Newark, NJ—Panasonic’s DMC-GX8 compact, mirrorless camera offers advanced functions housed in a splash- and dustproof rugged design. It integrates a dual IS (image stabilizer) for the first time in the Lumix G series to gain vibration correction.
Body IS and Lens IS work at the same time to take maximum advantage of both stabilizers, not only for wide-angle but also with telephoto shots. To suppress almost any type of vibration, the image stabilization system employs a maximum 3.5x (wide)/1.5x (tele) wider correction angle—to help deliver clear handheld shots even in low light.
Its 20.3 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor is said to excel in response, sensitivity and dynamic range, while a Venus engine processor boosts performance with a quad-core CPU that handles high-speed signal processing. Integrating noise reduction systems, the GX8 enables shooting at sensitivities as high as ISO 25,600. And, the camera is capable of burst shooting at 8 frames per sec (AFS) or 6 fps (AFC).
Notably, the GX8 records smooth QFHD 4K video in 3,840×2,160 at 30p or 24p in the MP4 format, in addition to Full HD 60p video in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 formats. Taking advantage of 4K recording performance, users can capture photo opportunities at 30 fps in 8MP-equivalent resolution to save files as a 4K photo. 4K photos can be captured with three 4K photo modes, 4K burst shooting, 4K burst S/S (start/stop) and 4K pre-burst functions.
For framing, there’s a large, 2,360K-dot, tiltable live viewfinder that boasts a magnification ratio of 0.77x (35mm equivalent) and a 100% field of view. OLED (organic light-emitting diode) displays are adopted for both the LVF and the free-angle, 3-inch, 1,040K-dot rear monitor. Specs state the OLEDs achieve high-speed response with a time lag of less than 0.01 sec as well as 10,000:1 high contrast.
The camera’s contrast autofocus (AF) system features DFD (depth from defocus) technology and fast autofocus speeds of 0.07 sec. A variety of AF functions include face/eye detection AF, pinpoint AF, one-shot AF and low-light AF.
Additional features include: in-camera RAW processing; creative control in PASM mode; 22 filter options; panorama shot mode; Wi-Fi with NFC (Near Field Communication) connectively, to connect the camera to a smartphone/tablet for storing and sharing; a magnesium alloy die-cast frame; and a sleek exterior with a grip and finely machined dials.
Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-GX8 is available in two versions: all black and silver top with a black bottom. It has a suggested retail price of $1,199.99 body only. panasonic.com
