David - I've recently begun dipping a toe into the M43 waters, and I have to say that your thoughtful, pragmatic reviews are a really invaluable resource. Many thanks for devoting the time and energy into producing them - keep up the great work!
David Thorpe, reviews are sharp, livin long he dont play no harp. cameras and lenses are his friendses but he keeps it real always to the endses.Lol boy that was baad , even for me. Appreciate your reviews, believe me I know the amount of time and effort it takes to shoot and edit a thorough review like this. Respect
This is hands down the most thoughtful and helpful review of this Camera, despite it being focused on stills and I'm interested in the video features. I rarely take the time to comment but you earned it. Very well done
Good review as usual. Needed to upgrade from my old GX1, wanting Image stabilization and wifi filetransfer. Was about to get a used GX7 but found a black friday deal getting a GX80 body for a bargin. Thanks for a good review!
I bought one-- a jewel. I almost hate to use it--it's so nice. It's a bit less convenient hunting through menus, than my GH4 but now that I' reprogrammed a few of the buttons, it has been a nice addition for a second camera. The smaller size is welcome. I can put the camera in one cargo pocket and a lens in another and leave the bag at home. With the 12-32 zoom on it, it fits in one large pocket. Last weekend, I used it with the 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 boating and was able to get some really nice photos on the boat and surprisingly good shots of other boaters. I'll have to try it with my 100-300mm. Pictures are very sharp with my better lenses. I'd like to do some tests to compare them.
Another great review, David. Like in my comments a short time ago on your Pen-F review, I added the GX85 to my collection a couple of months ago. This review also validates that decision. As for your review videos, they're absolutely the best I've heard, anywhere. So concise, well spoken, a true pleasure to listen to. Thank you again!
Finally a proper review of the GX80/85, a camera worthy to replace the GX7. When my GX7 dies, I will surely choose this camera to replace it. Regarding your comment on the GX8, I agree. The GX8 is anything but a GX7 replacement, and doesn't really have the GX7 "personalities". The GX8 is more suited as a "serious" body for us MFT shooters, sitting at the same place as the E-M1, E-M5 Mk II, and the GH4. I can already imagine a perfect dual body setup, consisting of the GX80/85 as GX8's sidekick, both wielding two different focal lengths that can cover any photography and video opportunities. Many thanks for the excellent review, David!
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, a GX8 and GX80 would make a good pairing. If I had a GX7 and was happy with it, like you I wouldn't be in a hurry to upgrade. The price is pretty reasonable but it will come down a bit as they all do. The GX7 was and remains, a sweet camera.
Great review David. This is the second time I bought a Panny based on your review (last one was a GH3, after you kindly answered my comments back in 2013). Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the GH5, I mean, the GXXM584%$ :)
Thanks, David. Always enjoy your reviews. Just bought the now 2-year old GX85 (US) and your review was helpful in pointing out features I need to pay attention to!
Once again, another awesome informative review. Love your style David. 1000 views so far, 162 thumbs up and no down. Thanks for the video! Useful information for real camera users.
On the strength of your reviews I have just taken delivery of a GX80 with Olympus 17mm 1.8. My travel bag now consists of said body and lens as well as an Olympus 45mm 1.8. Stunning results I must say and so wonderful to return to prime lenses. When I started as a pro I had two Nikon FM bodies, Nikkor 24mm 2.8, Nikon 105mm 2.5, Nikon 35-70 2.8 and Nikkor 300mm f4. I've been a pro snapper for UK quality nationals since 1992 and since 2006 have been using Canon DSLRs. I currently have a 5D MK3 and 6D MK1 full frame with lenses. Huge heavy bag to carry. Now, thanks to Mr Thorpe, I also have GX8+Olympus 12-40 2.8+Panasonic 35-100 2.8 all in a small Domke bag. Obviously on close inspection the full frames DSLRs have the quality edge but that is subjective. Compare the GX8/GX80 to my early Nikon D1/D1X/Canon 20D/7D/70D and the MFT win hands down. And I was getting half and full page pictures in colour in The Independent from a 2.74 megapixel Nikon! Keep on reviewing old chap and I'll beep buying.
Interesting, Thurston. It's often forgotten just how small a pixel count is really needed for most photographic outlets. I don't know how many editorial photographers are using Micro Four Thirds now - some use Fuji, I know. But professionals tend to be very conservative with their cameras, anything new has to really be up to it and earn its keep.
I'm afraid that from experience, many national 'snappers' refer to the MFT as toy cameras. They still prefer their huge lenses and camera bodies. More fool them! It's not how big it is, it's how you use it...as the old saying goes.
Absolutely. I use a Samsung S8+ phone and I reckon one of those properly used would be no different from a Canon in newsprint. But only for a limited range of subjects. Wouldn't care to rely on one in a riot or a half page landscape! I read somewhere that some Magnum people are using Micro Four Thirds in war zones.
Just bought one. The UK price is now below £500, and it becomes a pocketable camera, albeit a bit heavy if wearing designer jeans..... And I can use my Olympus lenses. A great review, which is sending me away to explore features I didn't know the camera had!
And another great and thoughtful review of a M43 camera from you David. Always a pleasure to watch and hear your thoughts on this stuff... As you can see, I'm becoming quite a fan of yours :)
I've owned this camera for about a month now (I bought it partly because of this review) and I'm still coming to this review just because I enjoy it, haha. Thanks for making the video, David. 20mm 1.7 II coming tomorrow.
Nice review. Picked up mine as an upgrade from my GM1 and I love it. For me this is a truly great hybrid , very strong on stills and video alike. Love the OIS. I always feel as if Panasonic listen to their customers, and that encourages my continued loyalty to the brand.
You sometimes get the impression that they don't listen - over shutter shock, say. But then, suddenly, out of the blue, they bring out something that solves the problem all at one go. I'd always wondered how long they could hold out against body stabilization,then came one try, OK but not great, with the GX7. Next thing, dual stabilization, so no-one feels they've wasted money on an optically stabilized lens because it works better than sensor stabilization alone would. Clever thinking.
Another great review David, measured and accurate, very impressed. I bought the GX80 for my wife after watching some of your reviews. I use a full frame Nikon system and wanted a small but competent camera that would supply reasonable raw files for me to process. It is the first Micro 4/3 system I have used. I have been so impressed with its abilities at low ISO I have started borrowing it with the 12-32 & 35-100mm compact zooms and UltraPod II mini tripod/strap clamp for travel. The Panasonic remote app is a revelation to me! I have been using the GX80 for two months getting some great images and saving carrying 10kg of FF body, glass & tripod when travelling. My back & I thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! I think you summed up the GX80 very well as competent. There's not much it can't do and with those lenses (the same as I use with my GX when I'm away) you hardly know you have it in the bag. The remote app, yes, very useful and something that is relatively easy to implement with an all electronic camera. It will never attain the out and out image quality of your Nikon but like you, in a fight between an aching back and IQ, my back is he winner! Glad you find my stuff helpful, very pleasing to me, thanks.
My pleasure, thank you. How I would love to use an app like that with my D810, truly eye opening. Based on my experience of the GX80 my friend has just purchased the G80 with 12-60mm and the 100-400 for lightweight wildlife photography. He doesn't like carrying around 150-600mm glass on his APS-C Nikon.
He/we went for the Micro 4/3 Panasonic G80 & 100-400mm based on your reviews. He's over tomorrow so I will get to have a play. If you get a chance have a look at the UltraPod II mini tripod. Not as rigid as your Manfrotto 709B and it will not take a FF dSLR & f/2.8 zoom but for lightweight city shooting with the GX80 and the compact zooms the ability to attach it to railings, small trees etc I have found very useful. I have an extra length of velcro that I can add to extend the size of objects i can attach it to and it only weighs 190g. I have just returned from a couple of days photographing The Shard and the More London area. After shooting all day and the blue hour/early evening with my Nikon gear I couldn't carry it anymore so I left it all at the hotel and just took the GX80, 12-32, 35-100, Ultrapod & the app out for night shots. Some of the best shots I got were with it in places a big tripod would have attracted too much attention. Off to Berlin in a week for two nights, only taking the Micro 4/3's gear, looking forward to travelling light. :-)
One improvement over the GX7 worth mentioning is "Depth From Defocus" now much improves AF, tracking in particular. For those considering the more robust GX8 or G80 then the screen type may sway you one way or the other. GX80 is tilt only, the other 2 are fully articulating. Also to bear in mind with electronic shutter besides rolling shutter is files are reduced to 10bit so expect lower dynamic range and more noise in post if pushing shadows.
Hi David, thanks for the review! Just a thought about your comment on the lack of tilting EVF. It was a "Who cares" feature when I bought my GX8 awhile back and while I still feel that way overall, I notice I pop it out of the detent every time it comes out of the bag now. When you mentioned the lack of it, I realized I use it to keep my nose off the screen and I think I will miss it now. And thinking about it, I'm not sure any of the reviews I've watched (I haven't watched any on the GX7) have given Panasonic credit for fixing the nose on touch screen problem. As you are also a GX8 shooter, I'd like to ask you: While it would probably get criticized for being strange, do you think the GX80 would have been better to have fixed the EVF tilted at 10-15 degrees?
