I like your humor. I also own the G80, and the time-lapse aspect ratio is governed by the following setting: Menu >Rec >Aspect Ratio (first screen, third option). Hope that helps. Keep up the good work.
Hey James, I bought the Panasonic g85 last week, and I'm loving it! It's so capable and compact, it feels so well built. The only thing that feels a little weird about it is the sensor that wobbles inside the camera when it's off. Also, I've seen that the articulated screen doesn't feel as firm as the one on a Canon camera. But in general, it's a great camera, for photography and video. I just felt like sharing this with someone that would understand, thank you for your recommendation!
You probably have it answered by someone else but I didn't see it when I skimmed through them quickly. The reason the g80 doesn't display remaining video time beyond 29:59 is because of a video camera tax in the uk. Being able to record longer than 30 minutes at a time requires a tax and makes the camera more expensive. But they get around that tax by putting the limit in software. If you were to get the USA g85 model you wouldn't have that restriction. I'm in the USA and bought a g80 from Amazon UK and yes I have the restriction but it doesn't bother me at all since I shoot small clips at a time and then stitch them together in post. My USA gx8 doesn't have that restriction but it's weird that my g7 camera did.
Wouldn't surprise me if someone works out some hack, based on eg a combination of camera button presses, that converts the G80 to the G85 and unlocks greater than 30 min clips.
Makes sens but the camera should be able to show time left to record on the card. Sure the recording time is max 30 min but what stops them from also displaying the amount of space left on the card wich would be shown by how much time remains. Would be great to have a feature be able to display this.
Apparently this hack will increase the recording time beyond 30 minutes www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/25492-panasonic-lumix-g80-g81-unlimited-recording/
Hey, I love your videos. As for the last thing about the time lapse, if you're shooting RAW then even if you set the aspect ratio to 3:2 or 16:9 (I have mine set to 3:2), the image recorded is still the 4:3 sized area on the sensor. So if you are using raw for a time lapse, it is working based on the RAW 4:3 ratio and adds those annoying black borders to your time lapse video made in-camera.. to get around this, set the ratio to 16:9 on JPEG quality. Then, the files are actually recorded at that 16:9 size and when making a timelapse video in-camera it won't have the black borders. Of course, it also means you give up all of the advantages of RAW which sucks, too bad there isn't a way to just enable some kind of full-width setting where the camera would intelligently use the whole frame when making a 16:9 video.
On my GX80, if you shoot a time lapse with RAW+JPEG, the camera uses the 16:9 JPEGs to make the in-camera movies, but you still have a set of RAWs if you want to build a better-quality time-lapse yourself. Also, if you're shooting time-lapses JPEG only, set that up as a dedicated custom function; I can't tell you the number of times I discovered I'd taken really good shots as Small JPEG because I forgot to reset the file format after shooting a time lapse.
The time left for video on your card is shown as 29 mins as in Europe there is a 30 min limit for non professional video recording devices for some strange tax reason.
Most people seem to use the G80/85 as a video camera, but I would love be to see how it handles stills more. I've just bought one and am mainly a stills guy so I would to see a video on tips/tricks etc!
Top notch review, got my G85 rig in early July and am more pleased than I thought possible. I'm still on a learning curve with some features, but haven't tried the time lapse yet. I will experiment this week. Keep up the reviews, well done!
The thing about battery life indication, so much, has been annoying me for ages. That even the most expensive cameras have yet to show such a small little function doesn't give me much hope for the immediate future. The struggles of life.
+Fabian True Fabian! I think Sony have maybe started showin percentages, although they're famous for having terrible battery life right now! Hopefully it'll catch on! 👍🏼
Hey James. About the battery indicator - its not obvious at all, but 3 bars means your good, 2 bars means you're running low (it doesnt mean its 2/3 full!) and 1 bar means you're moments from dying. Yeah I agree a percentage would be better, but perhaps its got something to do with the type of batteries they use. Its actually quite complicated to predict when a battery dies because the remaining voltage vs remaining life isnt a linear relationship. I don't know. Cheers for the review, thinking of picking up one of these to replace my GX7 which has dust trapped under the AA filter.
