutter / slower readout, though it does have EFCS.
https://www.cinema5d.com/sony-a7rii-rolling-shutter/