Preorders:
Black GX8 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic. In Eu at WexUK.
Silver GX8 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic. In Eu at WexUK.
FZ300 at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic.
Two new lens press text on 43rumors.
Previews, hands-on:
GX8 hands-on at Dpreview. Preview at CameraLabs. GX8 Hands-on (ePhotozine). Hands-on review at Jacobjamesphotography. Hands-on review at Digitalcameraworld. Hands-on at Wexphotographic. Panasonic Lumix GX8 Review at Photobyrichard. First Look/Hands on REVIEW and VIDEO of Panasonic GX8 at Amateur Photographer. Panasonic GX8, FZ300 Boast Upgraded Sensors: First Look at Adorama. GX8 first impressions at Cameras.reviewed. First Look: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 + DMC-FZ300 at BHphoto. GX8: Brandneu und schon ausprobiert (Photoscala). GX8 Hands-on Photos at Photographyblog.
FZ300 hands-on at Dpreview. Panasonic Lumix FZ330 preview at CameraLabs. Hands-on (ePhotozine). FZ300 first impressions at Cameras.reviewed. FZ330 Hands-on Photos at Photographyblog.
Tidbits:
TheCameraStoreTV this is the fastest autofocusing and highest image quality MFT camera yet.
Two new MFT lenses announced (Dpreview).
Panasonic Lumix GX8 Vs GX7 Vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II (ePhotozine).
Capture and re-focus to be added via future firmware update:
“Enabled by 4K video capture and Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) technology, Post Focus will allow users to select a focus point for an image after capture. Unlike true light field capture, Post Focus works by shifting focus during a 30fps burst of 4K footage. In playback, the user can touch the LCD to ‘set focus’ on a particular point and the camera will extract a still image with the specified plane of focus. A firmware update will be available for the newly-minted Panasonic Lumix GX8 and Lumix FZ300 ‘and some other models’ in late 2015 to enable Post Focus, according to the manufacturer.”
Panasonic ‘Post Focus’ Technology (ePhotozine).
Image samples:
GX8 Sample Images at Photographyblog. GX8 image samples at ePhotozine (scroll down). GX8 at Panasonic Japan (more here). Image samples at Quesabesde.
Videos:
Panasonic GX8 Hands-On Field Test by TheCameraStoreTV (Youtube).
Panasonic GX8 Camera Review at WexUk (Youtube).
Park Cameras Quick Look: The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 (Youtube).
GX8 at Panasonic Japan (Youtube).
Panasonic Lumix GX8 4K sample footage (Youtube).
Panasonic LUMIX GX8 Shooting Impression by Daniel Berehulak (Youtube).
Panasonic DMC-GX8 & DMC-FZ330: First Look (Youtube).
Panasonic LUMIX GX8 “Rythm REVOLUTION” in 4K by Daniel Berehulak (Youtube).
Introducing Panasonic LUMIX DMC-GX8 – A New Digital Single Lens Mirrorless Camera (Youtube).
Panasonic GX8 hands-on at Jessops (Youtube).
Panasonic Lumix GX8 Menus – Pause to View (Youtube).
Panasonic Lumix GX8 review -Touchscreen – Review By Richard (Youtube).
Panasonic Lumix GX8 Shutter Sound 8fps Continuous Shooting (Youtube).
Press text:
GX8 at Dpreview, Cameras.Reviewed. GX8 at ePhotozine. GX8 at DSLRmagazine. GX8 at Quesabesde. FZ300 at Quesabesde. The New Panasonic GX8 Is Quite a Beauty (ThePhoBlographer). GX8 at LeMondeDeLaPhoto.
Two new lens press text on 43rumors. Panasonic entwickelt Festbrennweite LUMIX G F1.7/25mm und Zoom LEICA DG 4.0-6.3/100-400mm/Power OIS (Photoscala).
Panasonic präsentiert “Post Focus”-Technologie zur nachträglichen Festlegung der Schärfeebene (Photoscala).
Poll:
[poll id=”282″]
230 Responses
Really is a bit of a fatty. 25mm huh? Well there goes hopes of an UWA prime…
Looks like the prime is geared towards the GM1/5.
True … but I still think it’s too deep for that. Unfortunately, the limiting factor with matching to GMx is the diameter, so we probably won’t see any real pancakes anymore.
The two new lenses support Lytro post-focusing.
“Optional External Mic”.
If you look at the pics, there IS a mic port, which is fantastic news!
25mm?????
Price of 100-400?
One arm and half a leg.
It’s a Leica, so it won’t be a budget option.
No IBIS during 4k, what a missed oportunity.
Sir, what are YOU smoking?
What are YOU smoking, hubby?
He’s right…
. This feature works for HD video, but not 4K–which the camera shoots.
Read more at http://www.thephoblographer.com/2015/07/16/the-new-panasonic-gx8-is-quite-a-beauty/#h3oAA6g6CRbL5yq8.99
Unfortunately in body stabilization (moving sensor) is much better than electronic stabilization, as the Camera Store also mentions.
Super stoked about this telephoto. As long as it’s sharper than my 45-200..
Too bad.. Another 50 equivalent.. Was really hoping it was a fast 35mm equivalent 🙁
Hmmm… the lineup includes no less than 17 .95, 17 1.8, 15, 1.7, 20 1.7, 17 2.8, 14 2.5, and and sigma 19 2.8. What system has more @35mm’s? Just curious.
Only three of these are 35mm equiv.. The brightest AF lens is the Oly 17mm 1.8. I think m43 as a mature system should really have a 17mm 1.4 available.
Only one fast AF true 35mm (well, 34mm to be precise). And I personally didn’t like it that much, ended up selling it and getting a 25mm pana leica. I would love a 35mm 1.4 from pana leica, all of them are razor sharp and snappy on the street. I personally like to shoot at night, so I could definitely use a fast aperture, and I quite like the 35mm look, I just didn’t like the oly version unfortunately.
As a filmmaker, I just need more DOF from the smaller m43 sensor. 1.7 is nice for low low light, but it doesn’t allow dramatically shallow DOF.
1.7=3.4 ff equiv., which ain’t bad, but doesn’t cut it for interview shots.
You mean you need LESS DOF…
people were making great interviews long before shallow dslr, relying on tech rather than problem solving with cameras is the sign of a limited filmmaker. 1.7mm would give plenty of out of focus in interviews, thats just silly.
