The GX8 is one of the best cameras ever produced for M4/3 system. Panasonic really dropped the ball with this camera. Sony picked it up, and called it the A7C. I use this camera with Leica prime lenses and there is no difference in image quality compared to my full frame cameras. The 4:3 aspect is nearly perfect for social posts. Everyone is losing their minds over the Fuji X100V but I really wish there was a direct follow up to this body design and quality.
I used a GX85 for five years, since I got into MFT. I recently bought a GX8 because I wanted a physically bigger camera, the swivel screen, an angled viewfinder, the mic input, mix n match with lenses. I think I'll be keeping the GX85 because I do like having a smaller camera, especially with a pancake zoom, but I'm so glad I got the GX8. I would have preferred an updated version of the GX8, maybe with a 24MP sensor - but there isn't one.
Fully agree Brian. Bought as a second body to accompany my G9. Absolutely love this camera. Mostly use with PL 12-60 and more recently with the Oly 8-25. Maybe there’ll be a GX8 Mk 2 when the G9 Mk 2 is released …
I took my GX8 on holiday last October and loved every minute. I have always enjoyed using this camera and the results never cease to amaze me. I do have the same ergonomic issue as yourself that I constantly press the display button with my thumb. What were they thinking!. I too would love to have seen an update to this model that included some of the tech from the G9, like his res mode, pre burst and the better IBIS, but the layout including that exposure comp dial, rangefinder style and Fn button locations are almost perfect. Even though I have a G9 & now an OM-1 I will continue to use my GX8, as it just has that special something that makes it a real pleasure to use.
Very nice review. I've got 2 GX-8s and you nailed each and every feature and quirk. I use mine for 4K video. They have the mic jack (which the 7 and 9 don't).
I picked up a silver GX8 a couple of weeks ago. I love the look and feel of this camera. I even got the 12-32mm pancake zoom and 35-100mm in silver to match. I keep it in a small zipper case with the pancake lens on it and slip the 35-100 in my pocket. It is such a fun setup to shoot with and I am really enjoying it! Previously, my everyday fun camera was the G95 with 14-140mm. I like this setup better.
Just got one. Mine cost £313 and it looks mint, with 6 months guarantee from Wex. One thing that surprised me is the speed of auto focus. I'm getting very few out of focus shots. It's almost instantaneous. Looks like you're having a good holiday. Thanks for the video.
Love my GX8 & LX100ii to the point I actually sold my G9 as was never using it. always picked up one of the others. Image quality is brilliant as is the feel of them in hand.
Hi, great channel. I just traded my GX85 in for a GX8. Like the size of it. Just went for a 3 month long trip to Thailand for testing it out. I think it will fit me perfectly, bigger than the GX85. Took some primes with me 15mm/1.7, 25mm/1.4, 45mm/1.8 and zoom 12-60/3.5-5.6 and 35-100/4-5.6. Keep up the good work. Realy like Your channel.
After 12 years using a Sony A55 or a Nikon 1, I an now a few days into a GX8, which I got a little cheaper than average due to a missing front control wheel. With very careful application of superglue using a bamboo skewer, I may have solved that problem. We will find out. My first surprise is how bright the viewfinder and screen are. The Sony was good for its time, but the Panasonic is a revelation! And the 25mm f 1,8 lens is pretty good for low light compared to the Sony's f 3,5 kit lens, of course. I am missing the 14-42 though, which didn't come with the camera. One thing which pushed me toward the Lumix was going interstate last year and attending a presentation, where the Nikon 1 was unobtrusive and light even with the 30-110 (80-300 equiv) zoom, and the Panasonic certainly doesn't match that at about 220g heavier, but it is smaller and lighter with the lenses attached than the Sony, though not by much. I am not complaining about the tiltable EVF at all, though. It would have been handy at that presentation, as covering your face with a camera is a bit more noticeable than looking down at a camera almost in your lap. I am impressed so far.