Great review as always, David. I've bought this camera on three different occassions, first when it came out but I didn't like the handling as it felt a bit too heavily weighted on the right side of the body. The second time was to give it another whirl but I still couldn't take to it. So on the 3rd occassion I bought it primarily as a video camera and suddenly found myself warming to it. Now I still have and use it for both video and stills and its great for both and I've gotten used to its handling. The only things I still don't like are the EVF and the screen doesn't flip up or fully articulate. That aside the GX80 is a great little camera.
I'm very fond of mine. It's a perfect size for an all round Micro Four Thirds camera and with the 12-32 and 35-100 gives an absurdly small but high quality outfit. I agree about the screen, though it is perfectly usable. Just a shame that it isn't native 4:3. When you set the camera to 3:2 (I don't use it, myself) the EVF is a much more useful size. And the monitor, there are a lot of people who prefer the flip up. I don't because it's no use for portrait orientation. On the other hand, if a fully articulated screen added much more depth to the body, I prefer to leave it as it is. As you say, a great little camera with a whisper quiet shutter and very good stabilization.
Perfect review. I was almost sold on the GX7 - perhaps from Ebay, and you've now thrown me back into confusion. I'm a Lumix point&shoot owner looking to get a bit more creative. From your excellent review I know you are going to recommend I try both and see which I like best - I just wish someone would make the decision for me! Lovely paced reviews. Big fan.
Thanks Tim! If I were you and if you are willing to spend the extra money I'd buy the GX80/85. The shutter and better stabilization are worth it alone and you get the other capabilities, 4K etc, as a bonus.
The appearance reminds me of a stealth bomber, with a performance just as deadly. I now have two of them, and they're my main cameras. Thanks for this review, which pointed me in the right direction....
I'm late to the GX80 party, but my GM1 just refuses to give up the ghost - so I bought one anyway! Just wanted to recommend your very helpful book 'GX80 Menu System Simplified' which I would say is a must-have accessory to this terrific camera. I bought this as I was very impressed by the little book you wrote for the GM1 and I have not been disappointed - thank you!
Been wanting to get into photography for a while, but never liked the huge, bulky cameras. Found a deal for the GX80 /w the kit lens new for about $400, and couldn't stop myself from ordering it. Might get the M. Zuiko 25mm/1.8 for low light photos at a later date, but for now I feel it should be a nice enough step up from my phone for learning. Thanks for the review!
You're welcome, Anton! You'll find it a big step up from the phone, I think, good as phones are these days. It's the extra control you have that makes photography more pleasurable, in particular control over perspective and exposure. I'd agree with getting a faster lens later on. I think you'll find plenty to keep you interested for a long while with the kit lens. Have fun!
Nice review. I got 1/250 sync with a manual flash. I agree- a swiss arm knife... bad at nothing... good to excellent at many things. I received mine 1 month ago, and I've been enjoying it a lot for both photos and video.
Thank you fr the review! I think the 16/9 (and not 4/3 or 3/2) non-OLED viewfinder, lack of headphone and mike jacks, heavy weight (maybe panasonic add weight to make it feel a serious camera?), non-articulating LCD are shortcomings for some of us.
Excellent review Mr. Thorpe! I bought my first ever system camera the other year, the Lumix GX800/850 and a Panasonic 25mm/1.7 lens instead of the included kit lens. I thought the slim package and low cost would be worth the lack of EVF. I want to keep things as minimal and cheap as possible, and I will try to master 50mm photography with one camera only. Had I seen this review before I would have gone for this one instead... Having an EVF and more robustness for a very small increase in price...
Thanks! For me the EVF is a crucial item but I know people who have never used one and it doesn't seem to hamper them too much. The results you get on the GX800 won't be any different, in any case.
BTW, I bought one of these as the double cash back offer in the UK at present makes it a no-brainer. It is a superb camera and should really be sold as the 'digital Leica CL', imho.
Glad you like the reviews, Mark, thanks. You'd likely be happy with either camera. The biggest single difference is the rangefinder or DSLR styling which is a personal preference. The GX80 has a smaller EVF, which I find perfectly fine but some don't like. On the other hand the Panasonic has better video. The Olympus is a safe choice if you don't do a lot of video - I see you would buy the Mark II. That would be my choice too for the metal rather than plastic body of the III. The Panasonic has better autofocus which may be a factor. It's not a big difference in day to day use but Panasonic's AFC is definitely more reliable. One more factor is that the GX80's shape makes it a bit more convenient for general carrying around in a shoulder bag, And with the 12-32, it's very compact and has dual stabilization. Add the 35-100 compact zoom and you have a highly capable, highly mobile outfit.
I'm at 14k on mechanical shutter count at this point. So far the only down side is the difficult to use viewfinder with glasses on. Just a fantastic camera all around. My D800E is gathering dust.
Glad you like it, Mark. I wear glasses too but have no problem with the EVF which i find pretty good. I had problems with the first G80 I had which was duly swapped. With that, the extremities of the screen weren't so much difficult to see as blurred beyond use. It appears to be something loose in the EVF mech or optics because there was a slight clicking sound if I turned the camera from side to side. It may just be that your glasses or eyes don't suit it but I'd be surprised.
My GX85 arrives tomorrow. I wonder if you could share your custom settings in a video. I'm curious about the scenarios a seasoned pro like yourself would set for and the settings for each. Thanks for the awesome review. Very excited about the camera, my first micro 4/3.
That's an idea, Mark and thanks for the kind remarks about the video. You've certainly started out in Micro Four Thirds with a great camera. I'll see about a settings video. I tend to set up a basic modus operandim, put it on Custom 1 and alter it temporarily from there if necessary.
Great review, David! Thanks for all the hard work! Do you think this camera would be a noticeable improvement over the Pany G7 in terms of getting sharper images with the new Panasonic 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 lens? Thanks!
Thanks Linda. You'd have the dual stabilization with the GX80 but you'd want to use high shutter speeds with the 100-400 so not a radical difference. I like the little bit of extra crispness with the loss of the low pass filter too but again, not radical. Personally, a big lens like the 100-400 would, for me., sit better with a DSLR layout with a central EVF than the GX80's left side fitting. Also, the G7 has a better EVF which is important with a big long lens. All in all, I'm saving you spending your money again, Linda! Any more of this and you'll be firing me :-)
Hi David, the best review of the GX80 I've seen/read so far, thanks as usual! I've got one question on the sensor and one on the flash :) 1. Have you had moiré issues because of the lack of low-pass filter? I shoot a lot of architectures and so it might be an issue. 2. Can you bounce the flash on the ceiling as it was possible with the GX1 and GX7? I love that feature on my GX1! Thanks again...
Hi Giorgio - thanks. I didn't have any moire issues and I believe the camera software is tweaked to get rid of it. The flash, yes you can bounce it but it has to be held in position, as with the GM1.
Well done Dave ,yet another well prepared muddy water clearing exercise, you should working in the banking industry ,explaining in a few sentences "terms and conditions". Well done !
Heartbroken about the lack of a tilting EVF - I'm addicted to it on my GX7 and use it constantly. Maybe we'll see it return on GX9 along with addition of a mic jack and 20MP sensor w/o AA filter.
It's always struck me as somewhat fragile - though I can't say I've actually heard reports about busting it off - so maybe they were trying to increase mechanical robustness by eliminating a feature that few users (much less competitive products) found necessary. Is the GX80/85 EVF screen any larger than the GX7? Perhaps increased size was the tradeoff.
Maybe this is not so relevant now but I really hope to see a review of 14mm f2.5 from you, since this is an old prime which is not so popular, and there are very few quality reviews on this lens. Anyways, you are my favorite M43 reviewer.
Very nice review David. I bought the camera on the strength of it. I have a couple of prime lenses for it (Olympus 17mm F1.8 and PanaLeica 25mm F1.4). For landscape use, which of the wide angle primes or zooms would you feel are decent quality and sized comfortably for this camera (I'm dithering over going for a zoom as there seems to be no filter comaptiility)
There's really only the Olympus 12mm f/2 as a prime. The Panasonic 14mm is a nice lens but not that much wider than the 17mm. Ditto the Panasonic 15mm. The 12mm f/1.4 Panasonic would be nice but is very, very expensive. Overall, I'd say the Olympus 12mm f/2. Of zooms, the 12-40mm Olympus is amazingly good. Of the ultra wide zooms, both 7-14mms are excellent and a perfect match for your lens lineup. But, no filters. Some people have found ways to fit filters but they are all a bit of a lash-up on such expensive optics.
Excellent review, as always. Thank you for the intensive work. Though filming on a bicycle on a very wobbly path would not be my obvious choice to demonstrate the good dual stabilization. It is time to swap my LX100.
I agree about the bicycle, actually but its hard to demonstrate that something _not_ shaking. So I thought showing something that ought to be impossible might do it. Given the price you get for used cameras these days, I wonder about selling them. I have to because otherwise I couldn't afford to buy the new one for review but might't it be worth keeping the LX100 in the car glove compartment or desk at work?
