More feedback about GX8 compared to other Panasonic bodies

[Tatouzou]

Another GX8 review by me, this time after having learned and tried the camera during these last 4 weeks, and about the ergonomy, haptics and handling, sensor DR and performance, JPEG engine A.S.O. compared to my other Panasonic M43 and to my APSC Pentax DSLRs.

I agree with most of the in-depth D-Preview:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/slrs/panasonic_dmcgx8

What I like best:

1. The GX8 is not as big as it looks, it is only marginally bigger than the G7 I have been using since november 2017. Of course, when size really matters, I will rather take my GM5, but then I will have a less intuitive and very specific ergonomy, a small tunnelike EVF, the back LCD will not tilt nor swivel and some limitations on the shutter performance.
2. Ergonomy is outstanding, with lots of customizable direct access buttons and a EV compensation dial on top of camera. I also appreciate the lock dial button, which protects me from unexpected bumping into white balance, flash or shutter mode.
3. The OLED EVF is the best I have ever seen up to now, even when compared to the bright pentaprism OVF on my Pentax K3.
4. AF performance is impressive.
5. The 20MP sensor delivers a better dynamic range than the 16MP sensor in G7 and GM5, with an improved overall rendering closer to what i have been used to with my Pentax APS-C DSLRs: the GX8 files dont require as much PP than thoses from GM5 or G7.
6. EV metering has also been improved, with a better handling of high contrast scenes. GX8 seems less prone to burn the highlights tnan G7 or GM5.
7. The IBIS is effective, bringing about 2 EV when using my not stabilized Panasonic 25mm f1.7, and 4EV when using my OIS lenses (12-32 f3.5-5.6, 35-100 f4-5.6, 12-60 f3.5-5.6, 14-140 f3.5-5.6 and 42.5 f1.7) in Dual-IBIS mode
8. The performance has been improved at all ISO settings: more details and more subtle transitions at base ISO, together with a better overall rendering at ISO 3200.
9. The JPEG engine also has been improved when compared to G7 or GM5
10. The GX8 feels like a pro tool, just like my Pentax K3, whereas the G7 looks plasticky

When compared to G7, I miss the built-in flash. Happily, the (very) tiny flash that came with my GM5 works perfectly on GX8 and can also trigger remote flashes. So also do my (compact) Mecablitz 26 AF2 bounce flash.

I prefer the rounded grip on G7 over the square grip on GX8.

I like that GX8 and G7 both use the same batteries and chargers.

--
Tatouzou,
https://www.flickr.com/photos/70066783@N06/

 

[Yannis1976]

Another GX8 review by me, this time after having learned and tried the camera during these last 4 weeks, and about the ergonomy, haptics and handling, sensor DR and performance, JPEG engine A.S.O. compared to my other Panasonic M43 and to my APSC Pentax DSLRs.

I agree with most of the in-depth D-Preview:

https://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/slrs/panasonic_dmcgx8

What I like best:

1. The GX8 is not as big as it looks, it is only marginally bigger than the G7 I have been using since november 2017. Of course, when size really matters, I will rather take my GM5, but then I will have a less intuitive and very specific ergonomy, a small tunnelike EVF, the back LCD will not tilt nor swivel and some limitations on the shutter performance.
2. Ergonomy is outstanding, with lots of customizable direct access buttons and a EV compensation dial on top of camera. I also appreciate the lock dial button, which protects me from unexpected bumping into white balance, flash or shutter mode.
3. The OLED EVF is the best I have ever seen up to now, even when compared to the bright pentaprism OVF on my Pentax K3.
4. AF performance is impressive.
5. The 20MP sensor delivers a better dynamic range than the 16MP sensor in G7 and GM5, with an improved overall rendering closer to what i have been used to with my Pentax APS-C DSLRs: the GX8 files dont require as much PP than thoses from GM5 or G7.
6. EV metering has also been improved, with a better handling of high contrast scenes. GX8 seems less prone to burn the highlights tnan G7 or GM5.
7. The IBIS is effective, bringing about 2 EV when using my not stabilized Panasonic 25mm f1.7, and 4EV when using my OIS lenses (12-32 f3.5-5.6, 35-100 f4-5.6, 12-60 f3.5-5.6, 14-140 f3.5-5.6 and 42.5 f1.7) in Dual-IBIS mode
8. The performance has been improved at all ISO settings: more details and more subtle transitions at base ISO, together with a better overall rendering at ISO 3200.
9. The JPEG engine also has been improved when compared to G7 or GM5
10. The GX8 feels like a pro tool, just like my Pentax K3, whereas the G7 looks plasticky

When compared to G7, I miss the built-in flash. Happily, the (very) tiny flash that came with my GM5 works perfectly on GX8 and can also trigger remote flashes. So also do my (compact) Mecablitz 26 AF2 bounce flash.

I prefer the rounded grip on G7 over the square grip on GX8.

I like that GX8 and G7 both use the same batteries and chargers.

Agree on all of your points. The only thing I would prefer my GX8 to have would be a tilt screen (like GX7, GX9) vs the full swivel screen which has to go out of the body for low angle shooting.

Otherwise, I think the GX8 is the best RF body one can buy right now and really hope Panasonic brings a GX8 mk2 or a GX10 combining the body of GX9 with the EVF, grip and WR of GX8.