Gary, I think you missed an important aspect of the GX85 that's right in front of you. I just bought a GX7 with 14-42mm in almost new condition (1505 shutter activations). I was pleasantly surprised by the small size and STYLE! It felt like a Leica in the hand and is beautiful to see (and be seen with😅). After spending a month in Africa with a 2 pound brick of computer technology with a lens, I felt a craving for a simpler photo experience. My tiny, stylish GX7 and your GX85 reconnect with experience of a camera you love to hold. There's so much hype of technology and AI that promises perfection, but maybe looses the connection with the heart! Keep reminding us about the "Enjoyment factor"👍🙂
That was a wonderful video presentation Gary. You gave a lot of practical information that a lot of other reviewers seem to leave out. Thank you very much for your wonderful work. 😊
This video convinced me to grab this camera! I was between this and the Sony A6100. I want to shoot landscapes and street photography with some nice 4k video on the side. The colors are what sold me in this, plus the cheaper lenses. Thanks and great video!
I will be driving over to Seattle in a couple weeks.I live 4 ours away on the Coast. I will bring my Olympus Pen F with the 12mm F2 and do some street shooting. I might pick up the 45mm or the 25mm I haven't decided yet. This camera is so small and so gorgeous and the 20mp sensor is perfect.
Still expecting a real successor to the gx8. Same viewfinder, articulating screen but with an ibis for 4k and mic jack. Would be for me the ultimate camera for photo and video if there is even face detect auto focus wowww
@@Gary_W i fall in love years ago when I invested for my first mirrorless but the lack of in body stab while recording in 4k was sadly a no go and made buy the g85. When the gx9 was released I was so disappointed when they they removed the articulating screen and mic jack so let's hope they would a successor same for the gm5. Panasonic tends now to build bulky camera which goes at the opposite of the idea of m43
There will never be another GX body. The PDAF sensor and engine require a larger body because of the addition heat. Plus a bigger battery is required. I do street photography. The GX85/9 plus the PL15 lens is a winning combination. These are excellent for photography. Why did lumix neglect to include a microphone jac? These cameras produce very nice video. They are, after all, LUMIX cameras. Besides the body being small and lightweight so are the lenses. Use a LUMIX lens and you get dual image stabilization. A solid performer for a reasonable price. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Thanks Gary! I found a new one, but with a 12-32 and a 45-150. Tempting, but I would prefer the 14-140 as a travel lens. Bit of a toss up, though the kit lenses are less expensive.
The 14-140 would negate the need to frequently change lenses. However, I have traveled to many destinations with the 12-32 & 35-100 combo and I think it was doable.
Many thanks for the video Gary and for supporting and promoting the advantages of micro four third cameras. Your lovely images seem tack sharp on my 21 inch screen, so I wonder if these are SOOC jpegs or do you shoot in Raw and then post process? If so, would you be able to provide some tips on how you go about post processing?
Thank you very much for the kind words! I shot RAW almost all the time and post process in Lightroom. Usually it's just a bit of shadow increase, highlight decrease, decrease black and increase white, and also a very small amount of clarity and dehaze. You might want to watch this video for the full-on RAW processing ruclips.net/video/qg0Ob4Fpb6M/видео.html
I bought and used this camera a couple of weeks ago along with my nikon d5500 dslr. I am still trying to get to grips with the settings . The nikon dslr still takes better pictures but was looking for a second back up camera rather than a replacement. I thought the pictures were not that sharp but probably down to me not having correct settings for noise reduction etc but i still quite like. I read somewhere that noise reduction should be reset from default of o to -5 though i dont know about sharpness . Is just a learning curve i guess.
Thank you for the comment! I usually love the smaller Micro 4/3 lenses on my GX85 such as the 12-32mm kit lens, Panasonic 14mm f2.5, 20mm f1.7, Laowa 7.5mm, and Panasonic 35-100mm f4-5.6. You might want to check this video to learn more about them: ruclips.net/video/vOB7JIqOZ8Y/видео.html
It truly is a beautiful little camera. I do shoot RAW, so most of the time I don't really set the picture profile on this camera. I left it on normal, but for video I chose neutral with lowered saturation and contrast.