I think you’re a bit confused about what “more DOF” implies.
Any defocusing you need can easily be achieved with a longer focal length. The comment below about being a limited user applies.
Voigtlander 25 f0.95 exists. That’s plenty of blur for any needs. All manual as well, which (I hear) a lot of videographers prefer.
Well if you can’t get shallow enough DOF (I assume you meant less DOF) then you should go to a larger format.
If you’re serious you use the right tool for the job to get the look you require.
I suggest you read Kirk Tuck’s site the Visual Science Lab where he discusses the differences between his m43 and FF Nikon systems and how he uses each for video projects for corporate jobs.
Voigtländer and SLR Magic make a range of much faster native primes.
You can adapt M mount, Nikon or whatever to expand possibilities.
And add a metabones speedbooster. DoF is literally a non-issue with regards to video and m43’s now.
when it comes to interviews – well talking heads anyhow – i want everyone in focus.. these heads move about a lot, bouncing about etc so i want as much in focus as i can get.. which means f4+ on a 1″ chip which gives me about 1-1.5meters in focus each way of each talking head.. artistic DOF in interviews be dammed ! nothing worse than watching a interview and the heads getting blurred out of focus as soon as they start talking and moving about.. which is my for my multicam 4k interviews ( just so i can punch in dramatic moments in edit from 4k to 1080 not deliver in 4k ) i am looking seriously at getting three of sony’s RX10mk2 rigs – no stress about keeping everyone in focus. just point and start shooting. as i one man shooter, i have a lot of other stuff to worry about and don’t want the stress over watching the three cameras to keep heads in focus while recording them lol. YMMV 🙂
No IBIS on video, no HDMI out on video, and no gains (but no losses) in high ISO performance. It is an amazing camera, but all the possible improvements that would make me buy it are not present.
But for people that wants the best stills quality with possibility of very good video ocasionally in one single camera, is a great option. But the price must lower a bit, 1199 body only is very steep.
It’s not just the camera price. Bundling the 14-140mm with the GX8 adds £340, add it to the G7 instead and it’s only £250 more.
It seems that in the industry these days, the magnitude of price drops is increasing even as the interval between those price drops is decreasing.
The GX7 saw precipitous price drops. Patience is rewarded.
This high intro price is steep to skim off (read, punish) the early adopters (presuming there are any). Everyone’s got this game sussed now. It would have been good if someone busted the cliche skim-down pricing model (the way Sony does from time to time).
Ok, IBIS doesn’t work in video mode, according to Chris. Not even in non-4K mode.
So keep the EM5 II if you have it for video.
No IBIS in video mode is a joke, I thought they should at least acquire the technique in the sequal of GX7.
Look like Panasonic CAN’T do it in M4/3.
Panasonic engineers have too much pride to reverse engineer EM5 II. ..
Hilarious.
Obviously, Panasonic took into account THEIR LENSES, not competition. With O.I.S. plus the GX8, they have a system for Stabilization.
Put the EM5 MKII against the GX8, and see which camera ends up with the better video.
Hilarious.
How about my Voigtlanders/SMagic?!
The only thing that is hilarious is that you are still around. No one cares what YOU think MrALLCRAP.
My apologies…
More likely patents. Olympus would surely let Panasonic use the tech if they paid enough, but they may not like the asking price.
4k no ibis but fhd it’s work.
I was hoping for FHD, but apparently not. Only OIS+ electronic stabilization works in 1080p mode
I’m reading mix reports on this, anyone have a solid answer?
Here are the details: http://photobyrichard.com/reviewbyrichard/panasonic-lumix-gx8-review/
Apparently no EFCS. Only mechanical or electronic.
Only if you like mediocre video quality.
There are options… OIS lenses, rigs, monopods and tripods or any solid object to rest the camera on.
Agreed. IBIS for video also has a strange warble to it that looks very unnatural. The best solution is something like this: http://cheesycam.com/xcam-sabre-mini-video-stabilizer-review/
Superior video quality is not a cure for seasickness:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBlfBelTLwU
GX8 Review http://photobyrichard.com/reviewbyrichard/panasonic-lumix-gx8-review/
Panasonic in this camera added the support UHS-II?
The G7 is supposed to support UHS-II, so the GX8 should too.
I can’t see it in the specs though.
Best MFT camera yet, but – apart from the higher image quality and new IBIS – struggling to find strong arguments over the better ergonomy and much cheaper G7. The weather sealing gives me 0 additional value as don’t have any weather sealed lenses.
Sill have no idea which one to put under the christmas tree.
This looks to have better ergonomics compared to GX7
Tough choice. I prefer the streamlined body of the GX8 over the G7. Also, weather-sealing is a good thing, too. It’s tough making a judgement on ergonomics and handling judging from photos alone. The GX7 has excellent ergonomics and the GX8 hopefully improves upon that.
Remember that “ergonomy” is a made up word. Ergonomics is the correct term.
Hopefully the GX8 will be available before Xmas. ?
Aren’t all words are made up? If enough people use ergonomy, it becomes a “real” word. But yes, ergonomics is the currently accepted term.
I prefer the ergonomy (sorry) of the G7 as well. The GX8’s weather sealing is no advantage to me yet, but that 100-400 is weather sealed and it’s calling to me.
The lack of IBIS in video is indeed a let down but not as much as it will be IF the GH5 doesn’t deliver IBIS in video. Sure, it would be nice to have it for the GX8, but most video guys wouldn’t simply go running to buy a GX8 if it had it BUT… Olympus and also Sony have it and it works in video, so it will be a BIG let down if Panasonic can’t deliver it for the GH5.
The GH5 will have a big shoe to fill. The GH4 was such a breakthough, pushing it forward, giving internal 4K, Cinelike profiles, etc. Then, Sony offered S-log and superb low light performance. Samsung got in with internal 4K but now Sony also has internal 4K AND IBIS in video. I think that the organic sensor tech is not yet ready and soon enough Sony should come up with the A7s II, it will be really interesting to see how Panasonic respond with both the GH4 and FZ1000 successor.
I really like that Panasonic is pushing the envelope with stabilization, sensor tech, DFD, AF and 4K.
But there is one thing that has me worried:
Panasonic introduces more and more features based on DFD, but refuses to include Olympus (and others’) AF lenses – for no good reason other than protecting their own lenses. This is as if Olympus would restrict IBIS to Oly lenses only.
