Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic GX8

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Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic GX8

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APS-C 369.0mm²
28.2 megapixels
ISO 100 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Samsung NX500 Review.
How does it shoot? Samsung NX500 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the NX500.
Compare Samsung NX500 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Samsung NX500 conclusion.

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

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GX8 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GX8 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GX8.
Compare Panasonic GX8 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GX8 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Panasonic GX9
Compare GX8 vs GX9
Compare Samsung NX500 vs Panasonic GX9

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Panasonic GX8

Larger sensor
APS-C vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Built-in Bluetooth
Yes vs No
Always-on wireless connectivity
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
NX500 test data on DxO Mark GX8 test data on DxO Mark

1,379 vs 806 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
More dynamic range

More dynamic range

Cameras with more dynamic range allow you to take photos with dramatic differences in highlight and shadow areas while retaining detail in both.

Think of a brilliant sunset on a rocky beach: Bright sunset in the background, with dark rocks in the foreground. High dynamic range means more of the extremes will be faithfully reproduced.

Dynamic range test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
NX500 test data on DxO Mark GX8 test data on DxO Mark

13.9 vs 12.6 evs
Retain detail in highlight and shadows
On-sensor phase detect
Yes vs No
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Thinner
42 mm vs 63 mm
Thinner
More pixels
28.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Slow-motion videos
Yes vs No
Shoot slow-motion videos
Higher extended ISO
51200 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Samsung NX500

Tilt-swivel screen
Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
Lens selection
Excellent vs Limited
Better lens selection gives you more options
Eye-level viewfinder
Eye-level vs Rear display only
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 38 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Bigger RAW buffer
36 vs 6 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
In-camera panoramas
Both provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
NFC
Both provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
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 GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
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

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read NX500 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GX8 User Reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX500

Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)

Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Black)
Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (Brown)
Kit with 16-50mm PZ Lens (White)

All NX500 Deals

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Buy the Panasonic GX8

Body Only (Black)

Body Only (Black)
Body Only (Silver)

All GX8 Deals

Review Excerpt

Very good image quality with high-resolution files; Excellent high ISO performance with RAW files; Very good dynamic range; Fast AF performance; Compact design with good build quality; Better ergonomics than predecessor; 4K video recording.
High ISO noise reduction too strong; AF struggles in low-light; Buffer depth is shallow with RAW files; No option for EVF; No built-in flash (external one included); 4K Video is cropped with narrower FOV.
Read our Samsung NX500 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 Olympus E-M1

Samsung NX500

Olympus E-M1

$1600
APS-C

Larger sensor
Shoot 4K video

$1099
4/3

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 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 Sony A6300

Samsung NX500

Sony A6300

$1600
APS-C

Touchscreen
Built-in Bluetooth

$748
APS-C

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6300

Panasonic GX8

Sony A6300

$998
4/3

Tilt-swivel screen
Lens selection

$748
APS-C

Larger sensor
Less expensive

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Sony A6300

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Samsung NX500

Olympus E-M1 II

$1600
APS-C

Larger sensor
In-camera panoramas

$899
4/3

Lens selection
Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Samsung NX500 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

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500

Sony A6500

$1600
APS-C

More pixels
Lacks anti-aliasing filter

$1198
APS-C

Lens selection
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Sony A6500

Panasonic GX8

Sony A6500

$998
4/3

Lens selection
Less expensive

$1198
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Sony A6500

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX500

Leica TL2

$1600
APS-C

In-camera panoramas
Tiltable Screen

$2495
APS-C

Faster JPEG shooting
Faster RAW shooting

Compare Samsung NX500 vs Leica TL2

Panasonic GX8

Leica TL2

$998
4/3

Less expensive
Tilt-swivel screen

$2495
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Leica TL2

Compare Other Cameras?