Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic GX85: These two mirrorless cameras from Panasonic represent different approaches to the enthusiast market. The GX8, released in 2015, was a high-end model with a focus on advanced features and image quality, while the GX85, launched in 2016, was a more compact and affordable option designed for portability and ease of use.
This comparison explores the key differences between these two models, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses, to help you determine which one is the better fit for your needs.
Both cameras offer a range of features that cater to different levels of photographers, from enthusiasts to professionals. The GX8, with its larger sensor and more robust build, targets those who prioritize image quality and control. The GX85, on the other hand, appeals to photographers seeking a compact and lightweight camera that is easy to take with them on the go.
Understanding these core differences will help you make an informed decision based on your specific photographic needs and preferences.
Introduction
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 are two popular mirrorless cameras that cater to different segments of photographers. While the GX8 is geared towards enthusiasts and professionals seeking advanced features and image quality, the GX85 is a more compact and affordable option designed for casual photographers and vloggers.
Understanding the key differences between these models is crucial for making an informed decision based on individual needs and preferences.
Target Audience and Key Features
The GX8 is designed for photographers who demand professional-grade performance and versatility. Its key features include a robust weather-sealed body, a high-resolution sensor, 4K video recording at 30fps, and a built-in electronic viewfinder. The GX85, on the other hand, is targeted towards photographers who prioritize portability and ease of use.
It features a smaller body, a compact lens kit, and a tilting touchscreen LCD.
Comparison Significance
Comparing the Panasonic GX8 and GX85 is important because it allows photographers to identify the model that best suits their specific needs and budget. This comparison will highlight the key differences in image quality, performance, and features, enabling photographers to make an informed decision.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, both Micro Four Thirds cameras, offer distinct image quality characteristics due to differences in their sensor technology. Understanding these differences helps photographers choose the camera that best suits their needs.
Sensor Size and Resolution
The GX8 boasts a larger Micro Four Thirds sensor, measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, compared to the GX85’s 17.3 x 13 mm sensor. This larger sensor allows the GX8 to capture more light, leading to improved low-light performance and a shallower depth of field.
The GX8 also features a higher resolution of 16 megapixels, while the GX85 has 16 megapixels.
Dynamic Range
Dynamic range refers to the camera’s ability to capture detail in both the highlights and shadows of a scene. The GX8, with its larger sensor, generally exhibits better dynamic range compared to the GX85. This means the GX8 can capture more detail in high-contrast scenes, resulting in images with a wider range of tones and greater detail in both the bright and dark areas.
Noise Performance
Noise, which appears as grainy artifacts in images, is a common issue in low-light photography. The GX8, with its larger sensor, tends to produce less noise at higher ISO settings compared to the GX85. This is because the larger sensor collects more light, reducing the need for amplification, which often introduces noise.
Color Rendition
Both cameras offer accurate and vibrant color reproduction. However, the GX8’s larger sensor and more sophisticated image processing engine may result in slightly more nuanced and natural color rendition, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Autofocus and Performance
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, while sharing a lineage, diverge in their autofocus systems, impacting their performance in various shooting scenarios. The GX8 boasts a more advanced contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) system with 49 focus points, while the GX85 relies on a simpler CDAF system with 25 focus points.
Let’s delve into the specifics of their autofocus capabilities.
Autofocus System Comparison
The GX8’s 49-point CDAF system offers a wider coverage area, enabling faster and more accurate focusing, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This system also excels in tracking moving subjects, thanks to its denser focus point distribution. On the other hand, the GX85’s 25-point CDAF system, while adequate for general photography, struggles in low light and when tracking fast-moving subjects.
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 are both great mirrorless cameras, but the GX8 boasts a more robust build and a weather-sealed body, making it a better choice for outdoor photography. For photographers seeking exceptional lens quality, the choice between the Leica R 35mm f/2 and f/2.8 might come into play.
leica r 35 f2 vs 2.8 The f/2 version delivers a wider aperture, allowing for shallower depth of field and better low-light performance, while the f/2.8 is more compact and budget-friendly. Both the GX8 and GX85 are compatible with a wide range of lenses, offering flexibility in choosing the right glass for your needs.
