Panasonic GX7 vs. GX8: Hands-On Deep Dive into Two Micro Four Thirds Gems

Choosing between Panasonic’s GX7 and GX8 mirrorless cameras can feel like sorting clubs for thumbs: both wield solid features and entice advanced enthusiasts, but subtle upgrades tip the scales differently depending on your photographic style. Having thoroughly tested both cameras over several months in varied shooting scenarios, I’m here to unpack every critical detail - from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and genre-specific prowess - so you can decide which one truly earns a spot in your camera bag.

Let’s start by comparing the physical bodies and design languages of these siblings.

Size, Handling, and Control Layout: Ergonomics that Matter in the Field

The Panasonic GX7 and GX8 share a similar "rangefinder-style" mirrorless body shape, but Panasonic made noticeable changes to the GX8 that impact usability.

The GX8 is larger and heavier: it measures 133x78x63 mm vs. the GX7’s 123x71x55 mm and weighs about 487 g compared to 402 g (both with batteries). That’s roughly a 20% weight increase. In my hands, that translates to a more substantial grip and enhanced balance, especially when paired with heavier lenses, but if you prize extreme portability or shoot street discreetly, the smaller GX7 will appeal.

Looking at the top control clusters:

The GX8 sports larger, more tactile dials and a more pronounced shutter button, which I appreciated during rapid-fire shooting. The GX7’s controls feel more compact; they’re perfectly usable but can seem fiddly for users with larger hands or when wearing gloves.

Both have customizable function buttons, but the GX8 provides a bit more scope for tailor-made workflows. This ergonomic and control refinement puts the GX8 in the “more comfortable for prolonged shoots” camp, while the GX7 remains leaner for those wanting pocketability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Sharper Shots and Improved Dynamic Range

Both cameras use Panasonic’s Four Thirds-sized sensors (17.3mm x 13mm, area of 224.9 mm²) but with notable differences in resolution and processing.

• GX7: 16MP CMOS sensor, paired with the Venus Engine processor.
• GX8: Upgraded 20MP CMOS sensor, also with Venus Engine but a newer iteration.

In practical testing, the 20MP sensor on the GX8 delivers crisper details, especially noticeable when cropping or printing large photos. The increased resolution allowed me to pull out fine textures in landscape shots and cityscapes without resorting to excessive sharpening.

Dynamic range differences are subtle but measurable: DXO Mark overall scores rate the GX8 at 75, just edging out the GX7’s 70. The GX8 also improved color depth slightly, which contributes to richer skin tones in portraits and more nuanced gradations in skies and shadows.

Both cameras max out at ISO 25600, but the GX8 has better low-light performance with a DXO low-light ISO rating of 806 compared to the GX7’s 718. In my nighttime and astro photography sessions, the GX8’s cleaner high-ISO files resulted in less smoothing and retained more starfield detail.

Viewing Experience: Electronic Viewfinders and Rear Screens Compared

Nothing beats framing shots with a bright, accurate viewfinder or a versatile LCD screen.

The GX7 features a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD at 1.04 million dots, while the GX8 ups the ante with a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen at the same resolution. The GX8’s flip-out screen was a game-changer for me when shooting at awkward angles, filming video, or taking selfies - more on that in the video section.

Both cameras employ electronic viewfinders (EVF), but the GX7’s EVF is a 2.76-million-dot OLED with 0.7x magnification. The GX8 opts for slightly less resolution at 2.36 million dots but a higher 0.77x magnification. In practice, the GX8’s finder felt marginally more immersive, with a brighter, cleaner image especially in sunlight.

In dim environments, the GX8’s EVF also exhibited quicker refresh rates and less lag, which is invaluable for tracking fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Face Detection

Autofocus (AF) is critical - it can make or break candid moments or fast action sequences.

Both cameras use contrast-detection AF systems, with no phase-detection pixels on their sensors. While this is a limitation for speed compared to hybrid AF systems found in some competitors, Panasonic’s algorithms are surprisingly nimble.

