2 plus years later but still a relevant discussion guys as I wrap up my research before going out to get me a G85 tomorrow. Still a great camera today in Aug 2019 given what I’ve managed to learn from a few generous YTubers like yourselves and I do appreciate all the detailed info you provided. Sub’d.
Excellent information Gordon is a walking encyclopedia of camera information - nobody on the web can touch him depth of knowledge on specs and general information. Gordon and Doug -good work!
Gordon Laing how do you find the size of the camera? I do like the "range finder" style more than the slr style, so was considering waiting for the gx9, but this is tempting and would work well with my 12-35 and 35-100 f2.8's, 20 1.7. Would it sneak in a jacket pocket with the 20mm pancake?
If you fitted it with a small lens, it should just about fit in a jacket pocket, but you may be better off with a GM or a GX800 if pocketability is key...
Gordon Laing I have a lot priorities, mainly because of how many great m43 bodies. I love my em5 as it has great controls (once I got the hang of it), weather sealing and ibis with primes/adapted lenses. But I love the form factor and ease of use of my gf1 (which has taken a hammering but doesn't get rinsed under a tap after a walk on the beach!). If only the GX85 was weather sealed 🙄
I just bought one today and have owned them (mirrorless cameras) all and I discovered something positive and negative about this camera that I haven't seen in any reviews yet. The positive is that it has absolutely the most accurate focusing system when using an adapted manual focus lens I have ever used. I was about to give up messing with manual focus lenses and now I have been saved. The bad news is that if you like to keep your focus point in the middle of your screen and you hold your eye to the viewfinder the way I do, you will end up inadvertently moving the focus point to the left using your nose. I just had to lock off the touch screen feature, which I can live without. By the way, Gordon, you are by far the best reviewer out there.
It's one reason I enjoy using the gx85 more than the g85. The viewfinder been on the left prevent you from accidentally focusing with your nose and give you a chance to use your thumb to focus on the screen at the same time. The g85 and gx85 are fantastic cameras.
I've been using the camera for about a week now with a 14-140. I've got the 7-14 coming plus a 25 1.7. In Camera has been downloaded............A new adventure begins. Fantastic reviews, thanks.
In the last 18 months I've become a TOTAL convert to M43. I've been through several bodies - Panasonic AND Olympus - but have now settled on a pair of GX80s - GX85 in the US - which have the same image stabilisation. As you say, that moment when the stabilisation kicks in is an amazing experience...
I was was so impressed by this review, I've decided to take a leap of faith and explore the world , tech and 4K of M4/3, more so the Panasonic G80. I still have an A7ii with great glass but I sold my A6000. The G80 is due today............! Great work Gordon & Doug, thanks.
Just rewatching this review- I love the topics that come up during the videos like sensor sizes and how they compare and diffraction.. really informative! Thanks for making these hour long videos!
Thank you Gordon! The G85 has lured me away from my Pentax kit and into the world of video shooting. I have paired it with the Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 and I am having some fun! This review has taught me a few things about my new camera.
I replaced the G7x with the G8x last year, but I have been waiting for this review nontheless. Very detailed and I liked the colab with Doug, well done.
Panasonic Lumix cameras took me away from Canon some years ago after buying one as an all-rounder for my daughter's college course. I find the G80 makes a good second angle to the GH5 and is always the camera I grab first at the weekend, as it has great stability and is slightly smaller/lighter. As already mentioned being aware of lighting is important with any sensor size but for me ease of use, reliability and flexibility has always been the key, they pack a lot of features in.
The camera also has full resolution RAW file focus bracketing which works well. In post you can use files to focus stack (using stacking software) or just pick the shot which has the right focus for you.
I've been wanting someone to compare exactly this! I always thought the APSC bodies had an edge. I need the G80! Another feature to note is the focus bracketing which no other manufacturer does, apart from the MFT guys. Pretty amazing feature if you love macro. Thank you!
HEY GORDON AND DOUG, THANKS FOR THE REVIEW ON THE LUMIX G85. I HAVE CURRENTLY ON ORDER THE LUMIX FZ2500 BUT ALSO WANTED A BACK UP CAMERA........WELL AFTER YOUR REVIEW, I FOUND IT...THE G85. THANKS GUYS. MIKE
That's the first time it's ever sunk in how I should be thinking about f number differently with smaller sensors. I kind of knew about it but really didn't appreciate how much wider I might need to go. We don't have those depth of field marks on the lenses any more... thanks Gordon!
Great review guys and your video quality is excellent. Gordon, thank you for the great explanation of the In-body IS of the G80 when compared to other models, and the clear demonstration of Post-focus and focus stacking from 4K video awesome!
Thanks for the review guys! Gordon I was on Brighton seafront yesterday with the G80 & Pana-Leica summilux 25mm f1.4. Great upgrade from the GM1! Both purchased after reading your reviews. Cheers
I bought the G80 this year (2019) because of its IBIS. I'm an old fart now and I have shaky hands so for me the G80 is a god send. Great review Gordon.
A great review. I find it interesting how your reviews have changed since this one. The more recent ones are even more info packed. No waffle and no time wasting. Great. The one drawback with this camera which annoys me is the lack of auto iso when shooting video in manual exposure mode (unless I have missed a setting somewhere). That is pretty much the only time I want to use auto iso and it's not there. Seems strange for a camera from a company with Panasonic's video track record.
Hi guys, thanks so much for this great in-depth review of this camera. You probably just saved me a couple of hundreds euros, so you definitely deserve the coffee :) Thanks so much once again and I´m subscribing right away! Ciao :D
Great video, and review gentlemen! Once again Gordon shows us all what makes a camera great, and what can make a camera fail. Love your comments Doug and your thoroughness Gordon with these reviews, thanks!
Gordon, You probably already know this, but DxOMARK lens tests will confirm what you are saying about optimal f/stops for lenses they tested. I found that my Panasonic 14mm to 140mm lenses was optimal at f/4 for 14mm and f/8 at 140mm on an Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II. (They did not have a test for my GX8.) That was really valuable to know and it proves out.
Really enjoyed the video. Worth the wait! Great to get such solid expert knowledge from someone who knows the m43 system inside out. Nice team work with Doug! I was surprised to hear that the G80/85 IBIS is as good as that of the Olympus EM1 mII. Other reviewers say that Olympus still has the upper hand at IBIS. I shot 60mm at 0.2s and got sharp pictures and I think IBIS is one of the greatest assets of the camera. Thanks for the great work!
I think some people post comments or assumptions without performing updated side-by-side tests with the latest bodies. I was surprised to discover Panasonic had caught up - at least for my stills test with the 75mm - so while Oly may enjoy some benefits elsewhere, the G80 / G85 is very close in some respects.
With years in photography... here's what I notice with sensor size. Image from the following: Micro Four thirds photos = the closest to real life image. Its what our eyes sees everyday. APS=C = poster like photos / prints on magazine FULL frame = dream like / 3d cartoonish Medium format = glorified FF
Love your reviews, you two make a great double act. For 'action' stuff I prefer to stick to my Canon DSLRs and that may be as much because I am so used to them but a year ago because I wanted to play with 4k video and didn't want pay too much for the experiment, I bought a Lumix G7 and found it great fun especially as a travel camera. However, it was a bit 'plastic' so when the beefed up G80/85 came out, I did a trade in and upgraded. It is in this context that I thought your review was very balanced also because of its focusing aides, it is my favourite bit of kit for using my vintage FD lenses on and I thought your comments on lens technology were pretty interesting and 'illuminating'.
