Nikon Z8 vs Panasonic GH4
The Nikon Z8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in May 2023 and February 2014. Both the Z8 and the GH4 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Z8) and a Four Thirds (GH4) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 megapixels, whereas the Panasonic provides 15.9 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 Z8 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4? 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 Z8 and the Panasonic GH4 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 dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic GH4 is notably smaller (28 percent) than the Nikon Z8. Moreover, the GH4 is substantially lighter (38 percent) than the Z8. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
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. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
Concerning battery life, the Z8 gets 340 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL15c battery, while the GH4 can take 500 images on a single charge of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 power pack. The power pack in the Z8 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.
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, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon Z8 | 144 mm | 119 mm | 83 mm | 910 g | 340 | Y | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
2. | Panasonic GH4 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 84 mm | 560 g | 500 | Y | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon R5 | 138 mm | 98 mm | 88 mm | 738 g | 320 | Y | Jul 2020 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon R5 C | 142 mm | 101 mm | 111 mm | 770 g | 320 | Y | Jan 2022 | 4,499 | amazon.com | |
5. | Nikon D850 | 146 mm | 124 mm | 79 mm | 1005 g | 1840 | Y | Jul 2017 | 3,299 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon Z6 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 310 | Y | Aug 2018 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon Z6 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 410 | Y | Oct 2020 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 134 mm | 101 mm | 67 mm | 675 g | 330 | Y | Aug 2018 | 3,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon Z7 II | 134 mm | 101 mm | 70 mm | 705 g | 420 | Y | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
10. | Nikon Z9 | 149 mm | 150 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 740 | Y | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
11. | Olympus E-M1 | 130 mm | 94 mm | 63 mm | 497 g | 350 | Y | Sep 2013 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
12. | Olympus E-M5 II | 124 mm | 85 mm | 45 mm | 469 g | 310 | Y | Feb 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic G6 | 122 mm | 85 mm | 71 mm | 390 g | 340 | n | Apr 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 82 mm | 550 g | 540 | Y | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GH5 | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 725 g | 410 | Y | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic S1R | 149 mm | 110 mm | 97 mm | 1016 g | 380 | Y | Feb 2019 | 3,699 | amazon.com | |
17. | Sony A7R V | 131 mm | 97 mm | 82 mm | 723 g | 530 | Y | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or 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 GH4 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 63 percent) than the Z8, 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. 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 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 Nikon Z8 features a full frame sensor and the Panasonic GH4 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the GH4 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 Z8 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the GH4 offers a 4:3 aspect.
With 45.4MP, the Z8 offers a higher resolution than the GH4 (15.9MP), but the Z8 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 3.76μm for the GH4) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z8 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 3 months) than the GH4, 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 the Z8 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z8 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z8 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic GH4 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Z8 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.
The Nikon Z8 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.
