Lumix GX8 Review // Worth it in 2024?

[@hangmann89]

I'm using GX7. And I love it. Absolutely no need for any new digital camera.

[@NPJensen]

I use the GX8 mostly with the Lumix Leica 15mm f1.7 lens and the E-M5 iii mostly with the Olympus 45mm f1.8 lens. In fact, that's my kit for concert photography in a dark, crowded venue, where I'm expected to photograph both the bands giving live concerts as well as the DJs and the crowd. ISO wise I limit my GX8 to 12800, but mostly use photos shot at ISO10000 or lower. The best results are great, and I wouldn't want to change my gear any time soon.

[@nicholassmith7723]

Have you noticed where the color degradation starts to happen in the ISO range? I just picked up that same GX8/15mm combo. I was going to cap the iso at 6400, but it sounds like maybe you can push it higher? I'm used to full frame Sony cameras, so I'm a bit apprehensive of the iso performance of M4/3.

[@NPJensen]

@@nicholassmith7723I'm afraid, I haven't. I have shot photos at ISO 10000, I'm very happy with, while my shots at ISO 12800 are often terrible - it's just a matter of how to get any shots at all under terribly dark conditions...

[@CZOV]

@@nicholassmith7723 6400 is the fair limit. You can push to 12800 if no people's faces in the images.

[@martingreenberg870]

The GX8 is worth it to me in 2024. I voted with my wallet and purchased one from a local camera store at a little more than the €350 you paid. My body was in good shape. I started my GX journey with the 85(AKA 80 outside North America). Very nice for street photography. Bought the 9. It has incremental improvements but overall not a necessity to upgrade. I do love the L monochrome D B&W jpeg. Not much difference between the 85’s 16MP and the 9’s 30MP sensor. Then bought the 8. What was I thinking? You pointed out that the GX8 was the photography flagship body when it first came out ~ eight years ago. This body has a lot of bells & whistles in it. Weather sealed is good. In Seattle we experience a lot of rain too. The 2.5mm audio jac is small and we have to buy a 2.5 to 3.5mm dongle for a microphone. They are small and cheap. I continue to loose this bloody thing. At least there is an audio jac that is missing on the 85 & 9. Takes nice pictures and the video output is more than I need for clips. The GX8/85/9 are all excellent EDC and street photography bodies. Small & lightweight. Very competent. Matched with a prime these bodies are lovely. Bought the P12-60mm kit lens with the GX9. Was going to sell it to lower the cost of that purchase as I already own the PL version of that lens. Turns out I like it a lot. It is nice to bring along with a prime for the range of focal lengths it covers. It has dual stabilization (actual the bodies have that). The lens is small and lightweight like the GX bodies. I’m glad I made these purchases. I typically take two out on a walk. Each one has a different lens on the body so I don’t have to fumble changing lenses. All three bodies are good enough for what I do. The key is if a body took nice images eight years ago it will take nice pictures now. I don’t need the best gear to get the job done. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@michamilka]

Me too, just sold my Fuji X100V and bought one for a street set up! Im not missing much

[@martingreenberg870]

@@michamilka Hope you got a good deal on your GX8. I’m looking for a $400 body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@spencegoddard8456]

Out of the GX8 and GX9, if you could pick one which one would it be? I'm looking at both 😊

[@damianip]

I have two GX8s. They are, without a doubt, my favorite camera bodies to shoot with ever (the list is long and contains many excellent film and digital cameras). I also have a GX9 which improves the GX8 in some respects but falls shorten many others. I find the tilting EVf to be indispensable for street, field macro and architectural work. I hope they will release a new MFT or even a FF body which contains all the pluses and corrects the minuses (shutter shock and the IBIS - passable but pales compared to the GX9 and G9).

[@NealPalmer-x9e]

I do feel let down by Panasonic on the gx9. I’ve not used it myself though, I’m sure it is technically better in places but not a direct upgrade.

[@damianip]

@@NealPalmer-x9e I think the issue was naming. There appears to more of a lineage between the GX7, GX85 and GX9. To me, the GX8 was a separate and distinctly different camera. That said, as I’ve stated before, I’m a huge fan of the GX series and GX8 is probably the finest camera I’ve ever used (film or digital) as far as ergonomics and shooting experience go.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@NealPalmer-x9e The GX9 is an incremental improvement of the GX85. I like this body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@tsbrownie]

"Video Cropping", might be because of a setting. You can choose which mode gets to be the default. Go to menu/set --> Custom (1 wrench with C) --> Rec Area and choose movie (icon) or camera (icon). I have 2 GX-8s that I have almost worn out. They were used to make videos until recently, when they were replaced by GH5 ii and retired to do photos. Oh, and Panasonic still has a user manual in .pdf online. It's scary detailed / long.

