We received the Panasonic GX80 / GX85 for testing at the end of last week. Since it is still a relatively new camera, we decided to share our first impressions after shooting with it for a few days. Our complete review will be out in a couple of weeks.
Note: this new camera has different names depending on the geographic area. In Europe it is called GX80, in the United States it will be sold as the GX85 and if you live in Japan, you will find it as the GX7 mark II. I guess at Panasonic they like to make reviewers’ work even more confusing than it already is! Anyway, because we live in the UK, we will refer to it as GX80.
Unlike the GX8 which is a high-end model (our review here), the GX80 is the true successor of the GX7 released almost three years ago. The design and size are much more similar.
Despite its age, the GX7 is still one of our favourite Micro Four Thirds cameras. We like the small form factor, comfortable grip, good ergonomics and ease of use. I often used the GX7 for my event work alongside the OM-D E-M1 and for video shooting with the Lumix GH3.
There are a few things I already find myself disliking about the updated design of the GX80. The grip is less rounded and prominent and I find it less solid than that of the GX7. The top exposure dial has been re-positioned but it is still comfortable to access. The rear dial however isn’t as easy to reach when framing with the viewfinder. The AF/MF selector is gone unfortunately.
Speaking of viewfinders, I also miss the tilting EVF. It was a unique feature at the time of the GX7 launch and I’ve found it handy in some situations. It’s a shame that Panasonic got rid of it on the GX80 after implementing the same concept on the GX8. The EVF specs are the same as the ones of the GX7: field sequential LCD panel with a combined resolution of 2,764k (three RGB signals combined for each dot). The magnification is 1.39x (0.70x by 35mm equivalence).
The RAW files are not yet compatible with Lightroom but can be opened with the latest version of Iridient Developer. The GX80 has a new sensor that lacks an AA filter. Panasonic says it should resolve 10% more detail. If I compare the same image taken with the new camera and the GX7, it is almost impossible to notice any differences. We’ll perform more tests for the final review.
Click on the image to open the full res version.
- Slide to the right: GX80 version (100% crop, Iridient)
- Slide to the left: GX7 version (100% crop, Iridient)
During the first days, I mainly focused on the new L.Monochrome profile. Black and white profiles are becoming more and more popular these days and I’ve been testing similar capabilities with the Olympus Pen F and Fuji X-Pro2. I was curious to see how well it would work on the GX80. I must say I like the results for now. There is a good range of grey tones, as well as excellent sharpness and detail.
Click on the image to open the full res version.
Click on the image to open the full res version.
Click on the image to open the full res version.
You can choose between 4 different filter effects (yellow, orange, red, green). Panasonic explains that the new “L” profile has richer gradation comparable to B&W film. If we compare the two monochrome profiles (the standard monochrome and the new L.monochrome), we can notice that the latter applies more contrast.
- Slide to the right: monochrome profile
- Slide to the left: L.monochrome profile
The camera features Panasonic DfD technology for the autofocus system, which was first introduced with the GH4 and is now found on other Lumix cameras including the G7 and GX8. As with every Lumix camera, the AF is blazingly fast and reliable in most situations. In Continuous mode, I’ve always had mixed feeling about the DfD technology. It has its limit and the contrast detection technology can give you less consistent results. But the first tests taken with the GX80 are encouraging so far.
Then we have the image stabilisation system which might be the most important aspect of this camera. This is where Panasonic closes the gap with its direct competitor Olympus and might even surpass it because its new 5-axis stabilisation sensor works in conjunction with the optical stabilisation of Lumix lenses.
Note: 15 lenses are compatible with Dual IS. The list can be found here.
For stills, I was able to take a sharp shot down to 1s with the Olympus 9-18mm (sensor shift only) at 9mm and down to 2s with the 12-32mm (Dual IS) at 12mm.
Click to open the full res version.