Panasonic could easily extract the Bokeh profiles and save them in the cameras. (They could even ask Olympus to include them in the lenses). I don’t like that having better tracking AF and 4K photo features rely on having a Panasonic lens. It’s really becoming a system inside a system, even though m43’s adavantage should be that you can choose from 2 companies and don’t have to worry about missing out on features.
Well said. A key benefit of M43 is interoperability.
Not to mention one Tamron, two Kodak and three Sigma AF lens. The rest are manual focus at present.
Yeah, that is not a good trend, i hope they find a solution to this.
Olympus does the same type of thing by providing in camera corrections for its own lenses while not doing so for Panasonic lenses. The bottom line is that they are competitors
Both companies are in it to make money. They will cooperate when it’s beneficial to both of them but DFD development was paid for by Panasonic R&D dollars and they want to (rightfully)reap the maximum return from their investment. The same can be said for the 5-axis IBIS of Olympus, paid for by Olympus R&D and is one of their competitive advantages.
No IBIS in video = no buy. I waited for this model to decide whether to choose it or EM5II, now I’m going Olympus route. I choose IBIS over 4K.
Bon voyage!
For what it’s worth it stabilizes 1080p video via software. Let’s see how it compares to the EM5ii first…
Hybrid OIS works only with Panasonic lenses having lens OIS. There’s no stabilization in video mode whatsoever for Oly lenses or manual lenses:
http://photobyrichard.com/reviewbyrichard/panasonic-lumix-gx8-review/
Yes, you are a disappointment… not disappointed…
It doesn’t make sense to choose Olympus over Panasonic for videos…
And the GX8 seems to offer much more value for money than the EM5II.
i’m not digging the EM1 / A7/R II grip (retro body with a dslr-sized grip). i would have preferred a flatter sleek look to follow more closely to a rangefinder body shape. an LX100 grip would have sufficed. then just allow ppl that want a larger grip to purchase a RRS or the like. i’m surprised the census Pany got was that ppl thought the GX7 had a small grip. heck, i thought it was a bit on the big side (though very comfortable) which doesn’t look like so once your hand is holding it.
i figured they’d give it a dedicated EV dial, taking away our -/+5 EV as on the GX7. but the thing about the GX7 i really liked was being able to adjust exposure comp with my shutter button finger instead of my thumb which i prefer keeping on a thumb grip. and it also allows one-handed operation if need be. now, a dedicated EV dial ruins being able to customise that.
i can live with the other niggles (ie: larger body size and verti-angle OLED screen). the GX7 being a photo camera, the video features are a definite welcome. the minimum i asked for for the GX8 succesor was a higher bitrate for greater than FHD video and a mic input. everything else is a plus for me. i hope AF is still as good as the GX7 in low light and lower ISOs combined with its IBIS (as well as is the actual final image).
The camera looks so much more beautiful in Photobyrichard’s images, but then you see the other sites and it looks rather o-kay 🙂
You might believe me or not but – aside with the better still quality – the main selling pont for me is the presence of 3 setting dials instead of two.
One of my biggest objection against G5 (and presumable the G7) is the lack of setting ISO directly, w/o pressing any button before. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Likely GX8 doesn’t have this flaw anymore.
3? Are you counting the mode dial?
You have a dial around the shutter button, the another on the opposite side having the push button and the third one for expo compensation. In both PASM modes there is room for an additional ISO dial.
Ah, ok. I thought you were talking about multi-purpose dials. Yeah there’s 4 if you count the EC and mode dials 🙂
Post Focus technology is really interesting.
Why not use it for focus stacking in camera?
Great feature for macro photography.
As nice as this camera is I see bigger size = fail. What’s the point of going micro our thirds then?
buy the GM5
Size of the lenses, wide selection of lenses, 2x crop, very good AF system, good continuous shooting performance, very good touch screen implementation, good image quality and good value for money.
So that you don’t fiddle with small controlls when on serious assignment. If tou don’t like the size, there are other bodies that might be better suited for your purpose. Micro four thirds isn’t about making only small bodies. For me It is about broad choice.You can always go back to Pentax if you don’t find micro 4/3 suited for you. You were all doomy and gloomy about micro 4/3 format at the beginning anyway due to stubborn claim that the sensors would never be good enough.
GX7 was perfectly sized, the controls were all perfectly placed and it had every feature you wanted in a body that was neither as tiny as the GMs or as huge as the GH. There’s no alternative now, the GM5 doesn’t pack the same features nor is it appropriately sized for enthusiast work and the GH4 is already DSLR sized which defeats the purpose, even with small lenses.
I was just speaking for myself not for you. Just expressin my opinion on this model.
I never claimed sensors wouldn’t get good enough- don’t put words in my mouth, never mind it has nothing to do with what I said.
Actually one key advantage cited by both Panasonic and Olympus is smaller bodies than the usual. This is not only in their “reason for m4/3rds” statements from the inception of the standard but their marketing materials.
I understand making a bigger size for controls for some, but when that bigger size seems to go a bit too big putting it in “why this doesn’t have a bigger sensor” territory I see it as problematic. Speaking for myself and what I have seen happened to 4/3rds of course.
As for “doomy and gloomy” – do not put words in my mouth- I never claimed that the sensors would not get better or good enough. I never said that.
Here we go again….like a broken record…”it’s a bigger body…what’s the point”. So do you assume that there’s ONE AND ONLY ONE m43 body to buy? There’s a range of different sized bodies from which to choose. You want tiny? Get a GM1. M43 bodies are only part of the reason for m43…the LENSES are the reason that m43 is such a portable system. I can carry multiple lenses a two m43 bodies and it’ll weigh a fraction of my DSLR with a 24-70mm f2.8.
Wrong. M4/3 sustains itself on the appeal of being highly configurable in terms of both body and lens combinations, that’s true but your logic is flawed: just because one could find the GX8 too big doesn’t immediately mean we crave the extreme opposite such as the tiny GM series, it means we wanted this camera to remain GX7-sized. The GX7 was perfectly sized between the GM and GH lines, this new camera positions the GX line above most other RF-styled mirrorless, and even on par with some DSLR-esque mirrorless, which defeats the purpose of buying a hump-less RF-styled model. Worse yet, the attained size doesn’t benefit the camera at all, the mic jack remains small, there’s no 5 axis, there’s no multi aspect sensor, the button layout has been ruined despite the larger surface area, there’s no built in flash, the space to accommodate the swivel mechanism is unjustifiable given the existence of NFC and remote phone control which give more freedom, etc…
Making the GX8 bigger was not only a mistake but a wasted opportunity at that. If I wanted a bigger body, with swivel and a larger grip I would’ve chosen the GH4 not the GX7 at the time, same goes for the GX8 now, and the GM line is not an alternative.
