There are two 8-speeds currently availible, the Sturmey and the Shimano. The SA one has first as direct drive, and all gears multiplied up from that. The Shimano has no exact direct drive. The Shimano gears have a poor reputation for reliability.
 
We have very little experience with these. The first version of the SA was rubbish. It has now been completely redesigned and is apparantly much better.