@@silverstreettalks343 don’t buy the 14-42, save a bit more money but make a wiser investment. If you are after a standard range lens the 12-60 or even the 14-140 are far better. There are two 12-60 lenses both good but the lumix Leica one is far superior and came as an option with the g9. Alternately if you can afford it the 12-35mm f2.8 is a pro level lens and awesome with the gx8. There is also a 35-100 f2.8 to match it too. Get the mk2 or mk3 versions of any of the lenses I mentioned as they are better for dual IS with the GX8. Plus some of the later ones have weather sealing, some earlier versions of some of the lenses do not although I believe the two pro lenses have always had it. You won’t regret the investment. Also upgrade your firmware for all lenses and the camera if it’s not at the current highest version. The current version for the camera is v2.2. You can find the version installed by going to the menu, spanner option, version display on page 4/5. If you look back through my videos from around 3 years ago there is a how to for upgrading the firmware and in the details below almost all of my videos is a link to the lumix firmware website. Have fun
The GX-9 is the ultimate MFT street shooter. Tilt only screen, and better sensor performance than in the previous models. No issues with shutter vibration. The Lumix GX-9 + 12-60mm lens for $799 USD is a bargain. The GX-8 and most all MFT cameras are fun to use, and render a good image. If someone wanted a really small travel camera in MFT, the Lumix zoom cameras, or the PEN PL-8 are great. A PL-8 with the Lumix 14mm is pocketable. With the 25mm Olympus, not bad at all for compactness. Years ago, I got a very good deal on a new Olympus OMD-EM 10 mk II, which looks great and is an easy carry. Got it in black. Silver is nice too -- note that numbers are easier to read in all light situations with black dials. Which looks best? A matter of taste, I suppose. I have a GX-85 with a silver top -- seems more attractive on that model. Recently got the Olympus 25mm f1.8 lens, and the decoration ring, for some odd reason, is stuck. The final solution? I left it on and bought a Sioti vented metal lens hood for ten dollars, and gave it the Leica rangefinder style. ;) Take care, Loren
I thought you would have been able to remove it by now. Great work around but that’s not the point. Do you have a dealership close by? If you bought it new or from one of the bigger used dealers then you should still have a warranty. If you cannot remove it then surely it’s not fit for the advertised purpose. Maybe worth a try. Take care.
Thank you Brian for the video. I agree with most of your statements about the GX8. But different from you I never made friends with the exposure compensation dial. I normally adjust the compensation when I look at the screen or into the EVF. And then I don‘t have any profit from the printed / engraved numbers on the dial. I would have appreciated much more if the dial was to override the shutter speed. I often experience situations when I would like to dial in the shutter speed BEFORE I lift the camera to my eye. And for that the „hardware“ numbers would be ideal. Like with cameras „in the old days“. Have a nice vacation!
I was gifted this camera a few years back along with some beautiful glass such as the 42.5 f1.2 & 12-32 f2.8 was such a great start into mirrorless. I must admit after over a decade of just using whatever phone I had around busy mum life moving to mirrorless was a learning curve for me. I've added a secondhand gx9 bundle that had 25 f1.4 which I haven't really enjoyed as much, definitely found it better for street photography or tripod portrait situations but will always use the gx8 out for landscapes. I added a em5iii with the 75 f1.8 and the latest 9m f1.7 which I love but find the cameras do seem to work better with their own native lenses. Agree the function button features on the gx8 have made it alot better for me as well. I have been pondering moving back to a pro full frame kit but tbh the lenses I currently have make that decision very hard, I think if there was a micro 4/3rds with the same focusing system as the new s5ii I'd be all over it. But until then I'm very happy with great glass, filters, and slow photography:)
Thanks for the video. Very timely indeed. I got back into photography last year and bought a GX9 (new) and GX8 (used) a couple of months ago. Loving both of them. Primarily using the GX8 for wildlife photography and I have the PL 100-400 attached to it pretty much permanently as a "walk around" setup. The GX9 is for more general use, usually just the kit lens (12-32). We're going back to Rhodes in June and later this year, were lucky to have a Caribbean cruise booked. I'm thinking of taking both, as holiday cameras... The GX9 should be great for resort, city and evening/night (it has a flash of course too), and I'm thinking the GX8 could make a perfect camera for beach and boat trips (as it's water resistant). I've fallen in love with MFT and Lumix in particular, so have literally today just ordered a G9 and then it and the GX8 will make a perfect pair for exploring wildlife photography further. Thanks again for the videos, I've watched loads and they've helped a lot... Enjoy your holiday🙂
I am a hiker and use the GX8 as my unique camera. Either with the Laowa 10, Lumix 20 and m.Zuiko 45 (or Lumix 35-100/4-5.6), either simply with the Nokton 17.5. I prefer the latter when I sleep in remote huts of the Alps, to photograph the starlit or moonlit landscape (because wide open it reproduces better the uncertain and soft margins between elements we perceive at night, while the others are way too sharp straight from max aperture and thus spoil the game). I love the system for its compactness: anything stays in a small bag around my neck, with both options. It is reasonably light, too. The battery lasts 3 days, so I have a spare one and I can stay long enough far away from charges (That’s why I skipped the GX9, whose better IS would be appreciated, because it has a smaller battery). I do not need operational speed: most of my pictures are better served by manual focus, although I use S-AF when I am lazy.