Gary, really enjoyed your content and insights. I'm ready to pull the trigger on the GX85, but found a super cheap GX850 online and size is the most important factor for me. I do not plan to shoot 4k videos and I'm not sure how much I need the EVF. Would the IBIS make a big difference? What about extra function buttons? Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words! I personally much prefer to have IBIS as I use plenty of non stabilized lens, and I also record a lot of video footages as well. If I don't do video then I could probably consider GX850 without IBIS. Extra buttons don't matter much except if you shoot in manual mode very frequently, if you shoot in aperture priority or shutter priority then you are fine. Hope this helps!
I own the gx85. It is a great carryaround camera, especially with the 20mm f1.7. That being said, my biggest problem with it is there is no ability to set a minimum shutter speed in auto exposure modes. I find the camera will tolerate a much lower shutter speed that I would. I want the shutter to be no slower than 1/100 or so, but the gx85 will take as slow as 1/60 or even 1/40. I would rather have the camera raise the ISO and retain a faster shutter because of motion blur. I know the image stabilization is good, but even with good IS, you still have to worry about motion blur on your subjects. I find this frustrating also because I feel like this problem could be fixed with a firmware update. Minimum shutter speed is so important with auto ISO
Yes, that is unfortunately a problem they haven't fixed in any firmware update. My workaround is to shoot in shutter priority in lower light situation or when I need to maintain high shutter speed.
Maybe you can try using intelligent ISO instead of auto ISO in those modes. Intelligent ISO will basically detect if the scene is static/if your hands are shaking, and will adjust with a lower or faster shutter speed accordingly. Maybe that could be the solution you're looking for.
I used to have a Canon dslr but found I got sick of carrying a whole backpack full of gear every time I went out adventuring. Now my gx85 always gets thrown in the pack, or in my pocket!
GX9 allows you to have AutoISO on in Manual mode and still then use the exposure compensation dial. If a manual ISO setting is set then compensation cannot be applied.
I've got the GX8 and GX9 (both purchased second hand). I find there are pros and cons for both, but it's worth saying here that I shoot in RAW. I think the GX8 is more comfortable to hold, with its larger grip, and has a good size and tilting EVF. I have no problem with the reported shutter shock - perhaps the updated firmware partly solved the issue. However, the articulating screen can be a little annoying for street photography, and the 'display' button is located in a position where it can be inadvertently pressed. On the other hand, the GX9 is smaller, has notably better IBIS, and because it lacks an AA sensor filter and has an updated processing engine, can produce slightly sharper raw images (when pixel peeping). But - it's not weather sealed, and has a small (almost useless) 16:9 cropped EVF, but I do like the tilting rear screen, which is great for street photography. I do find the GX9 is capable of producing slightly better (sharper) images in low light, and I can set a minimum shutter speed when on auto ISO and aperture priority. However, like many others on these Micro Four Thirds forums, I wish Panasonic would produce an updated rangefinder style GX8/9 with a similar sensor to the G9 mk ii. I also have the G9 mk i - it's a superb camera, but weight and size let it down, which led to me purchasing the two used GX cameras.
@@Gary_W Yes, this camera line is interesting. For the main camera I prefer classic dslr style, but the second one is nicevto have in a more simple form factor like gx8... I hope gx8 II will be released some day in the future...
Gary, I think you missed an important aspect of the GX85 that's right in front of you. I just bought a GX7 with 14-42mm in almost new condition (1505 shutter activations). I was pleasantly surprised by the small size and STYLE! It felt like a Leica in the hand and is beautiful to see (and be seen with😅). After spending a month in Africa with a 2 pound brick of computer technology with a lens, I felt a craving for a simpler photo experience. My tiny, stylish GX7 and your GX85 reconnect with experience of a camera you love to hold. There's so much hype of technology and AI that promises perfection, but maybe looses the connection with the heart! Keep reminding us about the "Enjoyment factor"👍🙂
Ah yes! Definitely it is a very important aspect, the tactility and how it feels in the hand! Thanks for reminding me 😁
@@Gary_W Not to mention looks! Why do all new cameras have to be black bricks?
