• APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 28.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Samsung NX500 advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,379 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.9 vs 12.5 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    42 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    454g vs 728g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    28.2 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic G85 advantages over Samsung NX500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 75 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    9.6 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 6 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/6000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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Buy the Samsung NX500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G85

Review Excerpt

  • Very good image quality with high-resolution files; Excellent high ISO performance with RAW files; Very good dynamic range; Fast AF performance; Compact design with good build quality; Better ergonomics than predecessor; 4K video recording.

  • High ISO noise reduction too strong; AF struggles in low-light; Buffer depth is shallow with RAW files; No option for EVF; No built-in flash (external one included); 4K Video is cropped with narrower FOV.

  • 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 Samsung NX3000

Samsung NX500
Samsung NX3000
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic G85
Samsung NX3000
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $950
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compared to Panasonic G7

Samsung NX500
Panasonic G7
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Panasonic G85
Panasonic G7
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compared to Sony A6500

Samsung NX500
Sony A6500
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic G85
Sony A6500
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC

Compared to Leica TL2

Samsung NX500
Leica TL2
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster RAW shooting
Panasonic G85
Leica TL2
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2495
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic G95

Samsung NX500
Panasonic G95
  • $1600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • NFC
  • $765
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $698
  • 4/3
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $765
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
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