• GX7: 23 AF points
• GX8: 49 AF points

The jump in AF point count on the GX8 translates to markedly better subject tracking, especially with continuous autofocus (AF-C) enabled. In sports and wildlife shoots, the GX8 locked focus faster and maintained tracking longer during bursts. The GX7 struggled occasionally to keep up under rapid subject movement.

Face detection works well on both, but neither camera has animal eye AF or other modern AI-assisted features, so pet photographers might want to look elsewhere. However, for human subjects, eye detection autofocus on both models delivered pretty consistent sharpness on eyes in portraits, which I verified through side-by-side portrait shoots.

Touch-to-focus is responsive on both cameras’ touchscreens, enabling quick re-composing without fiddling with dials. The GX8’s fully articulated screen is a plus here.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Where Speed Meets Reality

Serious sports or wildlife photographers need cameras that can keep up with the action.

• GX7 manages 5 fps continuous shooting.
• GX8 doubles that to 12 fps.

I tested burst mode with a fast telephoto lens in a basketball game setting. The GX8 caught every fleeting expression, while the GX7 frequently dropped frames when the buffer filled.

Neither camera boasts extensive buffer capacity (both have single SD card slots), but the GX8’s faster shooting expands creative options, capturing sequences where decisive moments vanish in milliseconds.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Shooting in the Elements

The GX7 has a plastic body without environmental sealing. The GX8 improves here with magnesium alloy construction and weather sealing against dust and light rain.

If you get your thrills shooting outdoors - hiking, landscapes, nature trails - this is a big difference. I got caught pouring rain unexpectedly during a mountain shoot, and while the GX7 needed immediate shelter, the GX8 soldiered on without issues. Of course, neither is waterproof, so cautious protection is still advised.

Lens Compatibility: A Vast Ecosystem at Your Fingertips

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, with access to Panasonic’s own lenses plus Olympus and third-party glass. With over a hundred lenses available, you’re spoiled for choice.

While the GX7 and GX8 bodies differ, lens compatibility remains 100%. This is a big cost saver if you already own MFT glass.

Video Capabilities: Stepping Up the Cine Game

Video is often the secret weapon of the GX series, and here the GX8 notably nudges ahead of the GX7.

• GX7: Full HD 1080p recording maxing out at 60fps.
• GX8: Adds 4K UHD recording at 30p and 24p.

4K video significantly broadens creative possibilities, especially for content creators aiming for future-proof footage. Moreover, the GX8 has built-in microphone input (though no headphone jack), letting you connect external mics for much-improved sound capture.

Both cameras support in-body sensor stabilization, which tangibly smooths handheld video shots. The GX8 also supports Panasonic’s 4K Photo mode, extracting 8MP stills from video - handy for action or wildlife photography.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will You Play?

Battery life is modest on both, reflecting their compact mirrorless design.

• GX7 rated for approx. 350 shots per charge.
• GX8 gets slightly fewer at around 330 shots.

Real-world testing confirms this, with the GX8 a little more of a power hog, likely due to the higher-res sensor and 4K video processing.

Both rely on single SD card slots, which is fine for most casual shooting, but professionals wanting redundancy might look elsewhere or carry spares.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for fast pairing with smartphones or tablets. This makes image transfer and remote shooting straightforward.

Neither offers Bluetooth or GPS, which feels like a small omission in 2024, but not a deal breaker given their price point.

Real-World Photography Tests Across Genres

I shot both cameras extensively, testing critical photography genres to highlight practical strengths and compromises.

Portrait Photography: Where Skin Tones and Bokeh Matter

Both cameras produced pleasing, reliable skin tones thanks to Panasonic’s color science and robust white balance controls.

The GX8’s higher resolution sensor gave portraits a crisper look, with cleaner details in hair and eyes, especially under studio or natural light. I enjoyed the fully articulated screen on the GX8 for creative angles and easier self-portraits, noticeably absent on the GX7.

Regarding background blur, both cameras are limited by MFT sensor size and lens choice. However, fast prime lenses overcome this more than the camera body itself, so here the advantage is minimal.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The GX8’s improved dynamic range and extra 4MP resolution helped pull more detail from shadows and highlights. For landscape shooters who adore cropping or printing big, that’s worth the upgrade.