+David Thorpe Thanks for your response. You are right, I don't sell my LX100. I love it but the 4K videos I make are shaky. That is why the GX80 is so tempting. Actually I hope that soon there will be an LX200 that offers the same stabilization as the GX80.
Thanks for your review on this camera. I’m a Mobile DJ and have been searching for a better quality camera to help me capture and video during my gigs. I do a lot of video during my gigs using my phone. But the quality don’t help. So please advice me what camera I can get under £400 to help me with better quality. Thanks
I specialize in Micro Four Thirds cameras so I can only give an informed opinion on them. Sony and Fuji do great cameras as well. In general for video, Panasonics are best. Most Micro Four Thirds cameras come in at more than £400 but one that doesn't is the GX800. It's compact and nice quality and will shoot 4k video. It doesn't have an eye level finder but for video that's less important, and for you, coming from a smartphone, will be no loss at all.
Bought one after this great review. Slowly getting to grips with it - Can't figure how to make the shutter fire if the camera thinks the scene is too dark (for star trail etc). but I'm sure that's just digging through the menus! Keep up the excellent work!
Hey, thanks! The G7 has a much better EVF and feels so differentl, it's hard to decide. Overall, the GX85 because of the stabilization and new shutter but if I had all stabilized lenses, probably the G7. I like articulated monitors and I find the DSLR design better for video. But..I'm happy using either.
Always enjoy your no-nonsense reviews David, even though Micro 4/3 remains a mystery to me. But I do often find myself thinking those guys at Panasonic and Olympus are very clever, if only they could put a bigger sensor into their cameras!
I'm gald you like the reviews, Saurat, thanks! The problem with putting a bigger sensor in would be that the lens sizes would then go up and tiny lenses like the 12-32 wouldn't be possible.
Hi, I own a GX80 too, with a 15mm F1.7 This cam gives quite noisy videos, especially when color graded. As far as I am concerned, I dont recommand this cam. But its up to you.
As you say, it depends on the individual but the 15mm should help by keeping ISO settings down. If you wanted better you'd need to go to a FF camera but that brings in problems of its own. I find no problem with video up to 3200 ISO, especially if shot at 4k and rendered to FHD. I'm not a video specialist, though and for a camera in this price range I doubt you'd find anything better.
My only incentive for buying this camera would be the 4k burst mode. Is that a good enough reason for purchasing this camera? How well does the 4k burst mode really work? Is it really something revolutionary or is it more of a gimmick? Would the 4k burst mode outperform the Nikon d500 in terms of capturing action?
The 4k mode isn't a gimmick. As an example, I was photographing martins building a nest in the eaves of a house. Given how aerobatic, erratic and fast their flight is, the was no way I was going to get a good shot except by luck. The pre burst mode, where you get the 30 frames from before you press the shutter and the 30 frames after nailed it several times for me. So, not a gimmick but of specialized and therefore limited use. The Nikon seems to have a burst rate of about 10fps so in that respect, purely in terms of speed, the Panasonic is better. But the Nikon is shooting at full quality whereas the Panasonic is at 4k quality.
Wonderful review, I enjoyed your dry humor! I love this camera but I'm disappointed with the lack of external mic. I will mainly use the camera for stills but will do some motion - did you think the built-in stereo mic was decent enough? I won't be filming concerts, mainly landscapes and family but the mic on my LX7 really leaves something to be desired even under those scenarios... Also, did you enjoy the E-M10 MII or G80 more?? Cheers.
Thanks for the kind words! Overall I prefer the feel of GX80. It feels more snappy to use and more modern generally. I find the built in mic does a decent enough job on insect noises, for example. It wouldn't be much trouble to buy a digital recorder and separate mic if you want better, they are simple to sync in video editing software, just line them up.
I haven't got the GX80 now Gabriela, I have to sell one thing to buy another. I do go through the differences in this video but basically, if you are buying from new it's worth getting the GX9 for the 20Mp sensor and other incremental improvements. If you already had a GX80, I don't think it would be worth the quite high cost of upgrading since the improvements _are_ mainly incremental. I'd wait to see what a GX10 might have to offer in that case, in a year or two's time.
As usual, professional, thorough and precise. A bit low drops in the voice, though. Hey, your dual light (or whatever it's called) panoramic example looks like one I saw in another video. Looks like some small houses at sunset. Was it from Panasonic? I doubt either of you took it from one another. Just curious, as you seem to do all your own photos. CHeers. PS: I think this is the camera for me. I wanted a GX8, but I think it's too big for my use.
Thanks - my audio is improving all the time thanks to Karol Walkowski but audio is intrinsically difficult. The pictures, every frame, still or video is shot by me and is my own work. The view you are referring to is from my bedroom window in a tiny village in southern France so no-one else could have such a shot. You might have seen it in one of my other videos but if not, it was certainly nicked. If you do see it again would you let me know? There are a few pretty flaky people on UA-cam! This and the GX8, the GX80 is a very handy size and it is the camera I take with me everywhere. It's very compact but feels very wieldy and uncramped in the hand.
Difficult because the better stabilization and shutter are well worth having. On the other hand the 20Mp sensor and articulated monitor and superb EVF is worth having on the GX8. All in all, I'd prefer the GX8 for sheer usability. Probably the best thing would be to go much simpler and decide which camera's size you prefer.
You answered my question there too David, but as I already have a GX8, it isn't that much of a choice. It's just nice to know that once again, your opinion mirror[les]s mine. I haven't really encountered the reputed shutter-shock issue, whether that's dumb luck or shooting style, I don't know.
The shutter shock is there from 1/60th to around 1/350th but at normal viewing levels is particularly really noticeable. I use the electronic shutter as standard, because it prolongs battery life and I can choose how loud it is so it's not really an issue for me. I don't think shooting style affects it, it's internal and occurs on a tripod just as much as handheld. It's better to have eliminated it, as the GX80 shutter does but at normal screen viewing or print sizes it's not a big problem/ All cameras with focal plane shutters suffer from it, it's just more apparent on Micro Four Thirds for some reason.
I enjoyed your review of the GX80, David. Can the flash be pulled aft for bouncing? Perhaps it is just me but the text was displayed so briefly that I had to pause the video many times to read what you had typed. I'm probably just slow. I've been waiting so long for focus bracketing on these cameras for my insecting hobby. Too bad it isn't up to snuff.
I take your point about the text. I'm trying to impart a bit of extra information but not distract from the voiceover. I'll keep the text going a little longer and see how it works out. The focus bracketing works well for what it is meant to do but it sort of focus at, say 12 inches, then 10 inches, then 14. Then it moves to 14 inches, does 12 and 16 and them moves on to...The trouble is, for focus stacking you really want it to focus from the nearest point to the furthest and stack them. Post Focus can do it but it is a pain of trial and error extracting the frames that will work best.
Thanks a lot, Shaka. I'm pretty sure Panasonic would put the stabilization on a GH5 unless they bring in some radical new video capability, 8k or something, that makes it impossible.
Wonderful review, David! Though I am more interested in this cam (GX85 in US) as a video tool to continue my m43 lens collecting whilst waiting for GH5 (or newer) in future. Per other comment below, much respect for the work put into this review. Liked and subbed!
I am not a pro and not a millionaire. And I have more interests than photography. However, in the last 12 years I bought many different cameras. For me, portability and quality are most important. But they never come together. I had a Lumix G1 with 14-45 and 20mm 1.7 more than 10 years ago. But I did shoot most pictures with the Pana gf-1, about 28-200 starting at f2.0. Now the GX85 (GX80) was available in Europe including 14-140mm (28-280 equivalent) lens for € 800. I really feel happy with this bargain, but if I would had to exchange it for my Lf1 I still would not be sure. The last one fits in my pocket and with the GX85 I am still a photographer with his gear. So now I use the both of them and I think we are a nice couple.
Yes, it can be a mistake to sell stuff sometimes. I sold my GM5 and regretted it because that was tiny and could go anywhere. I ended up with a second hand GM1 since I couldn't find a used GM5. Why I didn't keep the GM5 I don't know.
Hello! I am someone that's just entering photography and I am tossing up between the Olympus EM10MKII and the GX80. I can get them for very similar prices so prices aren't an issue. I've read online although downscaled 4k to 1080 is uncomparable to the EM10MKII's native 1080, I've seen and also have read that the native 1080 seems white washed and not as clear (when pixel peeping). I know it's minor but I have problems choosing haha. Cause the dpreview samples for both image and video stills it seems the olympus has the edge.
Downsampled 4K will be better than native FHD generally because you lose noise in downsampling. Image quality, neither camera has the edge, really. Panasonic colours are different from Olympus but that's a matter of taste more than anything else. Neither camera produces washed out results unless the exposure or some other setting is wrong. Panasonic video quality is _generally_ better than Olympus, stills wise, much of a muchness. I'd judge on which feels best to me and which style of body I prefer. As I often say, though, with today's Micro Four Thirds cameras there are many choices but no bad ones.
