Upgrade Guide
Lumix GM1→Lumix GX8
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The GX8 improves across 4 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most GM1 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the GX8
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Resolution20MP vs 16MP (+4MP)
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Burst rate8fps (6fps with continuous AF) vs 5fps (4fps with continuous AF)
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Battery life~330 shots (CIPA) vs ~220 shots (CIPA)
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Generation2 years newer (2015 vs 2013)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | GM1 | GX8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.6 | ||
| Street | +0.3 | ||
| Travel | -0.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.4 | ||
| Documentary | +0.8 | ||
| Sports & Action | +1.4 | ||
| Landscape | +0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.2 | ||
| Casual | -0.3 | ||
| Food | +1.5 | ||
| Macro | +1.3 | ||
| Architecture | +1.2 | ||
| Astrophotography | +0.7 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Filmmaking | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | GM1 | GX8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £284 used | £428 used | |
| Released | 2013 | 2015 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | Full HD 1080i/24p | 4K/25p, Full HD 50p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face detection, 23-area, pinpoint, touch AF | Contrast AF with DFD; face/eye detection, 49-area, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | No IBIS (lens-based O.I.S.) | Sensor-shift IBIS (Dual I.S.) | |
| Burst Rate | 5fps (4fps with continuous AF) | 8fps (6fps with continuous AF) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~220 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 204g (with battery) | 487g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None (screen only) | Electronic OLED, tilting, 2.36M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating OLED touchscreen | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the GX8 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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Camera family history