I think the most important secret to B&W is a good lens with good microcontrast like zeiss or voigtlander More dramatic lighting helps too, nothing fancy, just lamps or whatever to get more transition. I like shooting black and white videos, but mostly I do it when the light color is too crappy to work with and I can't get WB right to make it look decent. I don't try hard at all, but with a really good prime, it looks good anyway. Some people always complain though. One reason I like it is that it removes a lot of distraction when I'm talking, though some people apparently find it distracting. Also, I like it, because it shows off the ability of the lens to render three dimensional images. Unfortunately, it also shows off it's lack of ability to when that's the case :) My G85 should be arriving today. The most critical accessory I bought immediately before the body has even arrived or before trying the kit lens or any other Panasonic lens? Voigtlander 17.5 f0.95 Sure it costs more than the camera and probably weighs more, is manual focus and has no stabilization, but the front of any system is a hard limit on it's output. Thanks for the run down after actual experience. I'm not looking forward to moving to M4/3 but I am looking forward to a camera that has the most critical stuff I need and which sony and fuji haven't given us youtuber/vlogger types yet. I like your presentation and excellent job on production and editing in your vids generally. It seems like you'll probably do well on RU-vid. I have one suggestion though, make a logo or element of some kind that goes on every thumbnail, in a corner or along one side that identifies your vids immediately. Of the people that do this, it's often an accent or afterthought, I think it should jump out and be unique. That way people that know and like you or just watched a video they liked will be able to tell immediately that a video is yours. I went back and did that with all my thumbs and there is no way to not notice them in a line up. It's a lot of work, but worth it. Cheers!
Eh, I personally prefer color video. I've been considering an M43 camera to use as a secondary to lug around, though I'm not sure if I want one just yet. (Or just go for something like a Fuji X100T or a Sony RX100-whatever)
I bought the D750 not long after it was released. It's a great camera. My camera hasn't had shutter issues but it's ok the recall list so when I have a couple of weeks where I can use a backup instead, I'll send it in and get a new, free shutter. But yeah, the D750 is a great camera but it's my wife's so I'm looking at either a G85 or GH5 for my own. So thanks for the G85 videos, James!
Great video. I"m still getting to know my G85. So you can keep doing more reviews of it, works for me. The black and white was kind of fun, it was like watching the wizard of oz..but reversed.
The video limit is artificially imposed due to higher tax rate for cameras in the EU - if it records beyond 30 minutes, it's in a higher tax bracket. There is a number of tutorials online how to bypass that limit by putting the camera into service mode, which apparently doesn't have any downsides other than an exclamation mark in a triangle instead of the Lumix logo.
Excellent video and you made me laugh. Quick question: what settings do you think work best for filming yourself handheld like you were by the cliff to get the best, most consistent focus on your face (and then the beach) without the horrible hunting? I’m struggling to get something that works for me. Thanks!
Late to this convo but re exposure modes in video... You can put mode dial in any PASM mode and start video recording in that mode via the red button on top deck. This is good for a quick video grab without fumbling for settings. For serious video work, mode dial should be on 'creative' video setting, so the exposure mode must be set in the menus, but you shouldn't be using P or A modes anyway, only M or S so you can fix it at a 180 shutter angle. Great camera BTW. Twas a big upgrade from my ageing GH2.
Thankyou so much for your review had decided on canon80d when someone threw this in the mix. Think I will go back to canon for my needs. Love your non boring reviews
AngelacBeautyandFlair - Angela Stuart if it’s for photography is great and colours, but to make videos I think it’s hard canon equipment so heavy you’ll b come heavyweight lifter No joking one of the best I’m jealous )
Great review! I have the G85 as well now for a few months now and the one thing that always gets to me is the auto focus on the lens I got with it (Lumix G Vario 14-42mm) can be frustrating! I am curious to know which is the best lens to use for this camera is? The only way to see how much film you have left is to select 'FN2' and depending which settings you are using it will show you video time left but I agree, it definitely should be on the front screen! In regards to the app, its the first time I heard of an app! Is it called 'Panasonic Image App'?
When you clicked and went to B&W I still se some green in th back. Please don't take this the wrong way. I'm trying to learn something here. Could it be that you cut down the sat but the vibrance was still ther? I see you're using Premiere so that's why I ask. Now, I just love people like you that really do real world review, things etc. Man, you're awesome!
the aspect ratio of timelapse is because that is the photo aspect ratio. it is high res though so you can reframe your shot in post which I actually like. it gives you the option to pan and zoom in post if you are down sampling to 1080p.
