Fujifilm X-Pro1 vs Panasonic GX80

The Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80 (labelled Panasonic GX85 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2012 and April 2016. Both the X-Pro1 and the GX80 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on an APS-C (X-Pro1) 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

Fujifilm X-Pro1		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
1080/24p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-6400 (100-25600)		ISO 200-25600
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2765k dots)
3.0" LCD, 1230k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
6 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
300 shots per battery charge		290 shots per battery charge
140 x 82 x 43 mm, 450 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-Pro1 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 physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 and the Panasonic GX80 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GX80 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the X-Pro1 is only available in black.

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 (25 percent) than the Fujifilm X-Pro1. Moreover, the GX80 is markedly lighter (5 percent) than the X-Pro1. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the X-Pro1 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-Pro1) 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-Pro1 gets 300 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 want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro1»	140 mm	82 mm	43 mm	450 g	300	n	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Panasonic GX80«	122 mm	71 mm	44 mm	426 g	290	n	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Fujifilm X-E2S« »	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Jan 2016	699	-		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	141 mm	83 mm	46 mm	495 g	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	118 mm	83 mm	41 mm	381 g	350	n	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X100T« »	127 mm	74 mm	52 mm	440 g	330	n	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	129 mm	90 mm	47 mm	440 g	350	Y	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X100S« »	127 mm	74 mm	54 mm	445 g	330	n	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	Fujifilm X-A1« »	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Sep 2013	399	-		Fujifilm X-A1
	Fujifilm X-E2« »	129 mm	75 mm	37 mm	350 g	350	n	Oct 2013	999	-		Fujifilm X-E2
	Fujifilm X-M1« »	117 mm	67 mm	39 mm	330 g	350	n	Jun 2013	699	-		Fujifilm X-M1
	Fujifilm X-E1« »	129 mm	75 mm	38 mm	350 g	350	n	Sep 2012	999	-		Fujifilm X-E1
	Olympus E-M10 II« »	120 mm	83 mm	47 mm	390 g	320	n	Aug 2015	649	-		Olympus E-M10 II
	Olympus E-M10« »	119 mm	82 mm	46 mm	396 g	320	n	Jan 2014	699	-		Olympus E-M10
	Panasonic GX9« »	124 mm	72 mm	47 mm	407 g	260	n	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic G80« »	128 mm	89 mm	74 mm	505 g	330	Y	Sep 2016	899	-		Panasonic G80
	Panasonic GX7« »	123 mm	71 mm	55 mm	402 g	350	n	Aug 2013	999	-		Panasonic GX7
Convert to Imperial
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 listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The GX80 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 53 percent) than the X-Pro1, which puts it into a different market segment. 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 tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-Pro1 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-Pro1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GX80 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 16MP, the X-Pro1 offers a slightly higher resolution than the GX80 (15.8MP), but the X-Pro1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.80μm versus 3.77μm for the GX80) due to its larger sensor. However, the GX80 is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 2 months) than the X-Pro1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 Fujifilm X-Pro1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. 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 determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). 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 have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GX80 provides a better video resolution than the X-Pro1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/24p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range 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 substantially higher resolution than the one in the X-Pro1 (2765k vs 1440k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Fujifilm X-Pro1 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-Pro1 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, the GX80 is one of those camera that have an additional 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 Panasonic GX80 has 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-Pro1 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-Pro1 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 GX80 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the X-Pro1 does not offer wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro1 (unlike the GX80) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The GX80 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the X-Pro1 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the X-Pro1 was succeeded by the Fujifilm X-Pro2. 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-Pro1 and the Panasonic GX80? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-Pro1:

• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1230k vs 1040k dots).
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2012).

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX80:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/24p).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (2765k vs 1440k dots).
• 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 6 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (122x71mm vs 140x82mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (53 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 4 years and 2 months of technical progress since the X-Pro1 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the GX80 is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 3 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-Pro1 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X-Pro1 and the GX80 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. 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						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-Pro1»	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	1,699	-		Fujifilm X-Pro1
	Panasonic GX80«	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Fujifilm X-E2S« »	-	77/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Fujifilm X-E2S
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T10« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	May 2015	799	-		Fujifilm X-T10
	Fujifilm X100T« »	+	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100T
	Fujifilm X-T1« »	+ +	84/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2014	1,299	-		Fujifilm X-T1
	Fujifilm X100S« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	5/5	Jan 2013	1,299	-		Fujifilm X100S
	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 review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-Pro1 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.

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