The Newest Player On The Stage - Panasonic Lumix GX8

Here'tis. The long-promised successor to the Panasonic Lumix GX7 camera - the panasonic Lumix GX8.

The family resemblance is striking - Panasonic fans will recognise the tilting viewfinder  immediately, as well as the GX8's ability to take all the Panasonic Micro 4/3 lenses in its stride. The one you se on the heading image is a big piece of glass on a system camera - it's the Leica Nocticron 42.5mm f:1.2 which would be wonderful for street shots in really bad light.

It's a big lens and heavy, as befits the metal barrel and enormous amount of glass inside, but remember that Panasonic make a whole range of other lenses that would make the system a smaller prospect - just choose the focal length that works best for you.

There are new capabilities added to the mix - the swinging LCD screen for one. I noted that the hinge and axle that it turns upon feels a great deal more solid than some of the ones used by other manufacturers. Of course it parks screen-in for secure carriage.

The screen is touch control as well -love this or hate it, at least you can turn it off if it confuses you. Studio shooters who have the camera on a tripod or stand might find it invaluable. It is particularly fun to scroll though the art and special help programs that Panasonic include in the camera - some of them are a puzzle as to when you might use them but some are absolutely perfect for a quick reaction to a photo opportunity - the ability to access them quickly is a real bonus.

You'll note on the deck view that there are three active compensation and command dials as well as the basic mode wheel. Leave the basic exposure compo set for what you are encountering and set the blue/amber compo on the back screen and go for your life. Five minutes spent with a Datacolor Spyder ColorChecker 24 card and you can eliminate literally hours spent in front of a computer later - this will leave you more time to drink wine, eat cheese, and read Victorian novels.

The hand grip has changed a little from the GX7 - formerly it was a little wider and more rounded - the designers have now curled the grip in a la Leica T and you can depend the assembly on three fingers without thumb if you are that way inclined. The thumb grip on the back is perfectly angled. If you are left handed you are still ignored by the camera manufacturers but then that is what it has been all your life so you might as well be bitter about it...

Ah, well, come in and try the new GX8 for yourself. A worthy contender in the market.