No. I did not assume there’s only one m4/3 body to buy. Don’t make assumptions yourself! 😉
We do not need to go to extremes with a gm. Just gx7 or omd size. Otherwise for many uses it invites comparisons with cameras that have bigger sensors.
My only gx7 complaint is its too small. My only gh4 complaints is its too big and ugly with no ibis . So here we are with a the gx7. Perfect for some
I love the size of the GX7, there is nothing to compel me to get the new camera or any of the lenses but they will be ideal for some. I have the Oly 25mm and don’t go super long, mind you when the GX9 comes out or some well priced ones go on the used market I may buy one. Is it a new battery type? it kind of winds me up that Oly only have 2 and Sony 1 for their mirrorless cameras and Panasonic seen to change every new body.
Ditto.
GX7 seven was perfectly sized between the GM line and the bigger G/GH lines. They also ruined the ergonomic layout of the camera on top of that. As of now my only attachment to this system are the lenses and the potential although incredibly slim chance of Olympus releasing a proper E-PX with EVF and decent sensor.
Is the new 25mm weather sealed and a kit option on this camera? Would be a great combo
No. Most likely it isn’t weather sealed, and for sure not a kit option.
Kit options are: 12-35, 14-42 and 14-140.
NO VLOG ….Keep holding your breath LOL and why there isn’t more outrage about this missing key feature is beyond understanding
It seems that model hierarchy is beyond your understanding. Why would the GX8, their STILLS photography flagship be on par or superior video-wise to their VIDEO and overall top flagship model !? I dislike the GX8 for different reasons but your logic is either naive or really misinformed. You want better video ? get the video centric camera, not the stills flagship. The GX line has almost top of the line video only due to being one of the two top lumix models and because of market pressure, there’s just no way Pany would’ve not put decent video on one of their flagships but to ask for GH4 level video is just pathetic.
Stop with the digs and hold your horses. Sony has put Slog in just about every new model camera below the A7s, and these models compete directly with the GX line. Sony gives better video for dollar spent and log profile. It’s too easy to implement and just should be done. In a few years it will be standard for all video capable cameras anyway, so why be late to the party was my point
As a GH4 user, seems GX8 has no substantive improvement over 1.5 year old GH4 technology, expect a few extra MP.
No full readout, still with 4K crop.
No IBIS in video.
No improvement in electronic shutter image distortion (no readout speed improvement).
IBIS for stills not better than OIS looking at tests, not as good as EM5ii.
No PDAF – Panasonic persist with this DFD hack which will never be as good as the new multi point PDAF sensors.
GX8 still has poor video AF as shown in the review.
No increase in frame rates. The $1K Sony RX100iv is giving FHD in 120fps, same for NX1.
No EFCS.
Same DR/ISO performance, looking at tests.
But hey, we’ve got a another 4K photo mode marketing gimmick, so that’s great…
This GX8 has . Cinelike D / Cinelike V
Right on!
No reason to upgrade my GX7. This is too little, too late.
As a creative tool, the RXxxx series is far more compelling.
Bshit.
On-sensor PDAF has severe limitations and definitely is not the future. Moreover, when microlens-free organic sensors will be implemented.
BTW, DPreview reports G7 as one of the fastest ever AF tracking camera among pro mirrorless and DSLR models.
Why would the GX8 be improved over the GH4? They’re not selling it to the same people. They’re trying to sell against the E-M5 MKII.
First time I see a camera faster in AFC burst mode than AFS mode… (M mode)
Actually, it isn’t…
Yes, it is :
Mechanical shutter/AFS: H: 8 frames/sec, M: 5.5 frames/sec (with Live View), L: 2 frames/sec (with Live View)/AFC: H: 6 frames/sec, M: 6 frames/sec (with Live View)
http://www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras/dmc-gx8.specs.html
As you can see, M mode in AFS = 5.5 frames and in AFC = 6 frames.
It is: 6 vs 5.5 fps.
Not much, but enough to prove you are wrong…
Oops… Sorry. I was thinking about 8fps H mode
There’s a big hill to climb with the GX8 – its price. This is into Canon 6D/Nikon D610 territory: what are many mainstream dealers going to push? Different deal for m43 owners maybe, but it’s also pitching against the GH4 and XT1. The problem with introducing a model at a (unrealistic) premium price is that most punters will wait till the price drops – which it will, and the impetus of the launch is lost. More to the point, this damages the image the camera is trying to project. It’s a self-fulfilling devalue operation. Better to launch the model with a realistic price and have excited punters buying it from the off: that improves the image and allows the model to maintain its price for much longer. Ask yourself – this or an EM5Mk2 at £250 less?
We will have to see. The em5 mk1 was 1300 if I remember. And the em1 1400 at launch. Of course if this was 1000 it would get picked up in masse, but I get the feeling Pana has run the numbers on this. It’s worth every penny imo
Both interesting views I wouldn’t argue, and the GX8 looks a premium product. That, though, was not my point: in the world of retailers, it is up against (more mundane but established) products from Canon and Nikon, who still have the lion’s share of the market. A tight price policy will give smaller margins in the short term, but could provide greater longevity resulting in an equal return. We shall, as you say, watch to see how this excellent product is taken up.
I’d rather have this than an EM5ii, though I agree with the rest of your assessment. I’m totally punting on this until the price gets more reasonable. I suspect we will see that happen once Sony announces the A7000.
Couldn’t have said it better. M4/3 distinguishes itself for its lackluster marketing and pricing policies. Pany in particular has a history of ¨self-fulfilling devalue operation¨ as you’ve said. This causes Pany to negatively evaluate the market performance of its GX line and thus weakens its support for the line in the future, this could also explain why Pany was forced into wrongly/unnecessarily changing the ergonomics of the camera (RF-style) in favor of already successful characteristics (DSLR grip, bigger size).
Same thing happens with Olympus and the PEN flagship, they negate the option of an built-in EVF thus positioning the E-PX series below the competition feature-wise and on top of that overprice it, which in turn causes the camera to fail in today’s competitive market, which then only produces a false negative evaluation of RF-style models as ¨non-competitive¨ and thus Oly negates further investment into the line in favor of their more successful and properly featured/marketed OMD series. It’s a vicious cycle.
