Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Comparison
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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Brand | Olympus | Panasonic | |
Model | OM-D E-M1 Mark III | Lumix DMC-GX8 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2015 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 12, 2020 | July 16, 2015 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 with a score of 72/100 compared to 63/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and have similar dimensions: Olympus at 134 x 91 x 69mm and Panasonic at 133 x 78 x 63mm. They also share the same release price range: Olympus at $1799 and Panasonic at $1200.
The Olympus camera excels with its higher score, indicating better overall performance and features. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has its advantages, such as being lighter at 487g compared to Olympus’s 580g, making it more portable.
Taking into account the scores, specifications, and prices, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the superior option for those seeking better performance and features. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 may appeal to users who prioritize a lighter and more compact camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Overview and Optics
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in optics, scoring 68/100 compared to the GX8’s 65/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization. However, there are key differences that contribute to their varying scores.
The E-M1 Mark III has a superior TruePic IX processor, which contributes to its faster shooting speed of 60, compared to the GX8’s Venus Engine processor and shooting speed of 10. Additionally, the E-M1 Mark III’s sensor has a higher DXOMARK score of 80, while the GX8’s sensor scores 75. These factors make the E-M1 Mark III more efficient and capable of producing higher-quality images.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has a slightly higher megapixel count of 20.3, which may offer marginally better image resolution. However, this small advantage does not outweigh the benefits provided by the E-M1 Mark III’s faster shooting speed and superior sensor performance.
Considering these points, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III proves to be the better camera in terms of optics. Its faster shooting speed and higher sensor score enable it to capture higher-quality images more efficiently. While the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has a slightly higher megapixel count, this advantage is not significant enough to make it the superior choice for optics.
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Optics
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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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 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. | 17.4 x 13 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 IX | 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/ 8000 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 III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Video Performance
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in video capabilities with a score of 83/100 compared to the GX8’s 70/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as 4K max video resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality.
The E-M1 Mark III excels with higher max video dimensions at 4096 x 2160, providing a greater level of detail in video recording. Additionally, the E-M1 Mark III offers a max video frame rate of 60fps, which is more than double the GX8’s 25fps. This allows for smoother video playback and the ability to create slow-motion effects.
On the other hand, the GX8 has a slightly lower max video resolution at 3840 x 2160. While this difference may not be significant for casual users, it may matter to professionals seeking the highest possible video quality. The GX8’s max video frame rate of 25fps is also lower than the E-M1 Mark III, limiting its potential for smooth video playback and slow-motion effects.
Taking these factors into account, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the superior camera for video capabilities due to its higher max video dimensions and frame rate. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 remains a viable option for those who prioritize other features or have a lower budget. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the user’s specific needs and preferences.
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Video
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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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. | 60 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. | MPEG-4, MOV | AVCHD, MP4 |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Features and Benefits
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III emerges as the winner in this comparison with a feature score of 83/100, while the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 scores 70/100. Both cameras share several key specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, flip screen availability, GPS absence, and WIFI connectivity.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in various aspects. The most notable advantage is the presence of Bluetooth connectivity, which the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 lacks. Bluetooth allows for seamless pairing with smartphones and other devices, enhancing the overall user experience.
On the other hand, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 has a slightly higher screen resolution at 1,040,000 dots compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III’s 1,037,000 dots. This higher resolution offers marginally better image clarity on the screen. However, the difference is minimal and may not significantly impact the user experience.
Considering the features, the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III is the superior choice due to its higher feature score and the presence of Bluetooth connectivity. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 does have a marginally higher screen resolution but falls short in other aspects. Ultimately, potential buyers should weigh the importance of these differences based on their individual needs and preferences.
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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 | TFT 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 III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 Storage and Battery
The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III outperforms the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 in storage and battery with a score of 71/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the Olympus E-M1 Mark III has two memory card slots, with one being UHS-II compatible, while the Panasonic GX8 has only one slot.
The Olympus E-M1 Mark III also has a longer battery life, providing 420 shots per charge using the BLH-1 battery type. In contrast, the Panasonic GX8 offers 330 shots per charge with its DMW-BLC12 battery. Additionally, the Olympus camera supports USB charging, while the Panasonic GX8 does not.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 does not excel in any aspect of storage and battery compared to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. The Olympus camera offers more memory card slots, UHS-II compatibility, longer battery life, and USB charging, making it a superior choice in this category.
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Storage and Battery
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible on one slot) | 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. | 420 shots | 330 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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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.' | N/A | 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.' | N/A | 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' | N/A | 662 |
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Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III 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 III or the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8:
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User Scores
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Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8
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