Panasonic GX800 vs Sigma fp

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 (called Panasonic GX850 in some regions) and the Sigma fp are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2017 and July 2019. Both the GX800 and the fp are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (GX800) and a full frame (fp) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 15.8 megapixels, whereas the Sigma provides 24 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Panasonic GX800		Sigma fp
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses		Leica L mount lenses
15.8 MP, Four Thirds Sensor		24 MP, Full Frame Sensor
4K/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 200-25600		ISO 100-25600 (6-102400)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.2" LCD, 2100k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
10 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
107 x 65 x 33 mm, 269 g		113 x 70 x 45 mm, 422 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 and the Sigma fp? 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 Panasonic GX800 and the Sigma fp 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 size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The GX800 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the fp 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 Sigma fp is notably larger (14 percent) than the Panasonic GX800. Moreover, the fp is substantially heavier (57 percent) than the GX800. It is noteworthy in this context that the fp is splash and dust-proof, while the GX800 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. 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.

The power pack in the fp can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic GX800»	4.2 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	9.5 oz	210	n	Jan 2017	549			Panasonic GX800
	Sigma fp«	4.4 in	2.8 in	1.8 in	14.9 oz	..	Y	Jul 2019	..			Sigma fp
	Canon M100« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.4 in	10.7 oz	295	n	Aug 2017	499			Canon M100
	Canon M10« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.4 in	10.6 oz	255	n	Oct 2015	499	-		Canon M10
	Leica SL« »	5.8 in	4.1 in	1.5 in	29.9 oz	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Panasonic S1« »	5.9 in	4.3 in	3.8 in	35.9 oz	400	Y	Feb 2019	2,499			Panasonic S1
	Panasonic S1H« »	5.9 in	4.5 in	4.3 in	37.1 oz	400	Y	May 2019	3,999			Panasonic S1H
	Panasonic TS7« »	4.6 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	11.3 oz	300	Y	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic GX80« »	4.8 in	2.8 in	1.7 in	15.0 oz	290	n	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Panasonic G7« »	4.9 in	3.4 in	3.0 in	14.5 oz	350	n	May 2015	649	-		Panasonic G7
	Panasonic GF7« »	4.2 in	2.6 in	1.3 in	9.4 oz	230	n	Jan 2015	499	-		Panasonic GF7
	Panasonic GM5« »	3.9 in	2.4 in	1.4 in	7.4 oz	220	n	Sep 2014	749	-		Panasonic GM5
	Panasonic G6« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GF6« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	11.4 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	499	-		Panasonic GF6
	Panasonic GM1« »	3.9 in	2.2 in	1.2 in	7.2 oz	230	n	Oct 2013	749	-		Panasonic GM1
	Panasonic GF5« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.5 in	9.4 oz	360	n	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Sony A7« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	1.9 in	16.7 oz	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. 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 sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic GX800 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sigma fp a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the fp is 281 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the GX800 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the fp offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the fp offers a higher resolution than the GX800 (15.8MP), but the fp nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.98μm versus 3.77μm for the GX800) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the fp is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 6 months) than the GX800, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further 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 resolution advantage of the Sigma fp implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the fp 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 GX800 are 23 x 17.2 inch or 58.3 x 43.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inch or 46.7 x 35 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 11.5 inch or 38.9 x 29.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sigma fp are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 6-102400.

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.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (4K/30p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The GX800 and the fp are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic GX800 and Sigma fp in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The GX800 has one, while the fp does not. While the built-in flash of the GX800 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, 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 Panasonic GX800 and the Sigma fp 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the GX800 and the fp write their files to SDXC cards. The fp supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the GX800 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800 and Sigma fp and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the GX800 offers wifi support, while the fp does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the GX800 and the fp are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The GX800 replaced the earlier Panasonic GF7, while the fp does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Sigma websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic GX800 and the Sigma fp? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX800:

• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (107x65mm vs 113x70mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 153g or 36 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2017).

Reasons to prefer the Sigma fp:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 15.8MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• 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.
• 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 (2100k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/500s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 6 months of technical progress since the GX800 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the fp is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 7 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 wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 Panasonic GX800 and the Sigma fp 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 comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the GX800 and the fp 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 following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major 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
	Panasonic GX800»	+	76/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	549			Panasonic GX800
	Sigma fp«	-	-	-	-	-	Jul 2019	..			Sigma fp
	Canon M100« »	+	-	4/5	-	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499			Canon M100
	Canon M10« »	-	-	-	o	4/5	Oct 2015	499	-		Canon M10
	Leica SL« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Panasonic S1« »	+ +	88/100	4.5/5	-	4/5	Feb 2019	2,499			Panasonic S1
	Panasonic S1H« »	-	-	-	-	-	May 2019	3,999			Panasonic S1H
	Panasonic TS7« »	+	-	-	-	3.5/5	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic GX80« »	+ +	82/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2016	799			Panasonic GX80
	Panasonic G7« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	May 2015	649	-		Panasonic G7
	Panasonic GF7« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	499	-		Panasonic GF7
	Panasonic GM5« »	+	77/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	749	-		Panasonic GM5
	Panasonic G6« »	+ +	-	5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GF6« »	+ +	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499	-		Panasonic GF6
	Panasonic GM1« »	+	78/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	749	-		Panasonic GM1
	Panasonic GF5« »	-	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	499	-		Panasonic GF5
	Sony A7« »	+ +	80/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699	-		Sony A7
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, 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 would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Panasonic GX800 vs Sigma fp

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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