[@mootpointjones8488]

I still have mine in 2024, it works for me and produces nice images. Thanks for the upload 👍

[@Jonathan-hu3lk]

I don’t know why they got rid of the weather sealing and the much better viewfinder when the gx9 was released. Perhaps for pricing and compactness. I love the design of the gx8, but the only major off-putting thing about this camera is the shutter shock. If Panasonic release another gx camera, I hope it’s a gx8 ii with some new compact weather sealed lenses

[@alexmilesg3]

The gx9 was a downgrade in many aspects.

[@stickgarrote8582]

I would love a GX8II! I would buy it in 8 years for around 200€ like i did with my current GX8 😀 It’s a great camera, but the physical shutter is just not it. Should have been recalled, it’s that bad.

[@cmartin_ok]

In mainland UK used prices are still holding up strong, over £400, compared to the GX7 which can be had for £250 or less

[@nicholassmith7723]

My GX8 just got delivered yesterday from MPB... ironically, haha. So far I only have the PanaLeica 15mm 1.7. Going on a trip to Japan at the end of summer and I was curious to try out Micro 4/3. I also have the Sony A7CII and a few of the Sigma I-Series primes. Not sure which camera I'll end up taking yet.

[@ElectronInc]

Friend! Just bought a GX8 second-hand and also going to Japan end of October! I bought just for fun, to have it along my e-m10 mkii and my e-m1 mkii. It will arrive soon, and will test it to see if I bring it with me with my e-m1 mkii, instead of my e-m10 mkii

[@tomdaigon8707]

Excellent presentation. I've been using and enjoying the Lumax GX85 for the last several weeks but was very concerned about the lack of weatherproofing. It hardly ever rains here in Las Vegas but the winds blow up a dust storm that I would not want to take an unprotected camera out into. So I just ordered from MPB a lightly used GX 8. So now I have a fair and foul weather set of cameras. My Lumix S5 X2 just didn't cut it as a good street photography camera because of its visibility. It will do well for other kinds of photography that I do but I'm sold on the GX 85 and GX 8 as my street photography cameras. Thanks for the great review!

[@martingreenberg870]

My S5ii doesn’t autofocus about 20% of the time. Very annoying. I’m going to sell it for a Sony. The GX85 is a wonderful street shooter. Add the PL15 and you have a killer kit. Just picked up a backup body from a local camera store for $399. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Sven-R]

I never understood the design desicion of Olympus to have the On/Off-Switch on the other side. I usually carry my camera with the right hand, having my finger on the On/Off-Switch and when I want to grab a photo, I switch it on while lifting it up. I'd go crazy if I had to do it differently and it's seriously something I'd consider when buying a camera.

[@Elifarnhill]

Honestly it’s one of my negative points about the Em5ii - since I’ve picked up a GX85 and a GX8 I’m more likely to reach for them as an every day camera!

[@alexmilesg3]

Luckily, the EP7 from Olympus has the switch on the right side.

[@alexmilesg3]

In all honesty, I have noticed that the switch on the right side is only beneficial when controls are not too cramped. On my EP7, which is indeed a very compact camera, it is quite easy to accidentally turn the camera on or off while adjusting controls or simply taking it in or out of the camera bag. Additionally, all these cameras have excellent power management and automatically go into sleep mode within a minute. Therefore, there is no real need to constantly turn them on or off, making the left-sided on/off dial a minor inconvenience rather than a significant issue. It is more of a matter of habit and personal preference.

[@petercollins7848]

I would not have thought that ‘grabbing a photo’ would result in a very well composed and exposed photograph! All cameras have controls in different places, so I don’t think the placement of the on-off switch is a big deal.

[@nedbeg667]

I completely agree with you, I sometimes wonder what an idiot the camera developer is? Who came up with the idea of ​​placing the on/off switch on the left side? Do the developers even test cameras?🤦

[@wolfganghnida-eichenlaub2537]

I am using the camera for 7 years now and I am very content with it. I agree in general with your conclusion. I don't need two sd card slots and I do not trust in the weather sealing. Some things are too complicated, for instance the wifi connection to a smartphone. On a trip it would be nice to have an easier connection to a phone, so that you can get te GPS-dateo to the pictures. Thank you for your video of this "old" camera!

