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Panasonic Lumix GX80 GX85 Review - Performance

Panasonic Lumix GX80 Performance

The performance section is where we look at the image quality performance of the camera. Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Speed - We took a number of shots to test the camera's responsiveness, from switch on to first photo, shot to shot, focusing speed etc. We take a number of shots and then use the average to ensure accurate and consistent tests, making it easy to compare with other cameras.

Shutter Response	<0.05secs
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response	0.125secs
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response	0.125secs
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo	0.7secs
Shot to Shot without Flash	0.4secs
Shot to Shot with Flash	0.7secs
Continuous Shooting - JPEG (shots before slow down)	8fps (180 shots)
Continuous Shooting - Flash	N/A
Continuous Shooting - RAW	6fps (52 shots)

With continuous AF active, and AF tracking selected, we were able to shoot at 5fps (JPEG).

Panasonic Lumix GX80 Sample Photos

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Sample Photos - Exposure is reliable, and the camera produces images with good colour and detail. Dynamic range is good, and there are a number of ways to expand this, whether by using the HDR mode, shooting and processing raw images, or by using the iDynamic option. Face and eye detection focus is particularly helpful for portrait and people photography, giving a very high success rate, and the camera produces images with very pleasing colour and skin tones.

Panasonic Lumix GX80 Lens test images

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Lens Performance - The Panasonic 12-32mm lens performs well and compacts to a very small size which makes the camera fit easily into jacket pockets. The camera has options for shading compensation, diffraction compensation, and the camera will automatically correct for purple fringing. Detail is good, although images are softer towards the corner of the frame, and you can get sharper, more detailed photos from other lenses. The macro performance of the lens isn't the best, and for better macro photos, a dedicated lens or an alternative zoom lens is recommended. Distortion is automatically corrected in camera, so shouldn't cause any concerns.

We tested the in-camera sensor based 5-axis image stabilisation system, by using the Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 lens which lacks lens based image stabilisation, and we were able to take shots at 1/5th of a second and still get a sharp shot, which we were also able to match with the Olympus OM-D E-M5. The image stabilisation appears to work as well when using the continuous shooting mode as well.

Panasonic Lumix GX80 ISO test images

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ISO Noise Performance - Noise is very well controlled and detail is good right up to ISO1600, with detail dropping off slightly. Detail drops off further as the ISO speed is increased, and noise increases. Noise becomes more noticeable at ISO6400, and then again at ISO12800. Colour saturation remains surprisingly good even as the ISO speed is increased. The GX80 gives very similar results from the lowest ISO setting, up to ISO6400, when compared to the GX7, but there is a slight improvement at ISO12800. Above this there's a slight improvement in the GX80 results, with less loss of colour, although there is also quite noticeable colour noise. Noise reduction can be set from -5 to +5, and we left the camera on the default setting for these images.

Panasonic Lumix GX80 White-balance test images

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White Balance Performance - Auto White Balance (AWB) performance is good, with almost identical results when using the tungsten preset. AWB performs very well under fluorescent lighting, and like other Panasonic cameras, there are no fluorescent presets available. Detail is good, although the difference between this camera and other 16 megapixel Panasonic Lumix G series cameras when using the 12-32mm lens is quite subtle, unless you spend time pixel peeping and comparing images side by side, or use different lenses.

Panasonic Lumix GX80 Digital filters

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Digital Filters - There are a vast array of creative effects available, and a number of them have additional options, for example you can change the position of the sun when using the sunshine effect. There are additional options for adjusting dynamic range, including highlight / shadow adjustment, iDynamic, plus an HDR shooting mode (JPEG only).

Panoramic | 1/640 sec | f/8.0 | 16.0 mm | ISO 200

The GX80 features an automatic panoramic mode, and will automatically stitch the photos together as you pan from one side to the other. Detail is good, and the camera produces an image with a good resolution.

Video - There are a large number of video options including photo styles, filter options (creative effects), 4K live cropping, snap movie, format (MP4 / AVCHD), manual modes, focus, continuous AF, metering, highlight / shadow, iDynamic, iResolution, diffraction compensation, ex tele converter, digital zoom, stabiliser (IS, e-stabilisation options, focal length set for legacy lenses), flicker decrease, silent operation, mic level display, mic level adjust (4 levels), and wind noise reduction. There are options for zebra pattern display, monochrome live view, and constant preview. You can also divide video in playback mode.

