Nikon D800 vs Panasonic GF6
The Nikon D800 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in February 2012 and April 2013. The D800 is a DSLR, while the GF6 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D800) and a Four Thirds (GF6) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 36.2 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.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D800 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6? 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
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D800 and the Panasonic GF6 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The GF6 can be obtained in four different colors (black, brown, red, white), while the D800 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 GF6 is considerably smaller (60 percent) than the Nikon D800. Moreover, the GF6 is substantially lighter (68 percent) than the D800. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D800 is splash and dust resistant, while the GF6 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 (D800) and the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GF6). Mirrorless cameras, such as the GF6, 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 D800 gets 900 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15 battery, while the GF6 can take 340 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLG10 power pack.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D800 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic GF6 | 111 mm | 65 mm | 38 mm | 323 g | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 151 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 890 g | 900 | Y | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5D Mark III | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 950 g | 950 | Y | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D850 | 146 mm | 124 mm | 79 mm | 1005 g | 1840 | Y | Jul 2017 | 3,299 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D810 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 980 g | 1200 | Y | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D610 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D800E | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | 147 mm | 123 mm | 77 mm | 1074 g | 1000 | Y | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF7 | 107 mm | 65 mm | 33 mm | 266 g | 230 | n | Jan 2015 | 499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic G6 | 122 mm | 85 mm | 71 mm | 390 g | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GF5 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 37 mm | 267 g | 360 | n | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic G3 | 115 mm | 84 mm | 47 mm | 336 g | 270 | n | May 2011 | 599 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic G1 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 45 mm | 360 g | 410 | n | Sep 2008 | 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The GF6 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 83 percent) than the D800, 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
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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D800 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GF6 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GF6 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the D800 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GF6 offers a 4:3 aspect.
With 36.2MP, the D800 offers a higher resolution than the GF6 (15.8MP), but the D800 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.88μm versus 3.77μm for the GF6) due to its larger sensor. However, the GF6 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 2 months) than the D800, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon D800 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D800 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.8 x 24.6 inches or 93.5 x 62.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.4 x 19.6 inches or 74.8 x 49.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.5 x 16.4 inches or 62.3 x 41.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GF6 are 23 x 17.2 inches or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inches or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Nikon D800 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 50-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 are ISO 160 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 160-25600.
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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 D800 provides substantially higher image quality than the GF6, with an overall score that is 41 points higher. This advantage is based on 4.6 bits higher color depth, 3.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D800 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | |
2. | Panasonic GF6 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 20.7 | 10.6 | 622 | 54 | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Full Frame | 30.1 | 6720 | 4480 | 4K/30p | 24.8 | 13.6 | 2995 | 91 | |
4. | Canon 5D Mark III | Full Frame | 22.1 | 5760 | 3840 | 1080/30p | 24.0 | 11.7 | 2293 | 81 | |
5. | Nikon D850 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 14.8 | 2660 | 100 | |
6. | Nikon D810 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/60p | 25.7 | 14.8 | 2853 | 97 | |
7. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
8. | Nikon D610 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.4 | 2925 | 94 | |
9. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
11. | Nikon D800E | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2303 | 80 | |
13. | Panasonic GF7 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.3 | 874 | 70 | |
14. | Panasonic G6 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.5 | 639 | 61 | |
15. | Panasonic GF5 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.5 | 10.0 | 573 | 50 | |
16. | Panasonic G3 | Four Thirds | 15.8 | 4592 | 3448 | 1080/60i | 21.0 | 10.6 | 667 | 56 | |
17. | Panasonic G1 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | none | 21.1 | 10.3 | 463 | 53 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the GF6 provides a faster frame rate than the D800. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the D800 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the GF6 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D800 and Panasonic GF6 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D800 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Panasonic GF6 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/4000s | 4.2/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1620 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 5D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon D850 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Nikon D810 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1229 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
8. | Nikon D610 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon D600 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
11. | Nikon D800E | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D700 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Panasonic GF7 | none | n | 3.0 / 1040 | tilting | Y | 1/500s | 5.8/s | Y | n | |
14. | Panasonic G6 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic GF5 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
16. | Panasonic G3 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
17. | Panasonic G1 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the D800, but is missing on the GF6 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.