I love comments like this where there is a totally different style of photography with different needs and wants. It’s a super reminder that “one size” will not “fit all”. We look at all of the fancy technology to judge our camera on yet something as fundamental as a battery size can be the deal breaker. This post possibly the ideal challenge to the video I put out recently on whether the smart phone is now taking over, I cannot imagine a smartphone ever doing what you are wanting to do. Thanks for sharing.
I have a pair of GX8s (in black), had them for a long time now. I had one and just loved the ergonomics so it made sense to me to have another to avoid lense changing too much. The EVF is fantastic and with diopter adjustment. In old age I have become slightly long-sighted so I wear reading glasses for close up work. The camera is sufficiently tactile that I can use it without resorting to grabbing my glasses to read a dial setting. I rarely use the flip screen for te same reason, but the EVF works superbly for me. The weight of the camera seems about the right compromise, enough mass to be a stable platform. Shutter shock might have been an issue with a few shots taken on one day with the 14-140 but I am far from sure. All of my lenses and the camera bodies have the latest firmware. I am very happy with the cameras and find it hard to criticise them, on one occasion I did corrupt a memory card by pushing my luck with a discharged battery, rather than panic I swapped memory card, battery and continued. On the computer I could retrieve all of the pictures fine before reformatting in the camera. The "intimidation factor" of a smallish camera is minimal and maybe an undersold "feature". The IBIS frankly amazes me, I have used some insanely slow shutter speeds handheld. Low light performance is not great compared to a larger format but maybe I was driving the camera badly... enjoy your holiday, my GX8s may go on one themselves in a few weeks...
Spot on for everything you said. On the low light performance I don’t even find that a particular problem anymore with the de-noise software available. I see even Lightroom has incorporated de-noise into its latest version, I’ll have to try it.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I have previously used a denoising software, unfortunately I cannot remember which one. Certainly very effective. Being on a holiday has perhaps got me started again and reminded me how much I enjoyed the cameras.
Thanks for the review. I own a GX7 and a G9 but I’m thinking of trading in the GX7 for the GX8. So I’m slightly perturbed to hear you say they are difficult to find! It looks like it will fit better in the hand that my GX7, and like you I’m used to the menu system on Panny cameras.
Have a GX8 but tend to use my GX80 for most of my photography as it is easy to carry and use. GX8 tends to be used for more demanding work such as Macro.
I was so disappointed with the GX9 that I bought a GX8 while they were still available ! It's the best Lumix camera for street photography and I'll never part with mine. It's also a great all rounder for landscape, snaps, portraits etc.
The reported shutter shock has put me off buying this camera, although the firmware update might sway me into getting one to try out. I would like to see an updated version, bringing back the viewfinder and weather sealing of the gx8. Let’s hope Lumix are listening.