In terms of underlying technology, the Z8 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the GH4 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. 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"). Of the two cameras under review, the Z8 provides substantially higher image quality than the GH4, with an overall score that is 24 points higher. This advantage is based on 3.1 bits higher color depth, 1.4 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 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 Z8 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 8K/30p | 26.3 | 14.2 | 2548 | 98 | |
2. | Panasonic GH4 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 4K/30p | 23.2 | 12.8 | 791 | 74 | |
3. | Canon R5 | Full Frame | 44.8 | 8192 | 5464 | 8K/30p | 25.3 | 14.6 | 3042 | 95 | |
4. | Canon R5 C | Full Frame | 44.8 | 8192 | 5464 | 8k/60p | 25.4 | 14.5 | 3082 | 96 | |
5. | Nikon D850 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.4 | 14.8 | 2660 | 100 | |
6. | Nikon Z6 | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/30p | 25.3 | 14.3 | 3299 | 95 | |
7. | Nikon Z6 II | Full Frame | 24.3 | 6048 | 4024 | 4K/60p | 25.0 | 14.4 | 3303 | 94 | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/30p | 26.3 | 14.6 | 2668 | 99 | |
9. | Nikon Z7 II | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 4K/60p | 26.3 | 14.7 | 2841 | 100 | |
10. | Nikon Z9 | Full Frame | 45.4 | 8256 | 5504 | 8K/30p | 26.3 | 14.4 | 2451 | 98 | |
11. | Olympus E-M1 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.0 | 12.7 | 757 | 73 | |
12. | Olympus E-M5 II | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 23.0 | 12.5 | 842 | 73 | |
13. | Panasonic G6 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 21.3 | 11.5 | 639 | 61 | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.4 | 812 | 71 | |
15. | Panasonic GH5 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.9 | 13.0 | 807 | 77 | |
16. | Panasonic S1R | Full Frame | 46.7 | 8368 | 5584 | 4K/60p | 26.4 | 14.1 | 3525 | 100 | |
17. | Sony A7R V | Full Frame | 60.2 | 9504 | 6336 | 8k/24p | 26.5 | 14.8 | 3187 | 100 | |
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 Z8 provides a higher video resolution than the GH4. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Panasonic is limited to 4K/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z8 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the GH4 (3690k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon Z8, the Panasonic GH4, and comparable 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 Z8 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2089 | full-flex | Y | 1/32000s | 30.0/s | n | Y | |
2. | Panasonic GH4 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | Y | n | |
3. | Canon R5 | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
4. | Canon R5 C | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Nikon D850 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Nikon Z6 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
7. | Nikon Z6 II | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | Y | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | Y | |
9. | Nikon Z7 II | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
10. | Nikon Z9 | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2089 | full-flex | Y | 1/32000s | 30.0/s | n | Y | |
11. | Olympus E-M1 | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | tilting | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
12. | Olympus E-M5 II | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 1037 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
13. | Panasonic G6 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 1746 | n | 3.0 / 614 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic GH5 | 3680 | n | 3.2 / 1620 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
16. | Panasonic S1R | 5760 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | full-flex | Y | 1/8000s | 9.0/s | n | Y | |
17. | Sony A7R V | 9440 | n | 3.2 / 2100 | full-flex | Y | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | Y | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One feature that is present on the Z8, but is missing on the GH4 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 GH4 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 Z8 does not have a selfie-screen.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 Nikon Z8 and the Panasonic GH4 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.
The Z8 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or SDXC cards, while the GH4 uses SDXC cards. The Z8 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the GH4 only has one slot. The Z8 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the GH4 can use UHS-I cards (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 Z8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 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 Z8 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Panasonic GH4 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
3. | Canon R5 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
4. | Canon R5 C | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
5. | Nikon D850 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | Y | Y | |
6. | Nikon Z6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
7. | Nikon Z6 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
9. | Nikon Z7 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
10. | Nikon Z9 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y | |
11. | Olympus E-M1 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
12. | Olympus E-M5 II | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
13. | Panasonic G6 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic GH5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
16. | Panasonic S1R | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
17. | Sony A7R V | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.2 | Y | - | Y |
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z8 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.
The Z8 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the GH4 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the GH4 was succeeded by the Panasonic GH5. Further information on the features and operation of the Z8 and GH4 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z8 Manual (free pdf) or the online Panasonic GH4 Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Nikon Z8 better than the Panasonic GH4 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z8:
- More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 15.9MP) with a 72% higher linear resolution.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (24 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
- Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (3.1 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.4 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
- Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 4K/30p).
- Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
- More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2359k dots).
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.67x).
- 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.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 1036k dots).
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 12 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
- Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
- Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
- More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
- Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
- More modern: Reflects 9 years and 3 months of technical progress since the GH4 launch.
Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- More compact: Is smaller (133x93mm vs 144x119mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 350g or 38 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (500 versus 340) out of a single battery charge.
- Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
- Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (63 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2014).