Until Pany and Oly treat their enthusiast RF-styled models the same way they do with their faux DSLRs or as efficiently as Fuji and Sony do with their own RF-styled models ( i.e. competitively priced AND full featured) then RF-styled m4/3 models are doomed to either get ¨DSLRsified¨ and loose their appeal or disappear completely. Either way m4/3 will loose what makes it so attractive: diversity. The more Pany and Oly fail to market and price this models the more m4/3 will fall behind.
https://vimeo.com/133625689 Quickie: All the menus.
Pls Panasonic could you make a 25mm f1.2? i really need one, its a shame m43 has no 25mm f1.2
[Note: i am being sarcastic, why does m43 have 4x 25mm lenses, and no UWA? !! [/]
This new 25mm supports Lytro like post-focusing.
Yes, but couldn’t they build a 25mm pancake as a substitute for slow 20mm?
I want a fast focus where I have set it. Who will ever use post-focusing? Except for some creative playgrounds.
So, you could have a slow 25mm lens instead of a slow 20mm?
Sometimes you “think” you have focus, but the subject moves and you’ve lost focus. Or you may take a portrait and it focused on the nose instead of the eye. Post-focus would be great in those situations
Are you counting the 20 mm f/1.7 to get to that ‘four’?
With this new one there are four 25mm lenses: Oly 25mm f/1.8, PL 25mm f/1.4, Panasonic 25mm f/1.7, Voigtlander 25mm f/0.95.
I think we have to distinguish between first-party and third-party lenses. I don’t think we can blame camera makers to release lens types that already exist as third-party lenses. With m43 the situation is more complex because we have two first-party manufacturers, but so far they have tried to not release exactly the same lens as their co-camera maker (outside of a couple of basic zooms).
Panasonic has been starting to break that pattern. First with the 42.5 mm f/1.7 (though it has OIS which could be counted as differentiating this lens) and now with the 25 mm f/1.7.
Finally, If we add third-party manufacturers, we should add all of them: Kowa, SLR Magic, and, if we stretch the definition a bit, ZY Optics (Mitakon), which all offer 24/25 mm lenses with m43 mounts.
The difference between 1.4 and 1.2 isn’t that much. Just pick up a PL25 f1.4.
Exactly, F1.00000 or go h0me !!
Olympus 7-14mm f/2.8 is not UWA?
It’s an UWA ZOOM. Not a PRIME lens.
ARE YOU SURE?
Good Lord… 2000€ with 12-35 and 1600€ with 14-140…
Panasonic why do you cripple the video?
Sony throw all the pro video features into their new mid level cameras, such as high bit rates, full readouts, high frame rates, pro codecs, LOG profiles, PAL/NTSC switchable etc.
Panasonic have contempt for the customer…. How dare I want decent video features in a $1500 camera!
Panasonic, ever wonder why your sales are declining so much?
Yes this is a bad policy by Panasonic. They shouldn’t cripple features to somehow protect the top line camera.
I might have bought GX8 to use along side the GH4 if they hadn’t crippled the video.
I really dislike the GX8 but I dislike your comment even more. First off it’s not a $1500 camera, and secondly, you’re naive to ask for features that are already available on the GH4, if you want them then get that camera, period.
And where is the bundled flash?
Nice design, but I can get better image quality and CAF focus for half that price with A7 A6000 etc. If I want IBIS Oly or Sony do it better, I can also get GH4 for less cost. Why do they make the camera big then cripple it with 2.5mm mic jack?
A new 25mm lens; unique selling point it is 0.1 stop faster than already good zuiko 25mm, what a waste of time where is the F1.2? This will be down on the discount shelf with the GX7 very soon.
Your a6000 LCD resolution is bested by a Motorola flip phone from 2004, and the EVF is some kind of bad joke. It’s made of plastic and compatible lenses priced under and arm and leg have schizophrenic bokeh that embarrass most photographers. And that sensor offers no real world advantage and you know it.
So what your saying is you want to carry 4 cameras around with you?
I would like to know if the GX8 ibis provides a stable preview when focusing legacy telephoto lenses. The GX7 didn’t do this.
Probably not.
Oh well at least that saves me thinking about the “too expensive for me” price.
The 25mm lens looks larger than the Oly too so not that appealing at first glance.
The image of the 25mm f1.7 on this site is stretched. Bad job on 43rumors for that. Look at the image of the 25mm f1.7 on dpreview
Judging from the comments the main disappointment with the new GX8 has to do with its IBIS not working with video for 4K and only with OIS and electronic stabilization for HD modes but not Oly or legacy lenses. In fairness one should note that Oly has so far not been able to make its 5 axis IS work to enabke 4K and even Sony having trouble doing the same with its A7000 which has been delayed for same reason and we still do not know how good on just released new FF model?
However the reviews are all very positive about the excellent magnesium body build on the GX8 much better than that on the GX7 and even better than GH4 which should distinguish it from the plastic A6000 and others. The other positive is the very good large EVF. From all indications although preliminary the IQ also good with increased resolution.
The other aspect is the larger size of the GX8 and resulting higher cost given its upgraded specs. This definitely leaves room for a LX100 sized ILC to come in the next year from Pany.
My other concern about the GX8 is one that already plagues the G7: no EFCS could create shutter shock issues (already examples online of the G7 with this problem). Hopefully, either Panny patches these cams, or at least hopefully the GX8’s shutter just doesn’t cause it.
I have a panasonic GX7 and i like it but to upgrade i want a 4k + IBIS on video/still. GX8 no IBIS on video it’s drawback, after see A7RII i was expecting something like that at least 3-axis em10 level, but even 1080p it is not possible to get IBIS, it’s a shame panasonic. I will wait for Olympus em1 mark II and GH5
I really like the GX8 and love M43 lenses. However, I am not a video guy so the 4K features are not meaningful to me. Judging it as a stills camera, the price of over GBP 1000 is crazy! This is more expensive than all other APS-C mirrorless I can think of and only marginally less expensive than Sony A7ii.
Of course the price won’t stay up here for long… but still!!
I do agree that the price is a bit too spicy but there are not many weather sealed APS-C mirrorless cameras and the weather sealed ones are all more expensive than the GX8.