I’ve never really noticed it I must admit. I believe it was mainly with the 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 zoom (which I also own) but yes, an updated version with the innards of the old G9 and the body of the GX8, that would be real nice.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I finally got a gx8 and it was delivered today. Unfortunately, it appears to be faulty as the rear dial isn’t working and nor are some of the buttons. So, I’m hoping to be able to return it to the seller. I guess that’s always going to be a risk when buying secondhand, so let’s pray for a gx8 ii
@@Jonathan-hu3lk can I give a couple of suggestions which you may not have tried yet? Make sure the mode dial is in the M position to test the operation of the dials. This should make one the aperture, the other the speed and the exposure comp on its own dial. Other modes can reallocate the dial function First do a full system reset from the menu BUT straight afterwards remove the battery and card and leave the camera overnight. I have had an issue with my G9 where a straight reset didn’t work. Second, if that doesn’t work, insert a new SD card and format it in the camera Check which version of firmware is installed, the current is v2.2 Hope this helps
@@ThatMicro43Guy I did say I’ve tried these already and that didn’t work. But I’ve just picked it up again and it appears to be fine now. I guess the removal of battery and leaving it a while has done the trick
It was a real shame that Panasonic hadn't switched to pdaf when Sony introduced the A6000 in 2014. I read that fakes of the GX8 were below expectations - many asked for it but few bought it. Or does look big though and not pocketable. The GX9 lacks a good evf, battery life and pdaf. I hope Panasonic try again with a gx model now they have pdaf sensors
What do you think about the GX9 vs. the GX8? I’ve read the GX9 is more of an upgrade to the GX 85 than the GX8. The latter has a mic input vs. the former. Both have 20MP sensor and IBIS. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Hi Brian it's Ken here again. I bought a GX8 back in January 2023 as a back up to my G9. But I find the G9 stays in the cupboard and the GX8 is my go to camera. | tend to use either my 12-60mm or my 14-140mm. Sometimes I shoot jpeg and raw, but mostly just jpeg. I note that you use mostly Creative style Vivid. Can I ask if you use the Vivid with Contrast at 0, Sharpness at 0, Noise Reduction at 0 and Saturation at 0. Or do you change those settings to something else like + or - . I would be very interested to hear / see your answers. Cheers for your reply, Ken.
I like the rendition of colours with vivid as they come out of the camera, slightly exaggerated colours if I’m honest. I do not adjust any of the adjustment tools. For my own shots I use Lightroom to do all adjustments, for videos I use the edit on my iPad. As I shot portraits for a profession I tried to leave the original shot as standard as possible and do post adjustments, entirely from raw with a jpeg as a backup. Now I mainly shoot jpegs but still prefer to post edit rather than too much adjustment in camera. The vivid profile gives me, for my own wants, the closest to what I want as a general starting point.
@@ThatMicro43GuyGuy Hi Brian thanks for your swift reply. I very often use Vivid with some + or -. but on your recommendation, I have now returned all the Lumix Creative Style settings back to + O - so I will give that a try next time I am out with the camera GX8, but I am trying to get over a bad attack of Gout (Never had that before and Hell it hurts) cheers for now Matey.
Hello. Thank you for this. How do get along with the lumix 14-45mm lens in low light shooting for sharp photographs and higher ISO’s ?. What would you set as the highest ISO on this camera ?
Personally I tend to limit my iso on all my cameras to max 6400. I don’t have the 14-45mm lens but to get good sharp shots in low light it’s really back to basic photography skills of bracing the camera to keep it still. Getting a good stable stance, controlling your breath, or using a tripod or monopod or anything to allow a slower shutter speed and lower ISO without shake. Yes, cameras have great IBIS, including this one but I’m a firm believer that technique wins over technology every time, photographers have the luxury of using both these days.
Just so you know, I'm going to be in trouble and I'm going to be blaming YOU! 😁 Having watched this video I got curious about the GX series and then got too curious. Net result is I have just bought a used GX80, it arrives next week.
For me the GX8 is a far superior camera. It can do everything I want it to do if I have the right lens attached. I used it to do some commercial portrait shots on my recent holiday using the Olympus 25mm f1.8 and the results were fantastic. I could have got away with the G100 for them but it would have been awkward to use whereas the GX8 breezed it.
The GX8 is one of the best cameras ever produced for M4/3 system. Panasonic really dropped the ball with this camera. Sony picked it up, and called it the A7C. I use this camera with Leica prime lenses and there is no difference in image quality compared to my full frame cameras. The 4:3 aspect is nearly perfect for social posts. Everyone is losing their minds over the Fuji X100V but I really wish there was a direct follow up to this body design and quality.
I used a GX85 for five years, since I got into MFT.
I recently bought a GX8 because I wanted a physically bigger camera, the swivel screen, an angled viewfinder, the mic input, mix n match with lenses.
