Panasonic GX8 review

Image quality

Lumix G cameras have always put in a plucky performance in our image quality tests. They excel for sharp details and well-judged exposure settings, but with sensors that are a little smaller than in CSCs from Sony, Fujifilm and others, they’ve trailed slightly behind the leaders for noise levels.

The GX8’s 20-megapixel sensor marks the first time a Lumix G camera has exceeded 16 megapixels. Increased resolution can sometimes raise noise levels but we’re happy to report that noise appeared to be marginally lower at ISO 3200 and above than we saw from the G7. However, it couldn’t quite match the Sony a6000 in our studio tests, and was a fair distance behind the class leaders, the Fujifilm X-T1 and full-frame Sony a7.

Still, in our field tests the GX8 produced some superb shots, albeit with help from the pricey 12-35mm lens with its constant f/2.8 aperture. Autofocus was consistently excellent even in very low light, and photos up to ISO 6400 were good enough for critical use.

^ We can’t fault the colours in this shot, and details are pin sharp. (1/640s, f/6.3, ISO 200, 24mm equivalent)

^ Autofocus is spot on here, and colours are rich and lifelike. (1/160s, f/5, ISO 200, 28mm equivalent)

^ This shot reveals a hint of noise, even at the base ISO 200 setting, with a slight grain to skin tones and the graduated midtones. There’s also some moiré on the speaker grille near the centre of the frame. (1/80s, f/2.8, ISO 200, 70mm equivalent)

^ The same scene, but switching from the 12-35mm f/2.8 lens to a 14-140mm f/4-5.8. The smaller aperture and longer focal length has pushed the ISO speed up to 3200. There’s more noise as a result, with a graininess to skin tones and smudged hair textures, but it’s still a perfectly presentable shot. (1/320s, f/5.8, ISO 3200, 280mm equivalent)

^ Back to the f/2.8 lens, and this night shot at ISO 6400 looks excellent. Colours are vivid and noise reduction has successfully cleaned up the image while maintaining plenty of detail. (1/60s, f/2.8, ISO 6400, 44mm equivalent)

^ ISO 12800 and we’re still getting usable JPEGs – a superb result. (1/320s, f/5.8, ISO 12800, 280mm equivalent)

Conclusion

There’s a huge amount to admire about the GX8, and barely anything to criticise. The array of buttons and dials, the huge OLED viewfinder and the blistering performance make it a pleasure to use, and weather sealing is extremely welcome too. Video quality is fantastic and photo quality is extremely high, but we wonder whether people spending this much might be more tempted by the Fujifilm X-T1 or Sony a7 with their lower noise levels. All three cameras have their strengths and weaknesses but the Fujifilm and Sony cost less than the GX8 as we go to press. The GX8’s price will inevitably come down, but with the 12-35mm f/2.8 kit currently at £1,699, it’s got a long way to go before it rivals the Fujifilm X-T1 with its 18-55mm f/2.8-4 lens at £1,179.

Then again, the X-T1 can’t begin to compete for video capture, and its lack of a touchscreen makes it slower to move the autofocus point. Sometimes it’s little details like these that make a big difference. The GX8 seems like an extravagant purchase at current prices, but we can’t imagine it leaving anyone disappointed.