I wish you were right as that would allow me to justify the GX8 (I love M43). However, at GBP 1000 (body only) this is more than E-M1, E-M5ii and X-T1 (at least in the UK). So basically this is MORE expensive than all M43 & APS-C mirrorless bodies with the exception of the Leica T. Great camera from Pany but priced a bit high right now.
Well, I don’t know how the price in UK works – and I’m sure that here in Brazil the price is even higher, LOL.
As a Japan/US price goes, only the E-M5 was cheaper at its launch price, the E-M1 and X-T1 were more expensive when they were announced, I don’t know about now though.
But I was just pointing out, and knowing Panasonic’s price history, if you can wait a few months the price will certainly go down and soon enough you will find body only for much less.
Fingers crossed then. I know it’s only the starting price and it WILL go down soon 🙂 But right now in the UK one could get a GX8 body (offiicial UK stock) at the same price as a A7ii (DigitalRev… so grey import). How crazy is that?!
I love the GX8! It’s missing a key feature for me–IBIS with video–so I won’t be getting it, but it has a very attractive feature set otherwise. Still wish they hadn’t wasted cost and space on the exposure compensation dial, but that’s a minor quibble. Great job, Panny!
For a still photography guy with only medium video interest, the Nikon D5500 +
NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II may be something to compare with.
The Nikon combo is possibly cheaper in price ($1350 body+lens at B&H), roughly the same size and weight, possibly better IQ and low-light capabilities. The only negative is that it may be less electronically advanced, but the picture quality is what counts at the end.
If image quality was what counts, I’d be surprised that someone would consider a superzoom lens. Myself, when I want to use a superzoom lens, I still have the Four-Thirds-mount Panasonic/Leica D Vario-Elmar 14-150mm f/3.5-5.6 on my E-M1 for image quality reasons, because I find none of the more compact Micro Four Thirds offerings good enough – but none of the existing 18-200 APS-C zooms, either. Even though it is not my only lens, and if image quality is mandatory, I tend to use a lens like the M.Zuiko 25mm f/1.8 or one of the “HQ” Four Thirds Zuikos.
Agree, if you’re worried about the small difference between APSC and m43 IQ you should make sure you’ve got a very good lens or those differences are going to be irrelevant.
Irrelevant also at low light?
especially
You stress the lens side of the quality equation, while I (probably did not do a good job at it) wanted to compare the D5500 with the GX8 with a “reasonable” zoom lens for the amature photographer. Certainly if one wants the best image quality there is within reasonable budget, on the Nikon side one can go to a FF (and pay dearly in bulk and money) and on the MFT side possibly go with the best Olympus.
However, for the amatuer who would want to spend $1000-$2000 for his light weight rig, the D5500 may give him a better IQ with his chosen lens than the new GX8 with its appropriate lens.
I see your point, but, as tempusername already noted, the image quality differences between a current APS-C camera (whether mirrorless or DSLR) and a current Micro Four Thirds camera are, in practice, hardly significant, whether Panasonic or Olympus, even in low light. It’s only when you really need the highest megapixel count you can get that I’d suggest a 24 oder 28 MP (Samsung) APS-C camera, because Micro Four Thirds offered only 16 until now, but that’s where the GX8 comes in, and more Micro Four Thirds cameras will follow. It’s true, though, that a D5500 will surely give you a lot of camera for the money. Mirrorless systems still tend to be more expensive, especially when it comes to lenses.
Really?
You are comparing a 200-800mm equivalent to what??
Also, that’s a mirrored camera nobody cares about it anymore.
My comment was in regard to the the GX8 + reasonambe zoom lens, not the announced 100-400mm zoom.
A Nikon D5500 has the same video clip length limitation of 20 minutes like every other DSLR camera does when it comes to shooting video.
The non-European Panasonic GH2, GH3, GH4 cameras have UNLIMITED video clip length duration, so as long as your battery doesn’t die or your memory card fill up, you can shoot for hours and hours. Add the battery grip to the GH3 or GH4 and you’ve got enough battery power to last for MORE than a 6 HOUR single video clip. For live event shooting or corporate presentation shooting this is a HUGE difference.
Like the camera, but the price vs image quality is not on par. I was hoping it would be more price competitive. In my opinion, the XT-1 is a better bargain than the GX8. Sure, the GX8 has 4K, but I think that’s the Main problem of the GX8. It’s should be a primary stills camera, but it’s not. It’s a jack of all trades camera, and that’s a problem to me. Panasonic should’ve rid of the Filter, to focus on sharper stills, but video would suffer.
Panasonic’s problem is that they want a stills camera, but video too. Still photographers don’t want both. To the Fujifilm users that want video, they should jump ship to the GX8. For the Panasonic user that wants better stills quality, jump to a XT1/XT10.
In the end, Panasonic needs a Stills-Specific camera. The GX8 is not that camera. Close, but no cigar.
While I disagree, this is one of the most cogent posts you have ever written to this website.
Let’s enjoy MrALLCAPS’s momentary bout of sanity while we can.
Hahaha!
The problem for Panasonic is that only a very small percentage of photographers are serious about video. Some of the rest might do the odd clip but it is not a priority.
That’s a possible reason why Panasonic’s market share has fallen more than Olympus.
Please note that I’m saying that Olympus is better than Panasonic just that their market share in mirrorless is about double that of Panasonic.
I’m pretty sure that video is the future with technology like the 4k stills but I suspect that until 8k appears (and 8k stills)Panasonic won’t be able to leverage their superior video technology to make themselves more attractive to stills photographers.
New media content delivery. Clients want video. broadcast quality can now be achieved on a ‘stills’ budget. I shoot 90% video now. A year ago it was 100% stills. The old boys who couldn’t adapt are out of work. Video is the future of imaging.
Same here, from 100% stills over last four years to I’m now 99% video income… Using these stills based toy cameras 🙂 plus these new cameras let you lot grab 30fps of 8mp still images.. That’s got to be some serious fun for the stills guys?
Fuji XT1 AF is still slow even after the recent firmware update and its video codec is bad.
Who said stills photographers don’t want video? I want video. Dinosaurs can’t video. Also no said this was a still specific camera only. Believe it or not, people actually do want a jack of all trades device.
sorry i donot agree, I’m a photojournalist and publishers are asking for videos and if you don’t serve you can shut down your business
I think you are over-estimating the IQ of the X-Trans sensor. Fuji’s attractive retro styling is fogging up your mind.
