So the names on one row refer to just one camera. In other words:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The Lumix GX85 is also called the G7X Mark II and the GX80.<\/li>\n
- The Lumix G85 is also called the G8 and the G80.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now that that’s cleared up, let’s compare the GX85 and G85.<\/p>\n
Panasonic GX85<\/h2>\n
So let me introduce you to the first camera\u2026 The Lumix GX85 is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera with rangefinder styling<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/best-travel-camera-lumix-gx85-1-360x218.jpg\")
<\/a>Shop now for Panasonic Lumix GX85<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\nIf the previous sentence sounded like gibberish, here’s a quick breakdown of terms:<\/p>\n
Mirrorless<\/strong> cameras don’t use the mirror present in SLR cameras, so they are smaller and more compact.<\/p>\n
Micro Four Thirds<\/strong> is just one type of mirrorless camera. It’s based on a standard<\/a> created by Olympus and Panasonic, which sets the size of the sensor, and also allows you to use Olympus lenses on Panasonic bodies and vice versa.<\/p>\n
Micro Four Thirds is sometimes shortened to M43<\/strong> or MFT<\/strong>. The combination of the the smaller sensor and no mirror means that M43 cameras can be the smallest interchangeable lens cameras available.<\/p>\n
Rangefinder-styling<\/strong> is similar to vintage rangefinder cameras<\/a> in it’s rectangular boxy style. They are great for discreet shooting, street shooting because they don’t scream PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER COMING THROUGH!<\/p>\n
Rangefinder used<\/em>\u00a0to refer to a specific type of viewfinder but nowadays it’s more likely to be used to describe style vs. function.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Quick Summary<\/h3>\n
The Panasonic GX85 offers 4K video with 5 axis image stabilization when used with Panasonic’s own lenses. That image stabilization really comes in handy when hand-holding the camera for still photography too.<\/p>\n
Here’s one handheld for 1 whole second. There is motion blur from people moving around (which is the effect I was going for) but where the subject is not moving it is quite still. This was taken with the GX85.<\/p>\n
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lumix-gx85-one-second-handheld-800x601.jpg\")
Image taken with Lumix GX85 handheld for 1 second<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n The camera has a 16MP sensor but Panasonic removed the low-pass filter which improves fine detail resolution, when compared to the same sensor\u00a0with<\/em>\u00a0the filter. This was a first for Panasonic, but appears have to have worked very well.<\/p>\n
While being rather small, the Panny GX85 is packed with features found on the larger cameras in the lineup. It has:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 4K photo mode – Allows you to extract photos from 4K video.<\/li>\n
- Electromagnetic shutter – Removes ‘shutter shock’ which some mirrorless cameras suffered from.<\/li>\n
- Post focus<\/a> – Creates a 4K image where you can choose focus later. + 5-axis sensor IS with rotation correction.<\/li>\n
- Basically state of the art image stabilization which is also available in video mode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
But this isn’t a detailed review of the GX85, just a comparison of Lumix G85 vs GX85 so let’s move on to the G85. If you do want to check out more details – see this article on why I recommend it as the best travel camera<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Panasonic G85<\/h2>\n
The Panasonic G85 is a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds in an\u00a0SLR style<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lumix_g85_front_view-360x270.jpg\")
<\/a>Shop now for Panasonic Lumix G85<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nQuick Summary<\/h3>\n
Note, the G85 is still a mirrorless so it’s not technically an SLR but it has a larger body more recognizable in SLRs and molded for an easier grip.<\/p>\n
It also offers 4K video with 5 axis sensor shift Image Stabilization. And it has the same 16MP sensor without the low-pass filter.<\/p>\n
It’s also got every one of those great features I listed before:<\/p>\n
- \n
- 4K photo mode<\/li>\n
- Electromagnetic shutter<\/li>\n
- Post focus<\/li>\n
- 5-axis sensor IS with rotation correction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Differences between the Lumix GX85 vs G85<\/h2>\n
So if it sounded like both cameras are very similar, that’s because they are. Most features related to image quality are about the same. The short of it is, you are going to get very similar images shooting with either of these cameras.<\/p>\n
The differences are more to do with whether they are more suited to a specific set of needs. I’ll go over them one by one so you can figure out which one’s right for you.<\/p>\n
Here are the differences between the Lumix GX85 and G85:<\/p>\n
1. Size – GX85 is a smaller rangefinder style.<\/h3>\n
This is probably the most notable difference right upfront. As mentioned before the G85 is a\u00a0SLR<\/em>\u00a0style camera and the GX85 is a\u00a0rangefinder<\/em>\u00a0style camera.<\/p>\n
Rangefinders typically are smaller cameras, as you can see in the image below.
