Panasonic DMC GX8 Detailed Review

In additional DMC GX8 was introduced by Panasonic in July 2015. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Panasonic is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Panasonic.

Also DMC GX8 has a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with size of 17 x 13 mm² (0.68″ x 0.51″).

Picture of DMC GX8’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The DMC GX8’s sensor has resolution of 20 megapixel.

The Panasonic supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Panasonic’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The DMC GX8 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

The DMC GX8 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.77x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

The DMC GX8’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 60s.

The DMC GX8’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The DMC GX8 supports all general exposure modes.

The Panasonic allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The DMC GX8’s auto focus processor uses 49 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Panasonic, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

The DMC GX8 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Panasonic’s hotshoe.

The DMC GX8 display has a diagonal of 75.00mm (3.0 inches.) and a resolution 1.04 megapixel.

The camera display is intended for selfies or other occasion.

Display parameters:

DMC GX8 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Panasonic DMC GX8 Video parameters:

The DMC GX8 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Connect the Panasonic to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Panasonic supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Panasonic DMC GX8 has a BCL12E LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 330 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The DMC GX8’s battery battery parameters:

The Panasonic DMC GX8’s size is 133.2 x 77.9 x 63.1mm³. (5.2″ x 3.1″ x 2.5″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.2″ x 3.1″ x 2.5″ grams (487 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the DMC GX8:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.