Thank you for the reply! I'll probably go with the panasonic as i definitely preferred the feel of it in my hand. Just one more question . Should I splurge and get the lumix 35-100 f4 for the dual stabilisation benefits or considering I am just starting out and I probably won't be filming a lot of movement (primarily will be used for occasional youtube videos and photos when travelling) I can make do with the cheaper and more affordable Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm f4.0-5.6. I've been told a telephoto lens is a good idea for your first ever kit.
I'd be inclined to buy the Panasonic mini zoom 35-100 f/3.5-5.6 for travel. It is very sharp, wonderfully small and works to give dual stabilization. For travel you'd need a standard zoom - the 12-32mm is a good and small one and has dual stabilization too. Those two lenses give you a very comprehensive kit ideal for travel with the GX80.
When you look at the GH series, Panasonic have very practically built on the previous ones without changing the overall design. Since it was so good in the first place I have to thank them for that. The GH5 is probably the most radical upgrade so far with the stabilization and and general usability upgrades, for example the joystick. With the new highly sophisticated 4K facilities and Dfd, I can't see what they can do next. DfD can be developed and improved, maybe but that's not very exciting. I think maybe it has peaked now and incremental changes are what we will see. That applies with DSLRs and other CSC cameras too. I hear talk of a new sensor technology but it appears to be some way in the future. I'd like a 20Mp sensor with which had similar IQ at ISO 6400 as we have now at 1600 ISO. Other than that, I find the biggest limitation on the GH5 is the bloke operating it, me!
Hi Simon and thanks! The fittings are all from Peak Design, as is the wrist strap. The leather strap is from Olympus - a lovely leather one they sell from their store. The Peak Design stuff is very flexible so you can use it to make quick release straps even of straps you already own.
First camera: Should I get rangefinder or DSLR style mirrorless? Premium fixed zoom lens camera or interchangeable camera? Which system has brighter future and better lens to invest in? Tiny camera or mid size camera? APSC or M4/3 or Full Frame? Who should get M4/3 and is M4/3 dead soon(kill by APSC/FF/smartphonegraphy)? Not a amateurs level, as a hobbyist/enthusiast, know about S/A/ISO/Ex and framing and so on, just don't have a camera yet, using iPhone to shoot everything, looking for one to use as everyday camera, travel, landscape, architecture, wildlife/bird, night sky and so on. I'm looking for my first camera, was plan for RX10 series to cover wide and super tele but a lot people suggest to get an interchangeable camera so I decide to get A7 III(I don't like A6XXX series because how Sony treat this system) when it's out but it's big so I look for Fuji, I like the straight forward Shutter dial and aperture ring without need for mode dial, but their lens electronic contact are proprietary and never has many third party involve to build lens with autofocus, so as much as I want to get the XE3, this seem like a pulling leg for me. Then I look at Panasonic camera, like he LX10, P&S but with manual aperture ring and dial, is this for me? Then the LX100, this seem like more for me but it's deserve an update that doesn't know when it will come, then I check their GX8 and GX85 system, they are ok but still I will waiting for next models because there's something I don't like, but is this camera for me? GX9 or GX95? Does the lens system good?
Micro Four Thirds is well established now and is unlikely to go away. Any serious photography is sooner or later going to involve interchangeable lenses and the beauty of the MFT system is that it has about any lens that anyone could want, from ultra wides to high speed telephoto such as Panasonic's upcoming 200mm f/2.8, the same angle of view as 400mm on a 36x24 sensor. Remember, all MFT lenses, from Sigma, Kowa, Meike, Voightlander, Olympus Panasonic all fit any MFT body. Few systems have such a choice and the lenses are all relatively compact for what they are, in a way they cannot be for bigger sensors. I'd suggest looking at a Panasonic G80 or Olympus E-M5 Mk 2 first.
David Thorpe I like that Pana Leica 12mm F1.4 lens, people say buy camera based on the lens, I like Fuji body because they have shutter dial, aperture ring, without need of mode, but the electric contact of the lens is proprietary, no third party lens with autofocus available, and their lenses some are too noisy for video. Canon/Nikon no need to mention, don't want them. Sony A6XXX I don't like because Sony don't care about it, A7 is a bit big with those lens. M4/3 I not into it originally because they don't have bright future and the tech side doesn't improve as APSC/FF, but I'm a hobbyist/enthusiast, plan to sell some photo on Internet for quick money but not gonna do photography as main career, so maybe M4/3 is for me? But current Pana camera is not that great, rangefinder style camera available is GX8, GX85, GX850, GX8 is the best with WR, should last long time without need to upgrade but the design is kinda not attractive, and shutter shock problem you mentioned, if GX85 has flip up screen like RX100 then I will get it but it doesn't and it made from plastic. Before this I also consider to get RX10 IV + RX100 V because it cover from wide to super tele, doesn't need to worry to get lens, super sharp and easy to carry top, but people suggest me to get interchangeable lens camera as first camera, is this true and a must? LX10 is also great since it has dial and aperture ring, great for manual learning at low cost, LX100 also great but if there's a new model then I will get it!
Interchangeable lens is best for serious photography in general. The G80 has a metal weather proofed body, by the way. An articulated screen is much more versatile than a flip up, the the flip up has its points. But try doing vertical oriented shots with it!
RIP Mr. Thorpe. Thank you for all the knowledge and memories.
David's reviews are always accurate and down to earth. A great photographer and teacher and a lasting legacy in these videos. R.I.P.
A new fan of David and sad to hear of his passing.
The way he ends every episode, was unique. We miss you David.
David - I've recently begun dipping a toe into the M43 waters, and I have to say that your thoughtful, pragmatic reviews are a really invaluable resource. Many thanks for devoting the time and energy into producing them - keep up the great work!
David Thorpe, reviews are sharp, livin long he dont play no harp. cameras and lenses are his friendses but he keeps it real always to the endses.Lol boy that was baad , even for me. Appreciate your reviews, believe me I know the amount of time and effort it takes to shoot and edit a thorough review like this. Respect
It is a lot of work but comments like yours make it well worthwhile. Thanks!
This is hands down the most thoughtful and helpful review of this Camera, despite it being focused on stills and I'm interested in the video features. I rarely take the time to comment but you earned it. Very well done
I'm flattered - thanks very much Brandon.
Usb charging, thank you for covering this detail. M43 is great for travel and this feature helps so much now.
Hadn't thought of that but yes, handy to charge in a hire car or external battery. I wonder if there is a solar charger capable of dealing with it?
Thank you David, it is always a pleasure to listen to someone so articulate and sophisticated - liked the box simile near the end.
Thanks Stef!
I suspect the extra weight is due to heat sinks to allow the extended 4K video operation.
Good review as usual.
Needed to upgrade from my old GX1, wanting Image stabilization and wifi filetransfer.
Was about to get a used GX7 but found a black friday deal getting a GX80 body for a bargin.
Thanks for a good review!
A review so good, I watched it twice. Hoping some of this makes it into the GH5. However, I may buy one of these too for an everyday carry.
Thanks! Yes, a GX80 would make an excellent second camera to a GH5, whenever it arrives.
I bought one-- a jewel. I almost hate to use it--it's so nice. It's a bit less convenient hunting through menus, than my GH4 but now that I' reprogrammed a few of the buttons, it has been a nice addition for a second camera. The smaller size is welcome. I can put the camera in one cargo pocket and a lens in another and leave the bag at home. With the 12-32 zoom on it, it fits in one large pocket. Last weekend, I used it with the 14-140mm f3.5-5.6 boating and was able to get some really nice photos on the boat and surprisingly good shots of other boaters. I'll have to try it with my 100-300mm. Pictures are very sharp with my better lenses. I'd like to do some tests to compare them.
Love Love LOVE the Jason and the Argonauts animations! Great audio and images too. Very well done!
Thanks very much, John, it's nice to know it is appreciated.
Another great review, David. Like in my comments a short time ago on your Pen-F review, I added the GX85 to my collection a couple of months ago. This review also validates that decision. As for your review videos, they're absolutely the best I've heard, anywhere. So concise, well spoken, a true pleasure to listen to. Thank you again!
Thanks, Alan. Much appreciated.
This is why David is a must watch for anything M43.
Thanks!
Finally a proper review of the GX80/85, a camera worthy to replace the GX7. When my GX7 dies, I will surely choose this camera to replace it.
Regarding your comment on the GX8, I agree. The GX8 is anything but a GX7 replacement, and doesn't really have the GX7 "personalities". The GX8 is more suited as a "serious" body for us MFT shooters, sitting at the same place as the E-M1, E-M5 Mk II, and the GH4.
I can already imagine a perfect dual body setup, consisting of the GX80/85 as GX8's sidekick, both wielding two different focal lengths that can cover any photography and video opportunities.
Many thanks for the excellent review, David!
Glad it's helpful - thanks!
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, a GX8 and GX80 would make a good pairing. If I had a GX7 and was happy with it, like you I wouldn't be in a hurry to upgrade. The price is pretty reasonable but it will come down a bit as they all do. The GX7 was and remains, a sweet camera.
Great review David. This is the second time I bought a Panny based on your review (last one was a GH3, after you kindly answered my comments back in 2013).
