• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 450.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Pentax RZ18 advantages over Panasonic GX85

Panasonic GX85 advantages over Pentax RZ18

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.33 inch
    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
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.77 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 720p
    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
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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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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 Panasonic ZS8

Pentax RZ18
Panasonic ZS8
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster shutter
Panasonic GX85
Panasonic ZS8
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner

Compared to Nikon S9100

Pentax RZ18
Nikon S9100
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More pixels
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic GX85
Nikon S9100
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slow-motion videos

Compared to Sony H90

Pentax RZ18
Sony H90
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
Panasonic GX85
Sony H90
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Pentax RZ18
Olympus E-PL8
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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

Pentax RZ18
Olympus E-PL9
  • $210
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
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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