• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Leica CL

  • Less expensive
    $998 vs $3195
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 340 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 140 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Leica CL advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Thinner
    45 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.3 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 7.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

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
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX8

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica CL

Review Excerpt

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to 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
Leica CL
Olympus E-M1
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Panasonic G7

Panasonic GX8
Panasonic G7
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
Leica CL
Panasonic G7
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Top deck display
  • $665
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $1324
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
Leica CL
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1324
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A6500

Panasonic GX8
Sony A6500
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Panasonic GX8
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
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