• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic GX8 advantages over Panasonic ZS70

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.34 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.46x
    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
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    36 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS70 advantages over Panasonic GX8

  • Less expensive
    $298 vs $998
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 63 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    322g vs 487g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX8

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS70

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
Panasonic ZS70
Olympus E-M1
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1099
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M5 II

Panasonic GX8
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
Panasonic ZS70
Olympus E-M5 II
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

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
Panasonic ZS70
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1324
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Panasonic GX8
Canon SX730 HS
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic ZS70
Canon SX730 HS
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compared to Panasonic ZS80

Panasonic GX8
Panasonic ZS80
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic ZS70
Panasonic ZS80
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
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