Gordon, although it may sound silly, it would help if you could do more on camera demonstrations of specific features on cameras as you did with the Post-Focus and Focus-Stacking examples.
Hi guys, Gordon and Doug! Very interesting talk! Thank you ! Just discovered you guys, as I research for the G85 (trying to buy it from US or Canada to avoid the video limit in recording that G80 has due to EU laws). Some questions if I may that will help me a lot: Different set than usual youtube reviews in your video here: full hour talk instead of few minutes, over skype instead of a set in a room as one man show etc. May I ask out of curiocity: 1. what camera are you both using? Are you connecting a good DSLR to you laptop, or you use an HD laptop camera? 2. Audio: again, audio is just too good for a Skype interview, even if you have top internet speeds. What are you using there? Lavaliers attached to the laptop directly, or something else? 3. Are you uploading the recording as is, or you post produce the video, and then you upload it? 4. Also one of the reason I want the G85 is 4K and slow motion, as I only own a Canon 70D which does not have both of them. Can I do slow motion with the G85 or not at all, and should go with a A6300 instead? If you have links, it will be very useful. Thank you and keep up!
I´m astonished that most people don´t realize, that the 16 Mpix Mft sensor has roughly 2/3rd the size of an APS-C sensor and also has 2/3rd the pixels - so the pixel density should roughly be the same (comparing with the 24mP APS-C sensors). So there´s really no reason why the Mft cameras should not perform the same als APS-C cameras. The reason that they do perform a little different lays not in the sensor size ...
Agree - pixel density similar. mFT loses the width cropped from 3:2 format of APSC to 4:3 format. It loses a bit on the height also. Older sensors had more noise because of different design. Current designs have almost caught up with competing sensors.
Dirk Henkel noise is related to pixel size and hence the storage capacitor as it's really signal to noise ratio. I believe. After that it's the light gathered. If the pixel size is the same then for the same incident light intensity the noise performance should be comparable.
I so gringe when people say "micro fourthirds sensor" (m4/3 sensor) when the sensor is still the old 2003 released 4/3" sensor format. The 4/3 system was two things: 4/3" sensor and 4/3 mount. Together they build the "4/3" aka FT system with all the flashes, image stabilization technologies etc. And then m4/3 aka MFT was designed and it only really changed the mount and lens design by adding two additional electronic contacts to the lens mount. Same old 4/3" sensor (Four Thirds sensor) but new m4/3 mount (MFT mount). And this causes that people talk about the format as "Micro sensor" while the sensor is still same format as 110 film format was (17.3x13mm), on what Olympus based the 4/3" format, based empiric studies and research by Olympus and Kodak of required print sizes, quality, camera size, needed focal lengths and advances in the computer science about digital processing, electronics, software development etc. So at least people could call it as what it is "Four Thirds sensor" instead "Micro Four Thirds sensor".
paristo I didn't know that, thanks for the info. I think the distinction (addition of word micro) is made so a person buying a lens separately will know whether or not it will fit their camera without an adapter.
And with the naturally deeper DoF on m4/3...you can sometimes have an advantage in low light shooting if your subjects are fairly still. That's because if you NEED that extra DoF for your subject, with a larger sensor that has thinner DoF, you'll either have to slow down the shutter speed more (might not be able to if you're hand holding the shot) or increase the ISO to keep an acceptable shutter speed as you make your aperture (say going from f/4 to f/8 for example). Basically, what you said :-) Shame that most people don't mention this.
P.S. Some extra lighting on you/the reviewed camera would be great. It's a little hard to see the buttons and whatever you're pointing out on the camera as you do the review.
Anyway, I always appreciate the length of your reviews. You always point out many things other people totally overlook or don't bother to mention. I'd much rather watch an hour review then a 20 minute overview that leaves out a lot.
I don't think this statement is correct, since if you want to compare apples to apples, then look up "equivalence". With the same ISO, F, stop & speed you get more noise on MFT compared to FF, and less background blare, so if you want to get less background blare compared to FF you still pay for more noise, even though ISO is kept equal. You can look up Tony N's video about crop factor that explains it very well.
Hi Gordan Enjoy watching your in depth reviews with Doug. I'm currently a Canon user and want to invest in mirrorless system to eliminate weight and to carry on my Vespa. I primarily shoot birds and flowers. I tried the Panasonic G85 and 100-400 Leica lens and was impressed on how good my Osprey pictures turned out and I was hand holding. I am not interested in the video aspect of any camera. My question is should I buy this set up or
Sorry clicked return. Having the best Af is important since I shoot BIF Question is should I stick with the G85 and 100-400mm or is Olympus OM DE 5 Mark II or OM DE M1 or jump to the M1 Mark II with the 100-400. Will the Olympus body and Panasonic lens work as well as staying with same manufacturer for lens and body? If I'm willing to spend 2k on the body do I go for the GH5 even though I'm not interested in video and strictly stills? Thank you so much. Cindy
I'm torn between the Lumix G85 and the Fujifilm TX20. I'd like a nice camera for traveling with a few good lenses and I would like to shoot video. If it was your money which would you go for? Are there any other options to consider? Please Help!!
Your review is the only one that discusses UHS-II SD card compatibility. Now I know my buying options. I wish other review sites state the battery model number so owners of previous Panasonic cameras with same battery type, need not purchase additional batteries. My current camera is Olympus, so batteries won't fit and I will buy extra BLC 12 battery. I'm now a better informed consumer. Thank you.
Hello Gordon. Love the details that are brought up in your reviews. I was wondering if the quality and reliability of the evf was tested in bright sunlight. As the sensor is located on top of the eyepiece, it would be good to know wether this would cause a problem with stray light. I used to own a Fuji Xe2s and the sensor would shut the evf off in sunlight. No way to test first hand a 4/3 camera as there's no market for them this part of the world. But I did meet a guy who had ordered an em1 mark 1 and I just loved that form factor! Compact with a good grip. Decent IQ and plenty of buttons and dials for ease of use. Thank you.
Thank you Gordon & Doug for this in-depth review on the Lumix G80/85. Even after all the advanced improvements and new features, is the G80/85 really still positioned behind the GX8? I'm almost tempted to say that it's on par or even slightly better than the GX8.
Why? B&H in New York show the G85 is "discontinued". Adorama show it is "back ordered" and Amazon say they have only a handful left (today 5, yesterday they only had one).
Thankyou a very honest review, I use mft and I enjoy my GX8, I have to found out that various people who use full frame or aps-c those who are leading a class for example are unaware of the diffraction issue.
wonderful review as always guys! Gordon, just about to purchase the G80/G85, could you recommend a UHS-II SD card for the camera for purchasing here in the UK - seems to be some confusing on several blogs as to if compatible - many thanks again
You forgot to mention a compelling part of the Fuji xt-20. That for 200 dollars more than the standard kit you get the 18 to 55 f2.8 to f4 stabilized lens. Then again, one could buy the g85 kit, sell the kit lens for 300, and get a used Oly 12 to 45 f2.8 lens and it'll come out to around 200 dollars more than the Fuji set up. For that money though, I'd get the Fuji due to better lowlight compensating for lack of IBIS and more importantly better AFC and tracking, not to mention you can come closer to affording one of their very nice prime lenses, or a used manual nikon 100 - 200 f4 with the left over money. The x t20 is extremely competitively priced so I'll be anticipating the review for that.
