Panasonic GX8 Hands-On Field Test

It's been a couple years since Panasonic has updated their top-of the line photo cameras, the GX series. Now, photographers have access to all the GH4's great features, but with less emphasis on video, in body-IS and a new sensor. Is the GX8 worth the price bump over the brilliant G7? Chris Niccolls and Jordan Drake head to the Calgary Stampede to find out!
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Shot and Edited by Jordan Drake
Shot on the Panasonic GH4 with V-Log L

[@Arihiroki_LG]

Lmfao Chris yelling FU, someone was enjoying some drinks at the Stampede

[@JohnFelipo]

I gotta say, I think V-log on the GH4 is a dramatic improvement, really loving the look of the new episodes! Lovely grade, Jordan keeps getting better and better!

[@orange42]

JohnFelipo It's really gorgeous! Love watching in 4k

[@simianinc]

JohnFelipo I just wish Panasonic would release it!

[@nikos-giorgos]

+JohnFelipo When was he bad?

[@slowjam90]

That blooper reel at the end was priceless

[@jackslater8688]

5 years later I think I want one of these.

[@benokanruzgar8863]

Bloopers of these episode in the end... one of the best episode ever. It is all about photography. Capture the moment, better to be good times. Thanks for this episode, and more thanks for the last bits.

[@TheSascha551]

Always love seeing your video's in my sub box, even if I'm not interested in the camera or lens you're reviewing your videos just always interest me and make me smile/keep me entertained! keep up the good work!

[@vortek9]

I enjoy all your reviews guys, you get to the main points of what everyone wants to know and tells it like it is good or bad.

[@ookiemand]

One thing the tilting EVF can do is: When the camera is on a low(er) tripod, and there is a lot of sun, the EVF can help a lot!

[@Gary_W]

I bought the GX8 after watching this review and many others, as well as reading some of the opinions all around the internet. The spec on paper doesn't look that impressive, but there are many things that were improved that wasn't being covered in the spec, the camera now makes so much sense and I'm really enjoying it right now. It's the combination of many little things as opposed to just 20MP, 4K, weather sealing, new grip, and dual-IS. BTW thanks for the review Chris and Jordan, really enjoyed it!

[@nwpgunner]

Looking back, now that we have the GH5 and GH6, you can really see GH4 struggling with DR and skintones in this episode

[@LostInNeverland128]

I like how you include a segment for video, thanks Jordan the video guy!

[@udizor]

Your reviews are among the best I have seen. Thank you for your effort, great work.

[@Beatsuite]

Look who's back - hey Chris! Great review guys!

[@paulsehstedt6275]

I use the GX8 professional and i'm very satisfied. The rotating viewfinder is a superb feature for concert shooting. I can highly recommend the GX8.

[@Broadus45]

Note to self, never interrupt TCS videos!

[@TJSinghVideos]

U showed in the end that u do alot of hard work :)

[@disraelidemon]

If it's like the GX7, that tilting finder is useful for one thing - flipping it up is a quick way to stop the eye sensor from triggering when you're using the rear screen in cramped conditions :-)

[@pefclic]

The look of this video is amazing ! Great review as always too !

[@jonhermannsson9555]