The GF6 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D800 does not have a selfie-screen.The Nikon D800 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.
The D800 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or SDXC cards, while the GF6 uses SDXC cards. The D800 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GF6 only has one slot. 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 Nikon D800 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D800 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Panasonic GF6 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | - | |
4. | Canon 5D Mark III | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Nikon D850 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
6. | Nikon D810 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D610 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D600 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D800E | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D700 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Panasonic GF7 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
14. | Panasonic G6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
15. | Panasonic GF5 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Panasonic G3 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Panasonic G1 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the D800 has a hotshoe, while the GF6 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D800 (unlike the GF6) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the D800 and the GF6 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D800 was replaced by the Nikon D810, while the GF6 was followed by the Panasonic GF7. Further information on the features and operation of the D800 and GF6 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D800 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GF6 Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon D800 or the Panasonic GF6 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Advantages of the Nikon D800:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (36.2 vs 15.8MP) with a 54% higher linear resolution.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (41 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (4.6 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (3.8 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2.2 stops ISO advantage).
- Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (900 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
- Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in February 2012).
Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF6:
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 921k 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.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- More compact: Is smaller (111x65mm vs 146x123mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 677g or 68 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- 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 affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (83 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 2 months) more recently.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D800 is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 12 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. 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 D800 and the Panasonic GF6 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D800 and the GF6 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 (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D800 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
2. | Panasonic GF6 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5D Mark IV | 4.5/5 | + + | 4/5 | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2016 | 3,499 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon 5D Mark III | .. | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2012 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D850 | 4.5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2017 | 3,299 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon D810 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 86/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jun 2014 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D610 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2013 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D800E | .. | .. | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D700 | .. | 89/100 | .. | + + | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2008 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF7 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2015 | 499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic G6 | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GF5 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic G3 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | May 2011 | 599 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic G1 | .. | + + | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2008 | 599 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, 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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date 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.
- Canon G1 X Mark II vs Nikon D800
- Canon SL2 vs Panasonic GF6
- Leica Digilux 3 vs Nikon D800
- Nikon D60 vs Panasonic GF6
- Nikon D7200 vs Panasonic GF6
- Nikon D800 vs Olympus E-450
- Nikon D800 vs Olympus E-PL8
- Nikon D800 vs Panasonic LX100
- Nikon D800 vs Sony A7R II
- Panasonic GF6 vs Sony NEX-C3
- Panasonic GF6 vs Sony RX10 IV
- Panasonic GF6 vs YI M1
Specifications: Nikon D800 vs Panasonic GF6
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.
Camera Model | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Micro Four Thirds lenses |
Launch Date | February 2012 | April 2013 |
Launch Price | USD 2,999 | USD 499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | Four Thirds Sensor |
Sensor Size | 35.9 x 24.0 mm | 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 861.6 mm2 | 224.9 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.2 mm | 21.6 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 2.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 36.2 Megapixels | 15.8 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 7360 x 4912 pixels | 4592 x 3448 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.88 μm | 3.77 μm |
Pixel Density | 4.20 MP/cm2 | 7.04 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 1080/60i Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 6,400 ISO | 160 - 12,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 25,600 ISO | 160 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | Venus FHD |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 95 | 54 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 25.3 | 20.7 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 14.4 | 10.6 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2853 | 622 |
Screen Specs | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | no viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 1040k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Tilting screen |
Touch Input | no Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Contrast-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 4 shutter flaps/s | 4.2 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-I | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | no Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 3.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | no NFC | NFC built-in |
Body Specs | Nikon D800 | Panasonic GF6 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL15 | Panasonic DMW-BLG10 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 900 shots per charge | 340 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2 in) |
111 x 65 x 38 mm (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.5 in) |
Camera Weight | 1000 g (35.3 oz) | 323 g (11.4 oz) |
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