With the Lumix 35-100mm f/2.8 set at 100mm (that’s a 200mm equivalent), I got a sharp shot at 0.8s and an almost sharp shot at 1s (with lots of attempts). From 1/2s and 1/4s, the keeper rate increased to around 35%. We will perform other tests to analyse the performance of the GX80 in-depth but so far I am impressed.
Click to open the full res version.
Click to open the full res version.
The sensor stabilisation and Dual IS stabilisation is effective for video as well (unlike the GX8) and that is the second great piece of news. You can choose to work with hardware stabilisation or also add electronic stabilisation (note that it will crop the image a little). We used the GX80 for a few of our YouTube videos and shooting the product shots hand-held works really well.
This might be the ideal camera for our video work at MirrorLessons.
It is a camera that allows you to work hand-held in most situations, delivers excellent video quality and has 4K, which is convenient for cropping in a 1080p timeline when doing video review.
Speaking of cropping, below you can watch a short video that shows how the new 4K Live Cropping works. You set a starting zone and an ending zone for panning, for zooming in and out or for both. You can use the rear dial or the touch screen to set the zone’s size and position. You can choose between 20s or 40s for the clip length. The output is Full HD at 1080p regardless of the range of zooming or panning you set.
In the video you can also see a few examples recorded hand-held with sensor and Dual IS.
Digital panning or zooming is something I used to do in Premiere Pro but it is quite fun to be able to do it in camera. If you use 4K a lot in a Full HD timeline to get two shots in one, it can be an excellent addition to your workflow. The only thing I noticed is that if the range of movement is too short, the footage can be a little jerky.
Other features have been added to this camera which we will test later on such as Light Composition (4K Photo option), Focus bracketing and of course all the other functionalities we find on most Lumix cameras.
As a final note, I really like the new mechanical shutter. It includes an electromagnetic drive and the sound is much softer and quieter in comparison to other Lumix cameras. It should also prove efficient against shutter shock and so far this seems to be the case.
Then I think about the price: this camera will sell for around $800 with the kit lens. I might have in front of me the best deal within the Micro Four Thirds system, if not amongst all mirrorless cameras.
Do you any questions about the camera while we are testing it? If so, make sure to leave us a comment below!
Check out my complete review 😉
https://www.mirrorlessons.com/2016/05/18/panasonic-gx85-gx80-review/
Great review, saw something about “Light Composition” as a feature of the GX80/85 cannot find any details on this. Do you know anything about that?
Thank you for the excellent in deep viedeo review. https://youtu.be/hhxaQkR8vbk
My GX80 comes tomorrow or Friday 😉
UHS-II is not compatible with this camera so it wouldn’t make a difference.
No it isn’t unfortunately.
Please do allow meone more question,, Mathieu. Is the EVF also stabilised? In my GX8 I missed this in contrast to my OM-D E-M5 II.
Hi, there’s one point which is often let appart on reviews : SD cards. I guess that a basic UHS-I Sandisk Ultra 95MB/s should be “enough”, but would the GX85 benefit from a fast SD card and UHS-II ? As a comparison, my EM5II felt much faster with a fast card like a 2000x Lexar, rather than a 1000x.
Thank you for the new video: https://youtu.be/bFgdJECo-Kw
Since you asked, here is an example I put together with the Ultron 28mm f/2 VM lens:
https://youtu.be/bFgdJECo-Kw
I did a few tests comparing with the GX8 (OIS only), the jitter is almost gone with Dual IS.
Small follow up: the “rainbow” effect is still present as in the GX7 EVF.
Yes especially with telephoto lenses. You can see an example in my latest video here:
https://youtu.be/FeiqmnIm6CA?t=4m37s
“For video you can’t select the setting for panning only, it’s all or nothing.”
Thanks, I had been wondering about that. Such a shame that the stabilization is so erratic, might ruin a lot of takes.