I think I'll be keeping the GX85 because I do like having a smaller camera, especially with a pancake zoom, but I'm so glad I got the GX8.
I would have preferred an updated version of the GX8, maybe with a 24MP sensor - but there isn't one.
Fully agree Brian. Bought as a second body to accompany my G9. Absolutely love this camera. Mostly use with PL 12-60 and more recently with the Oly 8-25. Maybe there’ll be a GX8 Mk 2 when the G9 Mk 2 is released …
I took my GX8 on holiday last October and loved every minute. I have always enjoyed using this camera and the results never cease to amaze me. I do have the same ergonomic issue as yourself that I constantly press the display button with my thumb. What were they thinking!. I too would love to have seen an update to this model that included some of the tech from the G9, like his res mode, pre burst and the better IBIS, but the layout including that exposure comp dial, rangefinder style and Fn button locations are almost perfect. Even though I have a G9 & now an OM-1 I will continue to use my GX8, as it just has that special something that makes it a real pleasure to use.
Very nice review. I've got 2 GX-8s and you nailed each and every feature and quirk. I use mine for 4K video. They have the mic jack (which the 7 and 9 don't).
I picked up a silver GX8 a couple of weeks ago. I love the look and feel of this camera. I even got the 12-32mm pancake zoom and 35-100mm in silver to match. I keep it in a small zipper case with the pancake lens on it and slip the 35-100 in my pocket. It is such a fun setup to shoot with and I am really enjoying it! Previously, my everyday fun camera was the G95 with 14-140mm. I like this setup better.
Just got one. Mine cost £313 and it looks mint, with 6 months guarantee from Wex. One thing that surprised me is the speed of auto focus. I'm getting very few out of focus shots. It's almost instantaneous. Looks like you're having a good holiday. Thanks for the video.
Love my GX8 & LX100ii to the point I actually sold my G9 as was never using it. always picked up one of the others. Image quality is brilliant as is the feel of them in hand.
I must admit I’m pondering with the idea of selling my G9 for the same reasons
Same!
Hi, great channel. I just traded my GX85 in for a GX8. Like the size of it. Just went for a 3 month long trip to Thailand for testing it out. I think it will fit me perfectly, bigger than the GX85. Took some primes with me 15mm/1.7, 25mm/1.4, 45mm/1.8 and zoom 12-60/3.5-5.6 and 35-100/4-5.6. Keep up the good work. Realy like Your channel.
I hope you enjoy using it as much as I do mine
After 12 years using a Sony A55 or a Nikon 1, I an now a few days into a GX8, which I got a little cheaper than average due to a missing front control wheel. With very careful application of superglue using a bamboo skewer, I may have solved that problem. We will find out.
My first surprise is how bright the viewfinder and screen are. The Sony was good for its time, but the Panasonic is a revelation! And the 25mm f 1,8 lens is pretty good for low light compared to the Sony's f 3,5 kit lens, of course.
I am missing the 14-42 though, which didn't come with the camera.
One thing which pushed me toward the Lumix was going interstate last year and attending a presentation, where the Nikon 1 was unobtrusive and light even with the 30-110 (80-300 equiv) zoom, and the Panasonic certainly doesn't match that at about 220g heavier, but it is smaller and lighter with the lenses attached than the Sony, though not by much.
I am not complaining about the tiltable EVF at all, though. It would have been handy at that presentation, as covering your face with a camera is a bit more noticeable than looking down at a camera almost in your lap.
I am impressed so far.
@@silverstreettalks343 don’t buy the 14-42, save a bit more money but make a wiser investment. If you are after a standard range lens the 12-60 or even the 14-140 are far better. There are two 12-60 lenses both good but the lumix Leica one is far superior and came as an option with the g9. Alternately if you can afford it the 12-35mm f2.8 is a pro level lens and awesome with the gx8. There is also a 35-100 f2.8 to match it too. Get the mk2 or mk3 versions of any of the lenses I mentioned as they are better for dual IS with the GX8. Plus some of the later ones have weather sealing, some earlier versions of some of the lenses do not although I believe the two pro lenses have always had it. You won’t regret the investment.
