• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-M5 II advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    908 vs 806 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    44 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 8.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.4 fps vs 7.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Olympus E-M5 II

  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 18 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    36 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent handling in a compact, weather-sealed body; Crisp, roomy electronic viewfinder; Image quality that can take the fight to APS-C DSLRs; Unique high-res mode lets it bat far above its weight for static scenes; Extremely fast 10 fps burst shooting, Excellent video feature set

  • Control dials are easily bumped; Below-average battery life at default settings; Buffer depths for raw shooters are a bit limited; 16-megapixel sensor resolution feels dated; Weak bundled flash strobe

  • Read our Olympus E-M5 II Review

  • Highest resolution Micro Four Thirds camera yet; Great high ISO performance; Very fast autofocus; Fast burst mode with deep buffers; Impressive Dual I.S. system; Great 4K video.

  • No built-in flash; Slow buffer clearing; Below average battery life; Limited I.S. for 4K video.

  • Read our Panasonic GX8 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX7

Panasonic GX8
Panasonic GX7
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic GX7

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M1
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus E-M1

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Olympus E-M1

Compared to Olympus E-M10

Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M10
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus E-M10

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M10
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Olympus E-M10

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GX8
Panasonic GX85
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • NFC
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Olympus E-M1 II

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