That you very much. I am very exited for your in deep review!
so the result is to maximise gx80 is get the panasonic lens with is… poor my 40-150… haha maybe i just get em5ii and wait gx80 for the final prize….. for penf not weather sealed.. and in my country the price is better then penf.. thank u for the review btw… oh yeah.. how about the high iso performance ? starting iso 3200? cause i used em1 is worse the em5i..
thank u so much.. i’ll watch it…
You can watch my latest video concerning IBIS on the GX80 and Pen F 🙂
https://youtu.be/FeiqmnIm6CA
You can see an in-depth comparison concerning IBIS with my latest video:
https://youtu.be/FeiqmnIm6CA
Image quality is the same, but the GX80 has better in-body stabilisation and that can help.
Here you can watch an in-depth comparison between the GX80 and the Pen F concerning stabilisation:
https://youtu.be/FeiqmnIm6CA
Check out the 2nd video in this link: http://www.thevideomode.com/equipment/panasonic-lumix-gh5-2295/ GX85’s IBIS is amazingly good
The 12-40mm is pretty sharp but I’ll do more tests (in my example IBIS was off).
An in-depth video test concerning the IBIS and Dual IS capabilities is coming (including a comparison with the Pen F). The digital stabilisation works with 4K too and is helpful with static shots mainly. For video you can’t select the setting for panning only, it’s all or nothing.
Hi Mathieu. Could you also test the GX80/85 with a sharper lens, like the Leica 25 f/1.4 (preferably with both BIS and IS turned on and off)? I am guessing that the other lenses may not be sharp enough to test the exact sharpness.
Also, if you could do a video test while walking, or travelling in a moving vehicle, with both stabilized and non-stabilized lenses, that would would be great.
The GX80/ 85 also has digital stabilisation for extra smooth movements (I am wondering whether this is limited to HD only) and specific stabilization settings for panning left to right/ right to left, which isn’t 5-axis but 2-3 axis only. Could you also please do a test of this.
Thanks
Yes the 4K photo burst modes are also available on the GX80/85.
With my GX8 I can make videos in 4K with 30 fps in fotomode. Is this also possible with the GX80/85?
Best regards
Andreas
Wow! great! Looking foreward for that!
I’ll keep an eye out. Haven’t seen any RS videos on the GX yet. I was about to buy a G7 (best budget 4k image IMO) to fly on a gimbal, but I’m waiting to see how the GX compares as it would be much easier to just put on a handle and hit record instead of messing with a gimbal. Thanks!
Good job Mathieu! One question: i’m mainly oriented to still photography. 4k would be just a funny extra. I would combine my GM5 with a second body with superior performance to be used in combo with prime lenses. You would you suggest me take the old GX7 or the GX80 features are worth the money?
A video comparison with the a6300 is on the list 😉
Any chance you can put together a 4k comparison through the ISO range, moire/aliasing and rolling shutter with the a6300 and others? The stabilization samples look very impressive, I’m seriously considering replacing my GH4/gimbal setup with the GX85. Thanks for the effort.
Thank you Mathieu.
The specs are the same but you can select 60fps for the live view on the GX80 so you get a more fluid view on the LCD and EVF (helpful in low light) in comparison to the GX7. Otherwise they feel pretty much the same but I miss the tilting option.
The grip is better on the GX7 so the GX80 is less comfortable with larger lenses.
How is the EVF compared to the GX7. I also like the tilting ability of GX7 and I also notice that the distance between eye and EVF is even smaller compared to the GX7. Isn’t it harder to use? Doesn’t the nose hit more easily the screen? Also does the different grip feel worse with larger lenses?
Great! I look forward to it.
Did you read my mind? 😀
That comparison is in the works right now!
Another great review Mathieu. With a lot of the newer model mirrorless cameras coming out with ‘black and white’ modes, I hope you get to do a comparison review of these cameras different ‘black and white’ modes (including filters).
1) Extended means it’s not a native sensitivity of the sensor. The image is taken at 200 ISO then the image processor underexposes it by 1 stop.