As you would expect from Panasonic, who are pioneers in the 4K video industry, video quality is very good, and thanks to the 5-axis sensor-based image stabilisation system 4K video also benefits from image stabilisation. This is something which is lacking from other Panasonic Lumix cameras, which can struggle to provide effective image stabilisation when recording 4K video. Image stabilisation is also extremely effective for FullHD video, and the results are very good, so that whether you're recording 4K video or FullHD video you are capable of producing great video, even when recording handheld. You can find additional GX80 videos on the ePHOTOzine YouTube channel.

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Comments

JacquesCornell 5

5 Apr 2016 11:10AM

Like 1

If only they had made the EVF 4:3 and retained the GX7/8's AF/MF switch, I would have been tempted to upgrade all three of my GX7s to this. The addition of DfD and Dual IS, elimination of shutter shock, and removal of the AA filter are all compelling. Removal of EVF tilt I can live with and accept as a cost-cutting measure. However, any upgrade from my GX7s will HAVE to have a bigger 4:3 EVF. Guess I'll just have to wait for GX8 prices to drop...

lemmy 13 2.9k

5 Apr 2016 11:51AM

Like 1

The one thing everyone wants to know is how does the sensor stabilization compare with Olympus's? That's the single biggest change in Panasonic's camera line up since 4K and arguably more important than that to most photographers.

ChrisV Plus

14 2.3k 26

5 Apr 2016 12:05PM

Like 0

Looks like a great camera. Already owning a GX8, there isn't that much on offer to tempt me into getting yet another MFT body [perhaps thankfully]. If it were the tiny dimensions of the GMs and perhaps weather-sealed I might be thinking about it [gulp]. It is good - and slightly surprising - they've managed to add in 5 axis IS and that it works with 4k shooting. Oh, and they've addressed shutter shock issues.

All this bodes well for the future and makes my mouth water at the prospect of what might go into a GH5...

joshwa Plus

10 927 1

5 Apr 2016 1:11PM

Like 0

Hi Lemmy, we've added in some image stabilisation (details on the performance page). Compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 I'd say it's on a par as to the lower shutter speeds possible, but that the GX80 has a higher success rate. I don't have an E-M5 II at hand to compare it to.

dannyr Plus

11 46

5 Apr 2016 1:56PM

Like 0

"GX85 in some parts of the world, or alternatively as the GX7 Mark II in Asia."

Why?

Apart from that looks a great little camera, Loved my GX7, and this does seem like a nice updated version. in fact GX7 Mk2 does seem the most appropriate.

So what does the shutter sound like? Hated the GX7 shutter sound with a passion, but love the GM1's almost silent shutter, if it's in between the two ill be happy.

lemmy 13 2.9k

5 Apr 2016 4:17PM

Like 0

Quote:Compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 I'd say it's on a par as to the lower shutter speeds possible, but that the GX80 has a higher success rate.
Thanks Josh. That essentially does away with Panasonic's disadvantage over Olympus in stills work.

dcash29 15 2.4k

5 Apr 2016 5:17PM

Like 0

Quote:Compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 I'd say it's on a par as to the lower shutter speeds possible, but that the GX80 has a higher success rate. I don't have an E-M5 II at hand to compare it to.

Hopefully the EM5mk2 vs GX80 colour checker card is nothing to go by then?

Last modified by dcash29 on 5 Apr 2016 5:18PM

joshwa Plus

10 927 1

5 Apr 2016 6:32PM

Like 0

Quote:So what does the shutter sound like? Hated the GX7 shutter sound with a passion, but love the GM1's almost silent shutter, if it's in between the two ill be happy.

From left to right: E-M5, GX80, GX7 shutter sound - although note the table does amplify the sound.

lemmy 13 2.9k

5 Apr 2016 7:06PM

Like 1

If I was a war photographer I'd be loath to use the GX7. A quick sequence on that and you'd be certain to get a burst from an AK47 in return.

