Lumix GX80: The Ideal Everyday Camera
It’s not every day you stumble upon a camera that’s so easy to carry around, operate with one hand, and still delivers surprisingly good image quality. After shooting around 1,500 images with the Lumix GX80, I now understand why this little camera has such a devoted following.
Out of all the shots I’ve taken, I’ve picked about 50 that I’m excited to share with you. This camera has far exceeded my expectations, even with a few drawbacks that I'll get into later.
Interestingly, the Lumix GX80 shares the same sensor format and is roughly the same age as the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II. I reviewed the E-M10 Mark I about a year ago, and while there are similarities in the images you get from these two cameras, the form factor and usability of the GX80 have won me over.
The Lens Dilemma: The Lumix 20mm f1.7
One of the first drawbacks for me was the lens I paired with this camera: the Lumix 20mm f1.7. It’s a favorite in the Micro Four Thirds community, but I had been warned about its slow autofocus. And, to be honest, it can be really slow. The lens offers a 40mm full-frame equivalent field of view, which I find perfect for street photography. It’s just wide enough to include several subjects without needing to get too close, striking a nice balance that might feel more comfortable than the usual 35mm or 50mm focal lengths.
The autofocus, however, struggles in lower light or when focusing on subjects with low contrast. It’s much easier to lock focus with a bright background and a darker subject or the other way around. I found myself giving the shutter extra time to focus before pressing down completely, and at times, it simply wouldn’t shoot because it hadn't locked focus.
Despite these challenges, I found my rhythm with this setup. And once I did, I managed to capture some shots I’m quite happy with. One of my favorite examples is a photo of a tourist wearing an umbrella hat, with a rainbow set of flags hanging over the street in the background. I saw the opportunity, rushed into position, and got the shot without drawing much attention – all thanks to the GX80's waist-level viewfinder and compact size.
Lumix GX80 + Lumix 20mm f/1.7. Edited using my Milano Lightroom Preset.
Embracing the Limitations
That’s the beauty of street photography – you start to notice the unique quirks of your camera and learn to work with them. Does your camera make it easier or harder to capture the images you see in your mind? For me, while the autofocus on this lens was slower than I'd prefer, the GX80 offered other benefits that made shooting enjoyable.
The tilting LCD screen, for example, was a game-changer. While I often use cameras with fully articulating screens for video work, I found the tilting screen on the GX80 much more comfortable for street photography. It felt more natural when framing waist-level shots and didn't make me feel like I was in "video mode."
The GX80 in Action
One of the standout features of the GX80 is its ability to be operated almost entirely with one hand, depending on the size of your hands. This was particularly useful in situations where I needed to keep my balance while shooting. For instance, when I was wading into the ocean to capture a sequence of shots, I used my left hand to steady myself against a rock and managed everything else with my right hand – something that would have been much harder with a larger, bulkier camera like the Lumix S9.
With a 16-megapixel sensor, you get some cropping ability, but the real strength of this camera lies in its portability and ease of use. In street photography, having a smaller camera can sometimes help you get closer to your subject without drawing too much attention. While I don’t necessarily advocate for always using the smallest camera possible, it can help make you feel more comfortable if you're not yet used to getting close with a larger camera.
Lumix GX80 + Lumix 20mm f/1.7. Edited using my Milano Lightroom Preset.
The Specs Aren’t Everything
When it comes down to it, the internal specs of a camera – like megapixels, autofocus points, and dynamic range – don’t matter as much as your ability to position yourself correctly in relation to your subject, environment, and lighting. For me, the enjoyment of using a camera plays a far more significant role in my decision-making process than simply chasing the latest and greatest specs.
That’s why I love experimenting with different cameras from various eras and categories to find what suits my style best. In this case, the GX80's form factor, single-handed usability, and tilting screen have proven to be significant advantages. On the flip side, I’ve learned that a slow autofocus lens can feel like driving an old automatic transmission – a bit frustrating but manageable with practice.
Comparing the GX80 to the Competition
Looking at other cameras with similar sensor formats, like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark I or the Sony A6700, I’ve found the GX80 to be a sweet spot for street photography. It strikes a balance between size, usability, and fun – something that I think many photographers will appreciate.
I’d love to see a new development in the GX line, incorporating some of the latest tech found in Lumix’s newer cameras like the S5 II or S9. I think there’s a lot of potential here for a real crowd-pleaser.
What's Next?
I’ll be sharing more images and my thought process behind them in my next video, so make sure to hit the subscribe button to catch that. Remember, the most important thing in street photography is to get out there, explore, and have fun. Whatever camera you use, make it your own and embrace its quirks – you might be surprised at the results!
Until next time, keep shooting and keep experimenting!
