Fujifilm X-E2S vs Panasonic GX80

The Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 (labelled Panasonic GX85 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and April 2016. Both the X-E2S and the GX80 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-E2S) and a Four Thirds (GX80) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 16 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

	VS
Fujifilm X-E2S		Panasonic GX80
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
16 MP, APS-C Sensor		15.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6400 (100-51200)		ISO 200-25600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2765k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
7 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
350 shots per battery charge		290 shots per battery charge
129 x 75 x 37 mm, 350 g		122 x 71 x 44 mm, 426 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic GX80. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GX80 is notably smaller (10 percent) than the Fujifilm X-E2S. However, the GX80 is markedly heavier (22 percent) than the X-E2S. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-E2S nor the GX80 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-E2S) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GX80). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the X-E2S gets 350 shots out of its NP-W126 battery, while the GX80 can take 290 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLG10 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-E2S»	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Jan 2016	699		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Panasonic GX80«	4.8 in	2.8 in	1.7 in	15.0 oz	290	n	Apr 2016	799		Panasonic GX80
	Fujifilm X-E3« »	4.8 in	2.9 in	1.7 in	11.9 oz	350	n	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.5 oz	350	n	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X70« »	4.4 in	2.5 in	1.7 in	12.0 oz	330	n	Jan 2016	799		Fujifilm X70
	Fujifilm X-A10« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.7 oz	410	n	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Fujifilm X-A2« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	12.3 oz	410	n	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	4.6 in	3.3 in	1.6 in	13.4 oz	350	n	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X-A1« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.6 oz	350	n	Sep 2013	399		Fujifilm X-A1
	Fujifilm X-E2« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Oct 2013	999		Fujifilm X-E2
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.6 oz	350	n	Jun 2013	699		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-E1« »	5.1 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	12.3 oz	350	n	Sep 2012	999		Fujifilm X-E1
	Olympus E-M10 II« »	4.7 in	3.3 in	1.9 in	13.8 oz	320	n	Aug 2015	649		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-M10« »	4.7 in	3.2 in	1.8 in	14.0 oz	320	n	Jan 2014	699		Olympus E-M10
	Panasonic GX9« »	4.9 in	2.8 in	1.9 in	14.4 oz	260	n	Feb 2018	849		Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic G80« »	5.0 in	3.5 in	2.9 in	17.8 oz	330	Y	Sep 2016	899		Panasonic G80
	Panasonic GX7« »	4.8 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	14.2 oz	350	n	Aug 2013	999		Panasonic GX7
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X-E2S was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 13 percent) than the GX80, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-E2S features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GX80 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GX80 is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 2.0. The sensor in the X-E2S has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GX80 offers a 4:3 aspect.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

With 16MP, the X-E2S offers a slightly higher resolution than the GX80 (15.8MP), but the X-E2S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 3.77μm for the GX80) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The X-E2S has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-E2S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the GX80 provides a better video resolution than the X-E2S. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the GX80 offers a higher resolution than the one in the X-E2S (2765k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-E2S and Panasonic GX80 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GX80 has a touchscreen, while the X-E2S has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic GX80 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-E2S and the GX80 write their files to SDXC cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-E2S and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X-E2S has a microphone port, which is missing on the GX80. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The GX80 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the X-E2S has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-E2S was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-E3. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Panasonic websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic GX80? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-E2S:

• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 76g or 18 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (350 versus 290) on a single battery charge.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (13 percent cheaper at launch).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2765k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.41x).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (122x71mm vs 129x75mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-E2S comes out slightly ahead of the GX80 (9 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-E2S and the Panasonic GX80 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X-E2S or the GX80 perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model	cam era   labs	dp re   view	e photo   zine	ima ging resource	photo graphy   blog	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-E2S	..	77/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Panasonic GX80	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2016	799		Panasonic GX80
	Fujifilm X-E3	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2017	899		Fujifilm X-E3
	Fujifilm X-T20	+ +	82/100	5/5	..	4.5/5	Jan 2017	899		Fujifilm X-T20
	Fujifilm X70	..	76/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	799		Fujifilm X70
	Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	Dec 2016	399		Fujifilm X-A10
	Fujifilm X-A2	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	399		Fujifilm X-A2
	Fujifilm X-T10	+ +	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X-A1	..	..	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Sep 2013	399		Fujifilm X-A1
	Fujifilm X-E2	..	80/100	4.5/5	..	5/5	Oct 2013	999		Fujifilm X-E2
	Fujifilm X-M1	+	77/100	4.5/5	..	4.5/5	Jun 2013	699		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-E1	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	999		Fujifilm X-E1
	Olympus E-M10 II	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Aug 2015	649		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-M10	..	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2014	699		Olympus E-M10
	Panasonic GX9	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	849		Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic G80	+ +	84/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	899		Panasonic G80
	Panasonic GX7	+	79/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2013	999		Panasonic GX7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-E2S vs Panasonic GX80

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.