Panasonic LUMIX GX85 4K Mirrorless Digital Camera

lemelll: I used to think that a DSLR was the only way to go if you wanted good pictures when you don't want to be using a smart phone. I have had 4 Canon DSLR's and I have always enjoyed using them, my latest being an 80D, however I have since become tired of carrying the bulk and weight of all the equipment while travelling. Enter this camera (or set). This camera has been a game changer for me, as I am not a professional photographer by any means but I do enjoy photography as a hobby.

This camera is almost perfect for my style, as I enjoy taking pictures, but I don't enjoy the attention that a huge setup can potentially draw to me. I say almost perfect because as of late 2023, the autofocus (particularly for video) is starting to show its age. For photos only it is still great and the IBIS is such a great thing to have while doing street photography and travel photos as you don't really need to take around a tripod (unless you're trying to do family photos or things of that matter.)

If you are looking for travel camera, give this or any micro four thirds setup a try. I did, and my DSLR has been set to collect dust.

United States on Oct 22, 2023

Ray: Did research as long don't shoot in 4k focus tracking works great. For price and age has a lot of great features. Note No shutter release cable port, can download app but not impressed. can use timer but only has 10sec timer not 2sec. no GPS. Its great for travel small and light with good quality images.

Canada on Apr 11, 2023

albee: There are many reviews of the GX-85 that complain about the EVF being too small, and about the field-sequential EVF causing rainbow effects and other aberrations for certain people. I can only say that the EVF does not cause any perceivable problem for me. It looks as sharp and clean as I could expect for a camera of this vintage - i.e. perfectly useable. However, the size of the EVF could be an issue for all - it is apparently a 16:9 screen that gets cropped to 4:3 when in that native sensor format, resulting in a relatively small image in the viewfinder.

Setting the picture format to 16:9 or 3:2 reduces the amount of crop in the EVF, resulting in a noticeably bigger viewfinder display at the cost of fewer pixels in the saved image file - the 16MP 4:3 Large file size is reduced to 12MP at 16:9, and to 14MP at 3:2. The 3:2 format is a good compromise for the GX-85's EVF. At the cost of 2MP you get the 35mm film apect out of the box. None of this is much of an issue if you are OK with the smaller 4:3 display in the EVF, or if you work mainly with the rear tilting display - which is excellent. It's nice to have any EVF on this type of camera, even if only used occasionally....

Canada on Feb 21, 2023

Anime Enjoyer: I was looking for a rangefinder camera with a viewfinder and had to decide between Sony's a6000 series cameras and the GX85. I decided to buy the GX85.

Why I chose the GX85:

- The two high quality and widely praised kit lenses that are sharp, stabilized, support Dual-IS and focus quickly.

- Access to cheap Micro Four Thirds lenses. I recently purchased the cheapest MFT prime lens with a wide aperture, the Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f1.7 ASPH and it's phenomenal for the price ($199!!!). Autofocus is swift and images are crisp.

- The IBIS (in-body image stabilization) and Dual-IS (IBIS + lens stabilization) with stabilized Panasonic Lumix lenses.

- The electromagnetic shutter mechanism that prevents shutter shock and no AA filter on the sensor.

- The viewfinder is useful outdoors when the brightness of the sun dims the visibility of the LCD screen.

- Unlimited recording times and no overheating.

- Unrestricted touchscreen and intuitive user interface. (The touch capability of the Sony a6k cameras that have touchscreens [a5100, a6500, a6100, a6400 and a6600] is limited only to touch focusing and zooming in on pictures in playback...

Canada on Feb 07, 2023

Sylvain M: Excellente offre; boîtier, lentilles. Caméra versatile avec menu facile à comprendre. Un seul commentaire négatif: la très faible durée de la charge de la pile. Il faut absolument éteindre l’appareil entre les prises de vues sans quoi la pile sera à plat bien avant la fin d’une journée ordinaire de visites touristiques. Lors de mon dernier voyage, il me fallait parfois utiliser 3 piles (jlai acheté les piles originales Lumix)!! Si vous êtes du genre à grenier beaucoup de photos dans une journée (200 clichés et plus), sachez qu’il vous faudra plusieurs piles. Sérieusement, avoir su , j’aurais peut-être considéré acheter un autre modèle.
Tout le reste de la caméra est vraiment top! Dommage!

Canada on Dec 26, 2022

Ralph CRalph C: Arrived without damage or defect although the box was torn as it looked opened before. Might have been an open box but internal checks out ok as unused. All accessories are intact. Could have wrapped the box with bubble wrap better.

Camera is decent especially on sale price but the limitations of the sensor is apparent especially against APS-C ones from Sony and Fuji. ISO simply cannot go pass 1600 and not 800 for indoor low light. Kit lenses are decent but extremely plasticky though very lightweight. It's strength is probably the menu and features, giving plenty of options. Stabilizer is below average but adequate. Build quality is surprising above expectations. It has some heft to it and easily balances out with heavier prime lenses - could be the heat sink and metal mount.

Battery life is worrying, best to get at least 2 more. One original can last about an hour of video/shooting depending on intensity.

Overall, this should not be bought anywhere near list price but its a good representation of what micro 4/3 was - long reach and needs really good lenses.

Singapore on Jan 03, 2022

Avery Donovan: I’ve been using a cellphone camera as my primary camera for a few years now and decided it was time to move up to a “real” camera. After successive purchases of two other models that both had defects out of the box and simply weren’t compelling enough to get a replacement of the model, I ended up with this camera. After having it for a few months I can definitely say I’m glad I got the Panasonic LUMIX GX85.

The first thing I really liked was the size of the camera. I have rather small hands for a male and the size of the camera is just right for me, being just large enough to have a solid grip on the camera while being small enough to carry around easily. The size of the camera and layout of the controls means it’s easy for me to access all the controls.

What impressed me after just a few days of use is the interface and menu system of the camera. I’m already very used to touchscreen camera controls from using smartphones and Panasonic did a really good job with the interface on the touchscreen display. It can be as simple or as busy as you wish it to be and works intuitively. I use the touchscreen display as my primary viewfinder, just like on a...

United States on Oct 13, 2017

Mikee CatacutanMikee Catacutan: This review isn't about the technical aspects of the camera. This review is tailored towards the consumer who wants a small, compact and capable mirrorless camera that they could take everywhere with them. This review if for:

- Someone who understands the importance of some really good food pics
- Likes adventure and looking back at it through pics and videos
- Explores around town and takes photos along the way
- Has cute pets and likes cute pet pics
- Has an eye for design and wants photos of cool spaces
- Wants to travel light but not miss a photo moment

Basically this is a review for the photographer/social media influencer/enthusiast who believes the best camera is the one they have on them.

Just a couple housekeeping notes:

* Before I continue, I have to put out a disclaimer and say that I was chosen as part of Panasonic and Lumix USA’s campaign (#PanasonicAdvocate) to test this camera out and share my experiences with an unbiased and honest review. And that is exactly what I’m going to do as these opinions are my own and I have literally been using this camera almost every day for over a month.

** All images posted to...

United States on Aug 04, 2016