Two years after the Lumix GX7’s debut, Panasonic has just unveiled the new flagship of its LUMIX G series, the DMC-GX8. Pitted squarely against the Olympus E-M5 Mark II, the GX8 is the world’s first four thirds sensor camera to exceed 16 megapixels, clocking in at 20 megapixels. It also brings with it 4K video capabilities, and a new image stabilization system that can combine both in-camera and in-lens systems for better results.
With the Dual Image Stabilization’s wider correction angle, no shot is too tricky with the GX8, even in low light situations. When it comes to video, the camera utilizes Panasonic’s tried and true 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization to keep things steady. The camera’s Dual I.S. talent works well even with interchangeable lenses, provided they are compatible. For autofocus, the GX8 uses the Contrast AF type. Together with Depth Defocus technology, is able to achieve a fast AF speed of 0.07 seconds.
Then there’s the 4K video: The GX8 will shoot 4K video at 30fps, but it also has three 4K Photo modes – effectively 30fps burst modes at 8-megapixels. Photos that are pulled from the 4K video retain their EXIF data for the exact moment they are from, which makes it easier when organising photos later on. For audio recording, the GX8 has a 2.5mm microphone jack (the GX7 lacked one entirely), which works with Panasonic’s optional microphone.
On the design front, the GX8 is largely unchanged from the GX7 — it’s still a retro, rangefinder-like design with an integrated viewfinder and a fair number of buttons and dials. Panasonic has added a couple more dials, including one for exposure compensation, as well as a free-angle LCD and tiltable EVF. The EVF has greater magnification, making it appear larger and more engulfing than the GX7’s viewfinder.
The GX8 will come in black or silver and will be available direct from Panasonic or through camera retailers across the country next month, with a price tag of $1,199.99 for the body only.
Not cheap by any margin, but you get what you pay for.
