Panasonic G85 vs GX85 Review + Image Samples 

Hey bro. How do you get those long exposure shots looks so good? What settings do you shoot that 2:48 ? or you improved it in post?

Jim Mee Studios hey Jim! I shot those long exposures using a ND filter - see the long exposure video here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ad4rY7Vibro.html I explain the settings more there. I edited the long exposure stills in post using Lightroom - messed w saturation/luminance of various hues to bring out the blues and yellows, etc. I might do a video soon about my Lightroom editing process if you're interested, lmk!

Man that's so cool! YES PLEASE! Do a lightroom editing process.

Fun With The Bugs I also considered a Sony a6300/6500 a7ii etc, but I've heard Sony's tend to be horrible with battery life, have overheating issues, and their touch screens suck, apparently. The G85 does so much for cheaper, and the quality is just so good. IBIS and a mic input are crucial for video IMO. AF isn't the best on it when shooting video, but it gets the job done super well.

DHI Enterprises thanks! The NTG-2 looks really dope! What do you like it vs the VideoMic Pro? I'm always looking to improve my audio. My background is more with still photography and music production, so I'm somewhat new to the video game. I will say the VideoMicro is pretty awesome for $59, though it's definitely not the best in sound quality in the world. But it's def much better than the internal mic. I went back and forth between it and the VideoMic Pro, but I like that the VideoMicro is just plug and play, no batteries or anything. I think that's the main reason I (and maybe other people) lean towards for the simpler mic input, on camera mic setups - convenience lol. It's so much quicker to grab and go + speeds up the editing process. I don't like sacrificing quality for convenience tho. Side note, I love the Rode NT-USB for off camera voice overs (I used it in this video in combination with the VideoMicro): amzn.to/2kUQh1t

Yeah Rode makes good stuff. But, like you said, the NTG-2 is in a wholllle 'nother league. The thing about the Video Mic Pro though is it has its own amplifier. The NTG-2 is (obviously) just a mic. But my field recorder can amplify the sound just fine. The one I use doesn't have phantom power, but the NTG-2 is so dope you can power it off of a single AA battery INSTEAD of phantom power! (Been using the same battery for three years). It's a shotgun mic of the quality that I can pick you up talking from across the street. Also I stay the hell away from USB mics. Eventually you graduate to some sort of a mixer/preamp to USB set. That way you can use real condensers (which are ultimately cheaper) and whatever length of cable you need. Plus you'll have a ton more EQ settings, effects, etc. I use a Behringer mixer with USB and a variety of different mics for different tasks. The Behringer was under $200 and has a ton of built-in effects among other things. (Plus I think it has a lifetime guarantee.) For camera audio I use an Audio Technica lavalier mic. THAT you can use outdoors and it eliminates the wind and other noises you get from shotgun mics because it's getting the audio straight from your mouth.

DHI Enterprises wow, the battery still works on the NTG-2 after 3 years? That's insane lol. Def appreciate your input and will keep it in mind when upgrading my audio setup over time. Thx again!

Depends on the situation.

Thanks! Congrats on your G85!!

Thanks so much for your support and comment Doc! 😎

Kaysha agreed! I could do without the EVF as well on the GX85. I'd rather have a flip up screen and a mic input. G85 would be an excellent camera for vlogging. It's bigger than the GX85 but you get used to its size p quickly imo.

I broke my GF7 while I was vlogging in Miami and had to do the rest of the trip using the GH4 with the 15mm 1.7, in the end it was not too bad yeah, so if the G85 is smaller, it might do. But if they could hear my prayers and release a GX9 with flip up or flip on the side screen or a vlogger frienddly camera it would make my day

Kaysha I hope Panasonic also includes USB charging on their newer cameras - love this feature on the GX85!

The smaller ones sure, the bigger I don't know.

You two completely missed the point of the GX85 then. It's not meant for vlogging. It's a budget photography centric camera, meant to be a cheaper model of the gx8

Jim Mee Studios nice!!! Are you having fun w it?

yea. g85 hands down!

Jan Beat Nice! Glad you're liking the G85/G81 (lol why does Panasonic name stuff so weird??)

Racoon Jack thx for the sub! 👽 it's such a toss up between the 2 cameras. Pan would be super smart to make a combo camera w the form factor of the GX85 but with a flip out screen and mic input. #dreamz

Same! It's so compact and easy to travel with.

Godweeno _ I'm looking to go travelling with this camera, is there any extra accessories that you got for this camera that you would recommend? i.e.: camera strap, extra batteries, etc thanks!

iBall12 I got these extra batteries for my GX85: amzn.to/2mErkaT 👍 They come with a car charger and electricity adapter for traveling overseas. Super useful!

Ben Aqua awesome thanks!

Glad it was helpful Michael!

John Dyer agreed John!

Awesome! Luv the GX85. It has to be one of the most underrated M43 out there imo.

