• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Olympus OM-D E-M5
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic GX7
GX7 vs GX8
Successor: Olympus E-M5 II
E-M5 vs E-M5 II
Panasonic GX9
GX8 vs GX9
General
Model Number: E-M5 GX8
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $1299.99 $1199.99
Street Price: $899.95 $997.99
Date Available: 2012-04-15 2015-08-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 23.0 oz (652 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
17.2 oz (487 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.8 x 3.5 x 1.7 in.
(122 x 89 x 43 mm)
5.2 x 3.1 x 2.5 in.
(133 x 78 x 63 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: Live MOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 20.3
Sensor Format: 4/3 4/3
Sensor size: 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 3.75 microns 3.34 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 2.0x 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes Yes
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 71 75
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.8 23.5
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.3 12.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 826 806
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3),
1024 x 768 (0.8 MP, 4:3),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3)
5184 x 3888 (20.2 MP, 4:3),
3712 x 2784 (10.3 MP, 4:3),
2624 x 1968 (5.2 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
5184 x 3456 (17.9 MP, 3:2),
3712 x 2480 (9.2 MP, 3:2),
2624 x 1752 (4.6 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
5184 x 2920 (15.1 MP, 16:9),
3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
3888 x 3888 (15.1 MP, 1:1),
2784 x 2784 (7.8 MP, 1:1),
1968 x 1968 (3.9 MP, 1:1),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, MPO, 12-bit RAW, RAW + JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 8.9 8.3
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
3840x2160 (30p/​24p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p/​24p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 with stereo sound), AVI (Motion JPEG) AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) / MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Composite Video Out: Yes Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: Yes No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: No Yes
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ Digital ED n/a
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 24 - 100mm  
Focal Length (actual): 12 - 50mm  
Zoom Ratio: 4.20x  
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (wide) / f/6.3 - 22 (tele)  
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 35 cm to Infinity
13.8 in to Infinity
 
Macro Focus Range: 20 - 50 cm
7.9 - 19.7 in
 
Filter Thread: 52.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No No
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 2x 2x, 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: High-speed Contrast-detect AF: 35-area multiple AF / All target, Group target area (9-area), Single target Contrast Detection with DFD: Face/Eye detection, Tracking, 49-area, Custom Multi, 1-area, Pinpoint; One Shot AF, Shutter AF, Half Press Release, Quick AF, Continuous AF (during motion picture recording), Eye Sensor AF, AF+MF, MF Assist, Touch MF Assist, Focus Peaking, Touch AF/AE Function, Touch Pad AF, Touch Shutter
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / OLED EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: EVF; 1.44M-dot, 1.15x magnification, 18mm eyepoint, -4 to +2 diopter, eye sensor Tilting 2360K-dot OLED, 1.54x / 0.77x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +3 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: 1,440,000 dots 2,360,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.58x 0.77x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.15x 1.54x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 614,000 dots (205,000 px) 1,036,800 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: Yes Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No Yes
Selfie Screen: No Yes
Max Playback Zoom:   16.0x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 25600 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 200 200
ISO Settings: AUTO: ISO Low (100) - 25600 (customizable, Default 200-1600) / Manual ISO Low (100) - 25600, 1/3 or 1 EV steps selectable Auto, iISO, 100 (extended), 200 - 25600; in 1 or 1/3 EV steps
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Lamp, Fluorescent, Daylight, Flash, Cloudy, Shade, Custom WB, One-touch WB Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1-4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 60 sec 1/16000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering), Center weighted average metering, Spot metering, Spot metering with highlight control, Spot metering with shadow control 1728-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Scene select AE (Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Landscape + Portrait, Sport, Night, Night + Portrait, Children, High Key, Low Key, DIS mode, Macro, Nature Macro, Candle, Sunset, Documents, Panorama, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, Fisheye Conv., Wide Conv., Macro Conv., 3D Still), Art Filter, Underwater wide / macro Panorama (Standard/Wide); Creative Control: Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine
Self Timer: 2, 10 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots in 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No No
Flash Modes: Flash Auto, Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(1st curtain), Slow sync.(2nd curtain), Manual(1/1 (FULL) - 1/64) Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off; 1st. Curtain Sync, 2nd Curtain Sync.
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 7.0 m / 23.0 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Bundled FL-LM2 GN = 7m/ISO 100 n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/250 1/250
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support: UHS-I UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: 12-bit RAW, RAW + JPEG RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: MOV (MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 with stereo sound), AVI (Motion JPEG) AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) / MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Included Memory: No memory included No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Remote cable RM-UC1 Wi-Fi or optional wired
Connections (extended): Micro HDMI (Type-D), combined AV/USB connector, Accessory Port 2 Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Wired Remote/External Mic Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.52 <0.3
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.51  
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 20  
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): 0.56 <0.3
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 8.9 8.3
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 17 Unlimited
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 9.0 7.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): 16 36
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): 9.0 7.9
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): 15 32
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.28 seconds 0.18 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.102 seconds 0.065 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.44 seconds  
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.056 seconds 0.058 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full Autofocus, Multi-area AF mode lag = 0.175 second  
Startup Time: 1.1 seconds 1.2 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.7 seconds 0.6 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 4.3 seconds  
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 360 shots 340 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):   320 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary BLN-1 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable 7.2v, 1200mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary BLN-1 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No No
Software
Included Software: Olympus Viewer 2 CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.7 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.3 SE, LoiloScope (trial version)
OS Compatibility:   PHOTOfunSTUDIO and LoiloScope: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1; SILKYPIX: Windows Vista/7/8/8.1, Mac OS X 10.5-10.10
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: 3" tilting OLED monitor with Touchscreen panel, Hi-res EVF, 5-axis image stabilization, 9 fps burst, Full HD video. New 20.3MP Live MOS sensor, upgraded quad-core CPU Venus Engine image processor, Dual IS uses both IBIS and OIS, 4K 30p/24p video and stills capture, 8fps full-res burst shooting (10fps with electronic shutter), Depth From Defocus AF, tilting high-res 0.77x EVF, tilt/swivel touchscreen OLED monitor, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, magnesium alloy die cast frame