Panasonic GH5s vs Leica M8
The Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and the Leica M8 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2018 and September 2006. The GH5s is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the M8 is a rangefinder-focusing mirrorless. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (GH5s) and an APS-H (M8) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 9.9 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 10.4 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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and the Leica M8? 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 Panasonic GH5s and the Leica M8 are illustrated 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The M8 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the GH5s 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 Leica M8 is notably smaller (18 percent) than the Panasonic GH5s. Moreover, the M8 is markedly lighter (10 percent) than the GH5s. It is worth mentioning in this context that the GH5s is splash and dust resistant, while the M8 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 Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (GH5s) and the Leica M Lens Catalog (M8).
Concerning battery life, the GH5s gets 440 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLF19 battery, while the M8 can take 550 images on a single charge of its Leica BLI-312 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. | Panasonic GH5s | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 660 g | 440 | Y | Jan 2018 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
2. | Leica M8 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 591 g | 550 | n | Sep 2006 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon R | 139 mm | 98 mm | 84 mm | 660 g | 370 | Y | Sep 2018 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon XTi | 127 mm | 84 mm | 65 mm | 556 g | 370 | n | Aug 2006 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M9 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 37 mm | 585 g | 550 | n | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M10 | 139 mm | 80 mm | 39 mm | 660 g | 210 | Y | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ300 | 132 mm | 92 mm | 117 mm | 691 g | 380 | Y | Jul 2015 | 599 | amazon.com | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 74 mm | 428 g | 360 | n | Mar 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G9 | 137 mm | 97 mm | 92 mm | 658 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2017 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic G10 | 124 mm | 84 mm | 74 mm | 388 g | 380 | n | Mar 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF3 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 32 mm | 264 g | 300 | n | Jun 2011 | 549 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF5 | 108 mm | 67 mm | 37 mm | 267 g | 360 | n | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 82 mm | 550 g | 540 | Y | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GH4 | 133 mm | 93 mm | 84 mm | 560 g | 500 | Y | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic GH5 | 139 mm | 98 mm | 87 mm | 725 g | 410 | Y | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | 135 mm | 96 mm | 78 mm | 556 g | 450 | n | Aug 2007 | 599 | ebay.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 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 GH5s was launched at a markedly lower price (by 55 percent) than the M8, 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the 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 Panasonic GH5s features a Four Thirds sensor and the Leica M8 an APS-H sensor. The sensor area in the M8 is 116 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.3. The sensor in the GH5s has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the M8 offers a 3:2 aspect.
With 10.4MP, the M8 offers a higher resolution than the GH5s (9.9MP), but the M8 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.84μm versus 4.77μm for the GH5s) due to its larger sensor. However, the GH5s is a much more recent model (by 11 years and 3 months) than the M8, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. 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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s has a native sensitivity range from ISO 160 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 80-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica M8 are ISO 160 to ISO 2500 (no boost).
