Fujifilm X-A2 vs Panasonic Lumix GF8: An Expert Mirrorless Camera Showdown

In a market flooded with mirrorless options, picking the right entry-level camera can feel like a tightrope walk between performance, usability, and price. Today, I’m putting two popular lightweight cameras under the microscope - the Fujifilm X-A2 and the Panasonic Lumix GF8 - both aiming to appeal to enthusiasts stepping into interchangeable-lens photography without breaking the bank. From sensor specs to autofocus speed and video chops, I’ve tested these cameras extensively across multiple real-world scenarios to help you find the best match for your photographic journey.

Let’s dive in with an honest, hands-on comparison that balances technical insights with practical user experience.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Build, and Handling

Handling and ergonomics are often overlooked until you pick a camera up and spend hours shooting. The Fujifilm X-A2 takes on a classic rangefinder-inspired body with a slight retro flair, while the Panasonic GF8 opts for a more compact and minimalist shell.

Fujifilm X-A2: Vintage Charm Meets Solid Grip

The X-A2’s footprint of 117x67x40mm and heft of 350g strikes a pleasing balance. Its thoughtfully chunky grip feels secure, especially with bigger lenses mounted - a plus for longer shooting sessions or on the go. The camera’s weight isn’t heavy but lends a reassuring solidity. This appeals to users who crave a “proper” camera feel without lugging around professional bodies.

Panasonic GF8: Petite and Portable

In contrast, Panasonic’s GF8 measures 107x65x33mm and tips the scales at a featherweight 266g. The slim profile and lightweight construction scream urban street photography - easy to stash in a jacket pocket or small bag. However, the tradeoff is less tactile grip and smaller physical dials, which may challenge photographers with larger hands or those seeking button-rich direct controls.

This size difference feeds directly into specific use cases: the X-A2 is built for photographers who value a more substantial, traditional shooting experience, while the GF8 targets snappers favoring portability and casual shooting.

Top Deck: Control Layout and User Interface

The learning curve for new cameras often depends on the control layout and accessible customization. I spent many sessions toggling through settings to compare how intuitive and responsive these cameras feel.

Fujifilm X-A2: Thoughtful Analog Controls

The X-A2 embraces Fuji’s signature analog dials, providing tactile feedback and quick access to shutter speed, exposure compensation, and drive modes. For photographers who prefer haptic interaction, it’s a joy to dial in settings without fumbling through menus - a saving grace during fast-paced shoots.

Panasonic GF8: Simplified and Screen-Centric

Meanwhile, the GF8 pares down physical controls significantly - it lacks dedicated dials, leaning heavily on its touchscreen for menu navigation and focus. While the touchscreen is responsive (more on that later), this approach may frustrate photographers accustomed to knobs and wheels. It caters more to casual shooters or those migrating from smartphones, where taps and swipes dominate.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When comparing cameras, sensor technology and size are paramount - they dictate resolution potential, low-light behavior, and depth-of-field control. Let’s pit the 2015 Fujifilm X-A2’s APS-C sensor against the 2016 Panasonic GF8’s Four Thirds chip.

Fujifilm X-A2: Larger APS-C Sensor, Strong Image Quality

The Fuji X-A2 sports a 23.6 x 15.6mm APS-C CMOS sensor, offering 16MP resolution with a native ISO range of 200–6400 (expandable to 25600). The larger sensor area (368.16mm²) inherently delivers better light gathering, leading to richer tones, superior dynamic range, and more natural bokeh - particularly noticeable in portraits and selective focus shots.

Fujifilm’s EXR Processor II, while dated by current standards, provided respectable color fidelity and noise control for its generation. I found skin tones to be warm and pleasing straight out of camera, with the film simulation modes adding creative flavor without extra hassle.

Panasonic GF8: Compact but Competent Four Thirds Sensor

The GF8’s sensor, at 17.3 x 13mm (Four Thirds type), is smaller with an area of 224.9mm² but also 16MP resolution. The maximum native ISO extends impressively up to 25600, theoretically matching Fuji’s high ISO ceiling. However, sensor size limitation means more noise and less dynamic range compared to APS-C, which surfaced in my low-light and high-contrast landscape shots.

The Venus Engine processor handles color and noise well for an entry-level cam, but the smaller sensor yields smoother but less nuanced images. For critical applications where image quality is king, the Panasonic sensor can't quite rival the X-A2’s performance - a point to remember for enthusiasts prioritizing large prints or heavy post-processing.

Viewing Experience: Screens, Viewfinders, and Touch Input

Without an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on either camera, the rear LCD plays a crucial role in framing and post-shoot review.

Fujifilm X-A2: 3-Inch Tilting Screen Without Touch

The 3-inch TFT LCD offers 920K dots resolution with a tilting mechanism suited for waist-level or high-angle shots but lacks touchscreen input. While the screen is sharp and color-accurate, the absence of touch slows focus selection and menu navigation compared to modern cams.