Both cameras lack professional-grade weather sealing, but the GX8’s moderate environmental protection earns it bonus points.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rates

The GX8 convincingly takes the lead here with a faster burst rate (12 fps), a more comprehensive AF point grid, and improved tracking. The GX7 falls short during action sequences, producing more missed frames.

Sports Photography: Tracking, Low Light, and Frame Rates

Similar story: the GX8’s 12 fps burst beats the GX7’s 5 fps by a mile for fast subjects.

In low light, the GX8’s slightly higher ISO capability and better noise handling preserve image clarity. For indoors or nighttime sports, it’s an edge worth considering.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Though the GX8 offers many upgrades, the GX7’s smaller size and lighter weight better suit photographers who prioritize stealth and mobility on busy streets.

Both are quiet and inconspicuous, but the GX7 is marginally better for quick grab shots.

Macro Photography: Precision and Stability

Neither camera offers built-in focus stacking or focus bracketing, but the GX8 adds post-focus - a nifty feature for focus stacking workflows.

Sensor-based image stabilization benefits both models equally, aiding handheld macro work. The GX8’s articulating screen improves composition at tricky angles, which I found helpful shooting insects.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

With cleaner high ISO output, the GX8 is preferable for astro shooters focusing on starscapes and night cityscapes.

Both cameras offer manual exposure modes with shutter speeds up to 60 seconds and bulb mode for extended exposures.

Video Production: Resolution and Audio Inputs

Again, the GX8 outperforms the GX7 due to its native 4K recording, microphone input jack, and 4K Photo mode. The GX7 is fine for casual Full HD video but won’t satisfy more demanding videographers.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

While the GX8 is heavier, its enhanced features - like weather sealing, 4K, and articulated screen - justify the weight for serious travelers.

For cheapskates or extreme minimalists, the GX7 is compact enough to carry everywhere and sufficient for most snapshots.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow

The GX8 edges ahead with better build quality, expanded AF options, and 4K video, suitable for semi-pro or hybrid photo/video gigs. Both support RAW and integrate well with popular editing software.

Sample Gallery: Side-by-Side Image Quality Checks

Panasonic GX7 front Panasonic GX7 screen back Panasonic GX8 front Panasonic GX8 screen back

Comparing JPEG and RAW files from both cameras reveals the GX8’s finer details and broader tonal latitude. The GX7 holds its own but looks slightly softer, especially at wider apertures or longer exposures.

Summing Up Performance Ratings

And here’s how DXO Mark scores these two:

• GX7 overall: 70
• GX8 overall: 75

These numbers echo my hands-on experience - the GX8 nudges ahead technologically, but the GX7 retains solid core credentials.

How They Rank by Photography Genre

The GX8 shines in fast-action and video tasks, while the GX7 stays competitive in portability and generalist photography.

Pros and Cons Recap

Final Verdict: Which Panasonic Micro Four Thirds Suits You?

Buy the Panasonic GX7 if you:

• Want a compact, pocketable mirrorless with solid image quality.
• Shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, or street photography at a relaxed pace.
• Are on a tighter budget but want decent controls and Wi-Fi.
• Rarely need 4K video or super fast AF.

Upgrade to the Panasonic GX8 if you:

• Need higher resolution for large prints or intense cropping.
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action and demand reliable autofocus and burst speed.
• Are into 4K video or run a hybrid photo/video workflow.
• Want weather sealing and a fully articulated touchscreen for versatile shooting angles.
• Can handle the extra bulk and cost for upgraded performance.

Neither camera is perfect, but given how they fit into Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds lineup, both represent excellent value. For enthusiasts eyeing future-proof features and sustained performance in varied conditions, the GX8 is the clear leader. For casual advanced shooters seeking portability and affordability, the GX7 remains a solid contender.

Whichever you choose, you'll be investing in a camera system rich in lenses and accessories - a win no matter your photographic journey.

I hope this deep dive helps you make a confident, well-informed decision. Feel free to reach out if you want lens recommendations or workflow tips tailored to your style!