My 6th year with Panasonic GX8

Time flies! I purchased my GX8 in the late summer of 2016 mostly for nature photography. My primary lens is Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm, with occasional use from Lumix G 12-60mm, 45-150mm, and Panasonic Leica 45mm Macro.

I thought I would share some favorite photographs, with some comments as to why I still like this camera - just in case anyone might be considering picking up a used one.

For scenes like this I often hold the camera between waist and chest level using the LCD to frame. My hand fits the camera grip nicely,which i a nice plus for me, since my GX7 grip is not so accommodating to my hand.

I  find the camera's AF to be very accurate.

Sometimes I use AF + MF with the 10x magnification

The tilt up viewfinder is very handy when holding the camera low, or when kneeling, to frame directly in to the scene, rather than pointing the camera down.

Color - with an interest in botany, I'm very happy with how the camera records colors of flowers, since I want to document the flower accurately.

The macro lens has long throw focusing (many turns of the ring to move the elements). Another good use of the camera's AF + MF to quickly get close to the subject, then fine tune the the focusing; here, on the margin hairs of this scarlet sage. Tilting EVF a big help.

The camera provides more customization than I'll ever use! Having several Custom Modes along with many custom buttons provides me quick access to any features I need without having to go into the menu. Except to format, and the camera "remembers" the last menu item accessed, so it's one click to get to 'Format.'

I use C1 Mode for normal use. Any changes for a scene (Aperture, ISO, WB, etc) revert back to my default settings on next power up.

I'll configure other C modes  for specific situations (Tripod with stabilizer OFF; Auto ISO, AWB, etc). They become the "defaults" for that mode.

I've "memorized"  layout of the buttons so that I can quickly access them.

The flip-out screen is very handy when photographing low the ground using vertical orientation. (a minor complaint with my GX7)

I use Electronic Shutter by default, thus, not much wear at all on the Mechanical Shutter.

Compared to the GX7, the GX8 provides me DUAL IS (helpful with the long lens) and 20mpx for more cropping with wildlife.

Dislikes? Nothing major. Nice to have would be

• Configuring the Video Button as a custom button (I don't use video)
• Card slot on the outside edge of the battery compartment (as in the GX7) for easier card removal
• Built-in flash (as with the GX7) although I rarely use flash with this camera

Although newer camera models have lots of interesting features, I've not been tempted to change, and am expecting continuing pleasure in using the GX8.

- Richard

Very nice set Richard.  Great colour rendition and crisp detail.

I added the GX80 recently just for its tilting screen.  Quite pleased with it.

Richard -

Very nice shots! I don't have a GX8, but I do have the GX9. The GX9 is a great little camera given it's size and weight. However, it's autofocus is too slow and inaccurate to track fast moving wildlife, like flying birds or running animals when I'm using a high magnification telephoto lens, like the long end of the PL 100-400mm. I now use the G9 for most wildlife, but I still use the GX9 with shorter focal length lenses for relatively "stationary" wildlife and for general purpose photography.

Its my main camera except when I want small and light - for that I have my GM5.

I've thought about upgrading to G9, but I'm actually very comfortable with the GX8.

I do wish I could get an L-Bracket for it.

Nice post Richard and judging from the excellent pictures I can see why you've held onto it. Mind you I reckon if this post had been about the G1 instead I still think you'd be posting some great shots.

I do believe the GX8 is one of m43's hidden gems and sure it was a bit pricey on release but these days it's a bargain. I have in front of me an Olympus Camedia C-4040 zoom camera. Released around 2001 for just under $1000 dollars. It got good reviews and was often chosen over Canon's G2. I stuck in a 32MB Smartmedia shot and took a few test shots (not enough memory for 3 TIFFS!). My God, how far photography has come in twenty odd years.

I had the GX8 but have since swapped to GX9 - it makes for a better street/travel camera though I do miss the EVF of the GX8. To my mind the GX8 is the best M43 camera if you only have one camera and plan on using the odd big lens. Not knocking Olympus but once you get used to a particular UI it's hard switching brands..