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
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
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
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
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
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.
Comments
All this bodes well for the future and makes my mouth water at the prospect of what might go into a GH5...
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 ??.
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.
I feel a 3:2 aspect ratio for the EVF would be a better compromise for 16:9 video/4:3 stills.
David.
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.
I agree, that dialing down in Cinelike V and Cinelike D can be an issue. Especially with Cineline D (and everything set to -5).
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.
>>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?
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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!
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
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.
But use the EVF switch on manual and the problem is solved
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.
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