Panasonic Lumix GX80, we have tested it

Panasonic Lumix GX80

Panasonic can be quite proud of its small but brave Lumix GX80 , since it is a compact mirrorless camera that nevertheless offers the latest in photographic technology such as 4KPhoto, which allows us to take 4K frames from a video in maximum resolution, and convert them to JPG or RAW.

This small mirrorless can boast of many things, including sensor Digital Live MOS 16.0 megapixels you have in your gut or as mentioned, new features such as 4K Photo ( first seen in previous models such as the TZ100), one  image stabilizer dual 5-axis , and contrast AF system .

But it is better that we tell you all this in parts and above all, we show it to you with photographs, so pay attention to what we have discovered about the Panasonic Lumix GX80 in our test period with it. Stay with us.

Panasonic Lumix GX80

Design and ergonomics

The first thing we can highlight in this section is that the size of the camera is , as in all mirrorless ones, a plus to take into account when purchasing it. With compact dimensions of 122 × 70.6 × 43.9 mm and weighing less than 400 grams , the camera can be perfectly in a pants pocket, and carry it does not become a problem as in the case of some DSLRs, especially high-end ones. In addition to its size, it has an ergonomic grip thanks to the handle created especially for these tasks.

Rear controls of the Panasonic Lumix GX80

At the top of the camera we find the mode dial and some quick settings such as shutter speed or ISO sensitivity. The camera is available in three different colors that accompany its retro and casual design. These colors are black, black and gray, and tobacco color with a synthetic leather finish that contrasts with some aluminum parts.

Superior controls on the Panasonic Lumix GX80

Screen and viewfinder

The 3-inch screen with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots  that we find in the Panasonic Lumix GX80 has touch technology and is also tiltable in an upward tilt of 80º and a downward one of 45º. I must say that the touchscreen does not respond as fast as we would like so if you are used to change the settings from there maybe you realentice a little when shooting.

The stabilization system in this camera is five-axis (5-Axis Dual IS) , three of them in the body and the other two in the lens, so when it comes to recording video we won't have major problems. As for the viewfinder, it gives us a resolution of 2,764,000 points and has an  AF Eye Sensor  that begins to focus as soon as it detects that we are getting close to look through it.

Touch and flip screen of the Panasonic Lumix GX80

Sensor and test results

The Lumix GX80  is equipped with a  Digital Live MOS sensor  of 16 megapixels that accompanied the new  image processor Venus Engine  (Panasonic) has given us sharpness, brightness, noise reduction and precision in much more accurate colors. Regarding noise, the ISO sensitivity ranges from 80 to 12,800, although forcing we can reach 25,600 . It goes without saying that bringing the camera to these sensitivities does not serve more than to end up erasing the photos, so if we want a more or less content noise, around 3,200 ISO is where, at most, we should go.

Flip-up screen on the Panasonic Lumix GX80

The function  4K Photo  of Panasonic with  three different modes:  Burst 4K (4K Burst) Burst 4K Start / Stop (4K Burst Start / Stop) and Preráfaga 4K (4K Pre-burst), is one of the things that surprised us . By recording a video in 4K quality we have been able to take pictures of impeccable quality. Another of the most notable things is the Post Focus  system  that has allowed us to focus even after releasing the shutter.

Let's look at some of the samples taken with the Panasonic Lumix GX80.

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 1/2500 sec, f / 3.5, ISO 200 and 12mm

100% detail of a direct photo in JPEG. 1/2500 sec, f / 3.5, ISO 200 and 12mm

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 1/800 sec, f / 8.0, ISO 200 and 53mm

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 1/800 sec, f / 8.0, ISO 200 and 53mm

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 2 sec, f / 22, ISO 3200 and 13mm

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 2 sec, f / 22, ISO 1000 13mm

Panasonic Lumix GX80 at 1/200 sec, f / 6.3, ISO 200, and 13mm

4kPhoto Image with 4K Burst (4K Burst)

Connectivity and autonomy

In the connectivity section, the Lumix GX80 comes quite complete, since we find WiFi technology integrated in it  that facilitates the process of transferring or sharing images directly on social networks or by mail.  Nor can this camera lack the usual connections for microUSB and HDMI with which to transfer or view images on an external monitor.

12-32mm lens included as standard with the Panasonic Lumix GX80

Conclusions

In short, the test of this camera has been highly satisfactory . As can be seen, the results offer us a clarity of which we can only say good things. The size-results binomial is perhaps what we would highlight the most, who wants to carry a SLR while being able to achieve such good results with a camera that you don't know what you're wearing around your neck?

Perhaps the only downside we can put is that the touch screen does not respond too well, but otherwise they are all good conclusions. Ergonomic grip, resistance and photographic quality, especially in JPGs that thanks to the processor are always impeccable. Nor should we forget about 4K video recording or the ability to add image effects to photos, in addition to all the included shooting modes.

Finally highlight its price , since it has always been one of the points of complaint is this series of cameras. Specifically, the Panasonic Lumix GX80 is around 600 euros, a much more adjusted price than what they have been showing us, although it might not have been amiss to include a 20 megapixel sensor like the one included in other cameras of the company.

Regardless of what has been said, if you are an advanced average user or perhaps a photographer looking for a lightweight -and inexpensive- second body, the Panasonic Lumix GX80 could be your camera without a doubt.

The Panasonic Lumix GX80 mirrors, on sale for 600 euros

Panasonic Lumix GX80

Sensor

Lenses

Focus

Exposition

Viewfinder

Display and layout

Flash

Image

Connections and autonomy

+ info Panasonic

600  euros