Panasonic Lumix GX8 First Hands On Review

Early today Panasonic announced its most advanced GX camera – the new mirrorless GX8. The new camera breaks the 20MP resolution for a micro 4/3 sensor for the first time and has a host of new improvements – Chris Niccolls from TheCameraStore had a chance to have a first look at a pre-production unit and came back very pleased.

On early August 2013 Panasonic announced its GX7 and Niccolls had a chance to test it. Now he is looking at the new model which brings a completely new sensor with improved resolution (20MP instead of 16MP), a new processor, faster AF, 4K video capabilities and better image stabilization.

All in all it seems that the new GX8 is a winner for high-end micro 4/3 users – it is larger and heavier, and about $200 more expensive (than the already pricey GX7) but it does offer that much more bang for the buck.

Here is a list of the main features of the new GX8:

A brand new 20MP Live MOS sensor.
ISO 100 – ISO 25600.
Flip-up, 2.7M dot EVF.
3″ articulated touch OLED display with over 1 million dots.
New Venus Engine processor.
Improved in-body image stabilization (better than on the GX7, but not for video).
Max shutter speed of 1/8000 second (with up to 16,000 in electronic shutter).
Video: 4k @30p/24p (but with a crop), 1080 video at 60p/60i/24p (MP4 or AVCHD format).
Continuous shooting: 8 fps with AF tracking.
USB tethering.
340 shot battery life.
Magnesium-alloy body – water/dust resistant.
Large grip.
Large buffer – over 30 images in RAW.
Wi-Fi , NFC and QR code connection.
Weight – 487 g (1.07 lb).
Price -$1200 body only (available at B&H).

You can find many more previews and reviews on our Photography review section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.