A LOOK AT THE NEW PANASONIC LUMIX GX8Last few days I have been learning everything I can about the new Panasonic Lumix GX8, I want to share some thoughts with you guys. I am a Panasonic user with extensive use on the GX1, GX7, GH3 and GH4.
First, what catch me off guard is the GX8 is not design as a replacement for GX7. The size and specs have jump so much that it is more comparable with the GH4 with advanced video features removed. So this is a great news for still photographers who wanted a PRO features such as weather sealing that is previously only available with the GH4 but don't want to pay a premium for video features that they don't need.
GX series are like MARIO BROS, who after eat a mushroom will grow bigger, eat another one will become even more
powderful, that's the evolution of GX1, GX7 to GX8.
The GX8 is big, and quite heavy as comparison to other m43 cameras and even APS-C mirrorless. The reason why Panasonic has make it so is because as I said before, it is not a GX7 replacement. It is more a new camera, designed specifically for still photographer and most importantly,
must be able to compete with the upcoming Sony A7000 and Fuji X-PRO2 which both have the same rangefinder style form factor. These 2 cameras from the rivals are rumors to have a brand new sensor, something around 28mp to 30mp. I am not here to debate about megapixels, but it is wise as business and marketing sense to use the new 20mp sensor. This sensor is also rumored to be made by Sony. It is unfortunate that Olympus choose not to use it in the EM5 II but I am quiet sure you will see it in EM1 II.
Not only does it need to compete with the upcoming A7000 and X-PRO2,
it must also compete with the current Olympus E-M1 and Fuji X-T1. That's why you have features such as higher megapixels, splash and dust proof, huge EVF with 0.77 magnification, high burst rate, in-body image stabilization 4k video, etc. These specs already matches and exceed the EM1 and XT1. But the catch is these cameras are old and will be replaced very soon and
GX8 must be able to "future proof" itself to be able to compete with at least 4 future cameras (A7000, XPRO2, EM1 II, XT2)!Even comparing it to GH4, the GX8 exceeds in many aspects when it comes to still photography.
1. In-Body Image Stabilization that works in conjunction with lens IS! This make a lot of sense since many lenses already have 2-axis stabilization, the sensor can do a more easier job to provide another 2-3 axis stabilization. The GH4 doesn't have any IBIS.
2. Large EVF! 0.77x magnification vs
only 0.67x of GH4 and in 4:3 aspect ratio.
3. 20 megapixels vs 16 megapixels. We will see how dxomark rate this new sensor. But if it is made by Sony and not in-house by Panasonic, it should be good. As long as it can maintain the noise level and dynamic range, you get some bonus resolution in return. This is good because m43 is 4:3 aspect ratio, if you shoot 3:2 on a 16mp pixels, you get only 14 effective megapixels. But now with 20mp, you can get about 17.5mp.
What remains advantages for GH4 is higher burst rate and longer battery life. The grip of GH4 is also expected to be better but the million dollar question is how well the GX8 feels on hand. I am very picky when it comes to camera ergonomics, I have to admit that GX7 grip sucks. But at the same time, I would also says EM1, EM5 and XT1 grips sucks too especially with heavier lenses. The Sony A7 and A7 II grips well, so as Sony A6000. The G and GH series grips very well. A look at the GX8 grip, it is quite big and the camera is tall enough so there are room for you to rest your pinky finger (there is no room to rest your pinky finger with EM1). What surprise me is they don't make the grip curve in slightly for the index finger which they did on all G and GH series and also what Sony did on A7 series. If GX8 grips well, it will be the
perfect camera.
So far I am very happy with Panasonic decision to go such as big step up for the GX8. They learned a hard lesson from the GX7 that doesn't sell well. But for those who own the GX7 and like the small form factor, keep it! As I said again, this is not GX7 replacement. But for those who plan to buy a GH4 but doesn't want to shoot video or just need basic video, better wait for the GX8 because it can save you a lot of money with better specs (megapixels, IBIS, bigger EVF, etc)!
The price is quoted as US$1,200 but we can always get it cheaper here. I hope the price will be around RM3,200 to RM3,400. This price allow competition with the 4 future rival cameras that I mentioned above. For comparison, the GH4 is around RM4,650.
This is what I think about GX8, what about you? I would like to hear your opinion.
Just looking at the external features of the GX8 has already won me over. I had been searching deep into my style and I find that the features of the GX8 is what I have been craving for. Whatever comes with it like the 4k video (not that important) and the IBIS and if this is comparable to OMDs that would make the GX8 a real beast! The upgrade in sensor from 16 to 20mp is most welcome, considering the competition (other than m4/3 of course) is far ahead and the will always be ahead since they have APS-C sensor. The GX8 is indeed a quantum leap for the pana line from GX7, which I owned for a brief while but sold off for reasons mentioned earlier. However, like every panasonic that come before it, their prices but heck, the m4/3 prices, when new are also killer! I guess I still have to wait till its prices cool down a bit he he
FF is in a totally different league all 2gether. The difference is huge if u r a pro but acceptable if u r just an enthusiast. Advantage the M43 like ep5/epl series is small & portable. It is an excellent 2nd body to a dslr.
All considered, m4/3 size is my preferred size but if APS-C dslr can trim down their weight and size I would go for it too, size is the main factor for me.
Jul 17 2015, 12:36 AM
ha ha.. 
Quote
Unless of course, the aps-c sized dslr has decreased in size to match the m4/3 mirrorless, like the sony a6000. Now that GX8 has finally done it, the other camps will surely follow suit.
Why would I want critical focus if it can nail focus almost all the time? If one needs it, can always use the touch screen to move the focus point or use spot metering on the subject needed for focus, obtain focus by half-press and re-frame to shoot. I find the touchscreen focus works the best for this.
0.0390sec
0.32
7 queries
GZIP Disabled