• 1.5 inch 261.8mm2
  • 14.3 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 112.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Canon G1X advantages over Panasonic GX850

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    1.5 inch vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    Unlimited vs 17 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Panasonic GX850 advantages over Canon G1X

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $550 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More dynamic range
    13.3 vs 10.8 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 64 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    7 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.23 vs 0.70 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.3 fps vs 4.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    114 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.5 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic GX850

Review Excerpt

  • Large-sensor image quality. Sharp lens with useful zoom range. Tilt/swivel LCD. Twin dials. Smaller than competing interchangeable-lens cameras with a similar lens. Lots of photographer-friendly features.

  • Not as small as you might hope. Mediocre burst shooting and autofocus speed. Far too easy to accidentally change exposure compensation. Viewfinder is of surprisingly little use. Battery life could be better.

  • Impressive image quality; Sleek design; 4K video recording; Good overall performance; Tilting touchscreen; Enjoyable user experience.

  • No EVF; No hot shoe, Short 4K clip limit; MicroSD card slot, Poor battery life.

The Competition

Compared to Sigma DP1 Merrill

Canon G1X
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic GX850
Sigma DP1 Merrill
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sigma dp2 Quattro

Canon G1X
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less shutter lag
Panasonic GX850
Sigma dp2 Quattro
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Canon G1X
Panasonic GM5
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GM5
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Canon G1X
Panasonic GF7
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
Panasonic GX850
Panasonic GF7
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $590
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon G1X Mark III

Canon G1X
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $576
  • 1.5 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Panasonic GX850
Canon G1X Mark III
  • $548
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Thinner
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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