2) I never noticed a relevant difference with DR or noise. It’s useful when doing long exposure for example and you want to use a slower shutter speed.
ISO for the GX80 and GX8 starts at 200 but can be optionally extended to ISO 100.
1) Why is this een option and not the default?
2) Any positive (assume slightly lower noise and higher DR) or negative impact using ISO 100?
please make a final review or video about the issue then.. heheh lucky you can test them in advance…
“same shutter speed as the G7”. I meant at similar shutter speeds, since the GX85/80 can be shot at some seriously slow shutter speeds.
Thank you for taking out the time to patiently replying to my (and everyone else’s) queries.
Keep up the good work. Love your pics. Thanks again.
Thanks. Happy do do it when we have the camera before the release. It helps people clear out doubts and questions about the new camera.
2) Actually it is also stated in the manual that the built-in flash won’t work as a trigger. Again the best solution is the small FL-200L on the camera’s hot-shoe.
4) It’s not available but it does behave very similar to 4K burst so like in video mode.
Mathieu, many thanks for your quick reply – very helpful!
Two remarks, one concerning internal flash (Q2) and a suggestion to possibly perform an additional test of the burst mode (Q4) using the electronic shutter
2) FLASH
Could that be a limitation of the pre-production firmware? Somewhere I’ve read that this menu feature is grayed out, which could be interpreted as an indication of an upgrade to the final firmware. Either way, it would be quite a downgrade from the GX7 with such a limited internal flash similar to the GM1, where Panasonic kills ultimately the usage of external slave flashs as there isn’t a simple work around to my knowledge (no hot-shoe, the only possible option would be a flash activation via a flash sensitive sensor in the remote flash -> I’ll have to double check Metz flashes). -> Yet another reason to keep my GX7 😉
4) BURST MODE
Is live view available when you use electronic shutter in burst mode? The ES allows higher frame rates — B&H calls 10, some preview say it’s almost 11fps — and may provide better live-view, as ES may behave like in video mode
PS
I enjoy your real-world tests and the great opportunity to give input during the gear review process – quite cool! Please continue with this interactive review approach, this makes your reviews unique and is very beneficial and stimulating for your followers!
Thanks again,
Phil
The sensor shift will do well with the Oly lens, as the OM-D do well with a similar sensor stabilisation system. But if you want the best performance, Dual IS can have an advantage there which makes sense since it adds optical stabilisation in addition to the sensor.
The specs don’t mention HSS so I don’t think it can do it.
Thank you Mathieu. Do you know if the upcoming Panasonic Lumix DMW-FL200L External Flash will do the same (sync at high speed)?
that means i have to get panasonic lens with is for maximum use? pity for my oly 40-150mm f2.8 then =(
From what I’m seeing so far, performance are similar but the IBIS on the Pen F is slightly better. The GX80 catches up with Dual IS and with telephoto lenses. The GX80 has 5-axis with the sensor, it’s the GX7 that has 2 axis only.
Mostly plastic with metal dials.
1. I’m not sure about that, I’ll ask Panasonic.
2. The 5-axis IBIS works with non-stabilized lenses also for video. The results are excellent and similar to the ones of the Olympus cameras. For static shots, it’s almost perfect, if you move with the camera it does a good job too. I am preparing a video comparison with different examples.
3. You are more limited because there is no flat profile (not even the Cine-Like ones). Natural seems to be the best choice and you can also decrease the contrast and open the shadows, but it’s not a real log gamma profile. In that case I prefer to get the best result I can on camera and minimize grading in post.
4. I would say they are the same.
5. Low light seems on par with other M4/3 cameras but I haven’t look a lot at the RAW files yet (lightroom is not compatible yet). What do you mean by “same shutter speed as the G7”?
6. I find it similar but I don’t have a G7 with me to do a side by side test.
1) Probably the new shutter mechanism.
2) No. You need an external flash like the small FL200L or any wireless compatible units (also the one provided with the LX100 works) to trigger other flashes.