I'm looking forward to fully testing the XT20, but we already know the image, video and AF performance as it's all inherited from the XT2. Which is a good thing!
It's really the one thing that sways me away from MFT. Phase detect. A flip out screen is great for vlogging and such things but not so much when all it serves for is letting you watch the camera lose focus when you move too spontaneously. It's not horrible on my gx85, I have to admit but it's still a bit discouraging. Perhaps we should wait and see how the GH5's AF will be. But even then, it's 2 grand.
Also not needing to micromanage the focusing for things like telephoto with movement sounds refreshing. The MFT cameras are very capable but they do need to be worked with a bit more than things with phase detect seem to need.
yeah it's definitely an attractive option as well. thing is it costs twice as much like the GH5. They're all worth every penny imo. Truly amazing cameras these days.
The Gx8 and G80 are the same price in the UK at the moment with the same kit lens. I don't do much video and want this for images only would you say the G80 is still better for this? Love your reviews, very in depths!! Where can I find the podcasts?
Like your reviews very much. Not much coming anywhere near to your in-depth-reviews out there. 2 little questions left: What about the Dual IS and what about the electromagnetic shutter mechanism? The latter should avoid any shutter-shock without the need to use thebelectronic shutter.
Thank you for a thorough and very informative video without irrelevant information....a question regarding the Lumix G80/G85 and its auto ISO capabilities; if there isn't a parameter to set auto ISO while identifying an ISO maximum and a minimum shutter speed; is anyone aware of a firmware update or a forthcoming firmware update to address this?
Why not do some of your CAF tests panning a moving subject as well as with it approaching? I find the G85 often fails to lock on a BIF in that situation when the bird is closer to a textured background than to me. There seems to be a programmed preference for the more distant object.
It's certainly a challenge, both for the camera and the reviewer who tries to cover as much as they can! Generally most AF systems will always prioritise a closer subject, but often the area under consideration is too large to isolate the subject as precisely as you'd like.
Im trying to figure out how my local camera store could recommend me the E-M5 Mk II instead of the G80/85. What is really better with the Olympus (yes, the headphone jack on the grip) - but what more? Today I use the small E-M10, and Im trying to figure out if the image quality will be raised wit any of them - or if the reason the go with one of the should be something else, the grip, the video, faster AF? Cause the image quality is about the same I guess? =P
hi Gordon, maybe you could help me with 1 thing - I'm looking for a flash light to use with my G80, but i would like to use the High Speed Sync on camera and remotely off camera. Which flashes will work?
Doug seems to be obsessed with diffraction. Honestly, I've shot up to f/8 on m43 with good glass and the images still look great. I guess if I compared apertures side by side or shot test charts, I' notice diffraction but II've read some insane comments about not shooting past f/4. I
Don't get me wrong Gordon. I love you and Doug! I just think that too many photographers worry about the technical minutia sometimes and not the actual results!
Those "fractional differences" between 16, 20 and 24 MP, are fractional only under the sun, low iso, still subjects. But let's go to high iso, low light, widest apertures and we will see no fraction but big differences. That ideal sunlit landscape is within Photography the real fractional situation. I am a m43 shooter.
41:20 [focus pulling in video] - Is it possible on G85 to preset two positions and move between them without focus hunting, like on GH5? If not, has there been any indication from Panasonic that they might add that feature through firmware update to G85?
I think the only model which allows the preset positions for focus pulling is the GH5. If that's the case I don't think they'd add it as a firmware update to the others - they use it to differentiate them.
Nothing is for free. The cost of the battery is factored into the cost of the grip. Their marketing department just knows that people like the sound of the word free.
Great Review. Thank You both for all the work. I have a G7 and just traded up to a G85. I believe Shutter shock is a real issue on the G7.Gordon, I know you disagree and you have more experience with cameras, but I felt it.. I found I was getting way too many soft photos on the G7. Tried the G85 with the same lens and it is very VERY much better. Can I say definitively that its not due to the stabilisation in the G85? No I can't, but you can feel the thump in your hands with the G7. It feels crude and clunky by comparison. Focus on the G85 is also faster. Both cameras offer a lot of bang for the buck, but the G85 is my new camera. They threw in the 12-60 kit lens for $2 more than the body alone!!! Boxing day special. The shop said Panasonic are clearing them out.
Glad you found the review useful and that the G85 has resolved some of the issues you had with the G7. I do believe shutter shock is a real thing, it's just that I haven't personally experienced much of it.
Weeeell surely the G85 is going to be a lot cheaper, so that will be a consideration. If budget AND stabilisation are not a factor though the A6400 would probably make more sense.
HEY GORDON , GOT YOUR EMAIL YESTERDAY , THANKS. I WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT SHOWING ME HOW TO USE POST FOCUS ON YOUR CAMERA WAS GREAT. YEA I READ THE MANUAL FOR MY FZ2500 WHICH WILL ARRIVE APR 2, BUT I WANTED A BACKUP CAMERA WHICH WILL BE THE G85. BUT SEEING THE POST FOCUS MADE IT SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND. LIKE PIC STACKING , THATS ANOTHER ONE. I' LL EXPERIMENT ON THAT ONE....IT WILL BE FUN. BUT ANYWAY THE QUESTION I FORGOT TO ASK YOU...CAN YOU SET UP THE G85 AND THE FZ2500 TO BACK BUTTON FOCUS?? SOME CAMERAS CANNOT DO IT.........FOR EXAMPLE THE NIKON P1000......GREAT CAMERA BUT MY FRIENDS AND I CANNOT SET IT UP...NO CUSTOM SETTING THAT WE COULD FIND. BUT ANYWAY CAN YOU SET UP BBF ON G85 AND FZ2500??? WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE LET ME KNOW...OTHERWISE I'M THINKING I COULD THE AF TRACKING WHICH ON BOTH THE FZ2500 AND G85 IF WE CAN'T. THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT. LASTLY BY THE WAY I BOUGHT YOUR BOOK VIA KINDLE, HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO READ, BUT I KNOW IT WILL BE GOOD. THANKS AGAIN GORDON... MIKE
Hi Mike, thanks for buying my book. I really can't remember how to set up those cameras though as it was a long time ago i reviewed them, so you'd have to check the manual. if it's not in there, they won't do it. PS - watch out for your caps-lock, it looks like you're yelling at me!
Hey Gordon I've seen your videos on Vimeo and I can't decide between 1232 and 1260 lenses. You've tried them both. Which of these would yu recommend me in therms of sharpeness?
I am planning to buy G80 with 12-60 kit lens and 25 mm 1.7. However, I am unable to decide between 30 mm macro and 42.7 mm as my 3rd lens. I have started doing stock photography. Please recommend
I'd get the 42.5mm f1.7 as the 30 is too close to your 25mm and the 42.5mm can focus closer than you think. it's not a true 1:1 macro, but is still very good. Here's my review of it: www.cameralabs.com/panasonic_lumix_g_42-5mm_f1-7_h_hs043e/
Hi Gordon, I am searching for G80 with 12-60 kit lens and to my surprise it is not available in most of the stores in London. I tried in Park cameras, London camera exchange, Calumet, Cameraworld, Jessops but no luck. Park camera has only the body. But i m wondering whether it would make sense to buy only body and prime lens 25 and 42.5 mm. Please guide me as I have only couple of days left in London.
Hi, I'm not sure if it's too late for you (I've been away), but if you can't find the kit, then sure, go for a prime like the 25mm. Depends how good a deal you can get on it here vs where you're from.