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lumix-gx85-vs-gx8-size-comparison-800x310.jpg\")
\nPersonally I really like the size of the GX85 but if you have large hands, the G85 might be a better fit ergonomically.<\/p>\nWhile they may not look substantially different from the front, here is a side by side comparison as viewed from the top. Big difference huh?
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lumix-gx85-vs-g85-top-comparison-800x310.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Weight – GX85 is lighter<\/h3>\n
Weighing in at 505g the G85 is a good 79g heavier than the GX85. Neither are\u00a0heavy<\/em>\u00a0but if you are using your camera all day hiking or traveling with just one bag, those 80g start to matter.<\/p>\n
3. LCD Monitor – G85 has a fully articulating screen<\/h3>\n
While they both have pretty much the same monitor, 3 inches large with the same resolution, the mount differs a lot.<\/p>\n
The GX-85 has a tilt screen that tilts up 90\u00b0 or down 45\u00b0. Whereas the G-85 has a fully articulating monitor that can be flipped out and rotated 180\u00b0.<\/p>\n
The fully articulating screen makes it a lot easier to take shots from unusual angles, especially in portait mode where the the tilting screen is rather limiting.
![\"Lumix](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/lumix-g85-vs-gx85-lcd-800x250.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4. Viewfinder – G85 has a nicer electronic viewfinder<\/h3>\n
Without getting too deep into the EVF technologies, the G85 has a nicer OLED panel that provides a steady high resolution.<\/p>\n
The GX85 has field sequential technology which can cause some unwanted effects when shooting into bright sunlight. It’s usable but takes a little getting used to, if that makes sense.<\/p>\n
5. Battery-life – G85 has a longer battery life BUT.<\/h3>\n
As a travel photographer this is the one con on the GX85 that actually matters to me. Battery life is worse o the GX85 and is very important when you are on the road.<\/p>\n
BUT\u2026 and this is a big one, the GX85\u00a0does<\/em>\u00a0have in-camera USB charge which is incredibly valuable when traveling.<\/p>\n
You can’t use the camera while charging but you can charge a battery\u00a0anywhere<\/em>\u00a0with an external battery charger, even on the way to somewhere. I also carry spare batteries.
\n![\"Panasonic](\"https:\/\/www.sidecarphoto.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/gx85-usb-charging-360x199.jpg\")
\nOn the Panasonic G85, USB charging was skipped in favor of a separate battery charger which must be plugged into a wall, which can be a real pain when traveling internationally.<\/p>\nIf you lose or fry the charger, you are dead in the water until you buy another.<\/p>\n
6. Video features – G85 is better suited for video enthusiasts<\/h3>\n
The G85 has some great features for those who are buying a camera for video purposes. It includes a mic-input as well as certain image profiles like Cine D or Cine V. If you are a proficient video editor, you will need these features.<\/p>\n
On the GX85, mic-input is missing, as well as the Cine profiles. Although there is, of course, a built-in mic.<\/p>\n
That said, if you do not use an external mic or do video grading, you will enjoy the video from both of these cameras.<\/p>\n
The image stabilization results in stunning smooth video that is noticeably movie-like. It’s so good many people rave about the Lumix GX85 for vlogging.<\/p>\n
7. Wireless Flash Trigger – G85 can trigger wireless flashes natively<\/h3>\n
If you are using strobes to light a scene, your camera body needs to trigger the wireless flashes and it usually does so using a radio signal.<\/p>\n
The GX85 does not include this feature, but the G85 does. So if you intend to do studio work, this might be an important difference for you.<\/p>\n
One little trick if you do go with the GX85 is that you can buy the tiny LX100 flash part and pop it in your hotshoe and it\u00a0will<\/em>\u00a0trigger the wireless flash. Shhh…<\/p>\n
8. Price – GX85 is more affordable<\/h3>\n
And we come to price. Sometimes I wonder whether I should start here, but in this case, the cameras are not in a whole different class of price. Both fall within the $500 – $1000 range with the GX85 being closer to the low end of the range.<\/p>\n
- Basically state of the art image stabilization which is also available in video mode.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n