Panasonic GX8 Review: Taking what made the GX7 great & making it even better

posted Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 3:34 PM EST

Following up on the highly successful GX7, the new Panasonic GX8 offers a similar, retro-ish rangefinder design, but with a number of big improvements including a new 20-megapixel sensor, the GH4's Venus Engine image processor, 4K video and impressive Dual I.S. technology. We've just now finalized our full, in-depth review with the review conclusion along with our standard image quality comparison and print quality analysis.

The GX7 was an impressive camera, and the GX8 improves on it in a number of ways. Sporting the highest resolution sensor for a Micro Four Thirds camera yet, the GX8's image quality capabilities as well as high ISO performance are top-notch for this class of camera. It's also a rather speedy camera with terrific autofocus performance and fast burst shooting. This new GX camera also gains 4K video and 4K Photo features, as well as a cool and so far unique Dual I.S. system that combines lens and sensor-shift IS with excellent results.

70mm equivalent (Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8 at 35mm), f/11, 1s, ISO 200

There are a few snags in an otherwise excellent camera. Buffer clearing performance could be better, as could battery life, and there are a view limitations to 4K video features, for example, that Panasonic reserves for the uber-flagship GH4 model. Also, the larger, heftier body design might be a bit off-putting for those looking for the ultimate in compactness. However, it's a comfortable design with lots of external controls.

All said and done, the Panasonic GX8 is a fantastic enthusiast-level mirrorless camera -- so much so, we felt it worthy of distinction in our Camera of the Year Awards for 2015. For all the details, check out our full Panasonic GX8 Review, but if you'd like to jump right to the end, see our Panasonic GX8 Conclusion for our final verdict!