Hi Gordon! 👋 First off, I love the reviews! I’ve become an avid viewer these past months. Up until now I’ve only been shooting on film (I just really like the look), but want a convenient digital camera to take along on trips, do some good video with and the occasional small scale commercial work (I have a bachelor in the audiovisual arts even though I’m now in IT). I was wondering, with the GX80 currently half price compared to the G80 (this is with respective kit lenses included), which model would you recommend?
Hi Joni, the differences aren't fresh in my mind, but if you check the movie mode section in my big reviews at cameralabs.com you should be able to find out what you need to know. Watch out for things like cinelike-d for grading.
I've been a long time user of Sony eng cameras. I needed a small cam urgently when the g85 was first introduced. I was impressed with the features & specs so I dove into it rapidly. image quality for closeup work is great but anything beyond especially facial detail is really disappointing. about as good as my Samsung smartphone. could it be the lens... I'm using the kit lens, do you guys feel their other more pricy lenses might improve image quality? BTW my eng camera imager was even smaller than micro 4-3 but image quality is way beyond the g85.
Maybe you were shooting at too high an ISO? Upgrading the lens will give you better quality, but it sounds like other settings are at fault here. See my sample images at cameralabs.com for the G85 to see what you should be expecting.
Hi Gordon. What a great review again! Love these, even though of course we not always agree. On the sensor, I have extensively compared GH4 with Em1.2. GH4 has the AAF and Em1.2 doesn't but under very controlled circumstances there is no way around it: the sensor on the Em1.2 has better dynamic range and lower noise. It is not a landslide but it is visible. A more important point that you missed with shuttershock: the mechnism is different and very different than on G7. Now I am with you here: I never saw shuttershock on GH4. Well.....until I started to use the 100-400 and there it is very evident. Now on the GX85 and onwards (so G80 too) the mechanism is changed. You can look at David Thorpe's review. You do not need an EFCS on the G80 the new shuttermechnism does not produce shuttershock on lenses that are prone to it. EM1.2 hunts in video because it does not use PDAF in video, jut st CDAF so there you go. My EM1.2 and buttons....have you tried it. They are very much too responsive. I have had so many times where I wanted to browse through pics on the screen and just touched the menu button (not even felt it) and I was out of the screen....Same to my mind is true about the shutterrelease: GH4 has a clear halfpress and then fullpress. Now With Em1.2 I cannot press it even slightly and it has already taken a picture. DFD.....on Panny.....Pretty strange that Sigma 30 mm F1.4 works as fast and as good with C-AF. Panny just has a very good CDAF system mostly. What I miss a little Gordon, but it is personal too is how the controls are nice on the G80 and the touchscreen is so well implemented. I missed that a little in your spoken review. I have never had a cam with anything close to the way it lets you interface with it. Final point: they have a nice manner to keep the battery going longer. Good review, like it!
Thanks for the detailed comments. I agree the touch interface is really good - I've gone into more detail in my written review which will be ready tomorrow hopefully.
are these shows still available in podcast format anywhere, i enjoy listening as much as watching. and i can listen on the train. thanks for all your content, i love it all.
YES! All of the Cameralabs podcasts can be found on iTunes in audio format at itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cameralabs-photography-podcast/id1173815610 - don't forget to rate us!
Hello everyone, I just got my G80 in the mail today and have what might be a silly question. When I tilt the camera when it’s off I can feel an internal shift in weight and the faint sound of something. Is this the sensor that’s sort of loose due to the IBIS system, or might there be something wrong with my camera? Thanks in advance! J.S.
2 plus years later but still a relevant discussion guys as I wrap up my research before going out to get me a G85 tomorrow. Still a great camera today in Aug 2019 given what I’ve managed to learn from a few generous YTubers like yourselves and I do appreciate all the detailed info you provided. Sub’d.
Excellent information Gordon is a walking encyclopedia of camera information - nobody on the web can touch him depth of knowledge on specs and general information. Gordon and Doug -good work!
Thanks!
Gordon Laing how do you find the size of the camera? I do like the "range finder" style more than the slr style, so was considering waiting for the gx9, but this is tempting and would work well with my 12-35 and 35-100 f2.8's, 20 1.7. Would it sneak in a jacket pocket with the 20mm pancake?
If you fitted it with a small lens, it should just about fit in a jacket pocket, but you may be better off with a GM or a GX800 if pocketability is key...
Gordon Laing I have a lot priorities, mainly because of how many great m43 bodies. I love my em5 as it has great controls (once I got the hang of it), weather sealing and ibis with primes/adapted lenses. But I love the form factor and ease of use of my gf1 (which has taken a hammering but doesn't get rinsed under a tap after a walk on the beach!). If only the GX85 was weather sealed 🙄
I agree
I just bought one today and have owned them (mirrorless cameras) all and I discovered something positive and negative about this camera that I haven't seen in any reviews yet. The positive is that it has absolutely the most accurate focusing system when using an adapted manual focus lens I have ever used. I was about to give up messing with manual focus lenses and now I have been saved. The bad news is that if you like to keep your focus point in the middle of your screen and you hold your eye to the viewfinder the way I do, you will end up inadvertently moving the focus point to the left using your nose. I just had to lock off the touch screen feature, which I can live without. By the way, Gordon, you are by far the best reviewer out there.
Thanks for your comments! I too find it easy to nudge the AF area with my nose! But you get quite good at it after a while...!
It's one reason I enjoy using the gx85 more than the g85. The viewfinder been on the left prevent you from accidentally focusing with your nose and give you a chance to use your thumb to focus on the screen at the same time. The g85 and gx85 are fantastic cameras.
I have learnt a lot about photography just by watching your video reviews. Keep up the fabulous job!
The G85 has marvelous output and as time passes; this camera will remain a gem.
I've been using the camera for about a week now with a 14-140. I've got the 7-14 coming plus a 25 1.7. In Camera has been downloaded............A new adventure begins. Fantastic reviews, thanks.
In the last 18 months I've become a TOTAL convert to M43. I've been through several bodies - Panasonic AND Olympus - but have now settled on a pair of GX80s - GX85 in the US - which have the same image stabilisation. As you say, that moment when the stabilisation kicks in is an amazing experience...
What a pleasure to hear such a well informed and well expressed review…superb!
Thankyou! Hope you get to watch some more of mine!
oh sorry about the caps, wasn't yelling. i appreciate your reviews...thanks again ...mike
I was was so impressed by this review, I've decided to take a leap of faith and explore the world , tech and 4K of M4/3, more so the Panasonic G80. I still have an A7ii with great glass but I sold my A6000. The G80 is due today............! Great work Gordon & Doug, thanks.
Gordon on fire! There is absolutely no other reviews as good as yours!
Thanks!
Just rewatching this review- I love the topics that come up during the videos like sensor sizes and how they compare and diffraction.. really informative! Thanks for making these hour long videos!
Thank you Gordon! The G85 has lured me away from my Pentax kit and into the world of video shooting. I have paired it with the Mitakon 25mm f/0.95 and I am having some fun! This review has taught me a few things about my new camera.
You're welcome!
Do you still use your mikaton 25 f0.95
I replaced the G7x with the G8x last year, but I have been waiting for this review nontheless. Very detailed and I liked the colab with Doug, well done.
I have to say: Doug's voice is soooo relaxing :D
He's very reassuring with his silky tones!