3) Not sure why but it’s a shame. Panasonic decided to do some downgrades from the GX7 (tilting EVF, larger grip and the AF/MF selector are gone). You can assign Focus Mode to a function button and select AF-S, AF-A, AF-C or MF.
4) With 4K burst, the camera records a 4K video at 30fps so the live view is constant like recording in the normal video mode. In burst mode, if you choose High (8fps), live view is disabled: the camera shows you the last picture taken in the EVF without any blackouts but there is a lag between what’s happening in the scene and what you see in the EVF. With the Medium (6fps) or Low (3fps) modes, there is live view so the lag is minimal but you get blackouts.
5) Yes Auto ISO is available in Manual mode but you can’t use the exposure compensation (only works in S, A or P).
here a link to the manual of the GX85:
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/dscoi/DMC-GX85/P_PP/guideUSA.pdf
Hi Mathieu,
nice “intro-review”, thanks. Looking forward for the full story!
My gear context: I use MFT quite heavily:
* GM1 (focus: outdoor sports),
* GX7 (travelling, street) and
* GH3 (work & video).
* I already ordered a GX-80 and expect the handling to be quite similar to GX7
Here my questions concerning the GX80:
1) Why is the flash sync slower than in the GX7 (+/320; 1/250 with external flash) – any other explanation than marketing? Is the new shutter-mechanism responsible for this?
2) Does the internal flash allow triggering remote slave flash(s) like the GX7 does?
3) Why did they remove the focus selection switch around the the AF/AE lock button?
-> Even the tiny GM1 has that physical switch, which I use quite for pre-focusing (using AFS, then switch to MF), e.g. for panorama and burst shooting sports (skiing & biking). Is there a easy work around that?
4) I assume when shooting in 4K-Photomode (30 pics/s) you have a +/- constant preview with a +/- non/little-delayed picture of the scene in the monitor/viewfinder; right? If so, is this preview also available if you shoot sport series in “normal” burst mode with pre-focusing or AFS (8pic/s mechanical, 10 pics/s electronic shutter)? Or does the viewfinder/monitor get black – thus NO preview in burst mode?
5) Finally: Does the GX80 allow AUTO-ISO in M mode?
If yes, can you use exp. comp together with Auto-ISO in M mode?
Thanks for your reply!
Adieu,
Philipp
Hi Mathieu, I was curious about a few things:
1. Does the HDMI have video out (for 8-bit 4-2-2) for recording (like on the G7)?
2. How smoothly does it handle non-stabilized lenses like the Leica 25mm f1.4 for video?
3. How Flat does the profile go for video? How good does it seem for grading, compared to the other Panasonic cameras (in Natural Profile)?
4. Did you find the Photo Quality As Good, Better, or Worse than the G7?
5. How good or bad is the low light, and the same shutter speed as the G7?
6. How does the video quality compare with the G7?
Thanks and great work, as always.
Hey, Mathieu!
Another question: Is the body plastic, or metal?
Information has been a bit fuzzy about that.
Or rather, how much of it is metal? Just the mount?
i ve heard gx80 has better ibis compare to em5ii or like u said pen f… i ve just change my nikon d700, gh2 and em5i to 40-150mm f2.8 oly. now i have not body but have their extra battery.. cant wait gx80.. but have to buy many new battery.. but some article said it only have 2 stop stabilator is.. but u have try it right.. really need to hear more from you.. if we use other brand lenses like oly or voigtlander or nikon lenses with adaptor..
I’m doing a comparison with the Pen F (same IBIS as the E-M5 II). I’ll probably make it a standalone article as it is quite interesting. SO far the Oly IBIS has a slight advantage with wide angle lenses, but the Dual IS is better for telephoto lenses.
have u used with non panasonic lenses? how many stops works for IBIS only? is it better compare to OMD EM5ii? if u compare IBIS only.. not the dual IS thanks mat
The Nissin i40 is a good flash, is not too expensive and supports HSS (up to 1/4000s with the GX80).