What do you do with your cameras James? I have never lost an eyecup/eyepiece off any of my cameras! Nice bit of mono going on there too. I have the G80 & reasonably happy really-good camera for a reasonable price. I have noticed however when I have viewed my 4K video footage on my 40" 4K TV that there is some serious rolling shutter/jello effect on moving objects.
+Steve Ferneyhough Hey Steve, yeah mine seems to be partial to rolling shutter too 🙄 As for the eyepieces, I think sometimes I take the 'cameras are tools' thing too seriously perhaps. Although the eyepieces seem to detach in day to day use rather than bangs 😡
The electronic kit lens from Panasonic were not "awful". I used the 14-42 PZ a lot and it was excellent, sharp, responsive. I disagree on that but I agree about the battery indicator, I am ready to sign a petition for that! :-)
the G6 had the mic port at the front of the body under the G. dunno why they couldn't carry on doing that. the 4K 60/50p think takes a lot of horsepower in the processor and also would make the get really hot. would also chew through batteries. G90 might have it. are you shooting RAW in your timelapse? cos that often happens when importing it to lightroom or whatever, it'll revert to the full sensor ratio.
What if you put some O Rings at the back of your mic (behind the deadcat)? That should likely block any wind coming in from behind if you position it right. Oh and look at the Panasonic G6, the mic input is positioned perfectly! Right there at the front, never gets in the way.
I know you mentioned it very briefly, but I still want to know more about the photo aspects of the camera. Do you think that the sensor is big enough (keeping in my mind the IBIS for slower usable shutter speed) for doing event photography in less than stellar light? All the reviews I have seen rave about the video capabilities but very few mention much about the photo aspect. Any answers are much appreciated!
+Ian Dickerman Hi Ian, I would say so for me, but maybe rent one with a fast prime to give it a try. Historically I've had a little trouble with AF in dimmer conditions, so that's worth testing for your needs as well as IQ. 👍🏼
Black and white, made me think of trying that on some of my videos that are little boring in color. English weather is a bit of a bitch? Been to England a few times and I can say the sun shines a few times a year there and when it does its glorious!
Hi James! Big fan of your work and how clearly you explain all of the finer points of the photography game! I have a special request regarding the musical song that is playing during the beginning of the black and white portion of your video. The song with the lyrics "are you ready....." Name of song and band? Lastly, can you please recommend best sources of free music I can download to MP3 for use in my bicycle racing videos? THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I mainly shoot stills using EM5II but considering immagrate to cinematography as well. G85/GH4/G7 seems like a great choice since I already own a few M43 lens, but I probably will invest in a decent variable ND, Shotgun/wireless mic and steadicam first. What camera are you using for these review, while holding you G85?
I bought the g7 as my FIRST Camera and then I JUST purchased the g85 and have only had it for just a little over 2 weeks so I'm still messing with it as it's a different camera then my other one. But so Far I LOVE IT.
I’m considering ordering this right now, but the new one is probably in two months? would 20mp and 40mp photo mode like the Olympus be worth waiting? Or worth the £300 extra it would probably cost - why is so hard to choose camera 🤯
what Kit lens is that you were Saying how you like IT? I Think about its focus,,...There 2 Different Version of 12-60mm I Assume you have and are Talking about the Typical 12-60 F/3.5 Kit? and Not the F/2.8 $800.00 Version Correct? Thanks in Advance James,... PS LIKE All Your VIDEOS :-)
I have a bug-bear with the G85: When using Creative Video in manual exposure mode, if you set the ISO to "AUTO" the camera sets the ISO to 200. This is pants! In Manual mode for stills, the camera can adjust the ISO to correctly expose for the shutter and aperture set, so I don't see why it can't manage it in Creative Video manual mode. In fact it's more use having the ISO set automatically in video mode, as noise is less of an issue in video. Bah! As an aside James, has this "feature" been fixed in the G9?
stopped at the video time complaint. I have the US/north american version and it shows exactly what is left (total) because we don't have laws dictating 30min limits(or tax the camera more from my understanding and classify it as a camcorder).
Finally I'll add that I have a sony camera and the G85 and for apps, sony is so far behind that I would honestly take slightly worse hardware from Panasonic compact range over sony's just because the app is so feature filled. sony has a glorified shutter button while Panasonic lets you control pretty much everything from your phone.