Finally long and complete reviews :D
I'm glad you like them! I get a lot of complaints about these longer ones...
keep the good work up! I also like, that your "self-advertisment" is so honest and unforceful. Really good!
I always enjoy your reviews, Gordon and Doug!
Thank you!
Panasonic Lumix cameras took me away from Canon some years ago after buying one as an all-rounder for my daughter's college course. I find the G80 makes a good second angle to the GH5 and is always the camera I grab first at the weekend, as it has great stability and is slightly smaller/lighter. As already mentioned being aware of lighting is important with any sensor size but for me ease of use, reliability and flexibility has always been the key, they pack a lot of features in.
Cheers guys, thank you!
The camera also has full resolution RAW file focus bracketing which works well. In post you can use files to focus stack (using stacking software) or just pick the shot which has the right focus for you.
Yep, i've discussed all the feature sin my main review at cameralabs.com
I've been wanting someone to compare exactly this! I always thought the APSC bodies had an edge. I need the G80!
Another feature to note is the focus bracketing which no other manufacturer does, apart from the MFT guys. Pretty amazing feature if you love macro.
Thank you!
I've mentioned the focus bracketing in my main review at cameralabs.com - and of course there's also the example taken using 4k photo. Nice features!
HEY GORDON AND DOUG, THANKS FOR THE REVIEW ON THE LUMIX G85. I HAVE CURRENTLY ON ORDER THE LUMIX FZ2500 BUT ALSO WANTED A BACK UP CAMERA........WELL AFTER YOUR REVIEW, I FOUND IT...THE G85. THANKS GUYS. MIKE
You're welcome Mike!
That's the first time it's ever sunk in how I should be thinking about f number differently with smaller sensors. I kind of knew about it but really didn't appreciate how much wider I might need to go. We don't have those depth of field marks on the lenses any more... thanks Gordon!
You're welcome! It's really important to unlearn some things which served you well on other systems as they may not apply on other ones.
Always an education, whatever my interests. Thanks for the continuing reviews guys!
Great review guys and your video quality is excellent. Gordon, thank you for the great explanation of the In-body IS of the G80 when compared to other models, and the clear demonstration of Post-focus and focus stacking from 4K video awesome!
So excited! I've just won the bidding on Ebay for one of these puppies. Looks like a good upgrade from my EOS M3 for video.
Thanks for the review guys! Gordon I was on Brighton seafront yesterday with the G80 & Pana-Leica summilux 25mm f1.4. Great upgrade from the GM1! Both purchased after reading your reviews.
Cheers
Nice one! I've shot with that exact same combo in the same location!
I bought the G80 this year (2019) because of its IBIS. I'm an old fart now and I have shaky hands so for me the G80 is a god send. Great review Gordon.
Thanks for another GREAT review on the G80/85. I own the GX85 and love the camera. But I do miss the more DSLR grip and size. Great job!
A great review. I find it interesting how your reviews have changed since this one. The more recent ones are even more info packed. No waffle and no time wasting. Great.
The one drawback with this camera which annoys me is the lack of auto iso when shooting video in manual exposure mode (unless I have missed a setting somewhere). That is pretty much the only time I want to use auto iso and it's not there. Seems strange for a camera from a company with Panasonic's video track record.
Thanks, and yeah, there are a few cameras without Auto ISO in Manual movies - Olympus is an offender sometimes too.
@@cameralabs It's unfortunate that Olympus will offend no more.
@@johnhmaw weeeeeell, we'll have to wait and see, hopefully they have a future.,
Hi guys, thanks so much for this great in-depth review of this camera. You probably just saved me a couple of hundreds euros, so you definitely deserve the coffee :)
Thanks so much once again and I´m subscribing right away! Ciao :D
Great video, and review gentlemen! Once again Gordon shows us all what makes a camera great, and what can make a camera fail. Love your comments Doug and your thoroughness Gordon with these reviews, thanks!
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Gordon, You probably already know this, but DxOMARK lens tests will confirm what you are saying about optimal f/stops for lenses they tested. I found that my Panasonic 14mm to 140mm lenses was optimal at f/4 for 14mm and f/8 at 140mm on an Olympus OMD EM1 Mark II. (They did not have a test for my GX8.) That was really valuable to know and it proves out.
Really enjoyed the video. Worth the wait! Great to get such solid expert knowledge from someone who knows the m43 system inside out. Nice team work with Doug! I was surprised to hear that the G80/85 IBIS is as good as that of the Olympus EM1 mII. Other reviewers say that Olympus still has the upper hand at IBIS. I shot 60mm at 0.2s and got sharp pictures and I think IBIS is one of the greatest assets of the camera. Thanks for the great work!
I think some people post comments or assumptions without performing updated side-by-side tests with the latest bodies. I was surprised to discover Panasonic had caught up - at least for my stills test with the 75mm - so while Oly may enjoy some benefits elsewhere, the G80 / G85 is very close in some respects.
With years in photography... here's what I notice with sensor size.
Image from the following:
Micro Four thirds photos = the closest to real life image. Its what our eyes sees everyday.
APS=C = poster like photos / prints on magazine
FULL frame = dream like / 3d cartoonish
Medium format = glorified FF
Yep. A good value proposition.
4K preburst photo mode also is schmick and very handy for us BIFfers.
I'll be putting several preburst examples in my review at cameralabs.com which let me capture the moments birds took flight.
Love your reviews, you two make a great double act. For 'action' stuff I prefer to stick to my Canon DSLRs and that may be as much because I am so used to them but a year ago because I wanted to play with 4k video and didn't want pay too much for the experiment, I bought a Lumix G7 and found it great fun especially as a travel camera. However, it was a bit 'plastic' so when the beefed up G80/85 came out, I did a trade in and upgraded. It is in this context that I thought your review was very balanced also because of its focusing aides, it is my favourite bit of kit for using my vintage FD lenses on and I thought your comments on lens technology were pretty interesting and 'illuminating'.
Thanks!
Hi Gordon! It's already June 2020, and I'm very tempted to buy a Panny G85. Would you still recommend it?
If the price is right and you don't need the best autofocus for moving subjects then sure!
The fella in the hat is a breath of fresh air. I've just bought the g80/85 used (100 stills).. €350 ... absolute bargain
Gordon, although it may sound silly, it would help if you could do more on camera demonstrations of specific features on cameras as you did with the Post-Focus and Focus-Stacking examples.
Hi guys, Gordon and Doug! Very interesting talk! Thank you !
Just discovered you guys, as I research for the G85 (trying to buy it from US or Canada to avoid the video limit in recording that G80 has due to EU laws). Some questions if I may that will help me a lot:
Different set than usual youtube reviews in your video here: full hour talk instead of few minutes, over skype instead of a set in a room as one man show etc. May I ask out of curiocity:
1. what camera are you both using? Are you connecting a good DSLR to you laptop, or you use an HD laptop camera?
2. Audio: again, audio is just too good for a Skype interview, even if you have top internet speeds. What are you using there? Lavaliers attached to the laptop directly, or something else?
3. Are you uploading the recording as is, or you post produce the video, and then you upload it?
4. Also one of the reason I want the G85 is 4K and slow motion, as I only own a Canon 70D which does not have both of them. Can I do slow motion with the G85 or not at all, and should go with a A6300 instead?
If you have links, it will be very useful. Thank you and keep up!
Really good! I have one by the way and I’m very pleased with it.