Mathieu, while we wait for your full review, this gives us a glimpse of what the camera can do. Thank you for an early review! I have been waiting to buy a M4/3’s for a while primarily because of the form factor and smaller bodies are so much easier to carry around. I was waiting for these conditions to be met: tilt screen, build-in flash, view finder, 4K video, touch screen, image stabilization and weather seal. While we don’t have a weather seal body, I we are getting everything else at a good price point. While GX8 has many of these features available, I for some reason didn’t like the tilting viewfinder. I also like using tilt screen over the articulating one because I do a lot of landscape photography. I find tilt screen easy to use and access but maybe it’s just me.
Earlier I was always thinking about getting an Olympus camera but I reckon that Panasonic is equally good and now with IBIS and 4K, it is hard to beat. Also I hear from most people that AF is much better with Panasonic.
Personally, I am interested in seeing a Live Composite (a short video on setup would be great) and how you can use an external flash with this camera. Can the external flash sync at a higher shutter speed and if so which external flash do you recommend?
I am really excited about this camera and looking forward to its release! Thank you again for all the good work you and Heather do.
I’ll test the Light composition soon but it’s quite different from Olympus cameras. It’s a 4K photo option, so you need first to record 4K footage in 4K photo mode, then go in the playback menu, select the Light composition option and blend the images from there. As a result it will only output an 8MP JPG (from compressed 4K footage). With Olympus cameras, it saves the RAW file in full resolution.
By the way it’s not wireless by Wi-Fi but by optical communication.
I pre-ordered a GX85 and i am looking forward to getting the camera soon. One aspect i am interested in is how the light composition feature works in comparison to Olympus’ live composite feature. Great to hear that the image stabilization on the Panny works pretty good. I currently use a GM5 and often a non-stabilized prime lens so that sounds like another great feature with the GX85. Thanks for your reviews. Jeff Smith
Sorry, I din’t understand well. Now let’s hope that this new way of triggering flash by Wi-Fi is a proof of concept which will be followed by more updates so as to provide radio triggering to M43.
Yes it is explicitly said for video too. Hopefully I will get a VM lens and adapter next week to test it on the camera.
Thanks for the attention, Mathieu. 🙂 But it is explicitly said in the video section of the manual (I think that the manual is not already available for download)? The GX7 (I have one and love it lke you) allows you to set the focal length manually for adapted lenses, but the IBIS is disabled for video (but it disabled for all video modes, for sure). Don´t have the GX8, but I guess that you could set the focal lenght too, but it’s IBIS is disabled in video too.
Since the IBIS it the GX85 it completely new, and looks like that it was made to compete specifically with the Olympus and Sony ones, I bet that it works with adapted lenses in video too – it was just to be sure. 🙂 But no hurry, will only (probably) order the camera in the end of the year. 🙂
I’ll do a video comparison with the a6300 including C-AF.
I can tell you already that the GX85’s user manual confirms the compatibility of the 5-axis stabilisation with adapted lenses for both stills and video (you set the focal length manually as you do with Olympus cameras.)
Yes the FL200L is included in the compatible devices list. The manual confirms what I told you: the built-in flash doesn’t work as a wireless trigger but the FL200L (and also the FL360L and FL580L) will.
About the FL200L, the french product Web page (https://www.panasonic.com/fr/consumer/appareils-photo-et-camescopes/accessoires-lumix-g/flashs/dmw-fl200l.html) states that the flash is wireless with Wi-Fi compatible products. Since the FL200L was announced jointly with the GX80, I was hoping that at least, the GX80 is included in the compatible devices list. Did you get a manual with GX80 and if yes, is there something about this Wi-Fi flash thing ?
