Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Mirrorless Camera Body, Silver

2018-05-29T13:23:27

The GX8 is my first Panasonic M43 body, and I think it is an excellent product! Until now, I have been shooting with Olympus for M43 and Nikon for APS-C and full frame. I wanted a weather resistant 20MP alternative to my Olympus PEN-F. I selected the GX8 rather than the DC-G9, or another Olympus body, due to the smaller form factor. I nearly always carry two comparable camera bodies while shooting, and like one of the bodies to be more compact. The GX8 grip is just large enough to hold the camera comfortably with a variety of lenses. I have used up to 20 oz. zoom lenses with it. The controls are positioned well for use with a Peak Design clutch, which is consistent with my other gear. The GX8 is very configurable, so I have been able to set it up to operate similarly to Olympus OM-D/PEN-F bodies. The GX8 custom mode feature came in handy to help accomplish this. There is no flash in the box with the GX8, but my tiny Olympus FL-LM3 seems fully compatible. I am delighted with the image quality. I understand that the GX8 sensor has an AA filter, but the resulting images are as crisp as my PEN-F which doesn't have an AA filter (using RAW files). The OLED EVF is outstanding. I like the ability to tilt it vertically for wet belly shots and for tripod use. Flipping the EVF up allows me to extend only 3 of 4 sections on a medium weight 5-section tripod, providing more stability and quicker deployment. I bought a Panasonic 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0 lens as a lighter weight travel lens and a 12mm f/1.4 for use with the GX8. The image stabilization has been adequate with both lenses (Dual IS with GX8 + 12-60mm). The Olympus OM-D EM-1 MK II with the 12-100mm f/4.0 seems to offer slightly better stabilization. As for shutter shock, what shutter shock? I have been using the Auto electronic shutter mode, and in over 1000 shots I haven't been able to identify any that clearly exhibited the problem. My Nikon D800 had shutter shock issues, so I am very sensitive to it. The "Silent" setting can be assigned to a button, which is handy to quickly disable all features that make sound or light for more discrete shooting. Panasonic lumped Auto Exposure Bracketing in with the drive mode setting, which is very nice… no need for assigning a separate button like other brand cameras. The Panasonic menu system is well organized but completely different than Olympus. I am not convince one is better than the other though. As an entrenched Olympus user, it took me a few days to learn and configure the GX8 the way I wanted. Anyone else not trying to compare/contrast feature sets or configure the camera to work in a particular way could use it right out of the box with almost no instructions. It is easy to use. Exposure compensation cannot be applied while using Auto ISO in manual mode. I haven't tried using the i.Dynamic feature yet with RAW images, but it may be a work around for high contrast situations with Auto ISO in manual mode. I always use the live highlight/shadow display option on Olympus OM-D and PEN-F cameras. That feature works so well I rarely need to review images for exposure. I discovered the zebra pattern option on Panasonic which provides a similar functionality to see overexposed areas before shooting (not quite as nice as Olympus). Also, it was necessary to turn on the "Constant Preview" option for the zebra pattern to be displayed in manual mode. I think the Panasonic Lumix GX8 is an outstanding compact camera body and I am really glad I bought one! I believe now is an ideal time to buy this moderately compact, feature rich, weather sealed 20MP body. The GX8 may not be the newest Panasonic model, but it may offer the best value at this point in its product lifecycle. There is nothing outdated about this camera. It is a very current, very compelling camera body that I expect to shoot with for years to come.

DOUGLAS A.

2018-01-08T19:00:00

I loved the design of this camera from the first day I saw it in the store. (specially the tilt viewfinder) I have been using this camera for pictures and videos for the past year and a half and It never let me down. Super durable and reliable! Wish image stabilization worked with 4K but ohh well... I guess you can't have everything.

teretete

Originally posted at

2018-01-06T14:47:00

Best of it's type ? Depends on variables such as "best for WHAT" and just what is "its type" ? OK, so I don't care about video, I do like the "RF Style" with EVF in the corner, and the tilting EVF is truly "icing on the cake". You got 20MP which is about max for this format lately ... and they seem to be reeeeally good pixels, low noise etc etc. It has some very clever controls options that I've not encountered on other ILCs, and it has IBIS. So, for me, all that is enuf to rate "best of its type" ... and the price was right. It's not an "economy model", in that more money won't buy me a better camera OF THIS TYPE, yet it cost less than half the price of the "Flagship" models from both brands of M43 gear :-)

david r.

2017-12-27T07:45:01

This was my second purchase of GX8 Mirrorless camera. It is an amazing camera with excellent ergonomics and features. Love the view finder and menu system. Small form factor and excellent grip. Picture quality is excellent and no I don’t like the G9 price and the difference is not that great between GX8 and G9.

WINSTON H.

2017-05-10T08:38:32

I go the GX8 to supplement my GH4 and when I reach in my camera bag, the GX8 keeps wanting to take over as my primary. This little brother is fast, a bit smaller and produces fantastic photos. And it is become my first choice. And while the video is beautiful, there are still a few tricks that only the GH4 can do. Still what a power combo of cameras.