I´m astonished that most people don´t realize, that the 16 Mpix Mft sensor has roughly 2/3rd the size of an APS-C sensor and also has 2/3rd the pixels - so the pixel density should roughly be the same (comparing with the 24mP APS-C sensors). So there´s really no reason why the Mft cameras should not perform the same als APS-C cameras. The reason that they do perform a little different lays not in the sensor size ...
Dirk Henkel correct not much between them below 1600 iso applied. Gain
That is not correct as far as noise goes which is a function of total light gathered and not impacted by pixel density.
Agree - pixel density similar. mFT loses the width cropped from 3:2 format of APSC to 4:3 format. It loses a bit on the height also. Older sensors had more noise because of different design. Current designs have almost caught up with competing sensors.
Dirk Henkel noise is related to pixel size and hence the storage capacitor as it's really signal to noise ratio. I believe. After that it's the light gathered. If the pixel size is the same then for the same incident light intensity the noise performance should be comparable.
Roger Underhill the signal to noise ratio is a function of total light only, regardless of pixel size.
I so gringe when people say "micro fourthirds sensor" (m4/3 sensor) when the sensor is still the old 2003 released 4/3" sensor format.
The 4/3 system was two things: 4/3" sensor and 4/3 mount. Together they build the "4/3" aka FT system with all the flashes, image stabilization technologies etc.
And then m4/3 aka MFT was designed and it only really changed the mount and lens design by adding two additional electronic contacts to the lens mount. Same old 4/3" sensor (Four Thirds sensor) but new m4/3 mount (MFT mount).
And this causes that people talk about the format as "Micro sensor" while the sensor is still same format as 110 film format was (17.3x13mm), on what Olympus based the 4/3" format, based empiric studies and research by Olympus and Kodak of required print sizes, quality, camera size, needed focal lengths and advances in the computer science about digital processing, electronics, software development etc.
So at least people could call it as what it is "Four Thirds sensor" instead "Micro Four Thirds sensor".
I know it's a Four Thirds sensor, but I said that, people wouldn't know what i was talking about.
paristo I didn't know that, thanks for the info. I think the distinction (addition of word micro) is made so a person buying a lens separately will know whether or not it will fit their camera without an adapter.
And with the naturally deeper DoF on m4/3...you can sometimes have an advantage in low light shooting if your subjects are fairly still. That's because if you NEED that extra DoF for your subject, with a larger sensor that has thinner DoF, you'll either have to slow down the shutter speed more (might not be able to if you're hand holding the shot) or increase the ISO to keep an acceptable shutter speed as you make your aperture (say going from f/4 to f/8 for example). Basically, what you said :-) Shame that most people don't mention this.
Exactly, there's pros and cons, it's a case of understanding which will best apply to your subjects and style of photography.
P.S. Some extra lighting on you/the reviewed camera would be great. It's a little hard to see the buttons and whatever you're pointing out on the camera as you do the review.
I agree. I was trying to balance lighting and an anti-echo surface from blocking the light!
Anyway, I always appreciate the length of your reviews. You always point out many things other people totally overlook or don't bother to mention. I'd much rather watch an hour review then a 20 minute overview that leaves out a lot.
I don't think this statement is correct, since if you want to compare apples to apples, then look up "equivalence". With the same ISO, F,
stop & speed you get more noise on MFT compared to FF, and less background blare, so if you want to get less background blare compared to FF you still pay for more noise, even though ISO is kept equal. You can look up Tony N's video about crop factor that explains it very well.
Hi Gordan Enjoy watching your in depth reviews with Doug. I'm currently a Canon user and want to invest in mirrorless system to eliminate weight and to carry on my Vespa. I primarily shoot birds and flowers. I tried the Panasonic G85 and 100-400 Leica lens and was impressed on how good my Osprey pictures turned out and I was hand holding. I am not interested in the video aspect of any camera. My question is should I buy this set up or
Sorry clicked return. Having the best Af is important since I shoot BIF Question is should I stick with the G85 and 100-400mm or is Olympus OM DE 5 Mark II or OM DE M1 or jump to the M1 Mark II with the 100-400. Will the Olympus body and Panasonic lens work as well as staying with same manufacturer for lens and body? If I'm willing to spend 2k on the body do I go for the GH5 even though I'm not interested in video and strictly stills? Thank you so much. Cindy
Great video gents, as always! And the fps on Gordon has increased! Yay! ;-)
Who knows, I may even get to 25 or 30fps in the future!
Fantastic discussion. Thanks Gordon
I'm torn between the Lumix G85 and the Fujifilm TX20. I'd like a nice camera for traveling with a few good lenses and I would like to shoot video. If it was your money which would you go for? Are there any other options to consider? Please Help!!
Excellent review Gordon. much appreciated. what is your experience of dynamic range with G80? howz the noise in the shadow?
Subbed!! Great work guys
Thanks!
not mention here in Japan it is called Panasonic G8 because like what you said it is replacing the Panasonic g7 then they called it Panasonic G8 only
I know, it's so confusing. There's another name for it in Germany too!
What an excellent review. Thank you both.
Your review is the only one that discusses UHS-II SD card compatibility. Now I know my buying options. I wish other review sites state the battery model number so owners of previous Panasonic cameras with same battery type, need not purchase additional batteries. My current camera is Olympus, so batteries won't fit and I will buy extra BLC 12 battery.
I'm now a better informed consumer. Thank you.
Hello Gordon. Love the details that are brought up in your reviews. I was wondering if the quality and reliability of the evf was tested in bright sunlight. As the sensor is located on top of the eyepiece, it would be good to know wether this would cause a problem with stray light. I used to own a Fuji Xe2s and the sensor would shut the evf off in sunlight. No way to test first hand a 4/3 camera as there's no market for them this part of the world. But I did meet a guy who had ordered an em1 mark 1 and I just loved that form factor! Compact with a good grip. Decent IQ and plenty of buttons and dials for ease of use. Thank you.
Thank you Gordon & Doug for this in-depth review on the Lumix G80/85. Even after all the advanced improvements and new features, is the G80/85 really still positioned behind the GX8? I'm almost tempted to say that it's on par or even slightly better than the GX8.
I would personally go for the G80 / G85 over the GX8.
Why? B&H in New York show the G85 is "discontinued". Adorama show it is "back ordered" and Amazon say they have only a handful left (today 5, yesterday they only had one).
Thankyou a very honest review, I use mft and I enjoy my GX8, I have to found out that various people who use full frame or aps-c those who are leading a class for example are unaware of the diffraction issue.
That's what I meant when referring to 'those people'!
wonderful review as always guys! Gordon, just about to purchase the G80/G85, could you recommend a UHS-II SD card for the camera for purchasing here in the UK - seems to be some confusing on several blogs as to if compatible - many thanks again
I was wondering, Gordon, how is the long exposure noise performance of this camera with noise reduction disabled?
thanks gordon - now i'm even more determined to buy one - but, what's your take on the 14-140 mm lens as a general walkaround/travel lens ?
You forgot to mention a compelling part of the Fuji xt-20. That for 200 dollars more than the standard kit you get the 18 to 55 f2.8 to f4 stabilized lens. Then again, one could buy the g85 kit, sell the kit lens for 300, and get a used Oly 12 to 45 f2.8 lens and it'll come out to around 200 dollars more than the Fuji set up. For that money though, I'd get the Fuji due to better lowlight compensating for lack of IBIS and more importantly better AFC and tracking, not to mention you can come closer to affording one of their very nice prime lenses, or a used manual nikon 100 - 200 f4 with the left over money. The x t20 is extremely competitively priced so I'll be anticipating the review for that.
