• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Olympus TG-6

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.34 vs 1.54 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 27 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    36 vs 18 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Olympus TG-6 advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Less expensive
    $399 vs $998
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 1.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    5 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    253g vs 487g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 8.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 7.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX8

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus TG-6

Review Excerpt

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to 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
Olympus TG-6
Olympus E-M1
  • $449
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus E-M5 II

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
Olympus TG-6
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $449
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus TG-4

Panasonic GX8
Olympus TG-4
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $379
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Olympus TG-6
Olympus TG-4
  • $449
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $379
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to 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
Olympus TG-6
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $449
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Olympus TG-5

Panasonic GX8
Olympus TG-5
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
Olympus TG-6
Olympus TG-5
  • $449
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Fast startup
  • More dots on screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
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