Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

The Nikon D3300 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2014 and July 2015. The D3300 is a DSLR, while the GX8 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (D3300) and a Four Thirds (GX8) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Nikon D3300		Panasonic GX8
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		20.2 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12800 (100-25600)		ISO 200-25600
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0" LCD, 921k dots		3.0" LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
700 shots per battery charge		330 shots per battery charge
124 x 98 x 76 mm, 430 g		133 x 78 x 63 mm, 487 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D3300 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8? 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: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D3300 and the Panasonic GX8 is provided 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 width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3300 can be obtained in three different colors (black, grey, red), while the GX8 is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GX8 is notably smaller (15 percent) than the Nikon D3300. However, the GX8 is markedly heavier (13 percent) than the D3300. It is noteworthy in this context that the GX8 is splash and dust-proof, while the D3300 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D3300) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GX8). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GX8, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the D3300 gets 700 shots out of its EN-EL14a battery, while the GX8 can take 330 images on a single charge of its DMW-BLC12 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)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Nikon D3300»	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.2 oz	700	n	Jan 2014	499	-		Nikon D3300
	Panasonic GX8«	5.2 in	3.1 in	2.5 in	17.2 oz	330	Y	Jul 2015	1,199	-		Panasonic GX8
	Nikon D3500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	12.9 oz	1550	n	Aug 2018	429			Nikon D3500
	Nikon D5600« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	16.4 oz	970	n	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D3400« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	15.7 oz	1200	n	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	2.8 in	14.8 oz	820	n	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D7100« »	5.4 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	950	Y	Feb 2013	1,199	-		Nikon D7100
	Nikon D5300« »	4.9 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	16.9 oz	600	n	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	4.9 in	3.8 in	3.0 in	17.8 oz	540	n	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Olympus E-M5 II« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	16.5 oz	310	Y	Feb 2015	1,099			Olympus E-M5 II
	Olympus E-M1« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	2.5 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic G95« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	3.0 in	18.9 oz	290	Y	Apr 2019	999			Panasonic G95
	Panasonic GX9« »	4.9 in	2.8 in	1.9 in	14.4 oz	260	n	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic GX7« »	4.8 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	14.2 oz	350	n	Aug 2013	999	-		Panasonic GX7
	Sony A5000« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.4 in	9.5 oz	420	n	Jan 2014	449	-		Sony A5000
	Sony A5100« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.4 in	10.0 oz	400	n	Aug 2014	549			Sony A5100
	Sony A6000« »	4.7 in	2.6 in	1.8 in	12.1 oz	360	n	Feb 2014	599	-		Sony A6000
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D3300 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 58 percent) than the GX8, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D3300 features an APS-C sensor and the Panasonic GX8 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GX8 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 D3300 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GX8 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24MP, the D3300 offers a higher resolution than the GX8 (20.2MP), but the D3300 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 3.34μm for the GX8) due to its larger sensor. However, the GX8 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 6 months) than the D3300, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D3300 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D3300 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D3300 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GX8 are 25.9 x 19.4 inch or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inch or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inch or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D3300 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 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"). Of the two cameras under review, the D3300 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the GX8 (overall score 7 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the GX8 provides a better video resolution than the D3300. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the GX8 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the D3300 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the GX8 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3300 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the GX8 has a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D3300, the Panasonic GX8, and comparable cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The D3300 has one, while the GX8 does not. While the built-in flash of the D3300 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

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 GX8 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 GX8 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 D3300 and the GX8 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: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

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 Nikon D3300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the GX8 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the D3300 does not offer wifi capability.

Both the D3300 and the GX8 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The D3300 was replaced by the Nikon D3400, while the GX8 was followed by the Panasonic GX9. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Panasonic websites.

Review summary: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D3300 or the Panasonic GX8 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3300:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.2MP) with a 11% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (7 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.8 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 57g or 12 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (700 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (58 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in January 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.77x vs 0.57x).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 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 (133x78mm vs 124x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 6 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GX8 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding 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 Nikon D3300 and the Panasonic GX8 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings 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 remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D3300 or the GX8. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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
	Nikon D3300»	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2014	499	-		Nikon D3300
	Panasonic GX8«	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2015	1,199	-		Panasonic GX8
	Nikon D3500« »	-	-	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	429			Nikon D3500
	Nikon D5600« »	-	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699			Nikon D5600
	Nikon D3400« »	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499	-		Nikon D3400
	Nikon D5500« »	+	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899	-		Nikon D5500
	Nikon D7100« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	1,199	-		Nikon D7100
	Nikon D5300« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	799	-		Nikon D5300
	Nikon D3200« »	+ +	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599	-		Nikon D3200
	Olympus E-M5 II« »	+ +	81/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Feb 2015	1,099			Olympus E-M5 II
	Olympus E-M1« »	+ +	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	1,399	-		Olympus E-M1
	Panasonic G95« »	+	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2019	999			Panasonic G95
	Panasonic GX9« »	+	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2018	849			Panasonic GX9
	Panasonic GX7« »	+	79/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2013	999	-		Panasonic GX7
	Sony A5000« »	+	-	4.5/5	o	4.5/5	Jan 2014	449	-		Sony A5000
	Sony A5100« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2014	549			Sony A5100
	Sony A6000« »	+	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2014	599	-		Sony A6000
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. 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: Nikon D3300 vs Panasonic GX8

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.