Canon EOS M6 vs Panasonic Lumix GF8: A Hands-On Mirrorless Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

In the ever-churning mirrorless camera market of the mid-2010s, the Canon EOS M6 and Panasonic Lumix GF8 landed as compact contenders aiming to charm photography enthusiasts looking for capable yet approachable options. With their rangefinder-style bodies, tilting screens, and promise of quality images wrapped in pocket-friendly dimensions, these two cameras have drawn interest from hobbyists, travel photographers, and even some pros who want a lightweight secondary body.

Having extensively tested both cameras over the years - pushing their autofocus systems through wildlife shoots, exploring sensor performance in nightscapes, and juggling usability in street photography - I’m here to bring you a detailed comparison informed by hands-on experience. The Canon M6, announced in early 2017, stepped up from the M3 with a newer Digic 7 processor and better burst speeds, while the Panasonic GF8, launched a year earlier, aimed to finesse the entry-level crowd with Micro Four Thirds versatility and video prowess.

Let’s dive in to crack the nuances between these two, from sensor tech to ergonomics, so you can decide which is the right match for your photography style - and budget.

Visualizing Size and Ergonomics: Which Feels Better in the Hand?

First impressions matter, especially with mirrorless cameras where compactness often competes with comfortable handling. The Canon M6 sits a bit larger and heftier, measuring 112 x 68 x 45 mm at 390 grams (body only), compared to the Panasonic GF8’s more petite 107 x 65 x 33 mm and feather-light 266 grams. That’s a noticeable difference when you’re shooting all day or slipping a camera in a bag meant for just essentials.

In practice, the Canon’s increased girth translates to a more substantial grip, which many will find reassuringly secure, particularly when using heavier EF-M lenses. I found the GF8’s slim profile great for discrete street photography, but extended handheld sessions can feel a little more precarious without as much tactile support.

Both feature a rangefinder-style layout, but the M6 opts for a minimal top deck (more on that later), with the front grip sculpted to fit fingers comfortably, while the GF8 is sleeker with a subtle thumb rest. Build quality on the Canon feels slightly more robust, though neither camera is weather-sealed, so keep rain gear handy if you shoot outdoors.

Bottom line: If you prioritize a lightweight travel companion, Panasonic wins. If comfort and stable grip rank higher for you, Canon’s bigger shell justifies its size.

Design Details Up Close: Control Layout and User Interface Clarity

Beyond size, the control placement drives workflow speed and shooting enjoyment. Peek at the top panels and you’ll notice the Canon M6 equipped a mode dial, dedicated exposure compensation button, and easily reachable shutter button, while the GF8’s top is more minimalist, dispensing with the mode dial in favor of touchscreen-centric operation.

The M6 offers direct exposure compensation access - a boon for fast adjustments - plus more tactile engagement with physical dials and buttons. The Panasonic leans heavily on touchscreen menus, which can be a double-edged sword: highly customizable, but sometimes slower when you need quick changes on the fly.

I appreciated the M6’s illuminated rear dials (yes, subtle but welcome in dim conditions), whereas the GF8’s reliance on the screen and rear control dial felt less intuitive, particularly if you prefer joystick or multi-selector control over navigating menus.

For photographers used to DSLR-like handling, Canon’s layout is a smoother transition. The GF8 appeals more to touchscreen enthusiasts or casual shooters comfortable with tap-tap menus.

Sensor Sizes and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where our two camera contenders diverge starkly - the sensor.

The Canon M6 houses a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.3 x 14.9 mm, a size that sits comfortably above Micro Four Thirds (MFT). In comparison, the Panasonic GF8’s sensor is a 16MP Micro Four Thirds chip, at 17.3 x 13 mm, about 40% smaller in surface area.

Sensor size matters beyond resolution. Larger sensors capture more light per pixel, generally yielding improved dynamic range, better high ISO performance, and shallower depth of field for portraiture. This is evident in the M6’s DxO Mark overall score of 78, with 23.4 bits of color depth and a dynamic range of 12.6 EV. The GF8 wasn’t tested by DxO Mark officially, but similar MFT cameras hover around a score in the mid-60s - a noticeable step behind APS-C rivals.

What does this mean in real-world terms? In low light, the Canon produces cleaner images up to ISO 1600 and beyond, with less noise clogging detail. Portraits from the M6 benefit from better tonal gradation and the ability to subtly blur backgrounds using faster EF-M lenses compared to the GF8, which requires wider apertures and longer focal lengths to achieve the same creamy bokeh effect.

Both cameras apply anti-aliasing filters, slightly softening detail to avoid moiré, but even so, the Canon’s 6000 x 4000 pixel files offer more room to crop or print large. The Panasonic’s max resolution of 4592 x 3448 is adequate for prints up to 16x20 inches but may feel limited for pixel-peepers or professionals.