Also upgrade your firmware for all lenses and the camera if it’s not at the current highest version. The current version for the camera is v2.2. You can find the version installed by going to the menu, spanner option, version display on page 4/5. If you look back through my videos from around 3 years ago there is a how to for upgrading the firmware and in the details below almost all of my videos is a link to the lumix firmware website.
Have fun
@@ThatMicro43Guy Thanks for the advice! Muh appreciated!
The GX-9 is the ultimate MFT street shooter. Tilt only screen, and better sensor performance than in the previous models. No issues with shutter vibration. The Lumix GX-9 + 12-60mm lens for $799 USD is a bargain. The GX-8 and most all MFT cameras are fun to use, and render a good image. If someone wanted a really small travel camera in MFT, the Lumix zoom cameras, or the PEN PL-8 are great. A PL-8 with the Lumix 14mm is pocketable. With the 25mm Olympus, not bad at all for compactness. Years ago, I got a very good deal on a new Olympus OMD-EM 10 mk II, which looks great and is an easy carry. Got it in black. Silver is nice too -- note that numbers are easier to read in all light situations with black dials. Which looks best? A matter of taste, I suppose. I have a GX-85 with a silver top -- seems more attractive on that model. Recently got the Olympus 25mm f1.8 lens, and the decoration ring, for some odd reason, is stuck. The final solution? I left it on and bought a Sioti vented metal lens hood for ten dollars, and gave it the Leica rangefinder style. ;) Take care, Loren
I thought you would have been able to remove it by now. Great work around but that’s not the point. Do you have a dealership close by? If you bought it new or from one of the bigger used dealers then you should still have a warranty. If you cannot remove it then surely it’s not fit for the advertised purpose. Maybe worth a try.
Take care.
Thank you Brian for the video. I agree with most of your statements about the GX8. But different from you I never made friends with the exposure compensation dial. I normally adjust the compensation when I look at the screen or into the EVF. And then I don‘t have any profit from the printed / engraved numbers on the dial. I would have appreciated much more if the dial was to override the shutter speed. I often experience situations when I would like to dial in the shutter speed BEFORE I lift the camera to my eye. And for that the „hardware“ numbers would be ideal. Like with cameras „in the old days“. Have a nice vacation!
im saving up to get this wonderful little camera 2nd hand great review and a perfect holiday camera for me.
I was gifted this camera a few years back along with some beautiful glass such as the 42.5 f1.2 & 12-32 f2.8 was such a great start into mirrorless. I must admit after over a decade of just using whatever phone I had around busy mum life moving to mirrorless was a learning curve for me. I've added a secondhand gx9 bundle that had 25 f1.4 which I haven't really enjoyed as much, definitely found it better for street photography or tripod portrait situations but will always use the gx8 out for landscapes. I added a em5iii with the 75 f1.8 and the latest 9m f1.7 which I love but find the cameras do seem to work better with their own native lenses. Agree the function button features on the gx8 have made it alot better for me as well. I have been pondering moving back to a pro full frame kit but tbh the lenses I currently have make that decision very hard, I think if there was a micro 4/3rds with the same focusing system as the new s5ii I'd be all over it. But until then I'm very happy with great glass, filters, and slow photography:)
Yes, me too, a G9mk2 would be lovely
Thanks for the video. Very timely indeed. I got back into photography last year and bought a GX9 (new) and GX8 (used) a couple of months ago. Loving both of them. Primarily using the GX8 for wildlife photography and I have the PL 100-400 attached to it pretty much permanently as a "walk around" setup. The GX9 is for more general use, usually just the kit lens (12-32). We're going back to Rhodes in June and later this year, were lucky to have a Caribbean cruise booked. I'm thinking of taking both, as holiday cameras... The GX9 should be great for resort, city and evening/night (it has a flash of course too), and I'm thinking the GX8 could make a perfect camera for beach and boat trips (as it's water resistant). I've fallen in love with MFT and Lumix in particular, so have literally today just ordered a G9 and then it and the GX8 will make a perfect pair for exploring wildlife photography further. Thanks again for the videos, I've watched loads and they've helped a lot... Enjoy your holiday🙂
Thank you. You’ll love the G9, it’s an awesome piece of kit but given the choice 75% of the time I reach for the GX8 for normal shooting.
