Panasonic GX8 - Is it too big?

Chev Chelios wrote:

...the Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the high image quality benefits of the Four Thirds System's 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body.

And cameras like the GF/GM & EPL series, when introduced, were certainly a lot more compact than we'd previously been used to.

The GX8 is certainly more compact than a dSLR but I can understand why some people look at it and compare it to say cameras like the Fuji EX2 or Sony A7 range and think it's a tad on the large side given the relative sensor sizes.

I'm with you when it comes to being compact compared to a DSLR, plus weighs less then a DSLR.   So I get tickled when people complain about weight, in cameras like the GX8, especially when a long lens is put on that DSLR.  I have a pocket camera but never use it because I'm too unsteady with it.  For me the heavier camera help steady me.

drcPhoto wrote:

This issue of larger and smaller seized camera bodies (and lenses too) has been discussed, debated, and argued for several years now, and to me it makes little sense. We are fortunate in the M43's world we have an abundance of choices, so in my mind that is all for the good. Each of us have different preferences too. Years ago I had friends that owned and raved about their OLympus E-M5, so I tried it and it was way too small and cumbersome for my hands and fingers, but the GH3 felt perfect so I bought it and never looked back. Buy what you want and spend "your" money like you want, and let others do the same, but without the need for criticizing a decision different from yours.

Dale

P.S. I also like my battery grips on both my GH3 and E-M1, my Voigtlander lenses and some large zooms, but occasionally I use my smaller Olympus lenses too. It is nice to have choices, and the M43's world gives my that in abundance. Your tastes might vary, but it is all good.

100% agree. It is one of the unique advantages of the M43 system that you can bodies in many different sizes and shapes. Like you i prefer bodies with a substantial grip like EM1 or GH4. But others like the OP may have a priority for body as small as possible. Those needs can be satisfied by having choices from GM5 over Pen-F or GX80 to EM1 or GH4.

manthasfamily wrote:

Chev Chelios wrote:

...the Micro Four Thirds System enables users to enjoy the high image quality benefits of the Four Thirds System's 4/3-type image sensor in a much more compact camera body.

And cameras like the GF/GM & EPL series, when introduced, were certainly a lot more compact than we'd previously been used to.

The GX8 is certainly more compact than a dSLR but I can understand why some people look at it and compare it to say cameras like the Fuji EX2 or Sony A7 range and think it's a tad on the large side given the relative sensor sizes.

I'm with you when it comes to being compact compared to a DSLR, plus weighs less then a DSLR. So I get tickled when people complain about weight, in cameras like the GX8, especially when a long lens is put on that DSLR. I have a pocket camera but never use it because I'm too unsteady with it. For me the heavier camera help steady me.

Can't satisfy everyone all of the time, but you can satisfy some people most of the time.  If it was too light, people complain its cheap, if its solid like a brick, people complain its too heavy.

The GX8 is bigger than the EM-5 so if you're looking for a more portable setup, that ain't gonna do. A Panasonic GM1, GM5 or Sony RX100 (compact) would be smaller.