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The GX8’s autofocus speed is notably faster than the GX85, particularly in low light. This is attributed to its more sophisticated autofocus system and faster processor. The GX8 can acquire focus in as little as 0.1 seconds in ideal conditions, while the GX85 takes slightly longer, around 0.2 seconds.
In terms of accuracy, both cameras deliver reliable autofocus performance in most shooting scenarios. However, the GX8’s denser focus point distribution and more advanced autofocus algorithm translate to better accuracy in tracking moving subjects, especially during continuous shooting.
Continuous Shooting Performance
The GX8 and GX85 offer different continuous shooting speeds. The GX8 can capture images at up to 8 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus, while the GX85 tops out at 5 fps with continuous autofocus. This difference in performance is primarily due to the GX8’s more powerful processor and autofocus system.The GX8’s faster continuous shooting capability allows photographers to capture more action shots and create stunning sequences of moving subjects.
The GX85, while capable of capturing continuous shots, may struggle to keep up with fast-paced action.
Video Recording: Panasonic Gx8 Vs Panasonic Gx85
Both the Panasonic GX8 and GX85 offer impressive video recording capabilities, catering to photographers and videographers seeking high-quality footage. While both cameras share core functionalities, they differ in their resolution, frame rates, and codec options, offering distinct advantages depending on the intended application.
Video Resolution and Frame Rates
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 both offer 4K video recording at 30 frames per second (fps), a standard resolution for high-quality video. The GX8, however, surpasses the GX85 by offering additional frame rates, including 24 fps and 60 fps in 4K, providing more flexibility for creative projects.
This allows for cinematic looks at 24 fps or smoother motion capture at 60 fps.
- The GX8 provides 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps, offering greater versatility for different video projects.
- The GX85 offers 4K video recording at 30 fps, limiting the creative options compared to the GX8.
Video Quality and Features
Both the GX8 and GX85 leverage the power of the Venus Engine 9 image processor to deliver exceptional video quality. The cameras offer a variety of video features, including:
- In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS):Both cameras feature IBIS, effectively reducing camera shake and producing smoother footage, particularly when shooting handheld. The GX8’s IBIS system is slightly more advanced, offering 5-axis stabilization compared to the GX85’s 4-axis system.
- 4K Photo:Both cameras support 4K Photo mode, allowing users to extract high-resolution stills from 4K video recordings. This feature proves useful for capturing fleeting moments or capturing fast-paced action with exceptional detail.
- High-Quality Audio:Both cameras feature stereo microphones for recording high-quality audio. While the GX8 offers a built-in microphone jack for external microphones, the GX85 lacks this feature, limiting external audio input options.
Video Codec Options
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 utilize the H.264 codec for video recording, a widely supported format offering good compression efficiency and compatibility with various editing software. The GX8, however, offers an additional option: the H.265 codec, also known as HEVC.
This codec offers superior compression efficiency, allowing for higher quality video at smaller file sizes.
- The GX8 offers both H.264 and H.265 codec options, providing flexibility for different video workflows.
- The GX85 is limited to the H.264 codec, offering a more standard video recording option.
Video Examples
- Panasonic GX8:Videos captured with the GX8 often showcase the benefits of its advanced IBIS system, resulting in smooth, stable footage even in challenging shooting conditions. The higher frame rates available on the GX8 allow for creative slow-motion effects, adding a cinematic touch to videos.
The use of the H.265 codec in the GX8 results in high-quality video files that are smaller in size, ideal for sharing online or storing on devices with limited storage space.
- Panasonic GX85:Videos captured with the GX85 demonstrate the capabilities of the camera’s 4K video recording, offering sharp and detailed footage. The IBIS system effectively reduces camera shake, providing stable footage, even when shooting handheld. While the GX85 lacks the higher frame rates and H.265 codec options of the GX8, it still delivers high-quality video that is suitable for various applications, from personal projects to online content creation.
