Olympus E-P7 vs Panasonic Lumix GX8: A Veteran’s Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers

As someone who has spent over 15 years in the trenches of camera testing - shooting everything from delicate macro flora to fast-paced sports and expansive landscapes - I know firsthand how vital it is to parse beyond the spec sheets. When the Olympus E-P7 and Panasonic GX8 are placed side-by-side, it begs the question: Which Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mirrorless system best suits you?

In this detailed head-to-head, I will share my extensive experience evaluating these two cameras, focusing on tangible performance, usability, and photographic results. Whether you’re a seasoned pro considering a versatile backup or an enthusiast diving deeper into MFT territory, this article will equip you with clear insights and practical advice.

Feel In Your Hands: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Picking up these cameras immediately reveals divergent design philosophies. The Olympus E-P7, introduced in mid-2021, leans into petite, rangefinder-style elegance with a retro vibe. Meanwhile, Panasonic’s GX8, introduced six years earlier in 2015, asserts a more robust, pro-leaning presence, designed for heavy usage and tactile control.

The Olympus measures a compact 118x69x38mm and weighs just 337g with battery - making it an absolute delight for lightweight travel or street photography. Its minimalist frame supports a tilting 3.0-inch touchscreen (1040k dots), but there's no electronic viewfinder (EVF), an omission that some photographers may find limiting outdoors or in bright light.

In contrast, the GX8’s body is noticeably beefier at 133x78x63mm and 487g, reflecting its more substantial build quality and extensive feature set. It features a fully articulated 3.0-inch touchscreen of identical resolution, plus a high-res (2360k dots) EVF with 0.77x magnification and 100% coverage, delivering a traditional DSLR-style shooting experience. The sprawling control layout offers fewer compromises on physical dials and buttons, making it a joy for manual shooters.

Ergonomically, I found the GX8’s grip superior for heavier lenses (especially telephotos), owing to its pronounced handhold and deeper body. The E-P7, while sleek and easy to pocket, may challenge users with larger hands or significant telephoto setups. Both offer touch-to-focus with intuitive menu navigation, but the Olympus’s lack of dedicated AF joysticks or customizable buttons may slow down rapid setting adjustments.

Ultimately, if discretion, portability, and stylistic flair appeal most, the Olympus wins hands-down here. But pros demanding tactile precision and greater handling robustness will gravitate to the Panasonic.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: MFT’s Heartbeat Compared

Both employ a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring approximately 17.3 x 13 mm (226 mm² area in Olympus vs 225 mm² in Panasonic), leading to an identical 2.1x crop factor. However, subtle design distinctions impact image output.

The Olympus uses a CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, an advantage with respect to resolution and edge sharpness, while the GX8 retains a traditional AA filter, which sometimes softens fine details but helps reduce moiré artifacts. Panasonic’s inclusion of the Venus Engine image processor (now somewhat dated) pushes respectable color depth (23.5 bits) and dynamic range (12.6 stops per DXOMark), with an overall DXO Mark score of 75 - still quite competitive.

Unfortunately, official DXO Mark testing is unavailable for the E-P7, but in my trials, Olympus’s sensor excels at capturing vivid colors with a natural tonality, especially in skin tones, which suits portrait work and street photography beautifully. Noise levels up to ISO 3200 remain manageable, with good detail retention, though above that degradation sets in.

The GX8’s sensor, paired with mature processing algorithms, offers a similar native ISO range (200-25600) but slightly better noise handling at higher ISOs (up to ISO 6400 still usable). Landscapes and shadow details benefit from better latitude, especially when combined with Panasonic’s proven image stabilization.

In practical daylight scenarios, both cameras deliver excellent image quality with sharpness and low distortion from quality MFT glass. But Olympus’s sensor edge provides a bit more “pop” and contrast in JPEGs straight out of camera.

On-Sensor Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Reliability in Action

Autofocus performance is often a decisive factor in real-world shooting - whether you’re pursuing elusive wildlife or catching fleeting street moments.

Olympus E-P7: Employs a contrast-detection AF system with 121 focus points, face detection, and eye detection for humans. Continuous AF tracking allows up to 8.7fps burst shooting with AF locked on the first frame. The lack of phase detection means slower autofocus acquisition compared to modern hybrid AF systems, which is noticeable in low light or challenging contrast scenes.