Thank you! Yup, this was shot in Austin 👍

Hey, maybe you can toss me some insight. For paid gigs, I use a combo of GH5s and GH5 (hand held or on monopod). I am now looking to add a 3rd camera for an extra angle, but I'm trying to keep in on a budget... but not sacrifice on quality all that much. G85 seems like it would be a sure thing. But what I really wanna know, is can the GX85 (since it's cheaper) fit the bill? Would you feel comfortable using it for B-roll in post next to footage from the GH5(s)? Thanks!

Absolutely! If you don’t need a mic input or flip screen on your 3rd cam, the GX85 is cheaper and smaller than the G85, with identical image quality. I’ve used the GX85 a bunch for b-roll and still photos. Most of my recent thumbnails were shot on the GX85 as well.

Awesome. Hey, and thanks for the quick replies. Really appreciate that! Also, I liked the vid. Solid. Peace.

Absolutely! Are you based in Austin too?

Thanks!

I’d go with the GX85 in your case. Image quality is identical to the G85, but in a smaller body, and cheaper! It also charges w USB, which can come in handy esp when traveling.

Lorenz Wiedenmann hey Lorenz! I use natural profile when shooting, with no adjustments to saturation or sharpness on the profile. Shots look so juicy right out of cam, tho I usually add a tiny bit of contrast and saturation in post. For long exposure shots, I set long exposure NR to on - this is vital, or your shots can get rly weird artifacts and red dots everywhere.

Thanks for the tip! Great video! I'll set mine to that profile. 👍🏼

Thanks! Watch my video about camera settings: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3Na5-VthnD8.html

Yah i have gx85.. It seem muddy to me that its hard to colorgrade in post.

Thanks Pete! Battery life seems slightly better on the G85, prob simply because its battery is larger. They're officially rated at 330 shots on the G85 with a single charge and 290 on the GX85.

Thx! That's great you're digging the GX85, it's incredible! I use a Peak Slide Lite camera strap w my G85 and GX85, it's durable af. The Peak Leash is also excellent and smaller than the Slide. This link will get you 10% off too if you wanna peep their stuff: www.peakdesign.com?acc=495

This is my fav lens for the GX85: amzn.to/2jT2SQU

Grampasso Films thanks! I use the 12-35mm f2.8 lens the most: amzn.to/2jT2SQU Here's a Q&A video I did where I go over some of my fav lenses: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Dby8f4dx0yA.html

Ilan Howard a couple friends have the Fuji X-T2 and love it for photos, tho apparently video is not the best on it. I haven't heard much about the X-T20 so far. AF on the GX85/G85 could def be better, esp with AF subject tracking.

Thanks!

Oh and one more thing, the G85 has the swivel screen. I could get away with the other stuff but that one just helps so much when doing video.

thomas hudson totes give the G85 a shot! It's amazing for video. I agree that the 12-35 is decent for photos but does better w video. The photos are somewhat sharp but not crispy sharp like other lenses. I did side by side comparisons of the 12-35 and 12-60 kit that comes w the G85 and the results were are super similar, I was surprised! As for other lenses, if you have the $, I'd try a few the Leica primes - I think they'll deliver the juiciness you're looking for! Ones I'm curious about trying: 15mm f1.7 - amzn.to/2rhxK1P 12mm f1.4 - amzn.to/2qgFTzA

Love to have that 12 1.4 but that price... ouchy.

Salman Shalahuddin if you're coming from a DSLR, I would choose the G85 for its ergonomics and features. It's like a mini DSLR! Very good quality images and video. It's not as compact as the GX85, but it's def smaller than a DSLR.

Ben Aqua ah i see, thanks for your feedback!

That’s a fun setup. You could always get both cameras and make your own projects during covid to get some practice.

Yeah. I'm already thinking of several ideas for short films. It's been a while since I've produced one. I'm closing in on buying both at the same time. Haha. And hopefully I could save enough for better lenses later on. Cine lenses would be an interesting experience.

Hmmm that hasn’t happened to me. Maybe your battery needs to be replaced? I use these batteries w my GX85: amzn.to/2C8Cbl2

Sam M. Atherton go for the GX85! It's an incredible camera, esp if you're recording audio separately since the built in mic isn't the best. But the GX85 has some serious bang for the buck. It's such an underrated camera - so compact and image quality is superb for both photo and video. Video AF is better on Sony, but I like the GX85 and G85's accurate colors and dynamic range. And that 4K looks sooooo juicy.

+Ben Aqua ya the image stabilization, no low pass filter and 4k is what keeps me wanting to go with it. Does it have that feature where you can record two formats at the same time(like 4k and 1080p)? Also do you have any thoughts on the G7? Its like $100 less, has a fully articulating screen and a MIC in but otherwise very similar to it's GX85 brother. I mean a big part of why I'm leaning away from Sony is one: the lack of 4k and two: the whole Sony market is way overpriced with there similar 4k cameras costing at least $400 more and you're essentially paying the same as the camera for each lens.