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, while both excellent mirrorless cameras, offer different features for photographers. The GX8 boasts a robust weather-sealed body and a larger, more detailed sensor, making it ideal for serious enthusiasts. The GX85, on the other hand, is more compact and affordable, perfect for everyday use.
To truly assess their focusing capabilities, you can utilize a printable camera focus chart free to test and fine-tune your camera’s performance. This will allow you to determine the sweet spot for each camera’s autofocus system, ultimately helping you capture sharper images.
Design and Ergonomics
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 are both Micro Four Thirds cameras, but they offer different design philosophies catering to distinct user preferences. The GX8, a more traditional DSLR-style camera, prioritizes a robust build and a comfortable grip for photographers seeking a familiar feel.
Conversely, the GX85 embraces a more compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
Size and Weight
The GX8 is noticeably larger and heavier than the GX85, reflecting its more robust build and the inclusion of a built-in electronic viewfinder. The GX8 measures 12.8 x 9.3 x 7.1 cm and weighs 541g with the battery and SD card, while the GX85, with its more compact body, measures 10.9 x 6.6 x 4.4 cm and weighs 383g.
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, both popular mirrorless cameras, offer distinct features for photographers. The GX8 boasts a larger sensor, leading to better low-light performance, while the GX85 prioritizes portability and affordability. However, both cameras benefit from the flexibility of using an external flash, like an off the camera flash , which can provide a more natural and controlled lighting effect, particularly in challenging environments.
This allows photographers to unlock creative possibilities, even when working with the more compact GX85.
This size and weight difference is a key factor to consider depending on your intended usage. The GX8, with its more substantial grip, provides a comfortable hold for extended shooting sessions, especially with larger lenses. On the other hand, the GX85’s compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable, allowing for discreet shooting and easy carrying in a bag or pocket.
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, both mirrorless cameras, offer distinct advantages. The GX8 boasts a larger sensor and weather sealing, ideal for serious photographers. The GX85, on the other hand, focuses on portability and ease of use. If you’re looking to push the boundaries of your photography, consider a rf to medium format speed booster , which can transform your lens’s field of view and increase light gathering.
Back to the GX8 and GX85, their differences in features and price point cater to different needs, making the choice depend on your individual priorities as a photographer.
Grip
The GX8 features a deep and textured grip, offering a secure hold, even with larger lenses attached. The grip’s shape and material provide excellent support, ensuring stability and reducing camera shake, particularly important for shooting in low light or with telephoto lenses.
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85, both mirrorless cameras, offer distinct advantages for photographers. The GX8 boasts a more robust build and in-body image stabilization, while the GX85 excels in its compact size and affordability. When it comes to lighting, a photographer might find inspiration in the playboy photography lighting setup , which often employs soft, diffused light to create flattering portraits.
Whether you choose the GX8 or the GX85, mastering lighting techniques will ultimately enhance your images, regardless of the camera you choose.
The GX85, despite its smaller size, still provides a comfortable grip, though it may feel less substantial than the GX8, especially for users with larger hands. The grip is still adequately designed for stability, but it may not be as reassuring for prolonged shooting sessions.
User Interface and Control Layout
The GX8 and GX85 share a similar user interface, but their control layouts differ slightly. The GX8 boasts a more comprehensive set of physical controls, offering direct access to frequently used settings. It features a dedicated button for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance, providing quick adjustments without navigating through menus.
The GX85, being more compact, has fewer physical controls, relying more on its touchscreen interface for adjustments. While this simplifies the camera’s overall layout, it may require more menu navigation for certain settings.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
The GX8 features a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 2,764,800 dots, offering a clear and detailed view of the scene. The EVF provides accurate color reproduction and a high refresh rate, minimizing lag and ensuring smooth viewing.
