• 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 50.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 5DS R advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.14 vs 3.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    2,308 vs 806 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 700 vs 340 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More pixels
    50.6 vs 20.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Canon 5DS R

  • Less expensive
    $998 vs $1499
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Lighter weight
    487g vs 948g
    Lighter weight
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.27 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.71x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.3 fps vs 4.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 28 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    7.9 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    36 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • 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

Review Excerpt

  • Phenomenal resolution and sharpness; Fine Detail Picture Style is like in-camera Unsharp Mask; Excellent print quality; Decent high ISO performance; Improved normalized dynamic range compared to 5D Mark III; Decent burst speed with good buffer depths; Built-in intervalometer & timelapse movie mode.

  • AF speed tested closer to consumer-level DSLRs; Dynamic range lower than competing models from Nikon & Sony; Lack of OLPF means subject to more aliasing artifacts with some subjects; No 60p video frame rate; No headphone jack; Timelapse video is only 1080p.

  • 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

Canon 5DS R
Olympus E-M1
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D810

Canon 5DS R
Nikon D810
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2293
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic GX8
Nikon D810
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2293
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 5DS

Canon 5DS R
Canon 5DS
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Panasonic GX8
Canon 5DS
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1299
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Canon 5DS R
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup

Compared to Nikon D850

Canon 5DS R
Nikon D850
  • $1729
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GX8
Nikon D850
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2747
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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