Nice video as always guys - Thanks. - great quality on the video as well - I have 20 cameras from the RX100 to FF DSLR's and I must say that the GX7 was always my favorite to use camera - yes not he best IQ of all the cameras I have but with C1 C2 C3 and the 9Fn buttons and great layout and Touch LCD /Sutter I just love it - so I have 2 of them - yes there are some improvements that I wanted to see - and Panasonic has done what they did on the GH3 to GH4 - left the good stuff and just improved it - nice job - ok it is not as nice looking :) but still not bad - Like the 4K - the Tilt LCD - the new IBIS although I wished it had 5axis but I guess we will learn more soon about the IBIS but super glad they left it in as I have many Olympus lenses - One thing I miss is the Push Scroll Wheel in the back - not sure why they did not retain it - so nice with just a push it became another function - Now improved EVF and better LCD - more MP - nice stuff - I suspect the sensor is an Exmor Sony sensor - just wish they would have gotten the Exmor R sensor or the Backlit sensor to improve low light performance - but I am quite happy with this upgrade - price is steep but maybe not bad considering it is the EM1 price basically and the GX8 is also weather sealed - the real challenge will be the Sony A7000 whenever it will come out as it keeps delaying which is good for Panasonic - as it will give them some time to see the GX8 as I expect Sony will have the A7000 a bit cheaper like they did with the A6000 and stole that segment in sales - The GX7 had a smaller sensor so should not be more then the A6000 but it has for a long time - although the GX7 to me is a lot nicer camera to use and I have the A6000 as well - but many will opt for the A7000 because it is Sony and a larger sensor - although the E mount lens selection is nothing in comparison to the M43 selection and a good M43 lens can yield better result on a good M43 body vs an average E mount lens on the A6000 - just hard to beat the Olympus 45mm F1.8 for IQ and price - So I am going to put my pre-order in today - the GX7 was very underestimated in my experience - hope the GX8 will do well - but I fear Sony will price their A7000 a bit lower to steal the show :) - The A6000 is a great deal but the GX7 has many advantages over it - like Touch LCD/Shutter - more options - much faster AF in low light etc - So hope the GX8 will do the same - The A7000 will have the 24MP Exmor R sensor with IBIS ( most likely 5 axis and 4K ) so that might be two big advantages for the A7000 but I suspect no Touch LCD/Shutter for around $1299- but if they intend to keep the A6000 and make the A7000 like the old NEX7 then I suspect the price will be a bit higher then the GX8 - but if they are just replacing the A6000 with the A7000 then the price as to be under $1000

[@Bemthewalrus]

V-Log on the GH-4 looks stunning on all the vids youve done with it! So much dynamic range and looks so natural

[@Dinarius]

Excellent camera introduction and overview - as always. You guys make the best video reviews! Thanks :)

[@jurekjerry7274]

This camera is the best of the GX series. I just wish it had a ISO setting like the Fuji Pro-X3 does.

[@JamesLoudon]

Cheers guys, it looks great. As I already own an EM1 and a GH4 its not on my shopping list but its great to see such high quality cameras turning up in the m4/3 sector.

[@sgreszcz]

The tilt viewfinder on my GX7 was fantastic for shooting video or pictures outside, in bright light, low to the ground (kids, etc). It offered an extra point of stabilisation without having to bend my neck in strange positions or to get down on my belly.

[@RockstarLittle]

Just when I thought I knew what new camera I would be buying, Panasonic bring out the GX8 and confuse me all over again.

[@LonStar3000]

I just bought a G7 and in 6 weeks is now obsoleted by the new sensor which looks very impressive. Panasonic saw me coming!

[@1BigBucks1]

Grade on that V-Log looking great.

[@JohnMFlores]

Great job as usual, folks. It's so much safe watching your videos when I'm not in the market to buy LOL. One thing about the grading of the video-it looks like you were afraid of shadows in this one. Letting more of the tones sink to pure black would give the image more pop, but I guess you're struggling with that because you don't want the GX8 to become a black blob. Oh the challenges of shooting natural light!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The best part of the video is at 3:45 with the photographer with the large format camera.

[@Federico84]

wow this camera comes from nowhere, i wasn't expecting this

[@spritual_enlightenment]

Thanks for the video as usual.

[@harizmansorvisual5800]

Vertical shot using the evf cracked me! hahahhaha

[@lumiere1138]

Another great review! You guys are the best!

[@yashwinning]

When it comes to video, which is better? The G7 or GX8? I'm gonna be using the camera both for video and stills so while I know that the Gx8 is undeniably better than the G7 when it comes to photography, how does it fare against the G7 for video?

[@ThomasBryant]

Chris, tell it like it is brother. Love the preview review, and of course the FU at the end. Funny stuff. Keep rockin the quality.

[@hoffen]

Great work again guys!