Niknut Plus

11 2.9k 82

5 Apr 2016 8:09PM

Like 0

A corking little camera.......but the image quality doesn't quite match that from the GX8 ??.(compare the studio shots enlarged !), which also
has better control layout & a chunkier grip !.......at least it isn't so expensive as the GX8 ?.

If they ever remove the AA filter from the GX8, it'll knock the spots off everything else !!.....except the Olympus OMD M1 maybe ??. Wink

Last modified by Niknut on 5 Apr 2016 8:14PM

Montymouse 6

6 Apr 2016 7:47AM

Like 1

Just as I am contemplating a new lens, this comes along 😟 I like the EVF resolution and the size but its a shame they didn't stick with the GX8 sensor.... onwards and sideways !

JacquesCornell 5

6 Apr 2016 9:03AM

Like 0

Quote:If I was a war photographer I'd be loath to use the GX7. A quick sequence on that and you'd be certain to get a burst from an AK47 in return.

Gosh, I wonder how DSLR PJs have survived all these years? The GX7 shutter sound is nothing next to my 1D3. If it's too much for ya, there's always e-shutter.

DABarwick 6

6 Apr 2016 11:31AM

Like 0

Would be good to have some info. about the focus bracketing feature, ie. compared to Olympus EM10 mrk II?

I feel a 3:2 aspect ratio for the EVF would be a better compromise for 16:9 video/4:3 stills.

David.

lemmy 13 2.9k

6 Apr 2016 12:53PM

Like 0

Quote:Gosh, I wonder how DSLR PJs have survived all these years? The GX7 shutter sound is nothing next to my 1D3. If it's too much for ya, there's always e-shutter
I've actually covered wars so I was joking. My Nikons were, of course much noisier. And the GX7 has a silent shutter, as you say, which I use 95% of the time.

Some of Magnum's people are using GH4s in action these days.

JacquesCornell 5

6 Apr 2016 12:57PM

Like 0

Ah, I see. I guess my irony meter is broken. Glad you survived.

sanveer 5 1

6 Apr 2016 4:38PM

Like 0

Does anyone know how good the video quality is? How FLAT can the video be pushed, for grading in post? Also, how decent is the on-board mic (since it doesn't have a mic socket)?

Montymouse 6

6 Apr 2016 7:47PM

Like 0

I expect it is the same as the G7 except the moire maybe differen't, so to get flat as possible you would use Cine D, perhaps dial down contrast etc. I like Cine D but many complain about skin tones in particular but you can get LUT's to overcome these types of phemomena.

sanveer 5 1

6 Apr 2016 10:35PM

Like 0

Montymouse, the GX85 doesn't have Cinelike D and Cinelike V. Also, I read in some reports that the colors right out of the camera are very vibrant. That is why I asked. The G7 has the Cinelike D and Cinelike V, and in most profile dialling down everything usually gives a pretty Flat Profile anyways.

Paul Morgan 19 19.5k 6

6 Apr 2016 11:01PM

Like 0

The wb test images are still under exposed I see.

Montymouse 6

7 Apr 2016 5:38AM

Like 0

Are you sure Sanveer, I haven't seen any mention of Cine D one way or the other, only of an enhanced Venus Engine and dynamic range. Wrt to your second comment, dialing down can be a double edged sword, it will not have the same affect as adjusting gamma, but will on vibrant image output in my experience.

sanveer 5 1

7 Apr 2016 9:26AM

Like 0

Yes Montymouse, I read at a few forums, and I saw the same on B&H. But it is a Good Thing. Dialing down the setting to -3 to -5 and setting the profile to Natural is a better way of setting up for grading in post.

I agree, that dialing down in Cinelike V and Cinelike D can be an issue. Especially with Cineline D (and everything set to -5).