In terms of underlying technology, the GH5s is build around a CMOS sensor, while the M8 uses a CCD 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.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. 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. | Panasonic GH5s | Four Thirds | 9.9 | 3680 | 2700 | 4K/60p | 23.1 | 12.8 | 1154 | 74 | |
2. | Leica M8 | APS-H | 10.4 | 3936 | 2630 | none | 21.1 | 11.3 | 663 | 59 | |
3. | Canon R | Full Frame | 30.1 | 6720 | 4480 | 4K/30p | 24.5 | 13.5 | 2742 | 89 | |
4. | Canon XTi | APS-C | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.0 | 664 | 62 | |
5. | Leica M9 | Full Frame | 18.1 | 5212 | 3472 | none | 22.5 | 11.7 | 884 | 69 | |
6. | Leica M10 | Full Frame | 23.8 | 5952 | 3992 | none | 24.4 | 13.2 | 2133 | 86 | |
7. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | |
8. | Panasonic FZ300 | 1/2.3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 4K/30p | 19.3 | 11.0 | 97 | 38 | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.3 | 493 | 53 | |
10. | Panasonic G9 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.1 | 12.8 | 1138 | 74 | |
11. | Panasonic G10 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 720/30p | 21.2 | 10.1 | 411 | 52 | |
12. | Panasonic GF3 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.6 | 10.1 | 459 | 50 | |
13. | Panasonic GF5 | Four Thirds | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60i | 20.5 | 10.0 | 573 | 50 | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 1080/60p | 22.7 | 12.4 | 812 | 71 | |
15. | Panasonic GH4 | Four Thirds | 15.9 | 4608 | 3456 | 4K/30p | 23.2 | 12.8 | 791 | 74 | |
16. | Panasonic GH5 | Four Thirds | 20.2 | 5184 | 3888 | 4K/60p | 23.9 | 13.0 | 807 | 77 | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | Four Thirds | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | none | 21.3 | 10.8 | 429 | 55 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The GH5s indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the M8 does not. The highest resolution format that the GH5s can use is 4K/60p.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the GH5s has an electronic viewfinder (3680k dots), while the M8 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 adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic GH5s and Leica M8 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
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. | Panasonic GH5s | 3680 | n | 3.2 / 1620 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Leica M8 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Canon R | 3690 | Y | 3.2 / 2100 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon XTi | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Leica M9 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Leica M10 | optical | n | 3.0 / 1037 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
7. | Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Panasonic FZ300 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | 1440 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 2.6/s | Y | n | |
10. | Panasonic G9 | 3680 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 20.0/s | n | Y | |
11. | Panasonic G10 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.6/s | Y | n | |
12. | Panasonic GF3 | none | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 3.2/s | Y | n | |
13. | Panasonic GF5 | none | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/4000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 1746 | n | 3.0 / 614 | swivel | Y | 1/4000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
15. | Panasonic GH4 | 2359 | n | 3.0 / 1036 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | Y | n | |
16. | Panasonic GH5 | 3680 | n | 3.2 / 1620 | swivel | Y | 1/8000s | 12.0/s | n | Y | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | optical | n | 2.5 / 207 | 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 differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The GH5s has a touchscreen, while the M8 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.
The GH5s has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the M8 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, the GH5s 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 GH5s 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 GH5s and the M8 write their files to SDXC cards. The GH5s features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the M8 only has one slot. The GH5s supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the M8 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
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 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s and Leica M8 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. | Panasonic GH5s | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
2. | Leica M8 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon R | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
4. | Canon XTi | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Leica M9 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Leica M10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | - | Y | - | - | |
7. | Nikon D80 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Panasonic FZ300 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Panasonic G9 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.0 | Y | - | Y | |
11. | Panasonic G10 | Y | mono / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Panasonic GF3 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Panasonic GF5 | - | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic GH4 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
16. | Panasonic GH5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.1 | Y | - | Y | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the GH5s offers wifi support, while the M8 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Panasonic GH5s (unlike the M8) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
The GH5s is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the M8 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the M8 was succeeded by the Leica M9. Further information on the features and operation of the GH5s and M8 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic GH5s Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica M8 Manual.
Review summary
So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic GH5s and the Leica M8? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.
Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5s:
- Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 4K/60p movies.
- More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1620k vs 230k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
- Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
- More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 2 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.
- Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
- Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
- Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
- 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.
- Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (55 percent cheaper at launch).
- More modern: Reflects 11 years and 3 months of technical progress since the M8 launch.
Advantages of the Leica M8:
- Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
- More compact: Is smaller (139x80mm vs 139x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Longer lasting: Gets more shots (550 versus 440) out of a single battery charge.
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale value.
- More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2006).
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the GH5s is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 5 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 sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.
