• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Ricoh GR II advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,078 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Longer exposure
    300 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Panasonic G85 advantages over Ricoh GR II

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.3 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.4 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.6 fps vs 6.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • 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 G85

Review Excerpt

  • Shooting with a wide prime helps you see new shots; Good performance and fast autofocus; Excellent sharp, bright lens; Very customizable; In-camera Wi-Fi works with more than just Android and iOS; Supports Pentax wireless flash strobes

  • Fixed, wide prime lens isn't for everyone; Cramped controls; Burst capture is slower for JPEGs; Tends too warm under incandescent lighting; Wi-Fi app is poor, and web browser control has cluttered interface

  • 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 Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR II
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Bigger RAW buffer
Panasonic G85
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Ricoh GR

Ricoh GR II
Ricoh GR
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
  • $799
  • APS-C
Panasonic G85
Ricoh GR
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Ricoh GR II
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $949
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Fujifilm XF10

Ricoh GR II
Fujifilm XF10
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • NFC
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic G85
Fujifilm XF10
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Panasonic G95

Ricoh GR II
Panasonic G95
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $831
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $831
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
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