• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Panasonic G85 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • 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 200 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    2 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 347k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.2 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
    30.0 fps vs 9.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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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.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic G7

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G7
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic G7
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Higher effective ISO
Panasonic S5 II
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Panasonic G95

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic G95
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compared to Nikon Z5

Panasonic G85
Nikon Z5
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Panasonic G85
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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