If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Z8 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 9 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 Nikon Z8 and the Panasonic GH4 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Z8 or the GH4 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 (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 Z8 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 94/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | May 2023 | 3,999 | amazon.com | |
2. | Panasonic GH4 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon R5 | 4.5/5 | + | 4/5 | 91/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2020 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
4. | Canon R5 C | .. | + + | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jan 2022 | 4,499 | amazon.com | |
5. | Nikon D850 | 4.5/5 | + + | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jul 2017 | 3,299 | amazon.com | |
6. | Nikon Z6 | 5/5 | .. | 5/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2018 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon Z6 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | 1,999 | amazon.com | |
8. | Nikon Z7 | 5/5 | + | 4.8/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Aug 2018 | 3,399 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon Z7 II | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2020 | 2,999 | amazon.com | |
10. | Nikon Z9 | 5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 94/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2021 | 5,499 | amazon.com | |
11. | Olympus E-M1 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2013 | 1,399 | ebay.com | |
12. | Olympus E-M5 II | 5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 81/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2015 | 1,099 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic G6 | 4/5 | + + | .. | .. | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GH5 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic S1R | 4.5/5 | .. | 4.6/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2019 | 3,699 | amazon.com | |
17. | Sony A7R V | 5/5 | + + | 4.5/5 | 92/100 | .. | .. | Oct 2022 | 3,899 | amazon.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon 500D vs Nikon Z8
- Canon 760D vs Nikon Z8
- Nikon D3X vs Panasonic GH4
- Nikon D6 vs Nikon Z8
- Nikon D70s vs Panasonic GH4
- Nikon L840 vs Panasonic GH4
- Nikon P7800 vs Panasonic GH4
- Nikon Z8 vs Olympus E-PL6
- Nikon Z8 vs Panasonic FZ200
- Nikon Z8 vs Panasonic GM5
- Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GH6
- Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic GM5
Specifications: Nikon Z8 vs Panasonic GH4
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 Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Mirrorless system camera |
Camera Lens | Nikon Z mount lenses | Micro Four Thirds lenses |
Launch Date | May 2023 | February 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 3,999 | USD 1,499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
Sensor Technology | Stacked BSI-CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | Four Thirds Sensor |
Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9 mm | 17.3 x 13.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 858.01 mm2 | 224.9 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.1 mm | 21.6 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 2.0x |
Sensor Resolution | 45.4 Megapixels | 15.9 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 8256 x 5504 pixels | 4608 x 3456 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.35 μm | 3.76 μm |
Pixel Density | 5.30 MP/cm2 | 7.08 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | 8K/30p Video | 4K/30p Video |
ISO Setting | 64 - 25,600 ISO | 200 - 25,600 ISO |
ISO Boost | 32 - 102,400 ISO | 100 - 25,600 ISO |
Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | Venus IX |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 98 | 74 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 26.3 | 23.2 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 14.2 | 12.8 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2548 | 791 |
Screen Specs | Nikon Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Electronic viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.67x |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3690k dots | 2359k dots |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | no Top Display |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.0inch |
LCD Resolution | 2089k dots | 1036k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fully flexible screen | Swivel screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
Focus System | On-Sensor Phase-detect | Contrast-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/32000s | 1/8000s |
Continuous Shooting | 30 shutter flaps/s | 12 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | up to 1/32000s | up to 1/8000s |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Image Stabilization | In-body stabilization | Lens stabilization only |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | Built-in Flash |
Storage Medium | CFexB or SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | UHS-II | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 3.2 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | full HDMI | micro HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | Headphone port |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | Wifi built-in |
Near-Field Communication | no NFC | NFC built-in |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | no Bluetooth |
Geotagging | GPS built-in | no internal GPS |
Body Specs | Nikon Z8 | Panasonic GH4 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL15c | Panasonic DMW-BLF19 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 340 shots per charge | 500 shots per charge |
In-Camera Charging | USB charging | no USB charging |
Body Dimensions |
144 x 119 x 83 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3 in) |
133 x 93 x 84 mm (5.2 x 3.7 x 3.3 in) |
Camera Weight | 910 g (32.1 oz) | 560 g (19.8 oz) |
Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.