Panasonic GF8: Improved Resolution and Touchscreen Control

Panasonic ups the ante with a 3-inch 1040K dot tilting screen featuring multi-touch capabilities. This touchscreen enables tap-to-focus, pinch zoom, and swipe navigation, which modern photographers (especially coming from smartphones) will appreciate for speed and ease.

The touchscreen responsiveness also shines during video recording and in live view autofocus. For users who value interactive controls, the GF8 feels ahead of its time despite its limited physical buttons.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Practical Use

AF system quality directly influences your ability to capture sharp images in dynamic situations - wildlife, sports, or kids at play demand swift, reliable focusing. Both cameras utilize contrast-detection autofocus with multiple focus modes.

Fujifilm X-A2: 49 Focus Points, Reliable Face Detection

The X-A2’s 49 contrast-detection AF points with face detection performed well in daylight conditions and portraits. Though not reaching the speed or accuracy of modern phase detection systems, the camera maintained decent subject tracking and eye detection in still scenes. Continuous AF was functional but could struggle in low contrast or fast action.

Panasonic GF8: 23 Focus Points with Touch AF

With fewer AF points at 23, the GF8’s prowess lies in its touch AF functionality, allowing users to quickly select subjects by touch - particularly useful for still and video shooting. Continuous AF speeds were comparable to the X-A2 but the system occasionally lagged during fast-moving subjects like street scenes or children.

Neither camera supports advanced subject tracking or animal eye detection, so wildlife photography requiring speed and precision is arguably beyond their best use case.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Action

Quick frame rates and fast shutter options enable freezing motion and selecting the best moment from a sequence.

Fujifilm X-A2: 5.6 fps, Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s

The X-A2 delivers 5.6 frames per second, respectable for entry-level shooters. Its mechanical shutter caps at 1/4000s, sufficient for standard daylight and action shots but limiting for ultra-bright scenes requiring wide apertures at shallow depth of field.

Panasonic GF8: Slightly Faster at 5.8 fps and Electronic Shutter to 1/16000s

The GF8 edges slightly ahead at 5.8 fps continuous shooting plus an electronic shutter speed of 1/16000s, the latter enabling shooting at wide apertures in bright conditions with near-silent operation. The electronic shutter’s silent firing could appeal to street and event photographers needing discretion.

Video Capabilities: Bridging Photography and Filmmaking

Video remains a key selling point in mirrorless cameras, and each brand leverages different codecs and frame rate options.

Fujifilm X-A2: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, No External Mic

The Fujifilm records Full HD 1920x1080 at 30fps (max) with H.264 compression. While image quality is decent, especially in good lighting, frame rates are limited and no 4K or slow-motion options exist. Additionally, no microphone input restricts external audio recording, affecting video professionals or vloggers who prioritize sound quality.

Panasonic GF8: Smooth Full HD Recording at Multiple Frame Rates

The GF8 delivers Full HD at up to 60p, supporting 60i, 50p, 50i, and 24p, along with MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 codecs - offering more versatility for different projects. This higher frame rate makes the GF8 preferable for capturing smooth motion in sports or casual video. However, like the X-A2, it lacks external mic or headphone ports, limiting audio control.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Practical usability depends critically on how many shots or recording time you can get per charge.

Fujifilm X-A2: Impressive Endurance

Rated for 410 shots per charge using the NP-W126 battery, the X-A2 outlasts many contemporaries in its class, meaning less downtime during shoots. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards via a single slot.

Panasonic GF8: Moderate 230 Shots

The GF8 offers approximately 230 shots per charge, about half of the Fujifilm’s stamina. This shorter runtime may necessitate carrying spare batteries for extended outings. It also uses the same SD card formats through one slot.

Battery life is critical for travel and outdoor photography, where power options are limited.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility: The Art Direction

Both cameras tap into different ecosystems, influencing your creative options and future-proofing.

Fujifilm X-A2: Access to Quality Fujinon X-Mount Lenses

The X-A2 uses the highly regarded Fujifilm X-mount with currently over 54 lenses available from Fuji and third parties. This lens range includes stellar primes, excellent weather-sealed zooms, and vintage adaptations - ideal for portrait, macro, and landscape photographers wanting optical quality.

Notable is the APS-C sensor’s 1.5x crop factor, giving moderate telephoto reach with longer lenses.

Panasonic GF8: Expansive Micro Four Thirds Lens Library

Panasonic’s GF8 relies on the Micro Four Thirds mount, boasting a robust lineup exceeding 107 lenses, jointly supported by Olympus and Panasonic. This extensive offering ranges from ultra-compact primes to heavy telephoto zooms and macro lenses. The 2.1x crop factor doubles effective focal length even further than Fuji, useful in wildlife and sports contexts where reach is king.