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the GH5, I mean, the GXXM584%$ :)
Thanks Zhixi - yes, I'm looking forward to the GH5 too. Unless they change the name, of course :-)
Thanks, David. Always enjoy your reviews. Just bought the now 2-year old GX85 (US) and your review was helpful in pointing out features I need to pay attention to!
There's not much the G85 can't do - and compact and light with it. Excellent camera, you'll love it.
David Thorpe - thanks, David. Comes tomorrow. Excited to try it out.
Once again, another awesome informative review. Love your style David. 1000 views so far, 162 thumbs up and no down. Thanks for the video! Useful information for real camera users.
Yes, that's what I aim for, a real world use of the camera. I'm still bemused by the popularity of my videos - but I like it! Thanks for the comment.
On the strength of your reviews I have just taken delivery of a GX80 with Olympus 17mm 1.8. My travel bag now consists of said body and lens as well as an Olympus 45mm 1.8. Stunning results I must say and so wonderful to return to prime lenses. When I started as a pro I had two Nikon FM bodies, Nikkor 24mm 2.8, Nikon 105mm 2.5, Nikon 35-70 2.8 and Nikkor 300mm f4. I've been a pro snapper for UK quality nationals since 1992 and since 2006 have been using Canon DSLRs. I currently have a 5D MK3 and 6D MK1 full frame with lenses. Huge heavy bag to carry. Now, thanks to Mr Thorpe, I also have GX8+Olympus 12-40 2.8+Panasonic 35-100 2.8 all in a small Domke bag. Obviously on close inspection the full frames DSLRs have the quality edge but that is subjective. Compare the GX8/GX80 to my early Nikon D1/D1X/Canon 20D/7D/70D and the MFT win hands down. And I was getting half and full page pictures in colour in The Independent from a 2.74 megapixel Nikon! Keep on reviewing old chap and I'll beep buying.
Interesting, Thurston. It's often forgotten just how small a pixel count is really needed for most photographic outlets. I don't know how many editorial photographers are using Micro Four Thirds now - some use Fuji, I know. But professionals tend to be very conservative with their cameras, anything new has to really be up to it and earn its keep.
I'm afraid that from experience, many national 'snappers' refer to the MFT as toy cameras. They still prefer their huge lenses and camera bodies. More fool them! It's not how big it is, it's how you use it...as the old saying goes.
Absolutely. I use a Samsung S8+ phone and I reckon one of those properly used would be no different from a Canon in newsprint. But only for a limited range of subjects. Wouldn't care to rely on one in a riot or a half page landscape! I read somewhere that some Magnum people are using Micro Four Thirds in war zones.
Great review David, many thanks - just don't fall off that bike!
Hahaa! I certainly wouldn't chance it on a public raod :-)
Good analogy at the end, David. This camera intrigues me for the potential for macro work (4k burst). Thank you for yet another thoughtful review.
Thanks Dustin. For moving insects 4k would be excellent.
Just bought one. The UK price is now below £500, and it becomes a pocketable camera, albeit a bit heavy if wearing designer jeans..... And I can use my Olympus lenses. A great review, which is sending me away to explore features I didn't know the camera had!
That's good - there's so much on these cameras!
Excellent review of a great budget mirrorless camera. It's my go to one hand camera for video and photo.
Thanks!
Been in youtube daily waiting for this review - thanks David !!
Nothing like a pop up flash that does ceiling bounce.
Thanks Jose - yes you can bounce the flash, though it has to be held back manually.
Oh David how I miss your videos. So sorry I never got the chance to meet you. 🙏🏼
thanks David - always appreciate your reviews. For me, the well-stabilised video on this for family/holidays is a big deal.
Thanks for that. At last Panansonic are catching (have caught) up on the stabilization front!
And another great and thoughtful review of a M43 camera from you David.
Always a pleasure to watch and hear your thoughts on this stuff...
As you can see, I'm becoming quite a fan of yours :)
Thanks very much, Andrea! It means a lot to me to hear that :-)
I've owned this camera for about a month now (I bought it partly because of this review) and I'm still coming to this review just because I enjoy it, haha.
Thanks for making the video, David.
20mm 1.7 II coming tomorrow.
Glad you enjoyed it, Marcos!
Nice review. Picked up mine as an upgrade from my GM1 and I love it. For me this is a truly great hybrid , very strong on stills and video alike. Love the OIS. I always feel as if Panasonic listen to their customers, and that encourages my continued loyalty to the brand.
You sometimes get the impression that they don't listen - over shutter shock, say. But then, suddenly, out of the blue, they bring out something that solves the problem all at one go. I'd always wondered how long they could hold out against body stabilization,then came one try, OK but not great, with the GX7. Next thing, dual stabilization, so no-one feels they've wasted money on an optically stabilized lens because it works better than sensor stabilization alone would. Clever thinking.
Indeed Panny has top grade engineers and the firm works like a true big dog--don't bark much.
Another great review David, measured and accurate, very impressed. I bought the GX80 for my wife after watching some of your reviews. I use a full frame Nikon system and wanted a small but competent camera that would supply reasonable raw files for me to process. It is the first Micro 4/3 system I have used. I have been so impressed with its abilities at low ISO I have started borrowing it with the 12-32 & 35-100mm compact zooms and UltraPod II mini tripod/strap clamp for travel. The Panasonic remote app is a revelation to me! I have been using the GX80 for two months getting some great images and saving carrying 10kg of FF body, glass & tripod when travelling. My back & I thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! I think you summed up the GX80 very well as competent. There's not much it can't do and with those lenses (the same as I use with my GX when I'm away) you hardly know you have it in the bag. The remote app, yes, very useful and something that is relatively easy to implement with an all electronic camera. It will never attain the out and out image quality of your Nikon but like you, in a fight between an aching back and IQ, my back is he winner! Glad you find my stuff helpful, very pleasing to me, thanks.
My pleasure, thank you. How I would love to use an app like that with my D810, truly eye opening. Based on my experience of the GX80 my friend has just purchased the G80 with 12-60mm and the 100-400 for lightweight wildlife photography. He doesn't like carrying around 150-600mm glass on his APS-C Nikon.
That 100-400 focuses like lightning, great wildlife lens.
He/we went for the Micro 4/3 Panasonic G80 & 100-400mm based on your reviews. He's over tomorrow so I will get to have a play. If you get a chance have a look at the UltraPod II mini tripod. Not as rigid as your Manfrotto 709B and it will not take a FF dSLR & f/2.8 zoom but for lightweight city shooting with the GX80 and the compact zooms the ability to attach it to railings, small trees etc I have found very useful. I have an extra length of velcro that I can add to extend the size of objects i can attach it to and it only weighs 190g. I have just returned from a couple of days photographing The Shard and the More London area. After shooting all day and the blue hour/early evening with my Nikon gear I couldn't carry it anymore so I left it all at the hotel and just took the GX80, 12-32, 35-100, Ultrapod & the app out for night shots. Some of the best shots I got were with it in places a big tripod would have attracted too much attention. Off to Berlin in a week for two nights, only taking the Micro 4/3's gear, looking forward to travelling light. :-)
Net jon that tripod, very versatile. Have a good trip to Berlin.
I really do like your down to Earth reviews.
Love the stop motion monitor flip. Nice.
Thanks Shannon!
One improvement over the GX7 worth mentioning is "Depth From Defocus" now much improves AF, tracking in particular. For those considering the more robust GX8 or G80 then the screen type may sway you one way or the other. GX80 is tilt only, the other 2 are fully articulating. Also to bear in mind with electronic shutter besides rolling shutter is files are reduced to 10bit so expect lower dynamic range and more noise in post if pushing shadows.
Yes, well worth mentioning. Thanks for that, Norman.
Hi David, thanks for the review! Just a thought about your comment on the lack of tilting EVF. It was a "Who cares" feature when I bought my GX8 awhile back and while I still feel that way overall, I notice I pop it out of the detent every time it comes out of the bag now. When you mentioned the lack of it, I realized I use it to keep my nose off the screen and I think I will miss it now. And thinking about it, I'm not sure any of the reviews I've watched (I haven't watched any on the GX7) have given Panasonic credit for fixing the nose on touch screen problem.
As you are also a GX8 shooter, I'd like to ask you: While it would probably get criticized for being strange, do you think the GX80 would have been better to have fixed the EVF tilted at 10-15 degrees?
Great review as always, David. I've bought this camera on three different occassions, first when it came out but I didn't like the handling as it felt a bit too heavily weighted on the right side of the body. The second time was to give it another whirl but I still couldn't take to it. So on the 3rd occassion I bought it primarily as a video camera and suddenly found myself warming to it.
Now I still have and use it for both video and stills and its great for both and I've gotten used to its handling. The only things I still don't like are the EVF and the screen doesn't flip up or fully articulate. That aside the GX80 is a great little camera.
I'm very fond of mine. It's a perfect size for an all round Micro Four Thirds camera and with the 12-32 and 35-100 gives an absurdly small but high quality outfit. I agree about the screen, though it is perfectly usable. Just a shame that it isn't native 4:3. When you set the camera to 3:2 (I don't use it, myself) the EVF is a much more useful size. And the monitor, there are a lot of people who prefer the flip up. I don't because it's no use for portrait orientation. On the other hand, if a fully articulated screen added much more depth to the body, I prefer to leave it as it is. As you say, a great little camera with a whisper quiet shutter and very good stabilization.
