For today's interchangeable lens camera enthusiasts or anyone
looking for a lighter, newer more intelligent alternative to
bulky DSLRs, the Panasonic Lumix 4K Digital Camera DMC G85MK with
12 60mm Power O.I.S. lens delivers impressive, no compromise
performance. This 4K Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera is
nearly half the size of most DSLRs yet delivers impressive 16
megapixel large sensor performance in the most compact camera
system ever designed by Panasonic Lumix. Thanks to the
elimination of the low pass filter, its fine detail resolving
power is boosted nearly 10 percent over previous 16 megapixel
sensors. Image stabilization is top of its class with the
complementary Lumix 2 axis lens O.I.S. and a new 5 axis in body
I.S., available in either photo or video recording modes. Camera
purists will enjoy the familiar quick access thumbwheel controls
and integrated 2360K dot eye level electronic live viewfinder,
plus an articulating flip LCD display for greater flexibility in
difficult shooting angles. Modern enthusiasts will love the Wi Fi
mobile control and next generation flexibility that 4K Video, 4K
photo and 4K Post Focus modes bring to the creative experience.
Recording media (Compatible with UHS I / UHS II UHS Speed Class 3
standard SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards).
Review: Superbly versatile M43 camera with IBIS - I’ll begin by
clarifying that I am a hobbyist seeking an entry-level,
accessible option for starting out with photography. After doing
a bunch of research I decided to order the G85 bundled with a
12-60mm f3.5-5.6 kit lens. From the get-go you can tell this is a
well-built product. They used magnesium alloy plating in the top
and front to counteract ‘shutter shock’ in this model’s
predecessor, the G7, along with high quality plastic throughout.
The grip is coated in quality rubber and feels very comfortable.
Weather sealing (on the kit lens too!) is a great touch. I find
the ergonomics of this camera to be intuitive and comfortable.
The dials are useful, easy to use yet hard to accidentally
toggle. The buttons feel nice and clicky, with a sensitive
shutter button. I also love the viewfinder; extremely clear and
no issue for someone with glasses like myself. The touch screen
fully articulates and is also clear. Menu system works well and
navigation is a breeze. On the software end, however, the wifi
functions are finicky; transferring photos to my iPhone 14 Pro is
a trial-and-error process with the Image App, which struggles to
even establish a connection. I find the 12-60 kit lens to have
good clarity compared to others I’ve tried, with a very useful
zoom range of 24-120 FFE, and reasonably fast aperture. The OIS
and IBIS work in tandem to make camera shake in video and photo
modes a non-issue, no gimbal or tripod needed. I found the
autofocus to be sluggish in low light conditions especially
during 4k recording, though in well-lit areas it’s faster for
photography and well-workable. Manage focus properly and invest
in some quality glass and you have an amazing camera for the
price. In summary, this is a great camera for beginners as well
as experienced photographers. The flaws are minor in comparison
to the ergonomics, build quality, features, amazing price and
picture quality. This camera can tackle many types of photography
along with videos and grow with you.
Review: Price/Performance king of the entry/mid level mirrorless
cameras - I bought the G85 to supplement/mostly replace my old
D3300. In most respects it's a step up. I primarily needed a
camera with better video. The D3300 was and still is an
outstanding entry level DSLR for still photography, but it's very
underwhelming for video, which what I find myself doing more off
these days. The video autofocus on the D3300 is borderline
unusable, it hunts relentlessly. When picking out a new camera. I
was looking at the Cannon 80D (no 4k video), the 90D (very nice,
but comparatively expensive), the Nikon Z50 (very good AF, but
the lack of lens selection and the cost of the available lenses
at the time of purchase scared me off), the G9 (pretty much
everything I wanted , but more than I wanted to spend), and the
G95 (killer V.log profile, but otherwise not much improvement
over the G85. I went with the G85 since it was a proven
commodity, and had widely available and affordable lenses. For
still photography I think the lower MP sensor hurts it vs. the
big sensor APS-C cameras, but it's still acceptable. The
autofocus is quick, even when doing bursts. For video , which why
I got it, it's impressive. Autofocus is very good, about on par
with the Canons at 1080p and okay at 4k, ,the stabilization with
both the OEM lenses and body is very nice. Build quality is above
average for the price bracket. The wifi works very well too. The
only negatives are that battery life isn't amazing, and there's
no headphone jack (there is a mic jack). I feel like the G85 is a
very good value for money. You're getting a lot camera for your
dollar. The G9 is nicer in every way, but cost a few hundred
more. The G95 is also somewhat more expensive, but I don't think
you're getting much in return for the extra money spent. The G85
isn't perfect, if you want a camera primarily for still
photography. I'd stick with a comparable APS-C DSLR for the same
or less money. The 80D and D7500 are going to be superior to the
G85 for that. But for video the G85 is hard to beat for the
price.