On the Lumix G7 the microphone port is on the same side but just a bit further up. Just behind the little thing for a camera strap. Doesn't interfere with the screen at all. Don't know why they changed it for the G85 :/
Hey James, just wanted your advice. I just bought a G85 a few days ago and at first was blown away by the features but I soon realised there is some major issues with the camera. The IBIS is not as good as the GH5, the G85 is prone to making a fan noise which Panasonic tried to rectify through a firmware update but this has not fixed the problem. I used an external rode video mic which I recorded the sound separately rather than plugging it into the G85. But the humming sound or fan issue is still very prominent which really saddened me, sound is soooo important to me and the G85 really gives me huge problems with that. I'm thinking of investing on a GH4 and getting an IS lens to help with handheld filming as i rather have a camera that doesn't let me down with silly humming sounds. The only solution is getting a rig or an extended hot shoe mount to place on top of the G85 as i noticed when i took off the rode video mic from the hot shoe mount of the G85, the sound of the humming/fan sound is pretty much gone and not picked up. So If i can get something to place the external mic away from the body, that would be enough for me to keep the camera. Other than the humming sounds, the G85 is a great camera stacked with top features. Although the GH4 slow mo is like a big plus for me as i like to record more slow mo which you can't on the G85 except 60fps. Let me know your thoughts :)
The Panasonic G6 has the microphone port on the front left shoulder of the camera (about where the "G" is on the G80/85 and where the PC sync socket used to be on old SLRs). The cord from a hot-shoe mic can still easily reach to there and it's completely out of the way of the screen. I suppose the arrangement of components inside the G7/G80 must have forced Panasonic to move the port back to the side, but once you've used a G6, the side mounted mic port just feels idiotic.
made a similar move - from Canon 5dm3 to m43 with the g85 and gx8. Really liking the g85. While it will never compete with the full frame cameras in low light or excel in sports shooting, my showing isn't really in that area anymore (used to shoot a ton of weddings). For 85% of my stuff, the m43 is perfect. The other 15% - either I rent if it is paid job that requires the gear, or I adapt and try different techniques from the film days.
My model does show the amount of record time left on the card - it might be a difference between North American & UK models. The mic jack is higher on the G7 and people were confused why Panasonic changed it. It's a terrific all around camera for what you get. I like the ex tele conv for full 1080p nature shots that get more reach. Good review.
How are you getting on with the tripod mount location? I remember seeing another video where the guy was saying the camera sits wonky on tripods and other mounts, due to the lack of space between the thread and edge of the front of the camera. Thanks!
The G80 doesn't have a record limit though? I know the G7 does but all other sources have said the G80 has no record limit... Can you please clarify this?
Really awesome camera but one aspect that sucks is the long exposure image quality. Doing a 1 minute expose, you can get really noisy pictures at base iso (200) and an awful lot of hot pixels :(. Maybe I got a defective one?
May I ask about your experience with the touch screen focus while shooting through the EVF for stills. Is it as easy and intuitive to use as a joy stick?
Hi, I have a specific budget and I'd like to spend it on a wildlife Lumix setup. The camera with 100-300mm lens. I am wondering if G80 is worth spending a bit more money over the G7. I want only new gear, not used. Overall parameters seem to be quite similar, but I'd like to know from you what are advantages of G80 over G7.
Hi James. Have you checked to see whether your auto focus issue comes from the auto focus sensitivity being +2? I have Dslr Video Shooter's guide on the camera and he suggested leaving it at 0 or less as it would create your very issue.
Thanks. I'm late to the party but my G85 arrived today so I'm looking forward to testing it out. Not much of a vlogger, but I could use audio from some of the shots I take to enhance my videos. I appreciate the quick response. Keep up the good work.
Hi would you recommend buying GH5 over G80 for paid work like basic music videos and some events and short films etc? If G80 is good then I would rather prefer to invest in quality glass instead of GH5 but who ever I have discussed with, all are suggesting to get a GH5 over G80. Here in UK one can buy 2 and a half G80's for the price of one GH5 and more than 3 G80's instead of 1 GH5S. Also if its GH5 then would you still buy it over GH5S? Kindly advice. Cheers.