Perfect review. I was almost sold on the GX7 - perhaps from Ebay, and you've now thrown me back into confusion. I'm a Lumix point&shoot owner looking to get a bit more creative. From your excellent review I know you are going to recommend I try both and see which I like best - I just wish someone would make the decision for me! Lovely paced reviews. Big fan.
Thanks Tim! If I were you and if you are willing to spend the extra money I'd buy the GX80/85. The shutter and better stabilization are worth it alone and you get the other capabilities, 4K etc, as a bonus.
I enjoy your reviews quite a bit. Thank you for the effort you put into them.
Thanks! They do take a lot of effort but its fun and comments like yours just make it better :-)
The appearance reminds me of a stealth bomber, with a performance just as deadly. I now have two of them, and they're my main cameras. Thanks for this review, which pointed me in the right direction....
Glad it was helpful, Keith and thanks for ;letting me know.
I'm late to the GX80 party, but my GM1 just refuses to give up the ghost - so I bought one anyway!
Just wanted to recommend your very helpful book 'GX80 Menu System Simplified' which I would say is a must-have accessory to this terrific camera. I bought this as I was very impressed by the little book you wrote for the GM1 and I have not been disappointed - thank you!
I'm very pleased to hear that, Anthony and it's very nice of you to let me know, Thanks!
@@DavidThorpeMFT I won't buy another Lumix unless you've written the 'manual' for that one too :0)
@@anthonyskellern5970 😊
Been wanting to get into photography for a while, but never liked the huge, bulky cameras. Found a deal for the GX80 /w the kit lens new for about $400, and couldn't stop myself from ordering it. Might get the M. Zuiko 25mm/1.8 for low light photos at a later date, but for now I feel it should be a nice enough step up from my phone for learning. Thanks for the review!
You're welcome, Anton! You'll find it a big step up from the phone, I think, good as phones are these days. It's the extra control you have that makes photography more pleasurable, in particular control over perspective and exposure. I'd agree with getting a faster lens later on. I think you'll find plenty to keep you interested for a long while with the kit lens. Have fun!
Nice review. I got 1/250 sync with a manual flash. I agree- a swiss arm knife... bad at nothing... good to excellent at many things. I received mine 1 month ago, and I've been enjoying it a lot for both photos and video.
Thanks - yes, bad at nothing but with state of the art Micro Four Thirds capabilities . Remarkable for the money.
We need to do a video collaboration where you narrate one of my videos.
Ahahhahahaha laughed so much with you comment in 0:47, because I was actually wandering about what is the logic behind the naming :)
😁
Thank you fr the review!
I think the 16/9 (and not 4/3 or 3/2) non-OLED viewfinder, lack of headphone and mike jacks, heavy weight (maybe panasonic add weight to make it feel a serious camera?), non-articulating LCD are shortcomings for some of us.
Yes - in that case there are better cameras out there but he features you mention will always cost more.
Just want to share with you that I just bought the Gx85 after watching your review :) I own a Gx7 and I think this is a good upgrade for me.
Good to know that that - mine gets a lot of use and I find the on board battery charging especially useful. You'll enjoy the camera, I'm sure.
Excellent review Mr. Thorpe!
I bought my first ever system camera the other year, the Lumix GX800/850 and a Panasonic 25mm/1.7 lens instead of the included kit lens. I thought the slim package and low cost would be worth the lack of EVF. I want to keep things as minimal and cheap as possible, and I will try to master 50mm photography with one camera only. Had I seen this review before I would have gone for this one instead... Having an EVF and more robustness for a very small increase in price...
Thanks! For me the EVF is a crucial item but I know people who have never used one and it doesn't seem to hamper them too much. The results you get on the GX800 won't be any different, in any case.
thanks for the video. bought the camera because of it. Happy New Year.
You won't buying it - a lovely camera. Happy New Year to you too!
Thanks for another great review. How about a tutorial on 4K pre burst shooting. It looks interesting!
BTW, I bought one of these as the double cash back offer in the UK at present makes it a no-brainer. It is a superb camera and should really be sold as the 'digital Leica CL', imho.
Im really enjoying your reviews. Im trying to decide now between this and the OM10 mkii.
Glad you like the reviews, Mark, thanks. You'd likely be happy with either camera. The biggest single difference is the rangefinder or DSLR styling which is a personal preference. The GX80 has a smaller EVF, which I find perfectly fine but some don't like. On the other hand the Panasonic has better video. The Olympus is a safe choice if you don't do a lot of video - I see you would buy the Mark II. That would be my choice too for the metal rather than plastic body of the III. The Panasonic has better autofocus which may be a factor. It's not a big difference in day to day use but Panasonic's AFC is definitely more reliable. One more factor is that the GX80's shape makes it a bit more convenient for general carrying around in a shoulder bag, And with the 12-32, it's very compact and has dual stabilization. Add the 35-100 compact zoom and you have a highly capable, highly mobile outfit.
I'm at 14k on mechanical shutter count at this point. So far the only down side is the difficult to use viewfinder with glasses on. Just a fantastic camera all around. My D800E is gathering dust.
Glad you like it, Mark. I wear glasses too but have no problem with the EVF which i find pretty good. I had problems with the first G80 I had which was duly swapped. With that, the extremities of the screen weren't so much difficult to see as blurred beyond use. It appears to be something loose in the EVF mech or optics because there was a slight clicking sound if I turned the camera from side to side.
It may just be that your glasses or eyes don't suit it but I'd be surprised.
My GX85 arrives tomorrow. I wonder if you could share your custom settings in a video. I'm curious about the scenarios a seasoned pro like yourself would set for and the settings for each. Thanks for the awesome review. Very excited about the camera, my first micro 4/3.
That's an idea, Mark and thanks for the kind remarks about the video. You've certainly started out in Micro Four Thirds with a great camera. I'll see about a settings video. I tend to set up a basic modus operandim, put it on Custom 1 and alter it temporarily from there if necessary.
Great review, David! Thanks for all the hard work! Do you think this camera would be a noticeable improvement over the Pany G7 in terms of getting sharper images with the new Panasonic 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 lens? Thanks!
Thanks Linda. You'd have the dual stabilization with the GX80 but you'd want to use high shutter speeds with the 100-400 so not a radical difference. I like the little bit of extra crispness with the loss of the low pass filter too but again, not radical. Personally, a big lens like the 100-400 would, for me., sit better with a DSLR layout with a central EVF than the GX80's left side fitting. Also, the G7 has a better EVF which is important with a big long lens. All in all, I'm saving you spending your money again, Linda! Any more of this and you'll be firing me :-)
I love that you tell me your honest opinion! I kind of have you up on a pedestal and always follow your advice...(no pressure...LOL). THANKS!
Hi David, the best review of the GX80 I've seen/read so far, thanks as usual! I've got one question on the sensor and one on the flash :) 1. Have you had moiré issues because of the lack of low-pass filter? I shoot a lot of architectures and so it might be an issue. 2. Can you bounce the flash on the ceiling as it was possible with the GX1 and GX7? I love that feature on my GX1! Thanks again...
Hi Giorgio - thanks. I didn't have any moire issues and I believe the camera software is tweaked to get rid of it. The flash, yes you can bounce it but it has to be held in position, as with the GM1.
Great review of a great camera. Will try and hold off getting one until price dips a bit.
It usually takes a few months, either a price dip or a rebate. £100 off this would be a real bargain!
Well done Dave ,yet another well prepared muddy water clearing exercise, you should working in the banking industry ,explaining in a few sentences "terms and conditions".
Well done !
Thanks David! If I get a job in the banking industry explaining things, do ! get their bonuses as well :-)
Thanks again! for a superb review! This review make me consider a GX80 to complement my GX8!
Excellent review as always. And I like your sense of humour. Your jokes are said with a straight face.
Thanks very much Sanveer. What jokes :-)
Really great reviews and always spot on. Thanks David.
Thank you, Robert.
the Best M43 camera out right now.
Overall the most advanced, yes.
Question is, this or the Olympus OM-D EM10 Mark II!! I'm not too fussed about 4k video.
Torn between the same two models :D
Awesome review David. Love your voice :)
Thanks, John!
Heartbroken about the lack of a tilting EVF - I'm addicted to it on my GX7 and use it constantly. Maybe we'll see it return on GX9 along with addition of a mic jack and 20MP sensor w/o AA filter.
I don't use it a lot but occasionally find it invaluable. I wonder why they took it off?
It's always struck me as somewhat fragile - though I can't say I've actually heard reports about busting it off - so maybe they were trying to increase mechanical robustness by eliminating a feature that few users (much less competitive products) found necessary. Is the GX80/85 EVF screen any larger than the GX7? Perhaps increased size was the tradeoff.
Maybe this is not so relevant now but I really hope to see a review of 14mm f2.5 from you, since this is an old prime which is not so popular, and there are very few quality reviews on this lens. Anyways, you are my favorite M43 reviewer.
I used to have one before I did the reviews and found it a very compact, sharp and usable piece of glass, I'll see if I can get hold of one.