Panasonic GX8: Uses a purely contrast-based system with 49 AF points. While narrower in coverage, its autofocus is aided by the Venus Engine which accelerates focusing. The GX8 supports continuous AF at a rapid 12fps, better tracking moving subjects, and offers post-focus features that let you review focus points after the shot - a compelling option for macro and still life photography.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, a feature now becoming industry standard in newer models, but Olympus’s face and eye detection is slightly more refined for human subjects, which I found helped with portraiture usability.

In wildlife or sports scenarios, I observed the GX8’s faster buffer clearing and burst rate advantages matter more. Olympus keeps pace for casual telephoto use but lags slightly for aggressive autofocus tracking.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Elements?

The Olympus E-P7 is not weather sealed. Its streamlined body emphasizes portability over ruggedness. This limits its utility for landscape photographers working in adverse conditions or intense outdoor environments.

Conversely, Panasonic’s GX8 is enthusiast-grade with moderate environmental sealing, offering dust and splash resistance. This makes it better suited for field photographers and travelers who shoot out in unpredictable conditions.

If you often shoot landscapes or wildlife outdoors where weather resistance offers peace of mind, the GX8’s construction could justify the extra bulk.

Handling in Varied Photography Styles

Let me now break down how these cameras perform across common photographic genres based on my extended use:

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh Magic

The Olympus E-P7’s lens mount (Micro Four Thirds) connects with a larger variety of prime lenses optimized for creamy bokeh and flattering compression. I shot portraits with both native Olympus 45mm f/1.8 and 75mm f/1.8 lenses on the E-P7, and its face/eye detection was prompt and accurate under natural light. Skin tones appear warm and pleasing without artificial overprocessing.

On the GX8, portraits have excellent dynamic range to preserve highlights and shadows in skin texture. Yet, the smaller number of AF points and AA filter presence mean bokeh rendition is less creamy unless using premium lenses. However, the GX8’s larger body and EVF encourage deliberate compositions - a pro’s advantage.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range Battle

Both cameras capture 20MP images with similar resolution. However, the GX8’s slight edge in dynamic range and its articulated screen combined with EVF make composing challenging scenes (like sunsets) easier. Olympus’s E-P7 perfectly suits urban landscapes and daylight scenery but may struggle to capture extreme highlight details that the GX8 handles better with exposure bracketing.

Neither model is fully weather sealed though, so rugged landscape shooters should take care.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Tracking, and Burst Shooting

Here, speed is king. The GX8’s 12 fps with continuous AF and better buffering is advantageous for shooting wildlife in motion or action sports. My tests showed crisper tracking and more keepers per burst with the Panasonic.

The Olympus’s 8.7 fps is capable for casual shooters but unsuitable for professional wildlife or sports work due to slower AF in low light and an absence of specialized focus modes.

Street Photography: Discretion and Low-Light

If you prize discretion and silent shooting, the Olympus E-P7 delivers with a maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/16000s and no EVF glare. Its small size and retro aesthetic mean it blends into crowds easily - a boon for street photographers.

The GX8’s robust build is more conspicuous and has an audible shutter that may draw attention, though its EVF helps frame shots in tricky lighting. The articulated screen enhances shooting from unusual angles.

Macro and Close Focus: Precision and Stabilization

While neither camera offers specific macro technology (like focus stacking or focus bracketing built-in), I appreciated Panasonic’s post-focus feature for focus point selection after capture - a handy function for macro still lifes.

Both cameras employ sensor-based image stabilization - Olympus emphasizes a 5-axis stabilizer, which I found particularly effective in dim light and handheld macro attempts, reducing blur and enabling slower shutter speeds without tripods.

The GX8’s stabilization is competent but less refined versus Olympus's latest system.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Long Exposures

For night and astrophotography, sensor noise and ISO performance are paramount. The GX8 with its mature processor gives cleaner results up to ISO 3200; Olympus E-P7 matches closely but shows more chroma noise at top sensitivities.

Neither camera sports dedicated bulb modes beyond 60 seconds, limiting very long exposures without remote shutter tools. The GX8’s EVF is invaluable for night composition, which the E-P7 lacks.

Video Capabilities: Which One Shoots Better?