I am a hiker and use the GX8 as my unique camera. Either with the Laowa 10, Lumix 20 and m.Zuiko 45 (or Lumix 35-100/4-5.6), either simply with the Nokton 17.5. I prefer the latter when I sleep in remote huts of the Alps, to photograph the starlit or moonlit landscape (because wide open it reproduces better the uncertain and soft margins between elements we perceive at night, while the others are way too sharp straight from max aperture and thus spoil the game).
I love the system for its compactness: anything stays in a small bag around my neck, with both options. It is reasonably light, too. The battery lasts 3 days, so I have a spare one and I can stay long enough far away from charges (That’s why I skipped the GX9, whose better IS would be appreciated, because it has a smaller battery).
I do not need operational speed: most of my pictures are better served by manual focus, although I use S-AF when I am lazy.
I love comments like this where there is a totally different style of photography with different needs and wants. It’s a super reminder that “one size” will not “fit all”. We look at all of the fancy technology to judge our camera on yet something as fundamental as a battery size can be the deal breaker.
This post possibly the ideal challenge to the video I put out recently on whether the smart phone is now taking over, I cannot imagine a smartphone ever doing what you are wanting to do.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for the fantastic insight.
I have a pair of GX8s (in black), had them for a long time now. I had one and just loved the ergonomics so it made sense to me to have another to avoid lense changing too much. The EVF is fantastic and with diopter adjustment. In old age I have become slightly long-sighted so I wear reading glasses for close up work. The camera is sufficiently tactile that I can use it without resorting to grabbing my glasses to read a dial setting. I rarely use the flip screen for te same reason, but the EVF works superbly for me. The weight of the camera seems about the right compromise, enough mass to be a stable platform. Shutter shock might have been an issue with a few shots taken on one day with the 14-140 but I am far from sure. All of my lenses and the camera bodies have the latest firmware. I am very happy with the cameras and find it hard to criticise them, on one occasion I did corrupt a memory card by pushing my luck with a discharged battery, rather than panic I swapped memory card, battery and continued. On the computer I could retrieve all of the pictures fine before reformatting in the camera.
The "intimidation factor" of a smallish camera is minimal and maybe an undersold "feature". The IBIS frankly amazes me, I have used some insanely slow shutter speeds handheld.
Low light performance is not great compared to a larger format but maybe I was driving the camera badly... enjoy your holiday, my GX8s may go on one themselves in a few weeks...
Spot on for everything you said.
On the low light performance I don’t even find that a particular problem anymore with the de-noise software available. I see even Lightroom has incorporated de-noise into its latest version, I’ll have to try it.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I have previously used a denoising software, unfortunately I cannot remember which one. Certainly very effective. Being on a holiday has perhaps got me started again and reminded me how much I enjoyed the cameras.
I agree the GX8 is my knockabout camera 👍
Thanks for the review. I own a GX7 and a G9 but I’m thinking of trading in the GX7 for the GX8. So I’m slightly perturbed to hear you say they are difficult to find! It looks like it will fit better in the hand that my GX7, and like you I’m used to the menu system on Panny cameras.
Have a GX8 but tend to use my GX80 for most of my photography as it is easy to carry and use. GX8 tends to be used for more demanding work such as Macro.
I do fancy getting a GX80 or a GX9 just for its neat size. They are so different to a GX8 even though they are meant to be of similar kin
I was so disappointed with the GX9 that I bought a GX8 while they were still available !
It's the best Lumix camera for street photography and I'll never part with mine. It's also a great all rounder for landscape, snaps, portraits etc.
The reported shutter shock has put me off buying this camera, although the firmware update might sway me into getting one to try out. I would like to see an updated version, bringing back the viewfinder and weather sealing of the gx8. Let’s hope Lumix are listening.
I’ve never really noticed it I must admit. I believe it was mainly with the 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 zoom (which I also own) but yes, an updated version with the innards of the old G9 and the body of the GX8, that would be real nice.
@@ThatMicro43Guy I finally got a gx8 and it was delivered today. Unfortunately, it appears to be faulty as the rear dial isn’t working and nor are some of the buttons. So, I’m hoping to be able to return it to the seller. I guess that’s always going to be a risk when buying secondhand, so let’s pray for a gx8 ii
@@Jonathan-hu3lk can I give a couple of suggestions which you may not have tried yet?