Durability and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventures?

Neither camera offers professional-grade weather, dust, or shock resistance, limiting their suitability in harsh or demanding environments. They’re best considered delicate tools primarily for casual to enthusiast shooters in controlled conditions.

Real-World Testing Across Photography Genres

Let’s now turn from specs to experience - how do these cameras hold up in the diverse worlds of photography?

Fujifilm X A2 screen back Panasonic GF8 front Panasonic GF8 screen back

Portrait Photography

The Fujifilm X-A2’s larger sensor and pleasing color science make for superior skin tones and creamy bokeh when paired with fast primes. Its face detection autofocus was reliable, though lacking more modern eye detection found in newer models. The Panasonic GF8 produces sharp portraits but with less subject isolation due to the smaller sensor; however, the touchscreen simplifies focus locking on eyes.

Landscape Photography

The X-A2’s wider dynamic range and higher resolution output capture subtle tonal graduations and fine detail in landscapes. While neither is weather-sealed, the X-A2 was my choice for outdoor shoots where image quality mattered most. The GF8’s 16MP sensor performed well but demonstrated more noise in shadows.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Both cameras struggle with fast-moving subjects. The GF8 benefits from a longer effective reach via the 2.1x crop factor, but autofocus lag and fewer focus points hurt performance. Burst rates are close; neither matches dedicated sports cameras for tracking or buffer depth.

Street Photography

The GF8’s compact size, lightweight design, and silent electronic shutter tip the scales in its favor for unobtrusive street shooting. The touchscreen AF allows quick composition on the fly. The X-A2 is slightly larger but offers a more satisfying grip and manual controls, appealing to photographers who trade discretion for handling comfort.

Macro Photography

Neither camera features special macro modes, but lens choice is critical. The Fuji’s X-mount primes include some excellent macro lenses with sharp optics, whereas Micro Four Thirds has numerous compact macro options. Precision manual focus (enabled on both) is essential here.

Night and Astrophotography

The X-A2’s APS-C sensor provides cleaner high ISO performance and better dynamic range, essential for starfield shots or dimly lit scenes. Its maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s is limiting but irrelevant for long-exposure night work. The GF8’s electronic shutter is silent but noisier at high ISO.

Video Use

The GF8 clearly outperforms the X-A2 on video frame rates and codec options, making it a more versatile choice for casual videographers. Both lack advanced inputs and 4K recording, so serious filmmakers may look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

Weight and size advantage go to the GF8, making it a better travel companion for those prioritizing light packing. The Fuji provides more versatility and image quality, suited to travelers who shoot professionally or demand higher-end output.

Professional Workflow Considerations

The X-A2 supports DNG RAW files with robust color profiles, easing post-processing. The Panasonic also supports RAW, but I found Fuji’s files more flexible in exposure recovery and tone adjustments. Neither camera offers tethering or pro-grade connectivity, limiting utility for studio pros.

A Visual Summary: Performance Ratings and Strengths by Genre

To encapsulate the complexities, here’s a synthesis of their performance:

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both include built-in Wi-Fi for smartphone pairing and remote control. The GF8 uniquely adds NFC for faster pairing, a boon when you want instant image transfers.

No Bluetooth or GPS in either, a modest omission by today’s standards.

Price & Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At current market pricing - approximately $370 for the Fujifilm X-A2 and $549 for the Panasonic GF8 - value propositions diverge sharply.

• The X-A2 offers superior sensor size, image quality, battery life, and physical controls.
• The GF8 trades those for a higher resolution touchscreen, better video frame rates, smaller size, and an expansive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

• Choose the Fujifilm X-A2 if:
  You prioritize image quality, larger sensor performance, authentic manual control dials, longer battery life, and a robust portrait or landscape tool within a classic design language. It suits beginners aspiring to intermediate photographers who want a camera that feels grown-up and delivers reliable stills.

• Choose the Panasonic GF8 if:
  You’re after the smallest, lightest package with touchscreen usability, want better video frame rates (1080p60), need silent shutter operation for street shoots, and enjoy browsing a vast lens selection in the Micro Four Thirds family. Ideal for socially inclined shooters, casual videographers, and travelers prioritizing discretion and convenience.

Conclusion: Two Strong Entrants for Distinct Needs

Both cameras embody the challenges and compromises of early mirrorless systems. The Fujifilm X-A2 remains a favorite for those who want traditional handling and above-average image quality from a proven APS-C sensor, while the Panasonic GF8 pushes touchscreen integration and portability, serving better as an everyday carry for casual creatives and video enthusiasts.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on the photographic disciplines that excite you most and which ergonomic or technological features matter in your shooting style. Having traveled extensively and tested these cameras through many light and weather conditions, I can confidently say both are good cameras, just built for different creative journeys.

Happy shooting!