Mathieu
If you get the chance, I would be interested to hear how continuous autofocus works, or doesn’t work, in video. I would love a comparison with the A6300 on this (the A6300 and A7RII seem to have some pretty interesting video autofocus capabilities)
-Basil
Great 🙂 wondering if it’s relevant to also consider the RX100 (iii or iv) as it’s on a close price point…
Continue the great work on Mirrorlessons!
It’s full res (16MP JPG and RAW). It’s not a 4K photo feature, sorry for the confusion. We wrongly assume that at the beginning while thinking of the Post Focus 4K option.
Please do! I think a lot of people are in the same boat as me: they are going from another system (say, APS-C) into M43, so investment-wise, we won’t have the opportunity to buy glass straight away.
It’s awesome to see the capabilities of the camera with other lenses, but I think a lot of people will benefit from an in-depth analysis of how the kit lens works with the camera.
Thanks, Mathieu!
Mathieu,
Please could you look at the new focus bracketing feature in detail, I would like to know if it is full-res. 16mp jpegs, or just limited to the 4K burst mode, also how many focus points can you select per shot. In Heathers feature on the Gsimple release App., she assumed the Gx80 focus bracketing would be limited to 8mp from a 4K burst, is this correct?
I really liked the OMD EM10 II feature on focus bracketing/stacking using Helicon Focus, and wondered how the new Gx80 would compare?
David
Looking at the comments, just shows how many of us are waiting for this camera. Shame about the flash not being able to trigger and exp compensation not working in manual mode. I might get this anyway as there is only em10 ii that beats it at this price. The only think I dislike about em10 ii is the viewfinder hump!
I am quite surprised with this early, preliminary review. Stoked about the camera. Not for me, but maybe for my wife, because I think in about a year its time for her to switch again.
If their software can handle it, I am sure they can.
Cool, I was also wondering about this. Merci Mathieu, Grazie!
Do you think the 4k pan and zoom feature will be implemented in future firmware on panasonic cameras in gh4 g7 gx8
Thanks. It is really a bad point IMO. Indeed, to me, built-in flashes are mostly interesting as easy-to-carry triggers for more powerful external and deported units.
Shutter shock seems better with the new shutter mechanism but I’ll do more test in the following days. As for the e-shutter, I am not sure about the RAW files bit depth yet.
I am not sure I’ll be able to put my hands on an adapter and third party lenses but I’ll see what I can do 🙂
Noted! 😉
Hi Marcos, I haven’t used the kit lens a lot yet but I’ll let you know in the following days. So far I don’t find it bad considering the very small size. Sharpness seems better at f/5.6. You get decent bokeh if you focus close.
Yes it’s mainly plastic but it does feel solid to me. I guess they wanted to keep the costs down for a better price.
No it doesn’t work in Manual mode with Auto ISO unfortunately. Only in the other semi-automatic or auto modes (you press the rear dial then adjust the compensation).
Unfortunately the built-in flash can’t control other wireless flash units (the option remains grayed out). That’s a shame because on the GX7 the built-in flash also works as a trigger for other wireless units. I don’t have the FL200L but I mounted the small flash unit that comes with the LX100 and it works: I can control the Nissin i40 or the Olympus FL-600r wirelessly. So I suspect that the FL200L will do exactly the same (it has wireless capabilities). However it doesn’t come with the camera, it’s an optional accessory.
Question : can the built-in flash behave as a TTL wireless master flash with Panasonic, Olympus or 3rd party like Nissin ? Do you have the upcoming FL200L that should be shipped with the GX80 ? If so, is it possible to have that camera in one hand, the flash in the other hand, and shoot ?
Hi Mathieu,
Does the GX80 provide possibility for exposure compensation with auto-iso in manual mode? I have read somewhere that the thumb wheel is clickable and now the camera has the hardware for this feature, but does the software allow it? Thanks 🙂
Does the body feel solid? I´ve read it is made out of plastic? That worries me a lot…
Mathieu! This is fantastic, thank you for the First Impressions article!
Quick question: what’s the kit lens like so far? I’m gonna save up for a nice prime so I need to be able to shoot well with the kit lens for a few months.