[@giutubospatubo1546]

I think the tilt EVF is not for going around shooting people and looking silly with your head down. Rather, it is a great tool for low shots. I would even say it is one of the features I like most on this camera. The only thing that doesn't make sense to me, is the size of the GX8. It takes away the main advantage of 4/3 cameras: compact size with good image. Still, a very interesting camera, although expensive.

[@Nazareth434]

just a thought here- as for the conspicuous thing- you did have someone filming you so people were looking at that too- they were seeing two cameras pointing in their direction-

[@MrVoayer]

Nice to see Panasonic back on track! And with a real winner, apparently. Great review guys!!!

[@driverv86]

MrVoayer Are you saying they were off track? Just curious, they've released a ton of great cameras.

[@MrVoayer]

driverv86 Since the release of GH4 I wasn't particularly happy with any of Panasonic's later cameras, for one reason or another. There were some nice tries, that shall probably be really good in their second generation. GX8 seems to be quite right, though.

[@driverv86]

Well I own an LX100 and I love it.

[@MrVoayer]

driverv86 I am really glad to hear that you love your LX100. Somehow, I wasn't convinced by it's resolution. Maybe I should give it a second chance? Nevertheless, I am sure that camera is going to be outstanding in it's second edition.

[@driverv86]

MrVoayer The resolution is a weak spot. I imagine that in the next iteration Panasonic will give it the high MP sensor they just debuted. However for me, the resolution is enough. I don't like pixel peeping and sharpness isn't the most important thing in an image to me. The LX100 does what I wanted it to do - it gets out of my way and allows me to focus more closely on the subject. All the amazing features it has are mere icing on the cake.

[@carlycruise]

I am impressed, coming from a OMD-EM5II owner, I really am debating dumping it in favor of this camera or a GH5 with 20mp. Great video guys, always my go to for photography reviews, unbiased and fun.

[@Eivissaa]

Great video as always! Thanks.

[@yipkk]

Can't wait for their update on LX100~

[@Not_So_Weird_in_Austin]

thanks for another world class reciew. I have a GX 7 and this let me know if i should upgrade. Jodan kudos on the video and audio capabilities! And Chris you can focus video ;-)!!!!!. Can you guys come to Austin in the winter!

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

2.5 mic jacket oh the good old days of the GH2.

[@toddscamera]

amazing video, yet again, guys

[@orange42]

Those pictures look so much like the ones from my Sony RX100. They have the same pop and colour hit. Very very nice looking.

[@DCN2010]

I know you've never been a fan of the articulating EVF but there is one use I've never heard mentioned. For anyone who wears a baseball cap while taking pictures you know how the bill can get in the way if you bring the camera to your eye. By tilting the EVF to 45 degrees it allows me to shoot without the hat interfering. I have a GX7 and I'll admit I use the screen most of the time but there are situations when a prefer the EVF. I know the design is not perfect but it serves my purpose as a recreational photographer.

[@AdCosmo]

DCN2010 That's a good one. I usually have it at a bit of an angle so I don't have to bring the camera all the way to eye level. It also makes it easier to use the thumb-on-the-shutter grip style.

[@imawildman]

Top work guys! Amazing camera!

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Good review and always nice to see Chris lose it with the public :) Camera looks great and once again the mirrorless brigade really taking the lead on innovation and feature sets. My only concern is that this looks a pretty pricey camera and there is plenty to choose from at this kind of money. Maybe the technical tour de force will be enough to persuade people to part with the cash !

[@MysticalMeerkat]

Looks like a nice update. A bit pricey IMO but that is on par for a new release with a new sensor. Loved that last little BTS bit.

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

Jeffrey Puritz I think that the price is compatible. They kind of upgraded the camera more than it's just an update, they are putting it between the E-M1 and the E-M5 kind of price since now it's a weather-sealed camera with more functions, overall more pro-oriented camera than the GX7. The GH4 is a pretty capable photo camera but most people only look at it as a video-camera, so Panasonic decided to move up the GX series to try appeal more for photographers I guess.

