Panasonic Lumix DC-GX800

Is Panasonic’s ultra-compact mirrorless model worthy of enthusiasts’ consideration? Andy Westlake finds out.

- Andy Westlake

In recent years, mirrorless camera design has shifted towards models with built-in electronic viewfinders but most manufacturers still offer small, simple cameras with a tilting LCD screen. These are aimed at casual users but they could also interest enthusiasts who want a small camera with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

Panasonic’s latest offering in this category is the GX800. It’s a reworking of the GF7 with a few key updates. It’s an alternative to compacts such as Sony’s RX100 series and Panasonic’s own LX15.

Features

Based around the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, the GX800 uses a 16-million-pixel sensor that forgoes an optical low-pass filter to eke out the highest possible resolution. Its standard sensitivity range covers ISO 200-25,600, alongside an extended ISO 100 setting that clips highlight detail sooner. Unlike other recent Panasonic mirrorless models, the GX800 is too small to include in-body stabilisation but its tiny 12-32mm kit lens includes optical stabilisation to counteract camera shake.

Autofocus uses Panasonic’s proven Depth from Defocus technology and the focus area can be placed anywhere in the scene simply by tapping the touchscreen, with a comprehensive array of AF modes available including face/eye detection and subject tracking.

The camera uses a hybrid mechanical/electronic shutter. In its silent fully electronic mode this gives a top speed of 1/16,000sec and continuous shooting at up to 10fps, but there’s a risk of image distortion from rolling shutter effects.