GX8 & OM-D EM-1 Image Stabilization
Hi Dan,
Just received my GX8, and have run some tests. Using the 35-100mm f2.8, this combo comes close to matching my Oly Em-5ii with the 40-150mm set at equivalent focal lengths and shutter speeds. This lens has the latest firmware so the dual stabilization was active. Even then it still fell a half to one stop short of the E-M5. When I put 40-150mm directly on the GX8 using body stabilization only, the difference fell to at least a 2+ stop difference in favor of the Oly. I was hoping for better than this and I am just wondering what your experience was and what you have heard from others?
Margie and I are headed to Tahiti for a couple of weeks soon and I was hoping to travel light, but that 40-150mm is important for the birds and seems to perform best on the Oly. Before I send the GX8 back to B&H, I would like to hear your thoughts and whether I should try a second copy?
All the best,
Ray
A black-collared hawk shot with the Lumix GX8 and Olympus 40-150mm F/2.8 in 4K Photo Mode.
Ray, I don’t think trying a second copy of the GX8 is going to improve your in-body image stabilization concerns. I’m finding similar results with the 40-150mm on the GX8. Not stellar in-body IS with this lens but better than none at all for sure. As far as Lumix lenses that have the new firmware and Dual IS, I’m finding about a 4-5 stop IS benefit. I’m still putting the GX8 through substantial real world tests here in Brazil and have been very impressed with the auto focus. That’s been the holy grail for me, getting a mirrorless camera that focuses as fast and accurately in Predictive AF than my Nikons. So far I think I’ve got that in the GX8. Still need to run the speeding pooch test to be certain. The 4K Photo Mode on flying birds has been absolutely stunning. Will be sharing more in depth review when I get back from Brazil and South Africa in October. Thanks for the input.
Update
Ray, I recently ran some GX8 IBIS tests and will be including a full report in an upcoming Blog. Interestingly, I was able to to get a few sharp images, hand holding the Olympus 40-150mm with the 1.4X teleconverter attached at 1/8th. of a second. At 1/15th. of a second I was able to get about half the images reasonably sharp and at 1/60th. of a second I was getting over 60% sharp. So I’m going to say with in camera IS I’m getting a little over two stops of IBIS. I’ll be including a series of the GX8 with the Lumix 35-100mm making it the GX8 Dual IS. Without the Dual IS it’s not as good as I would like but it certainly will be helpful. With the Dual lens and camera IS stabilization is fabulous. More to come.