That was a wonderful video presentation Gary. You gave a lot of practical information that a lot of other reviewers seem to leave out. Thank you very much for your wonderful work. 😊
Thank you for the kind words, all the best!
This video convinced me to grab this camera! I was between this and the Sony A6100. I want to shoot landscapes and street photography with some nice 4k video on the side. The colors are what sold me in this, plus the cheaper lenses. Thanks and great video!
I hope you will enjoy the GX85, I do surely enjoy my GX85 a lot!
Always enjoy your videos. Wishing you a great 2024. My GX85 has never failed me and takes awesome pictures.
Wishing you a great 2024 too, cheers!
I will be driving over to Seattle in a couple weeks.I live 4 ours away on the Coast. I will bring my Olympus Pen F with the 12mm F2 and do some street shooting. I might pick up the 45mm or the 25mm I haven't decided yet. This camera is so small and so gorgeous and the 20mp sensor is perfect.
Still expecting a real successor to the gx8. Same viewfinder, articulating screen but with an ibis for 4k and mic jack. Would be for me the ultimate camera for photo and video if there is even face detect auto focus wowww
GX8 II would be great, I still use my GX8 frequently for photography, it is a solid camera.
@@Gary_W i fall in love years ago when I invested for my first mirrorless but the lack of in body stab while recording in 4k was sadly a no go and made buy the g85. When the gx9 was released I was so disappointed when they they removed the articulating screen and mic jack so let's hope they would a successor same for the gm5. Panasonic tends now to build bulky camera which goes at the opposite of the idea of m43
There will never be another GX body. The PDAF sensor and engine require a larger body because of the addition heat. Plus a bigger battery is required.
I do street photography. The GX85/9 plus the PL15 lens is a winning combination. These are excellent for photography. Why did lumix neglect to include a microphone jac? These cameras produce very nice video. They are, after all, LUMIX cameras.
Besides the body being small and lightweight so are the lenses. Use a LUMIX lens and you get dual image stabilization. A solid performer for a reasonable price.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Thanks Gary! I found a new one, but with a 12-32 and a 45-150. Tempting, but I would prefer the 14-140 as a travel lens. Bit of a toss up, though the kit lenses are less expensive.
The 14-140 would negate the need to frequently change lenses. However, I have traveled to many destinations with the 12-32 & 35-100 combo and I think it was doable.
Many thanks for the video Gary and for supporting and promoting the advantages of micro four third cameras. Your lovely images seem tack sharp on my 21 inch screen, so I wonder if these are SOOC jpegs or do you shoot in Raw and then post process? If so, would you be able to provide some tips on how you go about post processing?
Yes, please reply to this question.
Thank you very much for the kind words! I shot RAW almost all the time and post process in Lightroom. Usually it's just a bit of shadow increase, highlight decrease, decrease black and increase white, and also a very small amount of clarity and dehaze. You might want to watch this video for the full-on RAW processing ruclips.net/video/qg0Ob4Fpb6M/видео.html
@Gary_W Hi Gary, many thanks for your very helpful reply and for the link to your editing video. 👍
I bought and used this camera a couple of weeks ago along with my nikon d5500 dslr. I am still trying to get to grips with the settings . The nikon dslr still takes better pictures but was looking for a second back up camera rather than a replacement. I thought the pictures were not that sharp but probably down to me not having correct settings for noise reduction etc but i still quite like. I read somewhere that noise reduction should be reset from default of o to -5 though i dont know about sharpness . Is just a learning curve i guess.
I have both, the bigger one can fit 11 inch tablet easily. The Go Sling Mini can only fit iPad mini sized tablets.