David Thorpe Wow I didn't even think you would see my comment. Thank you David!
Great review as always David, but maybe there is a problem with audio, coud it be the gate on your video editor chopping the start of many sentences?
Very nice review David. I bought the camera on the strength of it. I have a couple of prime lenses for it (Olympus 17mm F1.8 and PanaLeica 25mm F1.4). For landscape use, which of the wide angle primes or zooms would you feel are decent quality and sized comfortably for this camera (I'm dithering over going for a zoom as there seems to be no filter comaptiility)
There's really only the Olympus 12mm f/2 as a prime. The Panasonic 14mm is a nice lens but not that much wider than the 17mm. Ditto the Panasonic 15mm. The 12mm f/1.4 Panasonic would be nice but is very, very expensive. Overall, I'd say the Olympus 12mm f/2.
Of zooms, the 12-40mm Olympus is amazingly good. Of the ultra wide zooms, both 7-14mms are excellent and a perfect match for your lens lineup. But, no filters. Some people have found ways to fit filters but they are all a bit of a lash-up on such expensive optics.
Excellent review, as always. Thank you for the intensive work.
Though filming on a bicycle on a very wobbly path would not be my obvious choice to demonstrate the good dual stabilization.
It is time to swap my LX100.
I agree about the bicycle, actually but its hard to demonstrate that something _not_ shaking. So I thought showing something that ought to be impossible might do it. Given the price you get for used cameras these days, I wonder about selling them. I have to because otherwise I couldn't afford to buy the new one for review but might't it be worth keeping the LX100 in the car glove compartment or desk at work?
+David Thorpe Thanks for your response. You are right, I don't sell my LX100. I love it but the 4K videos I make are shaky. That is why the GX80 is so tempting. Actually I hope that soon there will be an LX200 that offers the same stabilization as the GX80.
It would make sense to add the 5 way stabilization to all their cameras gradually. We'll see.
I love you David Thorpe.
If there was an emoticon for blushing, I would put it here! It's nice to be loved, Regina, thank you.
Thanks for your review on this camera. I’m a Mobile DJ and have been searching for a better quality camera to help me capture and video during my gigs. I do a lot of video during my gigs using my phone. But the quality don’t help. So please advice me what camera I can get under £400 to help me with better quality.
Thanks
I specialize in Micro Four Thirds cameras so I can only give an informed opinion on them. Sony and Fuji do great cameras as well. In general for video, Panasonics are best. Most Micro Four Thirds cameras come in at more than £400 but one that doesn't is the GX800. It's compact and nice quality and will shoot 4k video. It doesn't have an eye level finder but for video that's less important, and for you, coming from a smartphone, will be no loss at all.
Terrific on-point review! I think you nailed it!
Good to hear that Zeus, thanks!
Bought one after this great review. Slowly getting to grips with it - Can't figure how to make the shutter fire if the camera thinks the scene is too dark (for star trail etc). but I'm sure that's just digging through the menus!
Keep up the excellent work!
Thanks! If the shutter won't fire that's usually because it hasn't or can't focus.
Brilliant - thanks.
Your voice is really soothing mate
That's nice to hear, Cody. Just sounds like a london twang to me!
I cant believe you only have 15k subs!! How would you compare this to the G7?
Great videos David! Keep up the hard work!
Hey, thanks! The G7 has a much better EVF and feels so differentl, it's hard to decide. Overall, the GX85 because of the stabilization and new shutter but if I had all stabilized lenses, probably the G7. I like articulated monitors and I find the DSLR design better for video. But..I'm happy using either.
Focus stacking now added in firmware upgrade folks
Does that new firmware ship with all new cameras? or is it something to be upgraded post buying it?
Looks like a winner. Thanks.
Just got the 12 x40 mm Olympus prof2 .8 my best m43 lens so far
It' a zoom but has the performance of a series of primes, a great piece of work.
Always enjoy your no-nonsense reviews David, even though Micro 4/3 remains a mystery to me. But I do often find myself thinking those guys at Panasonic and Olympus are very clever, if only they could put a bigger sensor into their cameras!
I'm gald you like the reviews, Saurat, thanks! The problem with putting a bigger sensor in would be that the lens sizes would then go up and tiny lenses like the 12-32 wouldn't be possible.
Great review as always David ....Thank you
Thanks!
Hi,
I own a GX80 too, with a 15mm F1.7 This cam gives quite noisy videos, especially when color graded. As far as I am concerned, I dont recommand this cam.
But its up to you.
As you say, it depends on the individual but the 15mm should help by keeping ISO settings down. If you wanted better you'd need to go to a FF camera but that brings in problems of its own. I find no problem with video up to 3200 ISO, especially if shot at 4k and rendered to FHD. I'm not a video specialist, though and for a camera in this price range I doubt you'd find anything better.
My only incentive for buying this camera would be the 4k burst mode. Is that a good enough reason for purchasing this camera? How well does the 4k burst mode really work? Is it really something revolutionary or is it more of a gimmick? Would the 4k burst mode outperform the Nikon d500 in terms of capturing action?
The 4k mode isn't a gimmick. As an example, I was photographing martins building a nest in the eaves of a house. Given how aerobatic, erratic and fast their flight is, the was no way I was going to get a good shot except by luck. The pre burst mode, where you get the 30 frames from before you press the shutter and the 30 frames after nailed it several times for me. So, not a gimmick but of specialized and therefore limited use.
The Nikon seems to have a burst rate of about 10fps so in that respect, purely in terms of speed, the Panasonic is better. But the Nikon is shooting at full quality whereas the Panasonic is at 4k quality.
Wonderful review, I enjoyed your dry humor! I love this camera but I'm disappointed with the lack of external mic. I will mainly use the camera for stills but will do some motion - did you think the built-in stereo mic was decent enough? I won't be filming concerts, mainly landscapes and family but the mic on my LX7 really leaves something to be desired even under those scenarios... Also, did you enjoy the E-M10 MII or G80 more?? Cheers.
Thanks for the kind words! Overall I prefer the feel of GX80. It feels more snappy to use and more modern generally. I find the built in mic does a decent enough job on insect noises, for example. It wouldn't be much trouble to buy a digital recorder and separate mic if you want better, they are simple to sync in video editing software, just line them up.
I'm thinking if getting this camera in 2019.
Can you do a comparison with the GX9?
Ty
I haven't got the GX80 now Gabriela, I have to sell one thing to buy another. I do go through the differences in this video but basically, if you are buying from new it's worth getting the GX9 for the 20Mp sensor and other incremental improvements. If you already had a GX80, I don't think it would be worth the quite high cost of upgrading since the improvements _are_ mainly incremental. I'd wait to see what a GX10 might have to offer in that case, in a year or two's time.
@@DavidThorpeMFT
Hey, thanks for your reply!
Thanks! That Pen F is really pretty...
It is, the most stylish of all the Micro Four Thirds cameras, I reckon.
As usual, professional, thorough and precise. A bit low drops in the voice, though.
Hey, your dual light (or whatever it's called) panoramic example looks like one I saw in another video. Looks like some small houses at sunset. Was it from Panasonic? I doubt either of you took it from one another. Just curious, as you seem to do all your own photos.
CHeers.
PS: I think this is the camera for me. I wanted a GX8, but I think it's too big for my use.
Thanks - my audio is improving all the time thanks to Karol Walkowski but audio is intrinsically difficult. The pictures, every frame, still or video is shot by me and is my own work. The view you are referring to is from my bedroom window in a tiny village in southern France so no-one else could have such a shot. You might have seen it in one of my other videos but if not, it was certainly nicked. If you do see it again would you let me know? There are a few pretty flaky people on UA-cam! This and the GX8, the GX80 is a very handy size and it is the camera I take with me everywhere. It's very compact but feels very wieldy and uncramped in the hand.
Would you recommend getting this camera over the GX8? They're not too different in price now.
Difficult because the better stabilization and shutter are well worth having. On the other hand the 20Mp sensor and articulated monitor and superb EVF is worth having on the GX8. All in all, I'd prefer the GX8 for sheer usability. Probably the best thing would be to go much simpler and decide which camera's size you prefer.
David Thorpe Thank you! I think I'd prefer the GX8 because of my larger hands.
You answered my question there too David, but as I already have a GX8, it isn't that much of a choice. It's just nice to know that once again, your opinion mirror[les]s mine. I haven't really encountered the reputed shutter-shock issue, whether that's dumb luck or shooting style, I don't know.
The shutter shock is there from 1/60th to around 1/350th but at normal viewing levels is particularly really noticeable. I use the electronic shutter as standard, because it prolongs battery life and I can choose how loud it is so it's not really an issue for me. I don't think shooting style affects it, it's internal and occurs on a tripod just as much as handheld. It's better to have eliminated it, as the GX80 shutter does but at normal screen viewing or print sizes it's not a big problem/ All cameras with focal plane shutters suffer from it, it's just more apparent on Micro Four Thirds for some reason.
