• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Panasonic G85 advantages over Olympus E-M1 II

  • Less expensive
    $598 vs $949*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 51 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-M1 II advantages over Panasonic G85

  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,312 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 440 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.6 fps vs 9.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    60.6 fps vs 9.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G85

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality; Very good high ISO performance and dynamic range; Fast and accurate autofocus; Excellent 4K video recording quality and features.

  • OLPF-less sensor is prone to moiré; Electronic viewfinder struggles in low light; Continuous autofocus is limited to 6fps shooting; Below average battery life.

  • Excellent image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance; Fantastic C-AF performance; Incredible burst rates, even with RAW; 4K UHD & Cinema 4K (DCI) video; Clean HDMI; Dual SD card slots.

  • Expensive; Menus still confusing; UHS-II support only on one card slot; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm X-T2

Panasonic G85
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • On-sensor phase detect
Olympus E-M1 II
Fujifilm X-T2
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic G7

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G7
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic G7
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GX8
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • NFC
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic GX8
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Panasonic GH5

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GH5
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1266
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Higher effective ISO
Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic GH5
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite
  • $1266
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Panasonic G9

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G9
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Olympus E-M1 II
Panasonic G9
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Top deck display
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