[@Elmex_1]

They're saving Dual IS movie feature for GH5. Calling it now

[@DDingle668]

Awesome review..... Just went and bought one

[@FFVoyager]

Looks great! Just imagine what the GH5 will be like........

[@stephenlim7434]

Thank you for the review!!

[@joennick1]

Great review as always guys. I'm surprised I haven't seen more videos comparing this camera with the Oly EM1 as they are now the leading MFT cameras for both companies. I would love to see someone do a comparison in particularly with the Oly 40-150 pro lens (with and without the teleconverter) for sports photography as Panasonic does not have the equivalent class in this classic sport focal range. I believe the GX8 DFD focus system only works on Panasonic lenses, so it would be great to see if the GX8 can compete with the EM1 with this particular lens. Surely if DFD focusing does not work with this lens the C-AF is still better than the GX7 to rival the EM1. Come on guys please let's see you do this!

[@desertoo23]

I loved your reviews! Fantastic.

[@izopen]

As usual a great review.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

Is it much better than the G7 thought about the G7 to the for video and price?

[@Halbmond]

Does the new GX8 finally have a min shutter speed setting for aperture priority? It drives me crazy that in low light aperture priority results in super long exposures (1/13th or something) before ISO is increased. On Olympus cameras I can set a threshold. I'm also curious about the shutter sound, because the GX7 sounds very Sony-ish metallic.

[@CoasterConcept]

REALLY good deep review !! Was nice to see you !

[@manshster]

Awesome review as usual 👍

[@highdesertdragons6674]

Damn the grading looks amazing on this one!!!! that Vlog is looking great. I really hope they let this out soon.. thought it was going to be today but I guess not. great video

[@fakhrulamin9693]

Jordan! please we need V-log now for gh4, we need it badly. and if you dont mind, can you please share your grading method? I'm really enjoyed your recent episodes shot with gh4, it is really pleasing to my eyes :)

[@danieldougan8613]

Listen to Jordan throwing shade on Chris for his video focusing abilities.

[@UKingdom]

You didn't talk about flash performance; not having a built in flash is particularly annoying considering how large the body already is. I don't know why they couldn't have added it considering on a similarly styled A6000 it's built in and they had it on the GX7.

[@modernwize]

I have the GX8 and its so much fun to use but Im not too happy with the image quality. Ended up adding a Nikon D750. Not much difference in size and weight.

[@bluesmokegamer272]

Nice camera, thought about picking it up but ended up getting the ZS100.

[@dermothoyne2393]

Thanks for the early scoop of this GX refresher. Now having the GX, being just lil' short on capacities (In order to not step on GH toes), its practically a panny rendition of the Olympus EM5ii / EM1 situation. Do you see a comparison reel, of the GX8 and EM5ii, being made? (once GX8 in official firmware / public release)

[@iDealMedley]

rotating viewfinder might be useful on the gh5 if your getting a low angle shots during the day with a lot of sunlight and u can't see the lcd screen

[@Hanzilla75]

Wow guys, you are quick to get the new stuff. Thanks for yet another great and honest review. So does the new 20mp sensor maybe indicate there is a GH5 around the corner?

[@MT-gh5hf]

great review. thanks

[@TheHouseOfEstest]

Laughed at the ending video bomb reactions Chris had! True gangster!

[@ScrattleGG]

I just can't decide if I should get the g7 or save up some more money for this one

[@leacol36]

The G7 is no way better than the GX8 ffs man wake up

[@bulbulization]

Where is the RX100 M4 preview? Waiting for it eagerly.

[@RunnergyVideo]

Thanks guys for all the awesome videos. I am addicted to your video reviews on cameras and has helped inspire me to jump back into taking pictures and possibly some videos (although, I use my Iphone 6 w/4k for that usually because its easy). I recently came across a new Panasonic G7 w/kit lens for an amazing $500. That be it said, this may be a silly question. Any reason to re-consider it for the GX8? I see no reason for the GX7, but the GX8 is pretty nice. Has all the features I wanted including the articulated screen and mic input. I do notice the GX8 doesn't have a pop up flash (any idea why?). Thx!