In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GH5s and the M8 in practical situations. 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 where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera 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. | Panasonic GH5s | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2018 | 2,499 | amazon.com | |
2. | Leica M8 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2006 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon R | 4/5 | o | 4/5 | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2018 | 2,299 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon XTi | .. | + + | .. | + + | o | 4/5 | Aug 2006 | 799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Leica M9 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | .. | Sep 2009 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Leica M10 | 4.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2017 | 6,595 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
8. | Panasonic FZ300 | .. | + + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2015 | 599 | amazon.com | |
9. | Panasonic G2 | .. | .. | .. | 72/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Mar 2010 | 599 | ebay.com | |
10. | Panasonic G9 | .. | + + | 5/5 | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Nov 2017 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
11. | Panasonic G10 | 3/5 | .. | .. | 70/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Panasonic GF3 | 3/5 | 82/100 | .. | 71/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Jun 2011 | 549 | ebay.com | |
13. | Panasonic GF5 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Apr 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
14. | Panasonic GH3 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 79/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 1,299 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic GH4 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2014 | 1,499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic GH5 | 4.5/5 | + + | .. | 85/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2017 | 1,999 | ebay.com | |
17. | Panasonic L10 | .. | 85/100 | .. | + | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Aug 2007 | 599 | ebay.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 comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon 400D vs Leica M8
- Canon 750D vs Panasonic GH5s
- Canon G1 X vs Leica M8
- Canon M5 vs Panasonic GH5s
- Fujifilm X-T200 vs Panasonic GH5s
- Leica M8 vs Panasonic GH5
- Leica M8 vs Panasonic GX1
- Leica M8 vs Sony A99
- Leica M8 vs Sony NEX-5T
- Nikon D700 vs Panasonic GH5s
- Olympus E-M5 III vs Panasonic GH5s
- Panasonic GH5s vs Panasonic TZ200
Specifications: Panasonic GH5s vs Leica M8
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 | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Mirrorless system camera | Rangefinder camera |
Camera Lens | Micro Four Thirds lenses | Leica M mount lenses |
Launch Date | January 2018 | September 2006 |
Launch Price | USD 2,499 | USD 5,499 |
Sensor Specs | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor Format | Four Thirds Sensor | APS-H Sensor |
Sensor Size | 17.3 x 13.0 mm | 27.0 x 18.0 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.9 mm2 | 486 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 21.6 mm | 32.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 2.0x | 1.3x |
Sensor Resolution | 9.9 Megapixels | 10.4 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 3680 x 2700 pixels | 3936 x 2630 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 4.77 μm | 6.84 μm |
Pixel Density | 4.42 MP/cm2 | 2.13 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | no AA filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 4K/60p Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 160 - 51,200 ISO | 160 - 2,500 ISO |
ISO Boost | 80 - 204,800 ISO | no Enhancement |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | .. | 59 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | .. | 21.1 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | .. | 11.3 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | .. | 663 |
Screen Specs | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
Viewfinder Type | Electronic viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.76x | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3680k dots | |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 2.5inch |
LCD Resolution | 1620k dots | 230k dots |
LCD Attachment | Swivel screen | Fixed screen |
Touch Input | Touchscreen | no Touchscreen |
Shooting Specs | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Manual Focus |
Manual Focusing Aid | Focus Peaking | no Peaking Feature |
Continuous Shooting | 12 shutter flaps/s | 2 shutter flaps/s |
Electronic Shutter | up to 1/16000s | no E-Shutter |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | no Intervalometer |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | SDXC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Single card slot |
UHS card support | Dual UHS-II | no |
Connectivity Specs | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | no PC Sync |
USB Connector | USB 3.1 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | full HDMI | no HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | no MIC socket |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | Wifi built-in | no Wifi |
Bluetooth Support | Bluetooth built-in | no Bluetooth |
Body Specs | Panasonic GH5s | Leica M8 |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | not weather sealed |
Battery Type | Panasonic DMW-BLF19 | Leica BLI-312 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 440 shots per charge | 550 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
139 x 98 x 87 mm (5.5 x 3.9 x 3.4 in) |
139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.5 x 3.1 x 1.5 in) |
Camera Weight | 660 g (23.3 oz) | 591 g (20.8 oz) |
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