The Battle of Rear Screens and Viewfinders: Finding Your Composition Style

Tilting touchscreen LCDs are a must for modern mirrorless, and both cameras deliver 3-inch, 1040k-dot resolution displays that are sharp and responsive. However, their articulation styles differ - the Canon’s screen tilts upward up to 180 degrees, making selfies or vlogging straightforward, while the Panasonic offers tilting modes favoring downward angles for high or low shooting perspectives.

Unfortunately, neither camera includes an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF). The M6 does offer an optional external EVF, which some may find cumbersome to attach. The GF8 lacks this feature entirely, steering users toward composing on the rear screen.

For bright outdoor shooting, this can be a sticking point - direct sunlight washes out LCD displays, and without an EVF, framing and focusing get tricky. Personally, I found the M6’s optional EVF essential for daylight precision, whereas the GF8 relied heavily on live view exposure compensation and histogram checks.

So if you value an EVF but want a compact body, the M6 has an edge - even if it’s an additional accessory.

Image Gallery: Real-World Sample Shots from Both Cameras

It’s one thing to pore over specs on paper, but seeing actual camera output tells the real story. Here are side-by-side examples captured in various conditions using the Canon M6 and Panasonic GF8, shot using mid-range primes to minimize glass-induced variable.

Canon M6 front Canon M6 screen back Panasonic GF8 front Panasonic GF8 screen back

The Canon images exhibit better dynamic range in landscape highlights and shadows, richer color fidelity on skin tones, and cleaner detail retention at higher ISO settings. The bounce flash in indoor portraits produced natural, soft skin tones on the M6 with less noise.

The GF8’s files still impress, especially in daylight, showing solid sharpness and color saturation. However, shadows clip faster, and higher ISO shots reveal more pronounced luminance noise and chroma shifts. Video footage from the GF8 benefits from excellent color reproduction but falls short of M6’s smoother autofocus tracking.

Autofocus Systems Compared: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is a crucial factor for sports, wildlife, street, and video shooters - and here, the Canon EOS M6 holds a notable advantage.

The M6 features a hybrid autofocus system with both phase-detection and contrast-detection points, totaling 49 focus points that cover a broad area. This affords rapid autofocus lock and smoother continuous tracking for moving subjects. The M6 supports eye detection AF, which proved reliable in portrait tests and street snaps, although it lacks animal eye detection, which is now a standard in newer models.

Contrast this with the GF8, which utilizes contrast-detection AF only, with 23 focus points clustered in the center. This system is precise in well-lit static scenarios but struggles to maintain consistent lock on fast-moving subjects or in lower contrast environments. Continuous AF was noticeably slower, and no eye-detection AF was present.

In real-world testing chasing birds or kids at play, the Canon M6’s AF burst speed of 9 fps and tracking accuracy provided more keeper shots, while the GF8’s modest 5.8 fps sometimes lagged behind the action.

Burst Rate and Shutter Performance

Speaking of burst rates, the Canon M6 shoots at 9 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus, a strong rate for an advanced mirrorless offering in its class. This makes it well-suited for moderate action and wildlife photography - though it’s no high-speed sports beast.

The GF8 trails at 5.8 fps, which suffices for casual snapshots but may frustrate sports shooters or anyone needing fast-fire capturing.

Shutter speed range is another point: the M6 maxes out at 1/4000s mechanically with no electronic shutter option, limiting freeze action in bright daylight without ND filters. The GF8, meanwhile, supports an impressive 1/16000s silent electronic shutter, great for extremely bright conditions or quiet shooting needs.

Video Capabilities: Same Same but Different?

Video shooters won’t find 4K recording from either camera, but both produce full HD (1080p) video at up to 60 frames per second with decent bitrate. The Canon M6 shoots 1920 x1080 @60p at 35Mbps using H.264 in MP4 containers, while the GF8 includes various frame rate options (60p, 60i, 50p, etc.) and AVCHD compatibility - which Panasonic users have loved for years.

Canon’s inclusion of a microphone input jack allows better sound control, critical for serious video creation. Panasonic lacks this feature, restricting audio recording to the internal mic, a major limitation for vloggers or interview recording.

Neither camera offers in-body image stabilization (IBIS), so video handheld stability depends on lens stabilization or external rigs.

Assessing Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery life is another real-world consideration - there’s no use buying a nifty camera if it dies mid-shoot.

The Canon M6 rated at approximately 295 shots per charge (CIPA rating), which is average but manageable for a day trip. Panasonic GF8’s battery life is shorter still, about 230 shots, so bring additional batteries for longer sessions.

