Everything You Need to Know About the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is a mirrorless camera that is gaining popularity amongst photographers and videographers. This camera has a lot to offer, from its compact size to its impressive image and video quality. In this blog post, we will dive into the features, specifications, and advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 article cover photo

Key Features

Apr 05 2016

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorCMOS
Weight426g
MSRP$799USD

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Overview of the Lumix DMC-GX85

Are you searching for a compact and high-performance camera that can satisfy your photography and videography needs? Look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85. This camera is a game-changer in the world of mirrorless cameras with its impressive image and video quality, compact design, and advanced features. Additionally, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is an excellent camera for beginners and seasoned photographers alike. This blog post will explore the benefits of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 and why it's starting to trend amongst professionals and avid enthusiasts.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

4K video recording
High resolution EVF
Dual Image Stabilization
Compact and lightweight design
Fast autofocus
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Good image quality in low light conditions
High-speed burst shooting
Touchscreen interface with tilt and swivel
Good battery life

Cons

No headphone jack for audio monitoring
Limited lens selection compared to DSLRs
No weather sealing
No built-in flash
Smaller sensor compared to some competitors
No microphone input port
Limited external controls for settings
No articulating screen
Limited battery charge options (USB charging only)

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

Weather sealed
Dimensions122 x 71 x 44mm
Weight426g
Thickness44mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Lumix DMC-GX85 includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,765k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600 which can be boosted to 100 - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Apr 05 2016

Announced

200 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISO100 - null
Max resolution4592 x 3448 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

71 / 102

Color Depth

22.9 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

12.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

662 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Lumix DMC-GX85 is average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

2x

Full frame equivalent

48mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC card
Battery Life290 shots
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 uses the undefined model of battery pack. This is rated for 290 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. It also offers a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 49 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-GX85 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 was announced on Apr 05 2016

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Lumix DMC-GX85 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85?

The Lumix DMC-GX85 has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 100-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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