Montymouse 6

7 Apr 2016 3:56PM

Like 0

I have heard Natural is better from some much viewed YouTube vid Sanveer but this is not my experience. I am in a G7 user group and one of the members has provided a LUT to support Cine D. I am surprised it's not available but perhaps it's aimed at the rich mans p&s segment of the market.

sanveer 5 1

7 Apr 2016 4:38PM

Like 0

Oh ok, Montymouse. I wish Panasonic would incorporate the Cine D and V too. But, they are trying to protect their GX8 (metal body, weather sealing, tilting OVF, articulating screen, Cinelike D & V, 2.5mm mic jack, Highlight/Shadow adjustment etc) and G7 lineup (articulating screen, Cinelike D & V, 3.5mm mic jack, Highlight/Shadow adjustment etc).

See, since the GX 85 deals with the 2 biggest issues with Lumix Cameras, namely Shutter Shock and 5-Axis in-Body Stabilization, they have tried to disable other functions. From the few pics I saw on Flickr, I thought it handled detail as well as the 20MP GX8 (which has a 4-axis stabilisation, and no stabilization in 4k).

I think Panasonic should just Sell the extra Features (Including a 200mbps Vlog) for another $99-199 and make a killing, while they can.

I am guessing, the HDMI out has been Disabled as well, for the same reasons, mentioned.

BostonC 5

7 Apr 2016 4:40PM

Like 0

Thx for the review. Can you do a shutter sound test GX85 vs. EM5II (that's the quietest shutter among MILC until now). When testing, pls hold it up when press shutter.

bernieraffe 5

8 Apr 2016 9:50AM

Like 0

The review says:-
>>You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point to anywhere on the screen, however care needs to be taken when using the EVF, as your nose can accidentally set the focus point - luckily this can be switched off.

This is a bit of a concern, and the stated solution is ambiguous, does it mean the touch screen must be switched off completely, or just that the touch screen can be set to switch off temporarily when using the EVF?

joshwa Plus

10 927 1

8 Apr 2016 11:02AM

Like 0

Quote:The review says:-
>>You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point to anywhere on the screen, however care needs to be taken when using the EVF, as your nose can accidentally set the focus point - luckily this can be switched off.

This is a bit of a concern, and the stated solution is ambiguous, does it mean the touch screen must be switched off completely, or just that the touch screen can be set to switch off temporarily when using the EVF?

Hi, you can solve this problem by either:

a) using your right eye with the EVF, so that your nose isn't on the screen, or
b) switching off the touch-AF pad feature

Option b means you can still use the touch-screen for everything else.

bernieraffe 5

8 Apr 2016 11:07AM

Like 0

Quote:
Quote:The review says:-
>>You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point to anywhere on the screen, however care needs to be taken when using the EVF, as your nose can accidentally set the focus point - luckily this can be switched off.

This is a bit of a concern, and the stated solution is ambiguous, does it mean the touch screen must be switched off completely, or just that the touch screen can be set to switch off temporarily when using the EVF?

Hi, you can solve this problem by either:

a) using your right eye with the EVF, so that your nose isn't on the screen, or
b) switching off the touch-AF pad feature

Option b means you can still use the touch-screen for everything else.

Ah yes thanks, I was forgetting that the viewfinder is offset and so your nose wouldn't normally touch it.

dalemccl 5

12 Apr 2016 11:00PM

Like 0

Were you able to test whether the camera crops 4k video beyond the normal 2x m43 crop? If I recall correctly, the GX8 crops 24mm (FF equiv) to 37mm when shooting 4k video (or maybe I am thinking of a different camera than the GX8.)

Montymouse 6

13 Apr 2016 12:20PM

Like 0

This doesn't bother me but the GX8 crops to 2.7 If I recall correctly.

dalemccl 5

13 Apr 2016 9:14PM

Like 0

Thanks. That large crop factor pretty much kills wide-angle for 4k video, which was why I bought a G7 last year instead of the GX8. I hope the 4k video crop is less severe on the new GX80/85, but I haven't seen any of the early hands-on reviews comment on that yet.

Severino 5

15 Apr 2016 3:21AM

Like 0

Nice review, as always.

Can you please tell me if the PRESS function is available on the rear dial, like older models?

Thanks and keep up your nice work.

joshwa Plus

10 927 1

15 Apr 2016 1:59PM

Like 1

Quote:The wb test images are still under exposed I see.