Both cameras take a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, supporting UHS-I speeds for fast write performance, and USB 2.0 connectivity for file transfers - nothing cutting edge but sufficient for casual workflows.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Finding Your Optical Match

The Canon M6 uses the EF-M mount with 23 native lenses from Canon and third parties. Though not extensive compared to Canon’s DSLR EF lineup, EF-M lenses cover most common focal lengths and apertures, including sharp primes and versatile zooms. Adapters let you mount Canon’s vast EF and EF-S lenses, expanding options dramatically.

The Panasonic GF8 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, arguably the most extensive mirrorless lens ecosystem out there, with well over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Sigma, and others covering everything from fast primes to massive telephotos and macro optics. The smaller sensor crop factor (2.0x) means lenses behave differently - e.g., a 25mm prime acts like a 50mm equivalent, a nuance to consider in framing and depth of field.

For photographers invested in lens flexibility, the Panasonic GF8 offers wider choices. Canon’s EF-M mounts are growing but still more limited, though EF lens adapters help.

Specialty Genres: Which Camera Covers Your Style Best?

Portrait Photography

Canon’s APS-C sensor, superior color depth, and eye detection AF make the M6 a better companion for delicate portrait work and skin tone rendering. The wider sensor allows for creamier bokeh and more background separation, indispensable for flattering portraits.

Landscape Photography

While the GF8’s 16MP MFT sensor seems modest, its compact lenses and smaller sensor can deliver razor-sharp landscapes with excellent depth of field. The M6 edges ahead with better dynamic range for capturing highlights and shadows in complex lighting.

Weather sealing is absent on both, so outdoor shooting requires care.

Wildlife & Sports

Autofocus speed and burst rate matter here - clear wins go to Canon’s M6, whose phase-detect points and 9 fps burst rate deliver better predictive tracking. The GF8’s contrast-detect AF and slower fps limit its usefulness for fast subjects.

Street Photography

The GF8’s petite, lightweight body and quieter shutter modes make it ideal for unobtrusive street shooting and candid captures. Canon’s M6 is slightly bulkier but offers quicker AF and eye detection, which can help snag passing human expressions.

Macro Photography

Neither camera excels in native macro capabilities - no dedicated macro focusing technologies or stacking - but Panasonic’s extensive lens selection includes several macro primes at affordable prices; Canon’s adapter support also opens more options. The lack of IBIS on both means tripods are recommended for extreme close-ups.

Night and Astro

Canon’s higher native ISO and better noise control make it more effective in low light and night sky conditions. Neither camera has built-in astro modes, but the Canon’s longer shutter speeds and cleaner shadows win points for long-exposure astrophotography.

Wireless Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras offer built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image sharing and remote control via smartphone apps. The Canon M6 adds Bluetooth support, enhancing pairing stability and geotagging potential.

Neither includes GPS, and both lack weather sealing and advanced durability features like freezeproofing, so plan accordingly.

Price-to-Performance: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

At launch, the Canon M6 cost around $679, while the Panasonic GF8 was priced more accessibly at $549. The M6 packs in superior sensor performance, faster autofocus, and richer video specs, justifying the higher price.

If your priorities include image quality, speed, and adaptability to professional workflows, the M6 is worth the extra investment.

For casual shooters, social media content creators, or those on a budget needing a compact, simple system with a robust lens ecosystem, the GF8 delivers solid performance and great value.

Summing It Up With Measured Ratings

To distill these insights, let’s look at their overall and genre-specific performance scores based on hands-on tests and documented specs.

• Canon EOS M6: Strengths in portrait, wildlife, sports, night photography, and video; well rounded for pros and enthusiasts.
• Panasonic GF8: Best suited to street, travel, and casual photography; weaker in action and low light.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Canon M6 and Who Should Go GF8?

If you prize image quality, autofocus agility, and better video features - without sacrificing portability - the Canon EOS M6 stands out as the more accomplished camera with enthusiast-level appeal. Its APS-C sensor still holds weight in a market pivoting to full-frame mirrorless, especially for photographers who want a versatile all-rounder.

The Panasonic Lumix GF8 is a compelling choice for beginners or enthusiasts seeking a lightweight travel buddy with excellent lens options and solid daylight performance. It’s also a good gateway into the Micro Four Thirds system without breaking the bank.

Whichever camera you choose, you’ll get a taste of mirrorless freedom with compact form factors, intuitive touchscreens, and decent creative tools to fuel your photography journey.

To recap:

One last note: Mirrorless cameras continue evolving fast - if you want up-to-date features like 4K video, stabilized sensors, or animal eye AF, newer models from both brands might be worth considering. But if budget or form factor lands you here, the Canon M6 and Panasonic GF8 remain solid options with distinctly different strengths.

Happy shooting - and may your next capture be your best yet!

Thanks for reading this detailed hands-on comparison. Questions or want more specific tests? Drop me a line - I love geeking out over cameras!