[@martingreenberg870]

Dual card slots? No body this size has dual card slots. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@jmadsenphoto]

Yes it’s worth it. So worth it I carry it in. Y back pack everyday for street photography. Amazing ergonomics and lenses. Tack sharp images.

[@stickgarrote8582]

I use the GX8 as my daily camera and they absolutely did not fix the shutter shock issue. It’s very noticeable and makes using the physical shutter very hit and miss. The dynamic range is typical of smaller sensor cameras - it’s ok for a slight underexposure, but if you like pushing your edits towards the high-key range, it will break up very quickly. The noise is noticeable in raw files at ISO400, even 200 will show noise if you lift the shadows. But it’s solid, has the best viewfinder of the GX series, weather sealing and shoots video in MF like a champ. The AF is barely useable for video, ok-ish for stills, but not really a huge problem with the DOF you get from the sensor.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks for this. I think your lighting is fine. I am interested in your content, not in how good the lighting is.

[@GudieveNing]

Just got my second GX8, first in 2015 that I had for two years. It's as good today as it was then, and to be honest, nothing has been released by anyone since that matches it for ergonomic and feature versatility, Panasonic included. Been out getting some lovely shots of bluebells, the flip up EVF makes it far less back and neck breaking. Hoping whatever Panasonic have coming May 5 is like the GX8, bought up to date, with some of the flaws you mention fixed: 1. USB-C in camara charging. 2. 3.5mm jack. 3. Video stabilisation.

[@thepomandozzy]

I have a G9, GX8 and GX80. The 8 is my most used camera. Going on a cruise to Iceland in two weeks and torn between the G9 and GX8. Did a side by side comparison and to my eyes the raw files from the GX8 with the Pany 12-60mm were superior to the G9 with the Leica 12-60mm. This really surprised me colour and tone were better handled but sharpness from the Leica lens was better.

[@martingreenberg870]

I’m surprised too. The G9 is a newer body. The IBIS is certainly better. Both have a 20MP sensor. The processing engines are different though. How was your cruise? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Hermie104]

Nice review, thanks. I’m thinking of buying a smaller camera to complement my Penny G9, and I always liked the look of the GX 8. I think I will be getting one and, like you, paring with the Olly 45mm.

[@juligonzalez686]

Thanks for doing this video. I have been looking at the GX9 and because it’s so expensive the GX85, I had also seen the GX7 for sale for a good price. But now after your video, I think I might be good with the GX8. I didn’t even know there was one. I do at some point want to upgrade to a G9MII or an OM-1MII but I don’t think I am ready to spend $2000. So perhaps this will tide me over! Just FYI I have the OMD-EM5 and got the Olympus 45mm because of your video and I love it, thank you!

[@vermis8344]

"I live in Ireland. It rains. I need weather sealing." I hear ye. Especially over the last week, I hear ye.

[@martingreenberg870]

I live in Seattle, Washington. It rains here 1/2 the year. Also overcast. Like having a light box in the sky. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@martingreenberg870]

It also rains a lot in Seattle. I typically don’t go outside, if I can help it, when it rains. Thus I don’t need weather sealing. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@kcphotogeek6207]

The only reason I plumed for the GX80 over the GX8 was the lack of AA filter, better video and tilting screens are better for street. Weather sealing was considered but for me it didn’t outweigh the other benefits. Both are great cameras though. I also love an Exposure comp dial however I like how pushing the rear dial of the GX80 brings this up without taking up more real estate on the camera body itself, more cameras should have push dials imo

[@Elifarnhill]

Honestly I much prefer the GX80 for video thanks to the ibis, the lack of a mic in is a bit annoying but for getting some video while out and about it’s great!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@Elifarnhill I agree about the lack of a mic jac in the GX85/9. Why LUMIX did you cripple these bodies? Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@chrisbrown6432]

I like and own this camera. IBIS is useful and in a fine day or an overcast day shutter speed will be quick enough to create sharp shots even with unstabilised lenses. The shutter speeds will be more than quick enough and even at a focal length of 300mm anything over 300th second minus the stops of IBIS will be plenty fast enough. So going for the best IBIS in another camera like the Panasonic GX9 is not important to me. The Panasonic Lumix GX8 had a lot of features that I liked over the Panasonic GX9. Ideally I would like to own a GX9 to what it offers but that will not happen. I agree with all you had to say about this camera.