I enjoyed your review of the GX80, David. Can the flash be pulled aft for bouncing? Perhaps it is just me but the text was displayed so briefly that I had to pause the video many times to read what you had typed. I'm probably just slow. I've been waiting so long for focus bracketing on these cameras for my insecting hobby. Too bad it isn't up to snuff.
I take your point about the text. I'm trying to impart a bit of extra information but not distract from the voiceover. I'll keep the text going a little longer and see how it works out. The focus bracketing works well for what it is meant to do but it sort of focus at, say 12 inches, then 10 inches, then 14. Then it moves to 14 inches, does 12 and 16 and them moves on to...The trouble is, for focus stacking you really want it to focus from the nearest point to the furthest and stack them. Post Focus can do it but it is a pain of trial and error extracting the frames that will work best.
Better in price than the Olympus Pen F! I'm hoping the GH5 (if it ever comes out) inherits the image stabilization. Thanks for the awesome review.
Thanks a lot, Shaka. I'm pretty sure Panasonic would put the stabilization on a GH5 unless they bring in some radical new video capability, 8k or something, that makes it impossible.
+David Thorpe thanks for the reply! The GH5 is rumored to have 6K.
WTF I WAS TOTALLY NOT READY FOR 8:32 !!
It was a for sale at a vide-grenier in southern France.
Wonderful review, David! Though I am more interested in this cam (GX85 in US) as a video tool to continue my m43 lens collecting whilst waiting for GH5 (or newer) in future. Per other comment below, much respect for the work put into this review. Liked and subbed!
Thanks - much appreciated!
Very nice cam and video, thank you! :)
Thanks!
An excellent informative review. Thank you!
Glad you liked it, Mark. Thank you.
Thanks a lot David
I am not a pro and not a millionaire. And I have more interests than photography. However, in the last 12 years I bought many different cameras. For me, portability and quality are most important. But they never come together. I had a Lumix G1 with 14-45 and 20mm 1.7 more than 10 years ago. But I did shoot most pictures with the Pana gf-1, about 28-200 starting at f2.0.
Now the GX85 (GX80) was available in Europe including 14-140mm (28-280 equivalent) lens for € 800. I really feel happy with this bargain, but if I would had to exchange it for my Lf1 I still would not be sure. The last one fits in my pocket and with the GX85 I am still a photographer with his gear. So now I use the both of them and I think we are a nice couple.
Yes, it can be a mistake to sell stuff sometimes. I sold my GM5 and regretted it because that was tiny and could go anywhere. I ended up with a second hand GM1 since I couldn't find a used GM5. Why I didn't keep the GM5 I don't know.
The GX80 does make me exited for the GH5.
Need to save some money for that one.
Money, the root of all evil - unless you spend it on a camera :-)
even then, still evil.
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't buy a GH5 with unlimited money.
Hello! I am someone that's just entering photography and I am tossing up between the Olympus EM10MKII and the GX80. I can get them for very similar prices so prices aren't an issue. I've read online although downscaled 4k to 1080 is uncomparable to the EM10MKII's native 1080, I've seen and also have read that the native 1080 seems white washed and not as clear (when pixel peeping). I know it's minor but I have problems choosing haha. Cause the dpreview samples for both image and video stills it seems the olympus has the edge.
Downsampled 4K will be better than native FHD generally because you lose noise in downsampling. Image quality, neither camera has the edge, really. Panasonic colours are different from Olympus but that's a matter of taste more than anything else. Neither camera produces washed out results unless the exposure or some other setting is wrong.
Panasonic video quality is _generally_ better than Olympus, stills wise, much of a muchness. I'd judge on which feels best to me and which style of body I prefer. As I often say, though, with today's Micro Four Thirds cameras there are many choices but no bad ones.
Thank you for the reply! I'll probably go with the panasonic as i definitely preferred the feel of it in my hand. Just one more question . Should I splurge and get the lumix 35-100 f4 for the dual stabilisation benefits or considering I am just starting out and I probably won't be filming a lot of movement (primarily will be used for occasional youtube videos and photos when travelling) I can make do with the cheaper and more affordable Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 40-150mm f4.0-5.6. I've been told a telephoto lens is a good idea for your first ever kit.
I'd be inclined to buy the Panasonic mini zoom 35-100 f/3.5-5.6 for travel. It is very sharp, wonderfully small and works to give dual stabilization. For travel you'd need a standard zoom - the 12-32mm is a good and small one and has dual stabilization too. Those two lenses give you a very comprehensive kit ideal for travel with the GX80.
Very well reviewed.
Excellent video review!! Thank you -- again!
And thank you again!
David Thorpe What is your view on the photography industry after gh5, has it peaked or are surprises awaiting us.
When you look at the GH series, Panasonic have very practically built on the previous ones without changing the overall design. Since it was so good in the first place I have to thank them for that. The GH5 is probably the most radical upgrade so far with the stabilization and and general usability upgrades, for example the joystick.
With the new highly sophisticated 4K facilities and Dfd, I can't see what they can do next. DfD can be developed and improved, maybe but that's not very exciting. I think maybe it has peaked now and incremental changes are what we will see. That applies with DSLRs and other CSC cameras too. I hear talk of a new sensor technology but it appears to be some way in the future. I'd like a 20Mp sensor with which had similar IQ at ISO 6400 as we have now at 1600 ISO. Other than that, I find the biggest limitation on the GH5 is the bloke operating it, me!
Another great review video David. Could I ask which straps you're using on your cameras please? Thanks, Simon.
Hi Simon and thanks! The fittings are all from Peak Design, as is the wrist strap. The leather strap is from Olympus - a lovely leather one they sell from their store. The Peak Design stuff is very flexible so you can use it to make quick release straps even of straps you already own.
Thanks for the quick reply David :-). I'll have a look at those straps and fittings.
First camera: Should I get rangefinder or DSLR style mirrorless? Premium fixed zoom lens camera or interchangeable camera? Which system has brighter future and better lens to invest in? Tiny camera or mid size camera? APSC or M4/3 or Full Frame? Who should get M4/3 and is M4/3 dead soon(kill by APSC/FF/smartphonegraphy)?
Not a amateurs level, as a hobbyist/enthusiast, know about S/A/ISO/Ex and framing and so on, just don't have a camera yet, using iPhone to shoot everything, looking for one to use as everyday camera, travel, landscape, architecture, wildlife/bird, night sky and so on.
I'm looking for my first camera, was plan for RX10 series to cover wide and super tele but a lot people suggest to get an interchangeable camera so I decide to get A7 III(I don't like A6XXX series because how Sony treat this system) when it's out but it's big so I look for Fuji, I like the straight forward Shutter dial and aperture ring without need for mode dial, but their lens electronic contact are proprietary and never has many third party involve to build lens with autofocus, so as much as I want to get the XE3, this seem like a pulling leg for me. Then I look at Panasonic camera, like he LX10, P&S but with manual aperture ring and dial, is this for me? Then the LX100, this seem like more for me but it's deserve an update that doesn't know when it will come, then I check their GX8 and GX85 system, they are ok but still I will waiting for next models because there's something I don't like, but is this camera for me? GX9 or GX95? Does the lens system good?
Micro Four Thirds is well established now and is unlikely to go away. Any serious photography is sooner or later going to involve interchangeable lenses and the beauty of the MFT system is that it has about any lens that anyone could want, from ultra wides to high speed telephoto such as Panasonic's upcoming 200mm f/2.8, the same angle of view as 400mm on a 36x24 sensor. Remember, all MFT lenses, from Sigma, Kowa, Meike, Voightlander, Olympus Panasonic all fit any MFT body. Few systems have such a choice and the lenses are all relatively compact for what they are, in a way they cannot be for bigger sensors. I'd suggest looking at a Panasonic G80 or Olympus E-M5 Mk 2 first.
David Thorpe I like that Pana Leica 12mm F1.4 lens, people say buy camera based on the lens, I like Fuji body because they have shutter dial, aperture ring, without need of mode, but the electric contact of the lens is proprietary, no third party lens with autofocus available, and their lenses some are too noisy for video. Canon/Nikon no need to mention, don't want them. Sony A6XXX I don't like because Sony don't care about it, A7 is a bit big with those lens. M4/3 I not into it originally because they don't have bright future and the tech side doesn't improve as APSC/FF, but I'm a hobbyist/enthusiast, plan to sell some photo on Internet for quick money but not gonna do photography as main career, so maybe M4/3 is for me? But current Pana camera is not that great, rangefinder style camera available is GX8, GX85, GX850, GX8 is the best with WR, should last long time without need to upgrade but the design is kinda not attractive, and shutter shock problem you mentioned, if GX85 has flip up screen like RX100 then I will get it but it doesn't and it made from plastic.
Before this I also consider to get RX10 IV + RX100 V because it cover from wide to super tele, doesn't need to worry to get lens, super sharp and easy to carry top, but people suggest me to get interchangeable lens camera as first camera, is this true and a must? LX10 is also great since it has dial and aperture ring, great for manual learning at low cost, LX100 also great but if there's a new model then I will get it!
Interchangeable lens is best for serious photography in general. The G80 has a metal weather proofed body, by the way. An articulated screen is much more versatile than a flip up, the the flip up has its points. But try doing vertical oriented shots with it!