[@tron944]

I have been waiting 4 months to make a decision on a mirrorless camera (thanks Sony for delaying the A6000 successor), I got super excited about the GX8 and was ready to pre-order, when you drop the bomb "in body I.S. does not work in video mode"....WTF!!!! it's 2015! seriously Panasonic?! The only reason I did not go for the OMD-em5mkII was that I felt the sensor was the same old 16 as the others. Along comes Panasonic with a new m4/3 sensor and they take away I.S. at video mode. Dear TheCameraStoreTV, what was Panasonic's explanation for this? p.s. Long time watcher, love these videos, they are the first that I watch when something new comes along, you guys are awesome. this video made me make my first comment. :(

[@WylunCustoms]

Nice review! The tape actually makes the camera look better lol

[@VladimirDusil]

WylunCustoms My guess is that they needed to mask the GX8 front as they were under NDA with the pre-production model.

[@TerryCioni]

Welcome back Chris..great review as always!

[@simianinc]

Hi guys - great review. I have a few questions I hope you can answer. 1. Does it have eye detection like the GH4? I also have the GX7, but it only has face detection and doesn't necessarily get sharp pictures with a fast lens that's wide open. The alternative is to use spot focus, but if the subject just moves a little the focus is lost, and I find the margin for error quite small. The GH4 eye detection gets rock-solid head shots every time 2. Has the IQ improved over the GX7? I switched to my GH4 for all stills apart from candid street photography because it gives better pictures, especially at higher ISOs. DXOMark confirms in lab testing what I experienced in the field. 3. Does the IBIS work with longer lenses like the Olympus 40-150 f2.8? Gordon Laing says that the 2 axis of the GX7 isn't sufficient, and I really want this lens. The alternative I'm looking at is the Olly OMD EM5 mk II, but I don't like the grip Thanks

[@DonThilo]

Great video! Will you make a video about the Sony RX100 Mark IV anytime soon? Haven't decided yet between GX8 & RX100 IV and I would love to see your review! Keep up the great work!

[@Bonecrusher27WTF]

Please do a comparison between this and the GH4. I'm sure many besides myself would love to know what else besides the 2.5mm and lack of slow mo mentioned in this video? Choices Choices..

[@MichaelNNguyen]

Panasonic GX8 vs Sony a6300, which one is a better?

[@ValladaoMateus]

No overheating on the GX8.... It's more reliable.

[@ILLRICARDO]

better lens selection on the gx8.... Sony lenses are either utter crap or over priced and average. investing In the Sony system was one of the biggest and most costliest mistakes I have made .

[@soyoucancallmeken4347]

CallmeMat u

[@PelicanIslandLabs]

So, what is the actual 4K 'crop factor'?? The Vlog grade still looks a bit flat to me.

[@Mafr0]

lol I love the end, your begging for that kind of attention reviewing at a public attraction like that! Handled very well, your reviews are great!

[@d.hufford2355]

I wonder if the EVF is actually sharp in this model? My GX7 is soft in the center and blurred around the edges to the point that the information at the bottom is blurred, even doubled. The diopter is so rough and catchy, one can barely get it is near impossible to adjust correctly, even if the EVF were sharp. I checked a number of them in shops through out Tokyo and all had soft EVFs to one degree or another. Yes, a tiltable EVF is very useful and in my now extensive experience with them, people do seem to pay less attention when you are using it if you don't walk around with it stuck to your face trying your best to attract attention. (How many walk around with a regular viewfinder stuck to their face?) I have used one on Oly PENs for years. You also get a slightly different perspective. If it has a proper eye-cup (round and fits a human eyeball, unlike the square optional one of the GX7 it blocks sunlight even in very bright conditions.) This is the opposite of the rear screen was even more reflective than usual and nearly impossible to see with anything bright behind the photographer.