[@livonian]

Had one for years. Video crop is not a problem with a cheap 7.5mm lens, you'll still get a 19mm equivalent field of view. With 7.5mm lens you also don't need auto-focus 😁

[@iamiam7]

I used the GX8 for a little while until the glued back together (by previous owner) battery door came apart. Can't find any good videos on replacing the door. I tried and can't get the right hand back to loosen up. Frustrating but I do like the camera when it's working. Mainly now I use the Olympus OMD-EM5.

[@arturmagomedov5672]

have it now and only thing i miss is IBIS in 4k

[@CrimsonQrow18]

Looking for my first camera. Nothing too fancy. I'm debating between the GX8 vs Xt30ii. Which one is better for multipurpose?

[@martingreenberg870]

I own the GX8 and XT30. Both are good cameras. The GX8 is smaller and lighter than the XT30ii. The GX8 has a flip out screen. Good for video. Less so for photos. The XT30ii has a tilting screen. The GX8 has IBIS. The XT30ii doesn’t. With the kit 18-55 lens, which is excellent, you can get optical image stabilization. The two things Fuji users love are the film simulations and the analog dials. The GX8 has, like most cameras, jpeg settings but not as wide of a choice. There are more lens choices for the M43 system as lumix and Olympus both make excellent lenses. They are interchangeable but the image stabilization isn’t augmented with the other manufacturer’s lenses. The M43 lens are smaller, cheaper, and lighter than Fuji lenses. You can’t go wrong choosing either camera. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@RDSGolden]

What are your favorite lenses to use with the GX8?

[@gtimf2142]

I got mine when it was first released. It was quite expensive new... for me at least, (a non-pro). I appreciate the robust build quality. I'm not kind to my electronics and the fact that I've travelled the world with it without having to fuss with it and never had any issues, (and still looks new by the way), is huge for me. It's a lot of camera and for my purposes I can't justify replacing it with a newer camera. I do regret the lack of video image stabilisation however. Regarding the flip-up EVF, I think it's a brilliant feature for the reasons you pointed out. In fact it's the first thing I miss when I pick up another camera. Although I've loved the size\weight up until now... I find it increasingly inconvenient. The more I travel, the more I wish it was half the size & weight. On the other hand, if that's all there is to complain about, I'd say it's served me VERY well and was money well spent.

[@martingreenberg870]

The GX8 was released as a flagship camera. It was expensive when issued but the price has come down. Looking to pay ~$400 for a backup body. Already bought backups for my GX85 and 9. These are lovely small and lightweight cameras for street photography. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@krzysztofg2145]

Thanks for user-side review, and not some all-tech , specs-table-comparasing videos out there :) How do you find GX8 ergonicmics compare to GX80? Is it really that larger and heavier? Is ergonimics better for you? Im thinking about maybe switching in the future (gx80 >> gx8 )

[@martingreenberg870]

I have both the GX8 and two GX80’s(85). The GX8 is heavier and a little larger. Not that much though. I use the GX80(85) more than the GX8. I use the GX9 more than both of them. Love these little bodies. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@JohnonaBike]

I was looking at the GX8 and also the Panasonic DMC-FZ2000 - have you tried the Panasonic DMC-FZ2000 ?

[@martingreenberg870]

Never tried the FZ2000. I own a FZ200. These are two different beasts. The FZ has an 1” sensor and is a fixed super zoom body. The GX8 has the larger M43 sensor. It is also an interchangeable lens body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@NealPalmer-x9e]

I have a gx-8 in black and it’s fabulous camera, lovely to use. For me i can’t see myself changing it anytime soon as it does everything I need and more. I also like the mft format for the smaller lens. My only gripe if there is one and that’s the price of mft lens in general. Only have 3 lens, I could do with a few more options.

[@jkroemer2685]

Yea they can get expensive, but I’m sure it’s definitely harder making great glass in such a small “overall “ package. I had the Nocticron and… it’s amazing!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@jkroemer2685 I think the LUMIX lenses are inexpensive for what they are. Compare them to the equivalent APSC and full frame equivalents. The 42.5 Leica is very expensive and heavy. I am happy with the LUMIX versions. Just received the 42.5/1.7. Very small and lightweight. Disappointed there aren’t aperture stops on the lens. Oh well. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@redneckrosey8221]

I still use my GX8 as my second camera when ever go out and about.

[@Leptospirosi]

Let's say the GX9 fixed almost every problem in the GX8, with better stabilization, especially in video, no need for electronic shutter at 1/250s, better colours, in camera charging and smaller form factor, among the other improvements. Obviously is discontinued with no heir. Too bad it lost weather sealing and got back the old sequential viewfinder of the GX85, albeit a tiltable one. I also prefer a flippy screen as I take a lot of vertical images, where a tilty screen is totally useless. Nikon and Fuji got it right with the FZ and the XT 3 and 5.

