Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Comparison
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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Brand | Olympus | Panasonic | |
Model | OM-D E-M1 Mark II | Lumix DMC-GX8 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2016 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 19, 2016 | July 16, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Overview and Optics
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II wins the optics comparison with a score of 68/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 scores 65/100. Both cameras have a CMOS sensor, a Micro Four Thirds sensor size, a Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization. They also have similar megapixels, with the E-M1 Mark II featuring 20.4 and the GX8 having 20.3.
The E-M1 Mark II outperforms the GX8 in a few key areas. Its shooting speed of 60 is significantly faster than the GX8’s 10, which allows for better action photography. Additionally, the E-M1 Mark II has a TruePic VIII processor, contributing to faster image processing and better image quality. The E-M1 Mark II also has a higher DXOMARK score for the sensor at 80, compared to the GX8’s 75, ensuring better overall image quality.
On the other hand, the GX8 has a Venus Engine processor, which, while not as advanced as the TruePic VIII, still provides good image processing capabilities. Despite its lower score, the GX8 is still a competent camera with reliable optics performance.
To sum up, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II is the superior camera in terms of optics, thanks to its faster shooting speed, better processor, and higher DXOMARK sensor score. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, while not as impressive, remains a good option for those seeking a reliable camera with decent optics performance.
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Optics
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.4 MP | 20.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5184 x 3888 px | 5184 x 3888 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.4 mm | 13 x 17.3 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 60 fps | 10 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | TruePic VIII | Venus Engine | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 | 4:3 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 200 | 200 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 64 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 | 25600 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 60 s | 60 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 32000 s | 1/ 16000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 121 | 49 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 2,360,000 dots | 2,360,000 dots |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Video Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 both have a video score of 70/100. This equal score reveals that these two cameras share similar video capabilities and quality. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution, ensuring high-quality footage. Additionally, both the E-M1 Mark II and the GX8 have time-lapse functionality built in, allowing users to create captivating time-lapse videos.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II stands out with its maximum video dimensions of 4096 x 2160, which is slightly higher than the GX8’s 3840 x 2160. This difference means that the E-M1 Mark II can capture a slightly wider video scene, providing a more cinematic look. However, the E-M1 Mark II’s maximum video frame rate is 24fps, which is slightly lower than the GX8’s 25fps. This difference in frame rate is minimal and may not significantly impact the overall video quality.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8’s maximum video frame rate of 25fps is slightly better than the E-M1 Mark II’s 24fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback, particularly in fast-action scenes. However, the GX8’s maximum video dimensions are lower than the E-M1 Mark II’s, which may result in a slightly less cinematic video appearance.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, both cameras offer strong performance with their 4K video resolution and time-lapse functionality. The E-M1 Mark II has a slight edge in video dimensions, while the GX8 has a minor advantage in maximum video frame rate. Ultimately, both cameras provide excellent video quality, and the choice between them may depend on individual preferences and specific recording needs.
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Video
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K | 4K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 3840 x 2160 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 24 p | 25 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, AVI | AVCHD, MP4 |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Features and Benefits
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 share an equal feature score of 70/100. Both cameras offer several common specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, flip screen, no GPS, and WIFI connectivity. Neither camera has Bluetooth functionality.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II has a screen resolution of 1,037,000 dots. This resolution is slightly lower than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, which boasts a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots. Despite this marginal difference, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II remains on par with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in terms of overall features.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has a marginally higher screen resolution, which may provide a slightly clearer image display. However, this difference is minimal and does not significantly impact the overall performance and functionality of the camera.
In comparing the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, both cameras possess similar features and capabilities. The slight difference in screen resolution is not a major factor in determining which camera is superior. Therefore, the equal feature score of 70/100 accurately reflects the comparable quality and functionality of these two cameras.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | OLED | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,037,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II surpasses the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in storage and battery performance with a score of 57 out of 100, compared to the GX8’s 21. Both cameras share common specifications, such as accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards and lacking USB charging capabilities.
The E-M1 Mark II excels with its dual memory card slots, providing users with additional storage and backup options, as opposed to the GX8’s single slot. Furthermore, the E-M1 Mark II offers a longer battery life of 440 shots, while the GX8 only manages 330 shots. The E-M1 Mark II uses the BLH-1 battery, whereas the GX8 relies on the DMW-BLC12 battery.
The GX8 does not have any advantages in storage and battery over the E-M1 Mark II. Consequently, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II proves to be the superior option in terms of storage and battery capabilities, making it the clear winner in this comparison.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | BLH-1 | DMW-BLC12 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 440 shots | 330 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.7 bits | 22.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.8 EVs | 12.6 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 1312 | 662 |
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Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8:
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User Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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