• 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony RX100 II advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Less expensive
    $598 vs $998
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    281g vs 487g
    Lighter weight
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.6 fps vs 8.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Sony RX100 II

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    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 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    806 vs 483 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    7.9 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    36 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • 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
  • NFC
    Both provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • New, 20.2MP, 1-inch type, backside illuminated (BSI) image sensor produces superb image quality, with particular improvements in low light and high ISO; 3-inch tilting rear LCD screen handy for composing shots from difficult angles; Fast all-around performer with quick autofocus and virtually no shutter lag; New, multi-interface hotshoe for adding a strobe or optional electronic viewfinder; Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC.

  • Bigger and heavier than previous model; More expensive than previous model; Reduced burst performance when shooting RAW files; Somewhat confusing menu structure and control layout; Wi-Fi features can be difficult to set up.

  • Read our Sony RX100 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 Sony RX100

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Faster RAW shooting

Compare Sony RX100 II vs Sony RX100

Panasonic GX8
Sony RX100
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1074
  • 1 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Thinner

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Sony RX100

Compared to Sony RX100 III

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 III
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony RX100 II vs Sony RX100 III

Panasonic GX8
Sony RX100 III
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $748
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Sony RX100 III

Compared to Olympus E-M1

Sony RX100 II
Olympus E-M1
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony RX100 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 Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX100 II
Sony RX100 IV
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony RX100 II vs Sony RX100 IV

Panasonic GX8
Sony RX100 IV
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $898
  • 1 inch
  • Internal flash
  • Integrated ND filter

Compare Panasonic GX8 vs Sony RX100 IV

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Sony RX100 II
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $598
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony RX100 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

Compare Other Cameras?