The last Fujifilm X-H1 we examined up close was nearly a reflex in size and integrated features. Today we've decided to return to that format, but starting from a completely different position, prioritizing portability and low cost. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 uses interchangeable lenses, weighs less than 270 grams in its standard configuration, records 4K video at 100 megabits per second, and at the time of writing, costs less than 400 euros.
The convenient size of a point-and-shoot, with enough flexibility to adapt to different situations, and expand its original specifications if necessary. If that is our "perfect camera", any enthusiast would say let's sacrifice the first aspect and aim all guns at an affordable reflex, but it's most likely there's an answer among mirrorless. For example, Panasonic offers its DMC-GX80, which is rapidly approaching the 400 euro floor, however, there is an even more economical alternative that only leaves out a couple of functions, without losing dynamism or portability. I speak of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800: 400 reasons to carry it
Announced originally in January 2017, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 delivers a 16-megapixel effective CMOS sensor with the Venus Engine processor. Its ISO sensitivity spans from 200 to 25,600 with a Boost down to 100, while the shutter speed ranges between 1/500 and 60 seconds, or 1/16000 with the electronic system. It has a tilting touchscreen of 3 inches with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, but unlike the GX80, the GX800 does not include a viewfinder. Considering the type of use Panasonic envisions for this camera, the loss of the viewfinder is not so serious.
Selfies, social-urban photography, travel, and the occasional bit of action are within reach of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800. Its autofocus system is based on 49 contrast-detection points, and you'll likely be able to extract between 5 and 6 FPS in Burst using a card with good write speed. If you need the camera to be even faster, the 4K burst mode enables up to 30 FPS as long as you accept a lower resolution and the possibility of distortion. Of course, there are limits associated with the 12-32 kit lens, and Panasonic never indicates it's a sports camera, but it will give you very interesting results under the right settings. A general recommendation? Shoot directly in RAW and squeeze every bit out of those 16 megapixels.
The interface of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 doesn't stray too far from what we've already seen in other cameras from the manufacturer. The 4K photo button also works as Fn1, Fn2 is located on the back, and Fn3 is shared with the post-focus mode. As with the GX80, on the Lumix DMC-GX800 we don't see a dedicated video entry on the mode dial, but rather it's called 'Creative Movie', this time represented by a palette. The remaining entries are for Intelligent Auto 'iA', Programmable Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'A', Shutter Priority 'S', Manual 'M', Panorama, Scene Guide 'SCN', Children, and Portrait. 'Children' is your starting point for moving scenes, but don't hesitate to experiment. Any other secondary data you need, you'll find it in the manual.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 records video in 4Kp30 and p24 at 100 megabits per second. Its quality is quite decent, although it carries some compromises, the first being the lack of exposure control. Obviously, the idea is that the camera takes care of that task (which, by the way, it accomplishes solidly in most cases), but automatic modes don't always make the best decisions. Image stabilization is limited to the 12-32 lens, so we can say with some certainty that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 aims for casual 'blogger' 4K, and considering the current price of the camera, it's not bad at all. The only connectivity option is WiFi n, with the possibility of using QR codes. There's no Bluetooth or NFC.
Accessories for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800
The good news is that the prices of accessories for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 are accompanying (for the most part) the value of the camera itself. Today it can be yours for less than 375 euros, and with a little patience you'll be able to trim a few more bills. Battery, transport, and supports are our priorities, and even under a tight budget, I'm convinced that your experience with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 will be much more complete.
Batteries and power
A scant 210 shots define the battery performance of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800. That's too low compared to other mirrorless, associated with the natural capacity of the DMW-BLH7 module. But there's nothing to worry about: a compatible DMW-BLH7 battery costs 10 euros, and the Gloxy 2-in-1 hybrid charger for home and car is 22 euros. For less than 45 euros, with two extra batteries and the charger, any energy deficit will be resolved. The recommended bundle is "DI4762,VDTS-4604-CH-1-CH-VDTS-114".
Tripods and supports
With a weight of 269 grams including battery and memory card, the demands for a tripod for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 are low, but it's always preferable to have extra resistance. That said, the first recommendation is a classic from our lists, the Gloxy GX-T6662A. 10 kilograms of maximum load, anti-slip rubber feet, and a working height of 1.6 meters guarantee the use of this tripod for a long time. Want something compact? Then look no further than the Clampod Takeway T1. It grips easily to different surfaces, and the best part is it's still on sale.
Backpacks and bags
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 is very compact and easy to move... but not small enough (due to its lens) to slip into a pocket and go. Our suggestion is to look for at least an affordable, well-designed bag, and today we offer two: on one hand, the Delta 400a Fancier available in two colors, with adjustable dividers, a front pocket for smaller accessories, and a very comfortable messenger style. On the other hand, we have the Vanguard Discover 22, ready to carry the camera body and two lenses at once. The SKU is "Fancier400a,0714199153".
Memory cards
This equation is very simple to solve: you want fast memory in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800. Fortunately, there are very accessible options, among which the Sony SF-64UY3 of 64 gigabytes stands out, writing at 70 MB/s, and the Transcend of 128 GB, which gives up just 10 MB/s of write speed to double the capacity. Between 4K video, RAW shots, and the Burst of the 4K Photo mode, the combination of density and speed in these cards will serve you well. The SKU is "IM712002182,IM712518125".
Lenses and special kits
I admit that the 12-32 that comes in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 kit is adequate for general use, but if in the future you need to expand your optical resources, my suggestion is to make a strong investment (more than the camera) in the Tamron 14-150mm f/3.5-5.8 Di III, and let this all-purpose lens do the heavy lifting. That lens could also be useful in product photography, and will adapt wonderfully to this portable studio of 40 x 40 x 40 centimeters with interchangeable backgrounds and two auxiliary lights.
Solid images (especially in RAW), good construction, 4K video, affordable accessories, support for interchangeable lenses, 375 euros. Perhaps at the time of its launch, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 faced too tough competition, but at that price it becomes easy to recommend. The only way to spend less is to forget about 4K and look for a Canon EOS 4000D, with all the pros and cons of the reflex format. Good luck!