Hm I was thinking of getting one next to my Sony A6500. But I see the downsides you mention don't fit me. Autofocus mainly. But small things like no battery percentage or remaining total recording time and not setting manual exposure in any mode you like are weird. Most cameras have that nowadays.
+James Popsys ...Video Aspect ratio is always the same, regardless of what you have set it at. Also the Recording Time length, is one of the main differences in the USA (NTSC) and Europe (PAL) Versions. (France uses SECAM) of the camera. It's odd that you complain about the Auto Focus, after bragging about how fast it responds. Panasonic uses it's own Depth from Defocus system that is said by many, to be the absolute best. I have no complaints at all. You should look at the DMC-GH5 if you are looking for Pro level in every aspect of the camera. I think they give quite a bit more than other brands, for the prices these cameras are set at. This is like an upgrade of the DMC-G7. I see now that you are a beginner, but keep going, you'll get there. I think that as you learn, you'll get followers that are also learning. Don't give up!!! ... Joe Prete
Curious - Would you consider looking at the new G9 from Panasonic as an upgrade ? Also have you looked at getting an adapter to use any F mount lens you may have on the Micro Four Thirds camera? Thanks in advance. Kind regards, BG
In my Nikon D7200 I can see the remaining time I can record on a card when I select the target card for video, but other than that it always shows the limited recording time. I don't know if the G85 has that, it has a single card slot so I dunno where you could find something like that. Also completely different manufacturer....
Hi, I bought a G80 last week only to return it for a replacement (hopefully arriving today) had major issues with its stabilisation especially when panning and walking. Firmware was 1.2 Body and 1.1 lens - perhaps it was an issue with the camera so fingers crossed it'll be fine with the replacement. Have you experienced and issues with video?
Hi James, After initial test the problem is still present. With a Panning shot I'm experiencing judder/jitter, its not as smooth as other videos I've seen. With walking I'm getting the "wobble" of the footsteps. Surely the stabilisation should iron out these issues. Again the Body Firmware is 1.2 with the 12-60 lens 1.1. What is so frustrating is these issues were talked about back in October 2016 and the 1.1 firmware released in November 2016 solved the problem. Is it possible to update the firmware by "skipping" a version i.e. 1.0 to 1.2..? Really frustrated as this is a great camera and my only option now is to return and get my money back.
Hi Priyanka, I guess if you are not getting any Judder/jittering when panning in video and not the "wobble" when walking you should be fine. Let me know how you get on.
+Jacob Murray Hey Jacob! The stabilisation in the G85 is phenomenal. It's also nice to have some weather sealing on the G85. But if those two things aren't important to you, I personally wouldn't bother!
The timelapse fix is to set it up to 16:9 then when you want the video created choose 1080. If it doesn't work with raw photos I know it does JPEG. Yes it is disappointing not having 4k 16:9
It looks like a Manfrotto Pixi. Actually a tabletop tripod, but doubles as 'stick' if the legs are folded. I have a similar one that came with my 360 Kodak camera, but minus the ballhead (bought one separately). Having a tripod/stick like that proves very handy in many situation. I even use it a shoulder support for steadier handheld shots.
Do you have any issues with noise in 4k or 1080 images even in good light siuations? I've just recently bought a G85 and using it on iso200 and during the day I'm getting some grain in the shadow area. From all I've read any type of image grain is to do with exposure, but I wonder whether the micro 4/3 sensor is more succeptible to noise/grain. I've been using the 42.5mm f1.7 outside and also a 25mm f0.95, which does not have as much noise but still a little bit. Can you, or someone else recommend some video exposure settings (a video on it would be awesome) to at least get me a clean image before grading? thank you.
Are you using an ND filter? I film with a g7 and it suffers with artefacts in the shadows with a closed down aperture but put an ND filter on and get back to f4 or f5 and it clears up.
+James Popsys ...But how are the Cat's getting by, without their fur? I'll bet they're ugly now! I've been saying that about 3 bars for years, but I'm in the USA. Maybe we need a few more Countries to complain about it. I'd like to know if I had 90% left!
Yannis Simantiras I'm sure the EU regulations state it can only record upto 30 mins for non pro cameras. Dslr are usually 10 mins or they face higher taxes on them. That's my understanding anyways. I'll be using my g80 once I get sorted with a new laptop/macbook and hopefully it looks great. Cheers for sharing
