Remarkable properties of gas photodetectors make them attractive for applications in high energy physics, astroparticle physics and medical imaging. In this review, the results of research and development of gas photodetectors with solid photocathodes (GPDs) are presented. In particular, effective photocathodes for the UV and visible range are described, including those coated with protective dielectric nanofilms. Some topics on physics of gas photodetectors and photocathodes are considered: photoelectron backscattering in gas media, photoemission enhancement in the electric field, photoelectron transport through nanofilms, protective properties of nanofilms, photon and ion feedback. A special section is devoted to GPDs based on Gas Electron Multipliers (GEMs), including sealed GPDs and cryogenic two-phase avalanche detectors with CsI photocathode.

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