• APS-H 518.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon 1D Mark IV advantages over Panasonic GX85

  • Larger sensor
    APS-H vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.70 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,320 vs 662 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1500 vs 290 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Higher extended ISO
    102400 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX85 advantages over Canon 1D Mark IV

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    43 mm vs 79 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.58x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 46 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX85

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent build-quality; Good ergonomics for its size; Built-in 5-axis Dual IS, Built-in EVF; Tilting LCD touchscreen monitor; Competitive still image quality; Excellent 4K video quality; Fast autofocus and burst modes; Generous buffers; Tons of advanced features; Built-in Wi-Fi.

  • EVF could be better; Sluggish RAW and RAW+JPEG buffer clearing; No external mic and headphone jacks; Slow x-sync speed; Mediocre battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D3X

Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3X
  • $2795
  • APS-H
  • Less expensive
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Fast startup
Panasonic GX85
Nikon D3X
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D3S

Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D3S
  • $2795
  • APS-H
  • External Mic Jack
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GX85
Nikon D3S
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $5200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon D4

Canon 1D Mark IV
Nikon D4
  • $2795
  • APS-H
  • More cross-type AF points
  • Less shutter lag
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GX85
Nikon D4
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4500
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Canon 1D Mark IV
Olympus E-PL8
  • $2795
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GX85
Olympus E-PL8
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Canon 1D Mark IV
Olympus E-PL9
  • $2795
  • APS-H
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic GX85
Olympus E-PL9
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
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