Panasonic GX8 Field Test: Great design & great sensor make for a fantastic camera

posted Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 1:22 PM EDT

Though it took awhile to get our hands on the new Panasonic GX8, we've now had a chance to send it up to our intrepid reviewer Jeremy Gray for an in-depth Field Test. Sporting a similar, yet beefier, rangefinder-style body design as its GX7 predecessor, the GX8 offers a number of technical upgrades, from a higher resolution 20.3-megapixel Four Thirds sensor and a faster GH4-spec image processor to quicker AF and all-new Dual I.S. stabilization technology.

Based on Jeremy's real-world shooting experience, the Panasonic GX8 is shaping up as an all-around excellent camera with high quality image capabilities as well as great performance and comfortable, highly configurable controls. The body design is a bit bulky for a Micro Four Thirds camera, but this trade-off in sheer ultra-portability helps ergonomics, comfort and allows lots of room for buttons, dials and features many experienced and enthusiast photographers will enjoy.

88mm equivalent (Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8 at 44mm), f/8, 1/50s, ISO 100

The new sensor -- the highest resolution Four Thirds sensor currently available -- captures great images with lots of detail and handles higher ISOs rather well, too. Autofocus is fast and snappy thanks to their Depth From Defocus technology and the new I.S. system works well for stills. On most fronts, Jeremy's Field Test experience was a very positive one, but there were some quirks and a few disappointments.

Read our in-depth Panasonic GX8 Field Test for all the details and a large selection of gallery images and some sample videos. For the full selection of real-world sample photos, head over to the Panasonic GX8 Gallery Page.