I'm looking forward to fully testing the XT20, but we already know the image, video and AF performance as it's all inherited from the XT2. Which is a good thing!
It's really the one thing that sways me away from MFT. Phase detect. A flip out screen is great for vlogging and such things but not so much when all it serves for is letting you watch the camera lose focus when you move too spontaneously. It's not horrible on my gx85, I have to admit but it's still a bit discouraging. Perhaps we should wait and see how the GH5's AF will be. But even then, it's 2 grand.
Also not needing to micromanage the focusing for things like telephoto with movement sounds refreshing. The MFT cameras are very capable but they do need to be worked with a bit more than things with phase detect seem to need.
Proper Noun Well, the EM1-2 has PD now.
yeah it's definitely an attractive option as well. thing is it costs twice as much like the GH5. They're all worth every penny imo. Truly amazing cameras these days.
The Gx8 and G80 are the same price in the UK at the moment with the same kit lens. I don't do much video and want this for images only would you say the G80 is still better for this? Love your reviews, very in depths!! Where can I find the podcasts?
I found the podcasts and subscribed! Would still like your advice though :)
Karen Crawford gx8 for stills, personally I prefer the image rendition I have seen in the gx8. It also has better physical controls for stills.
Karen Crawford also- your nose won't touch the screen on the gx8. it's also all metal body too.
Like your reviews very much. Not much coming anywhere near to your in-depth-reviews out there.
2 little questions left:
What about the Dual IS and what about the electromagnetic shutter mechanism? The latter should avoid any shutter-shock without the need to use thebelectronic shutter.
Hi yes to get some Info on the dual is would be fantastic
Check out my complete review at www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Panasonic_Lumix_G80_G85/
Gordon Laing x
Thank you for a thorough and very informative video without irrelevant information....a question regarding the Lumix G80/G85 and its auto ISO capabilities; if there isn't a parameter to set auto ISO while identifying an ISO maximum and a minimum shutter speed; is anyone aware of a firmware update or a forthcoming firmware update to address this?
I'm curious about the storage abilities of a standard SD card to go in this. How many minutes of 4K/1080p footage would i get on a 128 gb SD Card.
Why not do some of your CAF tests panning a moving subject as well as with it approaching? I find the G85 often fails to lock on a BIF in that situation when the bird is closer to a textured background than to me. There seems to be a programmed preference for the more distant object.
It's certainly a challenge, both for the camera and the reviewer who tries to cover as much as they can! Generally most AF systems will always prioritise a closer subject, but often the area under consideration is too large to isolate the subject as precisely as you'd like.
The link to the "verdict" page is broken on the website.
Whoops, the link shouldn't be there yet as the verdict isn't there yet! Hopefully tomorrow though.
Im trying to figure out how my local camera store could recommend me the E-M5 Mk II instead of the G80/85. What is really better with the Olympus (yes, the headphone jack on the grip) - but what more? Today I use the small E-M10, and Im trying to figure out if the image quality will be raised wit any of them - or if the reason the go with one of the should be something else, the grip, the video, faster AF? Cause the image quality is about the same I guess? =P
hi Gordon, maybe you could help me with 1 thing - I'm looking for a flash light to use with my G80, but i would like to use the High Speed Sync on camera and remotely off camera. Which flashes will work?
Doug seems to be obsessed with diffraction. Honestly, I've shot up to f/8 on m43 with good glass and the images still look great. I guess if I compared apertures side by side or shot test charts, I' notice diffraction but II've read some insane comments about not shooting past f/4. I
I think the important thing is knowing the optimal aperture, then working around it if the effect is more important.
Don't get me wrong Gordon. I love you and Doug! I just think that too many photographers worry about the technical minutia sometimes and not the actual results!
I was told the kit lens is not weather sealed 12-60 one ? By The London camera exchange.
It is weathersealed.
GX8 also has 1/8000 mec shutter, right?
Thank You both! Like always perfekt!
You're very welcome!
Do the gx80 and g80 have the same ibis?
I mean is it as in the gx80 as the one in the g80?
Is there an audio podcast of this?
Yep, it's on iTunes at itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cameralabs-photography-podcast/id1173815610 - please rate us there!
Gordon, will you be commenting on the G80 12-60mm 'kit' lens in your text review?
No specific comments, but loads of sample images which are already there if you want to see them... I'll try and do a separate review of it sometime.
Gordon Laing Thank you!
Did you find that G80 have extra crop (comparing to G7) when internal stabilization is ON? Can you discover this more?
Only if you activate E stabilisation
Those "fractional differences" between 16, 20 and 24 MP, are fractional only under the sun, low iso, still subjects. But let's go to high iso, low light, widest apertures and we will see no fraction but big differences. That ideal sunlit landscape is within Photography the real fractional situation.
I am a m43 shooter.
Can the stop motion videos be uploaded to Instagram Stories / FEED?
I like this style of body and all the physical buttons.
Great presentation. I learned a few things. Thanks.
41:20 [focus pulling in video] - Is it possible on G85 to preset two positions and move between them without focus hunting, like on GH5? If not, has there been any indication from Panasonic that they might add that feature through firmware update to G85?
I think the only model which allows the preset positions for focus pulling is the GH5. If that's the case I don't think they'd add it as a firmware update to the others - they use it to differentiate them.
Thanks, Gordon.
Btw: so you all know, when you order the grip, you will get a Panasonic spare battery free.
Nothing is for free. The cost of the battery is factored into the cost of the grip. Their marketing department just knows that people like the sound of the word free.
Sold.
Great Review. Thank You both for all the work. I have a G7 and just traded up to a G85. I believe Shutter shock is a real issue on the G7.Gordon, I know you disagree and you have more experience with cameras, but I felt it.. I found I was getting way too many soft photos on the G7. Tried the G85 with the same lens and it is very VERY much better. Can I say definitively that its not due to the stabilisation in the G85? No I can't, but you can feel the thump in your hands with the G7. It feels crude and clunky by comparison. Focus on the G85 is also faster. Both cameras offer a lot of bang for the buck, but the G85 is my new camera. They threw in the 12-60 kit lens for $2 more than the body alone!!! Boxing day special. The shop said Panasonic are clearing them out.
Glad you found the review useful and that the G85 has resolved some of the issues you had with the G7. I do believe shutter shock is a real thing, it's just that I haven't personally experienced much of it.
Gordon if you had to pick between the sony 6400 and the G85 which one would you pick if stabilization was not a factor?
Weeeell surely the G85 is going to be a lot cheaper, so that will be a consideration. If budget AND stabilisation are not a factor though the A6400 would probably make more sense.
@@cameralabs thank you.