[@markielinhart]

YES‼️

[@leric4205]

Vivement un futur Lumix GX 8 II ;)

[@tobiasdavid3096]

I wish they would have put the tech of the GX9 into the GX8, apart of the EVF.

[@laurentyarp514]

Panasonic cameras have very good ergonomics. The GX8 is a highly praised camera. I don't have one, because I have a GX9 and it wouldn't make sense to have both. btw imho the main con of the GX9 compared to the GX8 is the lack of weather sealing. In a of street photography scenario it can be considered acceptable but I am sure people would prefer paying a bit more and have that feature on the next GX. If you hear me Panasonic :)

[@Elifarnhill]

Very true, even my GX85 which is a very small camera is nice in the hand A GX9 with phase detect autofocus, weather sealing and a few minor upgrades like usb c and the new 25 megapixel sensor would be amazing!

[@martingreenberg870]

@@Elifarnhill Also an audio jac. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@tobiasdavid3096]

I actually have both, the GX8 and the GX9. The EVF on the GX8 is mutch better. I think the IBIS and the IQ on GX9 is better, bit because of the EVF I prefer the GX8. Even though the GX8 is mainly made of metal it isn’t heavier. Another difference is the flip-up vs flip-out screen.

[@laurentyarp514]

@@tobiasdavid3096 I have got the Panasonic eyecup for the GX9 and the EVF is quite usable with this improvement. I enjoy resting my eye on the eyecup while composing. And the EVF is a dark chamber with a crisp and clear view of the subject (alas with black tunnel). Also expecting the next GX with good EVF and weather sealing.

[@martingreenberg870]

@@Elifarnhill Many GX users want that upgrade. It isn’t going to happen. LUMIX has killed this line of bodies. An interesting KZbin video explained why. We want the PDAF sensor from the G9ii. Both the sensor and processor generate a lot of heat. Both also use more energy requiring a larger battery. Thus goodby GX body. I’m hoping lumix with replace the full frame sensor with the PDAF sensor from the G9ii and place it in the S9 body. Hope that is possible. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@jkroemer2685]

How would you compare it to the gx85/80? Which would you say is better in low light?

[@martingreenberg870]

Hard to say. The GX85 has a good IBIS unit. Maybe the 16 vs 20MP will be better in low light. Want better low light performance on a M43 body? A simple but expensive solution to your question. Buy faster lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@MaybeTiberius]

i am actually deciding between the gx8 and the em5ii atm and its such a hard decision. i d say feature wise the oly would probably my pick but man... is it just me? but i start to grow out of this centered viewfinder that also makes the camera artificially a lot bigger than it needs to be because of this bump and it screams ''camera'' to other people a lot faster. i already hated this back with dslr. its like your constantly half breaking your nose pressing it against the camera, smearing your display and eventually pressing a button. its just so uncomfortable. and i also think the ergonomics seem to be a lot better on the gx8 eventually. i dont have tiny hands, i need .. something... at least to grip to. the em5 has like... nothing. it has this little... bump thingy but you cant hardly call that a ''grip'' dunno, design wise i just prefer bodys in the style of gx8 sony a6000 and others tbh.

[@martingreenberg870]

There is your answer. You don’t like the DSL body form. Fair enough. Go with what makes you happy. The image quality may be better with the Sony A6xxx line. The ergos and menus aren’t great though. The lenses are logger, heavier, and more expensive. I like my GX85/9 so much I bought backups for both. I like the LUMIX lenses. Nice street photography and EDC bodies. I’m sure you will be happy with either the GX or A6xxx you select. Man, the X6000 are selling cheap as chips. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Great video.

[@martindobos4835]

I had sony a7riii, om1 and several canons in my life and sold it all cause not do customers photography anymore and only having GX8 usually with PanaLeica 12-60 f2.8-4 and couple primes Panaleicas 15mm f1.7 and 25 mm f1.4 and very rarely for some portrait occasions Oly 45mm f1.2 For lighting inly use mobile little light and Godox tt350o. Thast all my kit no tripods no other crap and I can bet you if you need more you just even chasing 5-10% better quality of the FF or you need improve your skill...

[@arricammarques1955]

DC 202 + 37mm f2.2, 46mm filter size : )

[@fansofER]

I would love a weather sealed GX8II with the new pdaf DGO sensor from the G9II

[@DavidBennettplus]

Just a heads up that your instagram link needs updating 🙂