You forget here 1 very important thing: the 4K video actually implements a really powerful still feature which may leave GX8 and G7 on par with the best sport cameras: the 4K Photo.
Perhaps Panasonic will abandon the AA filter for sharper stills when Fuji abandons the X-Trans filter for sharper stills. But sadly, the people actually buying their cameras seem to appreciate those filters…
The price will drop. The early adopters always are willing to pay the price.
Correct…that is WAAAAAAAY overpriced!
The 20 mpix sensor is perfectly sized at 5184 x 3888 to be able to produce nearly full sensor 5K (5120 x 2880) in the GH5. I hope they do it!
Can the circuitry and the engine handle it?
Olympus?
So the obvious question is, what will they do with the E-M1 M2? The answer should be…
Frankly with the new 36 and 50 MP sensors for FF’s it should be quite easy to get 20~25 MP on a M43 camera.
Ideally, here is what I’d like instead: 24MP up to ISO 3200 so that I can the crop daylight photos, and a 12~16MP at 6400+ for dark and indoor photos. OK, just dreaming…
I’ll bet they use the same 20MP sensor as Panasonic.
I bet they can’t afford to. Otherwise, I think they would’ve done so with the EM5 MkII.
What’s your excuse for why panasonic didn’t put the 20mp sensor in the G7?
Yes, Oly will match this sensor for the E-M1 II. I’m a little annoyed Panny decided to differentiate the Gx and G-series through the sensor, instead of just the form factor, build quality and IBIS.
You’re not alone Bhima.
The G7 finally gets a “new” two year old sensor just as it becomes obsolete. With body stabilisation, rangefinder format and weather sealing there’s enough to differentiate the GX8 from the G7 without the sensor too.
Obviously Panasonic wanted to introduce the new sensor in a more upmarket camera, but they could have launched the GX8 first.
It’s a bit of a kick in the teeth for those waiting for a new G. Even the GF got the GX7 sensor first.
The G7 costs 33% less AND comes with a lens. Something’s gotta give, guys…
They can both be had with a lens or body only, at least in my market.
Something’s got to give, but would you have chosen the price or the sensor? I’d rather it cost more if that’s what it takes.
Me? For the G7? The price. It’s not like the GX7 sensor is in any way bad.
If you want something with a full DSLR body, all the video bells-and-whistles and a new sensor at a higher price, wait for the GH5.
That’s your choice, mine’s the opposite. I hope you enjoy it if you buy one.
The GX7 sensor isn’t bad, but the GH2 sensor I already have isn’t that far behind. The sensor improvement is too small to be worth the upgrade for me. Do the other improvements make it worthwhile for me? I haven’t decided.
If I wanted a GH5 sized camera with video bells and whistles I’d already have a GH. Like many people, I consider 4K nice to have but not essential.
So I’m confused, then – what is it that you want that the G7 is giving you that the GX8 does not, since price is not the issue?
Is it just the drive mode dial?
Hey, I never said price wasn’t an issue – unless you can get me some winning lottery numbers. A G7 with the same sensor is still not going to cost as much as a GX8.
I prefer the form factor and ergonomics.
I could write an impossible wish list if you like. It seems to be popular here. 😉
I’m comfortable enough with my GH2 not to be waiting in line for the next new model. You are correct, its IQ is good enough for 99% of the keyboard warriors out there. …my only problem is that it just never felt totally right in hands. Somewhat on the fiddly side sometimes.
GX7 would have been a downgrade for me in that regard, so I don’t care how cheap it may be now, I don’t need it. I will give the GX8 a try and might patiently wait for its price to calm down…
If they could just solve the dang shutter shock issue in the G7, I’d be all over it already.
Right… and what gave was the IBIS, build quality, weather sealing. Unfortunately, the sensor was was also removed from it. When you look back at the G6 vs. GX7, the sensor wasn’t that different yet the price difference was relatively the same as the current G7 vs. GX8.
I can understand the sensor thing, but putting everything from the GX8 except the better EVF and weather-sealing into the G7 also means they would be roughly the same price. And that would definitely defeat any kind of product line-up variation.
They’ll use it in their flagship camera 1st just like Panasonic did.
The Omd-em1mk2 will likely be a 20.3mpx cam with a little more dr and a bit better high ISO, pdaf, 10 frames per second, 4k, all the 5axis goodies of the em5mk2 and the same ergonomics as the mk1.
Basically a really nice upgrade. 24 mpx would be preferable, but it doesn’t look like it’s happening.
At this price does Panasonic include a full printed manual or did they go cheap and cut expenses like did with GH3 and GH4?
Imho manuals are a waste of trees and whatever lives in it. Just get the PDF, and put it on your phone or preferably e-reader. The latter is recommended because the battery lasts for weeks/months on 1 charge, as it only uses power to change the page.
I would be willing to order a full manual if Panasonic would make them available. That would cut down on the number of manuals printed and they would only be sent out in the language requested.
The PDFs that accompany the firmware updates are short and easy to print out. The full manual is very difficult to print out because of the small page format that wastes a lot of paper when printed on a personal printer.
I am sure I am not the only one that likes to highlight, underline, write notes in margins or put tabs on pages.
Can the printed manual be zoom in? cause i am old and my eyesight is not as good as before.
I have found stronger pair of drugstore reading glasses can help.
I have the 7″ tablet with me when photographing, fits to pockets in jacket or pants.
I use it for remote control.
And I use it only once to read through the manual once I get new body and then I don’t need the manual because I remember things. Like for me Olympus menus has never been anything else than logical and fast. Giving full control and quickly to get things done.
I don’t read manuals for Olympus cameras as I just go through menus once and I know everything.
So much expectation for the new sensor prior to the announcement. So far there is no real comparison of images for the new vs. the old sensors. All the conversations are concerning size, weight, IBIS for video, shutter shock, style, ..little or nothing on IQ. Neither Panasonic nor reviewers are supplying quality comparisons. Camera Store has a side by side comparison in its hands-on video, where the new sensor (or rather the ipeg image processor?) provides more detail and contrast; Richard Wong’s high ISO comparison, shows no improvement in spite of his spin. Panasonic itself focuses on the new dual IS, the new post-focus technology, showed nothing. In the end the release of the new sensor is a meh event.
That’s what you want it to be… Let me guess, Olympus camera user?
Show me some comparisons (links), otherwise you’re just another data point for my argument..