Hi Paul,

The WB test images were taken with +0.3 exposure compensation to counter-act what the camera is doing with it's exposure. Images were taken on aperture priority, with fixed ISO speed. The images appear under-exposed, and this is something that some Panasonic cameras tend to do more than other brands.

Thanks
Josh

joshwa Plus

10 927 1

15 Apr 2016 2:00PM

Like 0

Quote:Nice review, as always.

Can you please tell me if the PRESS function is available on the rear dial, like older models?

Thanks and keep up your nice work.

Yes you can, thanks Josh

hydrophil 4

26 Apr 2016 3:35AM

Like 0

Hi,
nice review, thanks!

LUMIX GX80-Questions:
1) Why is the flash sync slower than in the GX7 (+/320; 1/250 with external flash) - any other explanation than marketing?
2) Does the internal flash allow triggering remote flash(s) like the GX7?
3) Why did they remove the focus selection switch around the the AF/AE lock button?
Even the tiny GM1 has that physical switch...
4) Finally: Does the GX80 allow AUTO-ISO in M mode?

Thanks for your reply!

bohemia 18 152

21 Sep 2016 11:13AM

Like 0

I bought one and quite like it but have noticed that there is shutter lag. I have used it with at 14-140mm to shoot horses. Single frame shots - normally I don't need to machine gun it. I press the shutter when I want the image captured - but the leg has always passed the point at which I wish it to be on the image. (This is not down to lack of knowledge and I can get it every time with the Olympus EM1 or a DSLR)

dougarts 4

1 Dec 2016 12:29PM

Like 0

I have owned the GX80 for about a month and used it intensively. I have taken a lot of macro shots with it using the Olympus M-Zuiko 60mm macro. The combination of lens and camera produces amazing shots. If you want compactness, light weight and great fuhnctionality this is for you.
Especially with macro you must use POST FOCUS - an amazing feature.
There are too many upsides to this camera to mention BUT I have one down side which is important. THE BATTERY LIFE IS RUBBISH If you are out for a day of intensive shooting you must have at least 2 spare batteries especially if you are doing video as well. You will probably use them both. AND you will have to buy a charger as well as Panasonic doesn't supply one but they are readily available as are the batteries.
I love this camera and my wife loves her Panasonic TZ 100 which uses the same batteries and shares most of the functions but it is a fixed mega zoom snapshot camera with a 1 inch sensor and also produces amazing shots in a much smaller body. I strongly recommend both cameras

JacquesCornell 5

1 Dec 2016 3:43PM

Like 0

Quote:The review says:-
>>You can use the touch-screen to set the focus point to anywhere on the screen, however care needs to be taken when using the EVF, as your nose can accidentally set the focus point - luckily this can be switched off.

This is a bit of a concern, and the stated solution is ambiguous, does it mean the touch screen must be switched off completely, or just that the touch screen can be set to switch off temporarily when using the EVF?

This mainly applies to left-eye shooters. Right-eye shooters have their noses positioned to the left of the camera.

dougarts 4

1 Dec 2016 5:05PM

Like 0

You can set the touch screen to automatically swith between eye and screen or you can set it by the press of the evf button. It can be annoying when set to automatic as even your finger crossing the eye piece can cause the evf to switch when on auto. Also it is best to try using the EVF with your right eye anyway.
But use the EVF switch on manual and the problem is solved

JacquesCornell 5

2 Dec 2016 10:46AM

Like 0

Quote:You can set the touch screen to automatically swith between eye and screen or you can set it by the press of the evf button. It can be annoying when set to automatic as even your finger crossing the eye piece can cause the evf to switch when on auto. Also it is best to try using the EVF with your right eye anyway.
But use the EVF switch on manual and the problem is solved

This doesn't prevent the left-eye shooter's nose from moving the AF point while looking through the EVF.

kadajawi 11

21 Sep 2017 4:48AM

Like 0

A bit late, but as for how decent the microphone is... it depends. For normal use, I suppose it will do for home videos. But for concerts it's great. I can stand a few meters from a drum set, and there is no distortion. Yes, you will have to use an equalizer to get the best out of it, but it's all there.