Panasonic GX8From real comments

Verdict distilled from 47 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment74%
PROS 74%
CONS 26%

Rank based on 47 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a tiltable EVF and rangefinder ergonomics for street, travel or low-angle shooting
  • You value weather sealing and solid build quality in a lighter MFT body than a DSLR
  • You're looking for a still-relevant, good-value camera on the used market

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need in-body stabilization to work while recording video
  • You want the smallest possible MFT body or the punchiest out-of-camera skin tones
  • You're sensitive to shutter shock at mid shutter speeds with longer lenses

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Budget
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding ValueStrong Autofocus PerformanceExcellent Image Quality and ColorRising Price Compared to Original Z5Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling ShutterAutofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
Nikon Z5 II
Outstanding Value
Strong Autofocus Performance
Excellent Image Quality and Color
Rising Price Compared to Original Z5
Video Compression Artifacts and Rolling Shutter
Autofocus Tracking Inconsistencies
2Mid
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensorExcellent with vintage and manual-focus lensesTactile dial-based controlsSingle SD card slotDimmer EVF than newer bodiesLower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
Fujifilm X-T1
Distinctive color rendering / X-Trans II sensor
Excellent with vintage and manual-focus lenses
Tactile dial-based controls
Single SD card slot
Dimmer EVF than newer bodies
Lower megapixel count limits cropping flexibility
3Mid
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performanceFun and emotional shooting experienceImage quality and low-light performanceErgonomics require an added gripHeavier than expectedLimited retro-styled lens lineup
Nikon Zf
Autofocus performance
Fun and emotional shooting experience
Image quality and low-light performance
Ergonomics require an added grip
Heavier than expected
Limited retro-styled lens lineup
4Premium
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
Sony A7R IV
Exceptional 61MP Resolution
5Mid
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lensesImage quality & color scienceImproved autofocus performanceAwkward Auto ISO and menu workflowIncremental upgrade over original Z6No flip-out/articulating screen
Nikon Z6 II
Excellent Z-mount lenses
Image quality & color science
Improved autofocus performance
Awkward Auto ISO and menu workflow
Incremental upgrade over original Z6
No flip-out/articulating screen
6Mid
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for videoBuilt-in live streamingStrong value at discounted pricingAutofocus still lags competitorsUSB power bank compatibility issuesMenu system requires adjustment
Panasonic GH5 II
Autofocus improvements for video
Built-in live streaming
Strong value at discounted pricing
Autofocus still lags competitors
USB power bank compatibility issues
Menu system requires adjustment
7Budget
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
Fujifilm X-M1
Distinctive color rendering
8Budget
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly systemFun, characterful shooting experienceOutstanding image stabilizationLimited autofocus for actionOlympus pricing and company uncertaintyNo weather sealing
Olympus OM-D E-M10
Compact, travel-friendly system
Fun, characterful shooting experience
Outstanding image stabilization
Limited autofocus for action
Olympus pricing and company uncertainty
No weather sealing
9Premium
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screenImproved autofocus and trackingImproved IBIS and low-light performanceSensor readout largely unchangedBattery grip fitment issuesNot ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
Sony A7R V
Versatile tilt/flip screen
Improved autofocus and tracking
Improved IBIS and low-light performance
Sensor readout largely unchanged
Battery grip fitment issues
Not ideal for fast-action/wildlife shooters
10Premium
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sportsRugged build and comfortable ergonomicsExceptional battery lifeAutofocus struggles in specific scenariosLarge size and weightEVF resolution criticized by some
Nikon Z9
Strong, adaptive autofocus for wildlife/sports
Rugged build and comfortable ergonomics
Exceptional battery life
Autofocus struggles in specific scenarios
Large size and weight
EVF resolution criticized by some
You are here
31Premium
Panasonic GX8
Ergonomics and build qualityTilt/flip EVFLong-term reliability and lasting valueLarger body than expected for MFTSteep launch priceNo in-body stabilization in video mode
Panasonic GX8
Ergonomics and build quality
Tilt/flip EVF
Long-term reliability and lasting value
Larger body than expected for MFT
Steep launch price
No in-body stabilization in video mode

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The tilt-up EVF and handling define the GX8 experience. Commenters repeatedly single out the flip/tilt electronic viewfinder as a favorite feature, useful for low shots, product photography and discreet street work, and say it is 'glorious' or among their most-liked features. Combined with a flat top (no hump), customizable function buttons, a comfortable grip and a touchscreen, many describe the ergonomics and control layout as intuitive almost immediately after unboxing, making the camera enjoyable to operate for extended sessions.

Image and video quality are strong, but the sensor divides opinion on color. Owners praise the 4K video as tack-sharp and clean, and note improved sharpness over the GX7 at high ISO, even in low light concert shooting. Weather sealing and a new 20MP sensor added durability and resolution. However, one commenter found the Sony Exmor sensor produced dull colors and poor skin tone reproduction compared to older MOS sensors, and another noted RAW files were less sharp than expected out of the camera.

A few technical quirks and video-mode IS limits temper enthusiasm. Several users were frustrated that in-body stabilization does not function in video mode, a dealbreaker for some video-focused buyers. Shutter shock in the 1/60-1/200s range with longer lenses, an EVF that shows a slightly sepia tone in black-and-white mode versus the accurate LCD, weak Wi-Fi range, and a body larger than expected for the MFT format are also mentioned as drawbacks, alongside a price some felt was steep at launch.

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