Sam M. Atherton yah Sony is better for video AF and low light, but they're very $$$ and their touch screens aren't as useful. I don't think the GX85 can record 2 formats at once. The G7 is incredible, basically like a G85 w no IBIS. If I were you, I'd get the GX85 cuz of the IBIS. I had the G7 for a hot minute, loved it, but was hesitant to shoot handheld video cuz no IBIS. I did a review/comparison of the GX85 vs the G7 with hella sample shots: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-HFflg-hA3hs.html

+Ben Aqua OK so there's a huge sale today and the pressure is on - Sony a6000 with the 16-50mm kit lens for $550, another a6000 with a 2nd lens with a 55-210 for $700, a GX85 for $700 with the 12-32mm and 45-150mm kit lens, a Panasonic FZ1000 for $700 and a Sony a5100 with a kit lens for $450. All of these options are tax free and I know your saying the GX85 but it doesn't have an articulating screen(I could connect to a screen or put a mirror behind it) or a mic input (which I can always record separately and add in editing) and these are some pretty cool options with killer prices. I get the in body stabilization(the GZ1000 also has this) but I'm mostly going to be doing vlogging style filming from a tripod. It does seem like the GX85 is the most capable really with 4k and a superior sensor than the GZ1000 and although the Sony's have larger sensors they don't have 4k - does that even matter? Thanks again.

Sam M. Atherton IMO 4K does matter cuz it gives you so much more detail and flexibility. I'd choose the GX85 over the Sonys you mentioned mainly cuz of the IBIS and 4K. The a5100 is a rly great camera tho if you're on a budget and want the flip screen.

Ursu lea yes! The same lenses will work with G85, GX85, GH5 etc. Pretty much any micro 4/3 cameras!

ale wu whoaaa if the G85 is the same price as the others you mentioned, I would def get it!

Good points! 400 is a rly good price for the gx85! I agree, it’s one of the most underrated cameras out there, even in 2020.

Where did you buy it from?

@@7in1 amazon

Sam M. Atherton thx Sam!! 👍

My Marquez excellent! I use the G85 a lot more than the GX85, mostly cuz of the mic input and flip screen. GX85 is great for b-roll and photos too tho!

mmmmmmmm pizza

Mephisto Steiner if you do mostly video, I would suggest the G80/G81/G85 w 12-60 f3.5-5.6 kit lens to start with: amzn.to/2ohJkVM it's larger than the GX80, but has a better grip, weather sealing, mic input (necessity for video!), and the flip around screen.

4K DRONE FOOTAGE CHANNEL are you viewing the video in a browser on a computer? I noticed RU-vid is inconsistent in showing the 4K icon properly in Safari on a Mac. My videos show up properly at 4K on smart TVs, but for some reason in Safari some of my videos say 1440p HD, even though I know the file is 4K.

I am on a PC with Chrome and I see everyone else getting the badge, yet sadly not on mine. I get the 4k 2160 listing under the gear , just no cool 4k icon like you . MIght be a good write up for you , If I figure this out I'll drop you a line for responding

4K DRONE FOOTAGE CHANNEL hmm that's strange, I'm not sure why that's happening tbh. Are you giving your videos at least a couple days of being published to see if the 4K icon shows up? Maybe it's a time thing? Idk

Totally! They’re both awesome cameras.

raredreamfootage I think it does, yup

John Dyer I haven’t tried the GX8, but specs-wise it seems the GX8 might get slightly more detailed images since it’s 20MP vs 16MP on the GX85. But most technical specs for both cameras are identical.

Thanks Ben

yaboi dat I haven't tried the Fuji but I hear it's not so good with video and great w stills. G85 is incredible for video!

George Mendoza iMovie 👀👀👀

jackie GX85 gets my vote cuz it has IBIS!

Thx man! You must be in Austin too! Cool you tried out the GH5. That autofocus tho. Main pros of the GH5 for me are 4K 60fps (4K slow mo goals) and better color rendering possibilities, cons are that video AF and price. G85 is my main camera - superb image quality, smaller body, weather sealing, mic input, flip screen. G85's video AF is my biggest gripe w the G85, but it gets the job done. Hopefully Panasonic figures out a better AF system, cuz if they did, they would slay the mirrorless market. I'd love to get my paws on a GH5 so I can do some side by side tests vs the G85.

Jannik Hansen 💅🏻💅🏻💅🏻 it's a remix I did! Peep it: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7c7O64cQR2U.html

what do you mean?

The GX85 is amazing! The video autofocus on it is its biggest flaw. The a6500 is an amazing camera too, and it has stabilization: amzn.to/2OHvhGs

@@b3naqua 6500 is great, bit it will cost another $300 for me. For gx85, I can get 20mm lens f1.7 you review, the gx85 + the kit lens with a6500 price.

Go for it! I still have my GX85 a year later and still use it all the time. It’s such an underrated camera.

G85's EVF is def more useable than the GX85. I don't really use EVF too much, but sometimes it's super helpful, esp on the G85. It's bigger and has the soft eye ring, so it's more comfortable to use than that one the GX85.

Kombiice 😎™