Make sure the mode dial is in the M position to test the operation of the dials. This should make one the aperture, the other the speed and the exposure comp on its own dial. Other modes can reallocate the dial function
First do a full system reset from the menu BUT straight afterwards remove the battery and card and leave the camera overnight. I have had an issue with my G9 where a straight reset didn’t work.
Second, if that doesn’t work, insert a new SD card and format it in the camera
Check which version of firmware is installed, the current is v2.2
Hope this helps
@@ThatMicro43Guy I did say I’ve tried these already and that didn’t work. But I’ve just picked it up again and it appears to be fine now. I guess the removal of battery and leaving it a while has done the trick
It was a real shame that Panasonic hadn't switched to pdaf when Sony introduced the A6000 in 2014. I read that fakes of the GX8 were below expectations - many asked for it but few bought it. Or does look big though and not pocketable. The GX9 lacks a good evf, battery life and pdaf. I hope Panasonic try again with a gx model now they have pdaf sensors
What do you think about the GX9 vs. the GX8?
I’ve read the GX9 is more of an upgrade to the GX 85 than the GX8. The latter has a mic input vs. the former. Both have 20MP sensor and IBIS.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Hi Brian it's Ken here again. I bought a GX8 back in January 2023 as a back up to my G9. But I find the G9 stays in the cupboard and the GX8 is my go to camera. | tend to use either my 12-60mm or my 14-140mm. Sometimes I shoot jpeg and raw, but mostly just jpeg. I note that you use mostly Creative style Vivid. Can I ask if you use the Vivid with Contrast at 0, Sharpness at 0, Noise Reduction at 0 and Saturation at 0. Or do you change those settings to something else like + or - . I would be very interested to hear / see your answers. Cheers for your reply, Ken.
I like the rendition of colours with vivid as they come out of the camera, slightly exaggerated colours if I’m honest. I do not adjust any of the adjustment tools. For my own shots I use Lightroom to do all adjustments, for videos I use the edit on my iPad.
As I shot portraits for a profession I tried to leave the original shot as standard as possible and do post adjustments, entirely from raw with a jpeg as a backup. Now I mainly shoot jpegs but still prefer to post edit rather than too much adjustment in camera. The vivid profile gives me, for my own wants, the closest to what I want as a general starting point.
@@ThatMicro43GuyGuy Hi Brian thanks for your swift reply. I very often use Vivid with some + or -. but on your recommendation, I have now returned all the Lumix Creative Style settings back to + O - so I will give that a try next time I am out with the camera GX8, but I am trying to get over a bad attack of Gout (Never had that before and Hell it hurts) cheers for now Matey.
Hello. Thank you for this. How do get along with the lumix 14-45mm lens in low light shooting for sharp photographs and higher ISO’s ?. What would you set as the highest ISO on this camera ?
Personally I tend to limit my iso on all my cameras to max 6400. I don’t have the 14-45mm lens but to get good sharp shots in low light it’s really back to basic photography skills of bracing the camera to keep it still. Getting a good stable stance, controlling your breath, or using a tripod or monopod or anything to allow a slower shutter speed and lower ISO without shake. Yes, cameras have great IBIS, including this one but I’m a firm believer that technique wins over technology every time, photographers have the luxury of using both these days.
Just so you know, I'm going to be in trouble and I'm going to be blaming YOU! 😁
Having watched this video I got curious about the GX series and then got too curious. Net result is I have just bought a used GX80, it arrives next week.
I feel for you, I’m permanently in trouble with Mrs 4/3 for buying cameras. I hope you enjoy using it.
Built like a brick outhouse😂😂😂😂😂😂
Every time I hear the British say on holiday I think what holiday is there in March.😂
Are you in Florida? The background looks like my state.
No, I’m in Paphos on the west of the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea. Although I do love going to Florida too.
Which one is a better travel camera from your point of view - g100 or gx8?
For me the GX8 is a far superior camera. It can do everything I want it to do if I have the right lens attached. I used it to do some commercial portrait shots on my recent holiday using the Olympus 25mm f1.8 and the results were fantastic. I could have got away with the G100 for them but it would have been awkward to use whereas the GX8 breezed it.