LES M.

2017-04-19T20:00:00

I picked up this camera to replace my DSLR. I was tired of carrying all that heavy gear around and I wanted a smaller and lighter system that would not sacrifice quality. This one met my expectations and in some instances exceeded them. It is large enough for my big hands and light enough to carry around all day. At first, I was a little confused by the controls and menu system, but after spending some time with the camera I found it very intuitive and easy to use. The GX-8 is fast and accurate and the image stabilization really gets images very sharp even at slow shutter speeds down to 1/2 second. The articulating display is touch sensitive and makes focusing point selection very easy. Other features including 4k photo, and post focusing capabilities make this camera a serious contender. The movie mode is not as good as the GH5, but it will not disappoint anyone. All in all, I am happy with my purchase and the new Leica 12-60mm f2.8-4 really complements this camera quite well.

joe325

Originally posted at

2017-02-22T12:43:01

I've been using Micro Four Thirds cameras and lenses for six years (with a brief detour into Sony FF land). I like the system and the lenses, and for my purposes, it hits a real sweet spot. However, the previous bodies had the 16MP sensor, which I found a bit limiting in IQ in a number of ways. This camera uses the more recent design 20MP sensor, and it really makes a big difference in the overall IQ. It has significantly better tonal and color gradation than the previous generation 16MP sensors, and also is moderately better at shadow recovery. The improvements were enough to convince me to return to M43 as my primary camera after my Sony detour, and I have not regretted it for one second. Keep in mind that if you are primarily a very low light shooter, M43 is probably not the ideal format for you. On the other hand, if you like to work with macro and long tele lenses, it has some distinct advantages, and those are what I shoot the most, so this is a great choice for my purposes. The GX8 is very well balanced in hand, even with the long PL100-400mm lens on it. It's not the smallest M43 camera, but it is very comfortable to hold and use. Touch screen, as always, is very well implemented, and the EVF is HUGE and makes composition a breeze. I am quite pleased with this camera, and do not hesitate to recommend it.

JANET W.

2017-02-08T12:56:15

I bought the GH8 fro use with my Panasonic 100-400mm lens. This combination works well for me. I shoot wildlife with it, mainly birds and other wildlife I encounter while hiking or riding a bike. The weight of the camera verses the reach of the lens and lens was/is a decisive factor. I highly recommend this combination for any one who like a long lens, but wants a light weight but high performing rig to carry while hiking or biking.

PAUL P.

2016-12-28T11:51:40

Amazing abilities in such a small package!

CYNTHIA B.

2016-11-01T10:13:12

A beautiful camera, I like the many function buttons for direct control. More than I need.

RAYMOND T.

2016-07-06T20:00:00

I bought this camera in 2015 from a Hong Kong shop. My first impression was that it did not feel as compact and tightly constructed as the GX7 (the GX7 is a marvel that has the sense of excellance about it). GX8 takes a few minutes to get used to. It is very similar to the GX7, except for the pivoting monitor, for decades a I shot with a twin lens Rollei and a Hasseblad so I am accustom to waste level shooting. The GX7 monitor drop down feature was perfect, the GX8 monitor is a bit cumbersume, but I am adjusting to it over time. The 20 mp is superb and brings out the best of older lenses adapted to the Panasonic M4/3 mount. Using the 2x digital converter with a 300mm lens is excellent for situations where a long lens is required. Also, the dual stabilization system is all that it is said to be and more. When I have time I still use a tripod, but I really don't need one with the stabilization systems in the GX8 and Panasonic lenses. I like to do micro work and the GX8 combined with the Leica Elmarit is excellent. This is a quality camera for all circumstances.

Old G.

Originally posted at

2016-06-25T20:00:00

This camera has a wonderful feel in the hand. The tiltable EVF and fully articulating OLED screen were huge pluses for me. The touch screen for focusing, and the option of using the new Post Focus option when shooting in 4K are really extraordinary. I read others complaining about the grip feeling small, but compared to other mirrorless cameras, the rangefinder style and feel on this are superior. It is a little bigger than the competitors, but the 20mp sensor is great, and this thing has amazing autofocus in low-light settings. I wish it had a built-in flash, but the tiltable evf didn't allow that. I bought a ($) flash for the Lumix LX100 which is compact and small, so I keep it in my camera bag for the rare times when I need it. Feature set and overall shooting are excellent here. It feels like a camera!

Mike F.

Originally posted at

2016-02-16T19:00:00

i own 2 GX7 cameras. i did not think that they could improve the camera but then the GX8 came along and its a game changer

justin

Originally posted at

2016-02-10T19:00:00

It has everything I wanted in a camera. It is so feature rich with all sorts of customizable features. All the dial has been overhauled from GX7. New dedicated compensation dial is great. Only switch I do not like is On/Off button. It is bit hard to turn on if one has light gloves for winter photo. It is too recessed. Big pluses are Dual IS, 4K video, weather seal, great grip, articulated screen ... list goes on and on. One thing I am not impressed is burst rate with continuous focusing. Bit too slow though spec states 6 fps. I wish it had Slo-mo, and accessory battery grip.