Mainly daily photography, street photography, product photography (with bokeh, as they are cakes, haha).
Usual suspects are my question: sharpness, CA, focus speed, range usability, bokeh, “artistic merit” (??) of the range, etc.
Thanks a lot!
Can you test for any moire and aliasing in video? Curious how the removal of the AA filter effects this.
That’d be great. Look fwd to it. TIA.
Hi, Mathieu. Waiting to see your full review, this camera looks a very nifty package.
One thing that you could put on your test list (and that no one tested in all the reviews that I’ve read): I know that the Dual-IS works both for stills and video (both for 4k and 1080p, I guess), and that the 5-axis IBIS works also with non OIS native lenses; looks like it also works very well for stills with adapted lenses.
But one one had tested yet if the video modes (both 4k and 1080p) have the 5-axis IBIS working with adapted lenses – that was the reason that I’ve never become interested in the GX8. The E-M5 II IBIS works very well for video with adapted lenses (even more after the firmware that removed the electronic crop), but it has no 4k and it’s 1080p is so-so.
Work with adapted lenses for video (combined with peaking) is a pleasure. If you could test it, I (and a lot of people) will be very grateful. 🙂
Regards
Thanks. I’ll do more in-depth stabilisation test soon (for both stills and video).
It’s in the to-do list 🙂
Yeah it’s a shame. It’s a great feature.
I don’t have the E-M5 II, but I can compare with the Pen F and E-M1. I haven’t noticed color tearing for now.
Hi Mathieu:
Can you do a side-by-side shutter sound comparison test w EM5II? That’d be very helpful. The new kid w a very innovative shutter, compared w the current king of quiet shutter sound. Pls do it by hand-holding (instead of on a table).
I
think the 10% improvement is there w/o AA filter, need to look at 100%.
Once DPR put in the studio comparison tool, it’s easier to debate.
I also love tilt EVF, use Oly EV4 just for that, so don’t like the decision for GX85. Is the color tearing still an issue?
Keep the reviews coming, this is a milestone camera and absolutely the best value. I hope Panny sells a ton (to keep the cam division in biz).
Regards.
Sounds like an amazing camera too bad they removed my favorite thing about the Panny rangefinders, the flip up EVF…something I want on every camera i own forever. (did you hear that Sony, Canikon and Fuji?!)
Hi!
Could you include a quick comparison with the A6300 (close sensor size, yet the GX80 is much cheaper), both for photo and video?
The Sony device is more expensive, so it must have its benefits – do you have a clear view on those?
Besides, the A6300 appears to suffer from overheating when shooting 4k – what about the GX80?
Thanks in advance!
So far I haven’t noticed any shutter shock in the critical shutter speed range. But I’ll do more tests for the full review.
Hi Mathieu,
Thanks for the “GX80 First Impressions”.
The G7 and GX8 suffered from shutter shock. Panasonic claims that the new shutter unit reduces issue by 90%? What’s your experience?
Noted. Thank you.
Noted! 😉
Hi Mathieu, thank you for the first impressions. Can you please test video with the Panasonic 35-100/2.8 to see if the bad jitter with that lens goes away with the IBIS+dual IS? I think I will switch my EM5.2 to the GX80 if that is the case…
When is your upcoming wedding? The GX80 is not available yet so that could help in making a decision if you are in a hurry. The a5100 sensor will definitely give you something more at high ISO but the GX85 is superior otherwise (and has better stabilization which can help in low light). However you should also consider a fast lens if you need to work in low light. f/4 can be quite dark.
Hi Mathieu, I have $800 burning a hole in my pocket. With that same amount I can get this GX85 or a used Sony A5100 + used 18-105f4 lens. I have an upcoming night wedding I’m going to and the reception could be dark. Which would you pick for that environment? I like the lens portfolio for m4/3, but in a challenging lighting environment does the sensor on the Sony provide more benefit?