[@glsracer]

Now we just need a GM5 replacement with this new sensor. I have Canon gear for my SLR and had bought a Panasonic GX1 for portability. My only complaint was the lack of EVF and low dynamic range. Then comes the a6000 and I find I use it more than the other cameras I have but with adapted lenses and sometimes having auto focus is nice. What I've really wanted is a true to form m43 camera like the GM5 but with more than 18 mp. It looks like this sensor might be the key if Panasonic will put it in the GM5 body.

[@LexTNeville]

Yeah, that'd be ace. 2018 and still waiting. I guess E-m10III or similar kind of meets that brief.

[@benztennyson]

Which one should I buy This GX8 or Olympus OMD EM-5 MKii

[@JeanV1986]

The best you can do is to hold the cameras in your hands: they are quite a bit different, I think you will know the answer quickly. But they are both great choices.

[@yashwinning]

Olympus if you want a pure photographic experience and don't mind the 16MP, the Panasonic if you want good pictures and good video.Basically the Olympus is a better camera when it comes to photography, but the Panasonic is a better camera when it comes to an overall package, and their lenses are often more affordable, while Olympus lenses are crazy expensive.

[@courtmetrage]

Nice review.

[@larryzapata2614]

Wow a video without a mention of the a6000! This LUMIX is Near perfection! Video ibis,aa and the PRICE are the only apparent flaws. This will still be a better choice than the a7000 that won't likely be weather sealed or have a fully articulated lcd! But if the rumors of BSI come true and they add any kind of touch screen and a mic jack it will be a tough choice to make!

[@griffithsafari]

When is V-Log coming Jordan?

[@DriveCancelDC]

The colour grading doesn't quite look natural, but it does give the videos a unique look. (and not too unnatural)

[@paristo]

While the new sensor really is nice to have, but 16Mpix -> 20Mpix sounds to have more cons than pros. Like diffraction limit sooner for larger prints making it worse for landscape situations. And just by experience of the GX7, I still would give the photography rank to E-M1 because there is nothing winning its grip and layout, new sensor or not as it is more important to be able react fast situations than have little extra cropping capabilities. I don't either really find benefits of the articulating EVF and its location on the corner, but I do like its visual look although. But it will always divide people to either like it or not. If I want to be a inconspicuous, the camera needs to either be carried off the face with zone focusing, or use a smartphone with remote control and people just believe you are reading a SMS or something when you are not looking the camera or operating it. I really believe GX8 will be great camera for journalists and family shooters.

[@yugorisfriwan]

When i think about it, maybe a tilt EVF is for those times u have it on a tripod, waist height, its mid day and you cant see the LCD screen, then probably u could just tilt the EVF up bend over and peek in there without having to squat down...

[@etienneamien]

I purchased the GX7 for its size, pro functions and MOS sensor which provides excellent color reproduction and separation. This new GX8 is bigger, weather sealed and offers 4k video (cropped to avoid line skipping) with a brand new Sony Exmor 20mp sensor : here is the problem for me. The color output from those exmor sensors is dull with very poor skin tone reproduction and soft color separation. Even if the color output might be tweeked in pp it is harder to make presets for different lighting situations that will output good color separation and reproduction ( I havd tried hard with my D5100, D610 and 645z files, they all look the same). I guess I will wait and see but the comparison samples at the end of the video dont look in favor to the GX8 color whise.

[@Neopulse00]

The video looks good on the GH4

[@ejbernal2]

This review is filmed on a GH4 by guest cameraman JJ Abrams.

[@DavidDatura]

All new cameras released, whether pro or not should be weather proofed nowadays. I also think the rangefinder like layout of this camera is starting to look a little passe now too...but overall a very good camera like most Panasonic's.

[@Elmex_1]

You mention the GX8 is a bit bulky, but it's still smaller than GH4 I think, and weights less. It sits between G7 and GH4 size wise ?

[@GustavoYmusica]

I'm really looking forward to this camera. I've never owned a 4/3 system before and would like to know if the lowlight noise levels are on par with a d7100. Please let me know and thanks for making such informative reviews.

[@sureshkandangwa4616]

Very good video...which camera do you recommend for making movie as well as taking pictures