DSO

Originally posted at

2016-01-26T11:37:28

I've gotten over the theory that a micro 4/3 mirrorless camera needs to be tiny. Over the years, what I've really gained an appreciation for is the fact that this system CAN be tiny (as evidenced by the GM or EPM cameras) but can also be ergonomically capable tools as well. That said, with a smaller lens, this camera still easily fits into my coat pocket, and with one of the pancake lenses can even squeeze into a back jean pocket as well, or has been able to in mine. Not tiny, but also, not huge by any stretch of the imagination. I've been shooting with the GX8 for about 5 months now, and after my initial period of getting used to the layout and size, I find it to be the best micro 4/3 camera that I've yet shot (out of 8 different bodies I've owned or shot with extensively to this point). Those saying that there is little to no difference between this new 20mp sensor and the previous 16mp Sony and Panasonic sensors haven't done enough looking. The resolution of fine detail is worlds better by my testing, and while that may be easy to overlook in day to day shooting, it has gotten the files closer in total resolution to my 21 and 24mp files from my full frame cameras helping me justify shooting multi platform for different jobs and projects. The dynamic range by way of the shadow and highlight recovery is another understated feature. I'm finding, by far, the best range when working with RAW files that I've yet seen for the system. The dual IS may be the single feature that I have found to be a let down. I have done a few tests (posted below via link) looking at the difference between the IBIS vs the GX7, the IBIS vs OIS and the dual IS vs the OIS and the dual IS underperforms, especially compared to the pure OIS solely. May be a quirk that is remedied by future firmware, but still unfortunate. I say this, but dual IS still provides over 3 stops of compensation, so that is certainly better than nothing. I do wish that we'd get a 14 bit RAW file, but for a 12 bit file, it's as good as I've seen. Overall, and outside of a couple design choices (in my opinion) this camera is near perfect for me and the work that I shoot with it, namely in interior and portraiture work. That it is also weather sealed when mated with a weather sealed lens, helps me feel much more comfortable when taking it out on wet treks as well. Great camera, and a true step forward for the system as a whole. (I didn't even get to the 4K features...) I did a more extensive comparison here: https://tysonrobichaudphotography.wordpress.com/2015/12/04/the-panasonic-lumix-gx8-vs-gx7-showdown-how-much-of-an-upgrade-is-it-really-well-w-lumixusa/

Tyson R.

2016-01-10T19:00:00

I got my Lumix DMC-GX8 about three weeks ago and am quite pleased with the photo and video quality. I disagree with the review by Jake Fantom... I see no cropping in creative video mode and the camera records exactly what I see in the viewfinder. As for that video, 4K video from the GX8 looks terrific. I have the camera set for CineLog D and the video really does look cinematic. And it's very, very clean. I can shoot at ISO 1600 with acceptable noise, and there is virtually no noise at ISO 800 and below. I have a couple of gripes with the camera: First, it should come with a small external flash unit. Since there is no built-in flash, it should come with the same flash that the LX100 has. Second, why is the audio input on a 2.5mm connector?? There's gotta be a way to use the much more standard 3.5mm connector. Finally, the fact that there is no headphone out jack is a bother. As important as I think these things are, the GX8 is still a nice camera with the ability to shoot excellent 4K video and stills. So far, I love my camera and find my shooting is limited only by the lens I'm using. I would definitely buy the GX8 again.

pvreditor

Originally posted at

2015-12-26T19:00:00

I purchased this camera for its much-touted 4K capabilities. I did not realize (since it is not mentioned anywhere) that when you shoot 4K video, the camera makes an automatic crop of the shot you are setting up. If you shoot in Intelligent Auto mode, the crop becomes apparent the minute you press the video button. You lose about 25% of the shot. If you shoot in Creative Video mode, the crop is never revealed to you. You appear to be shooting the exact scene you set up, but in fact, when you review the footage, the same 25% crop (my guesstimate) is readily apparent. Why this is not mentioned in the literature, I am not sure. In any case, this puts the videographer in the position of constantly guessing at the actual video results. I find this supremely annoying, and if you are serious about your video, you will too. Please bear in mind, I rarely if ever shoot photos, so consider this review for videographers only.

Jake F.

Originally posted at

2015-09-13T21:00:00

I generally like the camera and its features. Good performance on par with my 16 megapixel Panasonic Micro Four Thirds bodies. But the rear arrow key pad and display mode button are raised and I find them very easy to press accidentally while holding the camera, particularly with bigger lenses. The function button on the front has the opposite problem. It's flush and hard to find by feel. You can lock out the arrow key pad, but that's not a great solution to the handling issue. Autofocus is fast, except with the Lumix/Leica macro lens. Stabilization seems to work well for the lenses that have firmware updates available. Stabilization works with adapted lenses, but the button press issue can become a problem with the more substantial lenses I've used.

William N.