1 day after announcement is not really the best moment to compare a new sensor to an old one. Just wait DxO, I bet it will be visible better not just than the one in GX7 but also than the one from GH4.
DXO has been very slow on making new lens tests. I wonder have they recuded staff or something else. Too much lens profile creation work or something. ..
Be patient, all those test and comparison will show up soon.
There aren’t any RAW converters that can open the files yet, all the JPEGs you’ve seen have been downressed from processing that is pre-production (firmware 0.2).
Let’s wait and see, shall we?
The 24MP A6000 doesn’t look any better at the pixel level than the GX7 at high ISOs. It only shows any improvement when it’s downscaled to the same output size. Perhaps the GX8 is the same pixel quality at 20MP, but downscales to a cleaner output.
I think Panasonic could show some full-size samples, even in jpeg, before asking for $$$1200 for pre-order. A7R II did at the time of announcement.
Another point is, the new sensor was supposed to be the news, but got lost amid other issues.
http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/18/55/74/60/gx811.jpg
I made some modification. What do you think? GX8 with built-in flash, removed the big dial, moved PASM/exposure and added click dial like GX7… Then better grip thumb.
Hahaha. Good job. It does look nice, but personally I would find the extra dial more useful than a tiny built-in flash.
That looks like a worse thumb grip to me. The GX8 has a big “hook” to brace against.
Something like this would have been fine with me. Bigger EVF is the No. 1 priority.
This just the model i was waiting for, now i don’t need to buy the GH4. Mic input and HDMI 4K clean out port. IBIS in video don’t need it, i always use a good rig anyway. 100 MBPS is good enough. The design is more like the L1 i like it, a little bigger oh it’s okay it;s a tool 😉
How you feel about the GX8 will a function of where you are in the purchasing cycle. If your loyalties lie elsewhere, go party elsewhere. If you have been waiting and saving, the camera should be very exciting. If you have a bag of lenses already, you are probably intrigued, at most. There is a lot to like in the GX8. Chock full. Like Chris, I am not wowed by the fiddly, tilt-up viewfinder. On the unusual occasion when tilt can be useful, the ubiquitous tilting screen will suffice. The weather sealing, upscale sensor, snappy autofocus, plethora of buttons, magnesium alloy body, and DUAL image stabilization facility add up to quite a gizmo, ready as soon as you are to shoot hundred of fantastic pictures. Should you upgrade from 16mpx? Maybe. I think the idea of the DFD autofocus appeals to PD shooters because it changes the tone of the conversation, not because it matches phase detect or beats some very zippy contrast detect systems by any whop. It is a nice improvement, put it that way. It is not one thing or another, but several to stimulate. You won’t be disappointed.
Since the GX8 has a swivel screen, the tilt EVF might actually be a nice alternative for when you want to shoot waist-level-ish, but don’t want to unfold the screen.
If some one could ask Dpreview or some else to ask Panasonic to give us a timetable on the 100-400 that would be sweet. gotta know it NOW.
Early 2016, according to petapixel
Still cannot decide.
Disadvantages of G7 (at least for me):
– older sensor,
– no IBIS (though I want to get rid of Olympus lenses anyway),
– no possibility to customise any dial to set ISO directly (as far as I know).
Disadvantages of GX8 (at least for me):
– visibly worse grip,
– big and heavy,
– no direct dial for drive mode, incl. 4K Photo modes,
– damned expensive.
In the same process than you.
But I think the G7 will win. Because of price, because I can live without IBIS and weather sealing. Don’t really care about the new sensor. But I think I will prefer the G7 ergonomic and DSLR look. The GX8 looks like a brick.
I am really sad that Panasonic forgot the small factor of the GX1.
So I will keep my GX1 which still produce really nice photos and probably get a G7.
The new GX1 is the GM5 so you shouldn’t be sad.
Wish the GM5 had a hand grip though. GX1 was in between P&S and bigger camera still with good ergonomics. Now, the GX8 is as big as the GH4 and the “in between” is the G7.
I’ve seriously considered the GH4 – until I got one in my hand. It’s daaamn big and heavy, like a true DSLR! No, thanks, unless somebody has a reallly-really good offer for it.
This is ridiculous. A DSLR will always be much thicker in the center, because of the mirror box.
Contact Richard Franiec for one of his grips at around 30 bucks. Transforms the GM1/5. No, really!
Agree I’m hoping they make a GM7 and that it will be the size of a GF2 / GX1. those 2 cameras were perfect for what M43 is. Hell why can’t they just make a GX1 re-issue with new sensor and electronic shutter?!?!
“I am really sad that Panasonic forgot the small factor of the GX1.”
Ain’t that the GM line?
It is now. But in 2013, there was no GM series. And neither GM packs the controls and ergonomics the GX7/8 has. Also, the EVF in the GM5 is even smaller than the GX7. I am okay with bigger, but the GX8 got so big without it being really necessitated, imo.
Get the E-M10 and invest more in lenses. Upgrade when price is right. 😀
Yep, I considered this as well. But I can’t get the Olympus bodies ergonomics. 🙂
Olympus is out of question as it doesn’t have virtual touchpad.
Sorry, guys, seems that the G7 indeed has the ability to set ISO on one of the 2 custom dials. At least temporarily, but it’s perfect functional.
I admit GX8 as the best MFT camera to date, but the G7 fits much more my needs and pocket (speaking about both meanings. 😀 ).
And will you pay $ 2200 with a red dot?
Like this one —The red dot distracts one so much as not to notice the body size
You guys need to start hitting the gym if your complaining about size and weight. Unless your old and have issues with your joints/muscles I respect that but really you young cats need to go to the gym or “man” up. I walk around with a Nikon F5, F4 all day like a beast. Real heavy built cameras. No issues. These little hipster cameras are def. fit for you younger beta males coming up today.
This version is $ 450 😉
Smaller version
and the last one…. The Spy version..
I hope the spies pick the right lens. There’s no way to remove it.
HeHe…. and do’t buy a Olympus lens 😉
I doubt that the GM series will get much taller than the mount. This is the whole idea, make the camera and lenses as small as the mount height. It’s a pity that Panasonic won’t use custom sized rear screens (like 16:9 ratio) that would allow for a larger EVF and keeping the same body height.
Panasonic made progress from GX7 in adding auto iso to “manual” mode but still no exposure compensation in manual despite dedicated dial. Makes coming from mid to high end nikon bodies a little bit harder.