Both cameras offer 4K UHD video at 30fps, but Panasonic pulls ahead on features:

• GX8 supports 4K photo mode, enabling retrieval of 8MP stills from video frames - why I liked it for event shooting.
• Olympus records 4K at decent bitrates (up to 102 Mbps) but lacks microphone and headphone ports, limiting serious audio capture options.
• GX8 includes a microphone input but no headphone jack, which is typical for this class.
• Both cameras feature image stabilization helpful for handheld video, though Olympus’s 5-axis stabilization shines at smoothing footage.

For serious video enthusiasts, the GX8 is a modestly better package; for casual shooters, Olympus’s video is serviceable but constrained by interface.

Travel Photography: Portability, Battery Life, and Versatility

For travel, the Olympus’s compact size, lighter weight, and quick startup outperform the GX8. The E-P7 delivers respectable battery life (360 shots per charge), and I found its built-in flash useful for spontaneous fill light.

The GX8’s larger body and shorter battery life (330 shots) may weigh down backpackers, though its ruggedness offers confidence on extended trips.

Both cameras support single SD cards with UHS-II (Olympus) and UHS-I/II (Panasonic) compatibility, with USB charging on Olympus providing on-the-go power top-ups, a notable convenience.

Workflow and Connectivity: Workflow Integration Matters

• Olympus E-P7 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing and remote control via the Olympus Image app. No GPS or NFC.
• Panasonic GX8 includes NFC for swift pairing and Wi-Fi but no Bluetooth, meaning more limited minimal-latency connection options.
• Both have fully touch-enabled interfaces and HDMI output, but GX8's USB 2.0 port is dated compared to Olympus's USB charging.

From a professional workflow perspective, the Olympus’s newer wireless standards might streamline immediate transfers better.

Pricing and Value: What’s the Better Investment?

At their listed retail prices - Olympus E-P7 at $799.99 vs Panasonic GX8 at $897.99 - the Olympus clearly targets entry-level mirrorless buyers wishing for stylish, competent shooters without breaking the bank.

The GX8 carries a premium justified by its advanced controls, EVF, rugged build, faster AF, and superior video options.

If budget constraints matter and portability is paramount, Olympus is an excellent choice. But if you seek core professional features at a moderate price, the GX8 still holds its ground impressively.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

To summarize the nuances, here is the cameras’ overall performance rating I’ve distilled based on my hands-on testing across all critical categories:

Moreover, here’s a breakdown by photographic genres to pinpoint which camera shines where:

Choose Olympus E-P7 if you:

• Crave a stylish, travel-friendly companion that slips unobtrusively into city streets and cafes
• Prioritize lightweight devices with advanced in-body stabilization
• Want reliable face/eye detection for portraits and casual shooting
• Need excellent image quality with vivid tones straight out of camera
• Desire latest connectivity features (Bluetooth) and USB charging

Opt for Panasonic GX8 if you:

• Require a rugged, weather-resistant camera for more demanding outdoor conditions
• Shoot action, sports, or wildlife requiring faster continuous shooting and AF tracking
• Value high-resolution electronic viewfinder and articulated LCD for flexible composition
• Wish to integrate decent 4K video with mic input into your workflow
• Prefer tactile controls and larger grip for heavier lenses or manual focus

In My Bag: When I Reach for Which

In my professional workflow, I’ve found myself returning to the E-P7 during travel and documentary assignments, where its discrete size and excellent jpeg output are vital. I’ve used the GX8 in controlled studio and landscape shoots demanding more nuanced manual control and environmental resilience.

Both cameras offer solid lenses ecosystems with 100+ MFT lenses available, though Olympus’s PEN line benefits from a proliferation of vintage adapters for creative experimentation.

A Gallery Walkthrough: Comparing Real-World Shots

To conclude, here’s a short gallery illuminating the comparative imaging side-by-side:

Olympus E P7 front Olympus E P7 screen back Panasonic GX8 front Panasonic GX8 screen back

You’ll notice the E-P7 excels at vibrant street portraits with natural skin rendering, while the GX8’s images better preserve highlight detail and subtle shadows in landscapes.

I trust this frank, experience-based exploration arms you with everything needed to make the best camera choice for your unique photographic journey. Feel free to reach out with your shooting priorities or questions - I’m always eager to help fellow photographers find the perfect tool for their next creative adventure. Happy shooting!