HEY GORDON , GOT YOUR EMAIL YESTERDAY , THANKS. I WANTED TO TELL YOU THAT SHOWING ME HOW TO USE POST FOCUS ON YOUR CAMERA WAS GREAT. YEA I READ THE MANUAL FOR MY FZ2500 WHICH WILL ARRIVE APR 2, BUT I WANTED A BACKUP CAMERA WHICH WILL BE THE G85. BUT SEEING THE POST FOCUS MADE IT SO MUCH EASIER TO UNDERSTAND. LIKE PIC STACKING , THATS ANOTHER ONE. I' LL EXPERIMENT ON THAT ONE....IT WILL BE FUN. BUT ANYWAY THE QUESTION I FORGOT TO ASK YOU...CAN YOU SET UP THE G85 AND THE FZ2500 TO BACK BUTTON FOCUS?? SOME CAMERAS CANNOT DO IT.........FOR EXAMPLE THE NIKON P1000......GREAT CAMERA BUT MY FRIENDS AND I CANNOT SET IT UP...NO CUSTOM SETTING THAT WE COULD FIND. BUT ANYWAY CAN YOU SET UP BBF ON G85 AND FZ2500??? WHEN YOU GET A CHANCE LET ME KNOW...OTHERWISE I'M THINKING I COULD THE AF TRACKING WHICH ON BOTH THE FZ2500 AND G85 IF WE CAN'T. THANKS FOR YOUR IMPUT. LASTLY BY THE WAY I BOUGHT YOUR BOOK VIA KINDLE, HAVEN'T HAD TIME TO READ, BUT I KNOW IT WILL BE GOOD. THANKS AGAIN GORDON... MIKE
Hi Mike, thanks for buying my book. I really can't remember how to set up those cameras though as it was a long time ago i reviewed them, so you'd have to check the manual. if it's not in there, they won't do it. PS - watch out for your caps-lock, it looks like you're yelling at me!
Hey Gordon I've seen your videos on Vimeo and I can't decide between 1232 and 1260 lenses. You've tried them both. Which of these would yu recommend me in therms of sharpeness?
Definitely the 12-60. The 12-32 is all about size.
I am planning to buy G80 with 12-60 kit lens and 25 mm 1.7. However, I am unable to decide between 30 mm macro and 42.7 mm as my 3rd lens. I have started doing stock photography. Please recommend
I'd get the 42.5mm f1.7 as the 30 is too close to your 25mm and the 42.5mm can focus closer than you think. it's not a true 1:1 macro, but is still very good. Here's my review of it: www.cameralabs.com/panasonic_lumix_g_42-5mm_f1-7_h_hs043e/
Hi Gordon, I am searching for G80 with 12-60 kit lens and to my surprise it is not available in most of the stores in London. I tried in Park cameras, London camera exchange, Calumet, Cameraworld, Jessops but no luck. Park camera has only the body. But i m wondering whether it would make sense to buy only body and prime lens 25 and 42.5 mm. Please guide me as I have only couple of days left in London.
Hi, I'm not sure if it's too late for you (I've been away), but if you can't find the kit, then sure, go for a prime like the 25mm. Depends how good a deal you can get on it here vs where you're from.
Running late on this cameras, but how would compare the old EM1 mk1 against this G85 at the same price?
Or even the em5mk2
I'd say the G85 sits above the old EM1 Mark I, but below the Mark II.
Hi Gordon! 👋 First off, I love the reviews! I’ve become an avid viewer these past months. Up until now I’ve only been shooting on film (I just really like the look), but want a convenient digital camera to take along on trips, do some good video with and the occasional small scale commercial work (I have a bachelor in the audiovisual arts even though I’m now in IT). I was wondering, with the GX80 currently half price compared to the G80 (this is with respective kit lenses included), which model would you recommend?
Hi Joni, the differences aren't fresh in my mind, but if you check the movie mode section in my big reviews at cameralabs.com you should be able to find out what you need to know. Watch out for things like cinelike-d for grading.
Thanks for the swift reply and the great in depth reviews, Gordon Laing ! Got myself a G80 and a copy of your book to support your work ;-).
Thanks! I really appreciate you buying my book, i hope you like it!
I've been a long time user of Sony eng cameras. I needed a small cam urgently when the g85 was first introduced. I was impressed with the features & specs so I dove into it rapidly. image quality for closeup work is great but anything beyond especially facial detail is really disappointing. about as good as my Samsung smartphone. could it be the lens... I'm using the kit lens, do you guys feel their other more pricy lenses might improve image quality? BTW my eng camera imager was even smaller than micro 4-3 but image quality is way beyond the g85.
Maybe you were shooting at too high an ISO? Upgrading the lens will give you better quality, but it sounds like other settings are at fault here. See my sample images at cameralabs.com for the G85 to see what you should be expecting.
Panasonic's model naming is even more confusing: In Germany the G80/G85 is called G81.
I know, I don't even mention that!
can you please suggest a store in London to buy G80.. thanks in advance
Sure, you could go to Park Cameras on Rathbone Place. They also have a website where you can order, then collect in-store: bit.ly/2pD3on1
Hi Gordon. What a great review again! Love these, even though of course we not always agree. On the sensor, I have extensively compared GH4 with Em1.2. GH4 has the AAF and Em1.2 doesn't but under very controlled circumstances there is no way around it: the sensor on the Em1.2 has better dynamic range and lower noise. It is not a landslide but it is visible.
A more important point that you missed with shuttershock: the mechnism is different and very different than on G7. Now I am with you here: I never saw shuttershock on GH4. Well.....until I started to use the 100-400 and there it is very evident. Now on the GX85 and onwards (so G80 too) the mechanism is changed. You can look at David Thorpe's review. You do not need an EFCS on the G80 the new shuttermechnism does not produce shuttershock on lenses that are prone to it.
EM1.2 hunts in video because it does not use PDAF in video, jut st CDAF so there you go.
My EM1.2 and buttons....have you tried it. They are very much too responsive. I have had so many times where I wanted to browse through pics on the screen and just touched the menu button (not even felt it) and I was out of the screen....Same to my mind is true about the shutterrelease: GH4 has a clear halfpress and then fullpress. Now With Em1.2 I cannot press it even slightly and it has already taken a picture.
DFD.....on Panny.....Pretty strange that Sigma 30 mm F1.4 works as fast and as good with C-AF. Panny just has a very good CDAF system mostly.
What I miss a little Gordon, but it is personal too is how the controls are nice on the G80 and the touchscreen is so well implemented. I missed that a little in your spoken review. I have never had a cam with anything close to the way it lets you interface with it.
Final point: they have a nice manner to keep the battery going longer.
Good review, like it!
Thanks for the detailed comments. I agree the touch interface is really good - I've gone into more detail in my written review which will be ready tomorrow hopefully.
I will of course read it, love to read them as well!
It's ready!
are these shows still available in podcast format anywhere, i enjoy listening as much as watching. and i can listen on the train. thanks for all your content, i love it all.
YES! All of the Cameralabs podcasts can be found on iTunes in audio format at itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cameralabs-photography-podcast/id1173815610 - don't forget to rate us!
thank you Gordon! the clue was in the name of your show. duh! love your couch, you a synth guy? likewise... :)
Ah the Minimoog beanbag! I wish I could play better, but I still love the tech and aesthetics.
Hello everyone,
I just got my G80 in the mail today and have what might be a silly question. When I tilt the camera when it’s off I can feel an internal shift in weight and the faint sound of something. Is this the sensor that’s sort of loose due to the IBIS system, or might there be something wrong with my camera?
Thanks in advance!
J.S.
You'll be able to hear the IS system if you wobble the camera when it's off, but I'm not sure about feeling a weight change.
Thank Gordon always watch your videos before buying any camera so for me looks like ill be going apsc. Thanks again.
Please do check the results pages on my review at cameralabs.com - you may be surprised how close they are in quality.
Gordon Laing Thanks very much Gordon I'll have a look.
brilliant review. thanks
Can I install the G85's firmware on the G80 to unlock the 30 min recording limit? I don't see why that would fail. Has anyone tried that?
Ilan Howard I feel as though that may be a good way to brick the camera or cause issues. I wouldn't be game to try it.