Capture stunning photos with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850: A review

In this blog, we will review the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850, a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera perfect for those who enjoy capturing beautiful and high-quality photographs. We will discuss its features, performance, and unique selling points to help you decide if this camera is the right fit for you.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 article cover photo

Key Features

Jan 04 2017

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPanasonic
Sensor TypeFour Thirds
SensorCMOS
Weight269g
MSRP$549USD

Other similar cameras

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 thumbnail

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85

Released Apr 05 2016 | 16MP resolution

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 thumbnail

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8

Released Jul 16 2015 | 20MP resolution

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 thumbnail

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10

Released Aug 09 2010 | 12MP resolution

Overview of the Lumix DMC-GX850

Are you in search of a compact, high-quality camera that can capture stunning photographs? Look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850. This mirrorless camera is packed with a ton of features that are perfect for all your photography needs. Whether you’re starting in photography or you’re an experienced professional, the Lumix DMC-GX850 has something to offer everyone. In this review, we’ll explore its unique features and why it’s an excellent choice for any camera enthusiast.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 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 UHD video recording
Compact size
Interchangeable lens system
Selfie-friendly screen
Good low light performance
Fast autofocus
Affordable price

Cons

No viewfinder
Limited battery life
No weather-sealing
Small sensor size
Limited manual control options
No microphone jack
Limited lens selection

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850

Weather sealed
Dimensions107 x 65 x 33mm
Weight269g
Thickness33mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 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 FinderNone
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-GX850 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

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Lumix DMC-GX850 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 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

Jan 04 2017

Announced

200 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFour Thirds
Extended ISO100 - null
Max resolution4592 x 3448 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

73 / 102

Color Depth

23.2 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

13.3 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

586 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 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-GX850 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

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Four Thirds

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StoragemicroSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life210 shots
Battery ModelDMW-BLH7
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 supports microSD/SDHC/SDXC 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-GX850 uses the DMW-BLH7 model of battery pack. This is rated for 210 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-GX850 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/500s, 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-GX850 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.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 weather sealed?

No the Lumix DMC-GX850 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 announced?

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 was announced on Jan 04 2017

Does the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 have in-body image stabilization?

No the Lumix DMC-GX850 does not 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-GX850?

The Lumix DMC-GX850 has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 100-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 article cover photo

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.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 article cover photo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10: A Comprehensive Review of a Top-Ranked Camera

Looking for an affordable yet feature-packed camera that delivers stunning picture quality? Look no further than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10. This mirrorless camera has won rave reviews from both amateur and professional photographers alike thanks to its advanced features and superior performance. Read on to learn more about what makes the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 one of the top-ranked cameras on the market.