The GX85, on the other hand, features a tilting touchscreen LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040,000 dots. While the LCD screen provides a bright and clear display, it lacks the detail and accuracy of the GX8’s EVF. Both cameras offer a 3:2 aspect ratio, common in digital cameras, providing a natural viewing experience.
Connectivity and Features
The Panasonic GX8 and GX85 offer a range of connectivity options and features that cater to different user needs. From wireless connectivity to physical ports, these cameras provide flexibility for transferring images, controlling the camera remotely, and expanding its capabilities.
Connectivity Options
The connectivity options on the GX8 and GX85 are designed to seamlessly integrate with various devices and workflows.
- Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote control. This allows users to connect to smartphones, tablets, and computers to transfer images, preview the live view, and control the camera remotely using the Panasonic Image App.
- The GX8 also includes Bluetooth 4.0, enabling a constant connection to smartphones for low-power data transfer and remote control. This allows for easier image transfer and remote control, even when the camera is not actively being used.
- Both cameras provide a USB 3.0 port for high-speed data transfer and tethered shooting. This port allows users to connect the camera to a computer for faster image transfer, as well as for tethered shooting, where the camera’s live view is displayed on the computer screen.
Built-in Flash and Microphone Input
Both the GX8 and GX85 include features that enhance their versatility and functionality.
- Both cameras have a built-in flash that provides a reliable light source for low-light situations. The flash can be used for both fill-in flash and bounce flash, allowing users to control the direction and intensity of the light.
- Both cameras also feature a microphone input, allowing users to connect an external microphone for better sound recording. This is particularly useful for recording videos, interviews, or other situations where high-quality audio is essential.
Remote Control Capabilities
The GX8 and GX85 offer remote control capabilities, allowing users to control the camera from a distance.
- Both cameras support remote control using the Panasonic Image App, which can be downloaded on smartphones and tablets. This app allows users to control the camera’s shutter release, aperture, ISO, and other settings, making it convenient for taking photos from a distance or capturing images in situations where direct access to the camera is limited.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The GX8 and GX85 are equipped with batteries that provide reliable power for capturing images and videos.
- The GX8 uses a DMW-BLC12 battery, while the GX85 uses a DMW-BLG10 battery. The GX8’s battery provides a CIPA-rated life of approximately 330 shots, while the GX85 offers a CIPA-rated life of approximately 270 shots. These ratings can vary depending on usage patterns and environmental conditions.
- Both cameras can be charged using a USB cable or the dedicated battery charger. The USB charging option is convenient for travel, as it allows users to charge the battery using a power bank or laptop. The dedicated charger provides faster charging speeds.
Price and Availability
The pricing and availability of the Panasonic GX8 and GX85 reflect their position in the market, with the GX8 being a more advanced model with a higher price tag. While the GX8 is no longer in production, it can still be found used or refurbished, and the GX85 remains available as a newer model.
Current Prices, Panasonic gx8 vs panasonic gx85
The current prices of the GX8 and GX85 can vary depending on the retailer, condition, and included accessories. As of October 2023, the GX8 can be found used or refurbished for around $500-$700, while the GX85 typically sells for around $500-$600 new.
This difference in price reflects the GX8’s older age and advanced features compared to the GX85.
Availability
Both the GX8 and GX85 are widely available in various regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. However, the availability of specific models and configurations may vary depending on the retailer and region.
Special Offers and Discounts
It’s important to check for special offers and discounts from retailers, as these can significantly impact the final price of the camera. Retailers often offer promotions during holidays, seasonal sales, or as part of bundle deals. Additionally, checking online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon can also yield good deals on used or refurbished models.
Last Recap
Ultimately, the choice between the Panasonic GX8 and GX85 comes down to your priorities. If image quality and advanced features are paramount, the GX8 is the clear winner. However, if portability, affordability, and ease of use are more important, the GX85 offers a compelling alternative.
Both cameras are capable of producing excellent results, but they cater to different user profiles. By carefully considering your needs and comparing the key features of each model, you can choose the Panasonic camera that best aligns with your photographic aspirations.