Great video as usual. What’s your favorite lens for this camera?
Thank you for the comment! I usually love the smaller Micro 4/3 lenses on my GX85 such as the 12-32mm kit lens, Panasonic 14mm f2.5, 20mm f1.7, Laowa 7.5mm, and Panasonic 35-100mm f4-5.6. You might want to check this video to learn more about them: ruclips.net/video/vOB7JIqOZ8Y/видео.html
I still own this beautiful camera and still love it. What's your favorite picture profile?
It truly is a beautiful little camera. I do shoot RAW, so most of the time I don't really set the picture profile on this camera. I left it on normal, but for video I chose neutral with lowered saturation and contrast.
Gary, really enjoyed your content and insights. I'm ready to pull the trigger on the GX85, but found a super cheap GX850 online and size is the most important factor for me. I do not plan to shoot 4k videos and I'm not sure how much I need the EVF. Would the IBIS make a big difference? What about extra function buttons? Any insights would be appreciated. Thank you.
Thank you for the kind words! I personally much prefer to have IBIS as I use plenty of non stabilized lens, and I also record a lot of video footages as well. If I don't do video then I could probably consider GX850 without IBIS. Extra buttons don't matter much except if you shoot in manual mode very frequently, if you shoot in aperture priority or shutter priority then you are fine. Hope this helps!
I own the gx85. It is a great carryaround camera, especially with the 20mm f1.7. That being said, my biggest problem with it is there is no ability to set a minimum shutter speed in auto exposure modes. I find the camera will tolerate a much lower shutter speed that I would. I want the shutter to be no slower than 1/100 or so, but the gx85 will take as slow as 1/60 or even 1/40. I would rather have the camera raise the ISO and retain a faster shutter because of motion blur. I know the image stabilization is good, but even with good IS, you still have to worry about motion blur on your subjects.
I find this frustrating also because I feel like this problem could be fixed with a firmware update. Minimum shutter speed is so important with auto ISO
Yes, that is unfortunately a problem they haven't fixed in any firmware update. My workaround is to shoot in shutter priority in lower light situation or when I need to maintain high shutter speed.
Maybe you can try using intelligent ISO instead of auto ISO in those modes. Intelligent ISO will basically detect if the scene is static/if your hands are shaking, and will adjust with a lower or faster shutter speed accordingly. Maybe that could be the solution you're looking for.
I used to have a Canon dslr but found I got sick of carrying a whole backpack full of gear every time I went out adventuring. Now my gx85 always gets thrown in the pack, or in my pocket!
Same reason why I switched to Micro 4/3. Now the GX85 goes almost all the time with me 😁
Have the same camera for walk about and holiday, be nice to get a mk11 with new sensor
a GX85 II or GX9 II would be awesome, new sensor and hopefully PDAF 😁
@@Gary_W Never going to happen. If we are lucky we may get the S9 body with a M43 sensor.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Yes... But
No minimum shutter setting for autoISO and no exposure compensation in manual mode...
I really like the colors from this camera too. 🤘
True, hopefully they will fix it on the next iteration of GX85 😁
Both fixed in the GX9 😁
Didn't know exposure compensation existed on any camera in manual mode. In manual exposure is controlled by aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
GX9 allows you to have AutoISO on in Manual mode and still then use the exposure compensation dial. If a manual ISO setting is set then compensation cannot be applied.
@@mattlynch67 fuji, canon, nikon, Sony, even Olympus offers this 🤘
Would the GF10 or G100 be a good substitute for the GX85?
I do have the GF9, it's an excellent complement to the GX85, but if you can only have one camera, I would still suggest to choose the GX85 instead.
for me, gx8 is the best for gx serries
GX8 truly is a special camera. I still use it 😁
I've got the GX8 and GX9 (both purchased second hand). I find there are pros and cons for both, but it's worth saying here that I shoot in RAW. I think the GX8 is more comfortable to hold, with its larger grip, and has a good size and tilting EVF. I have no problem with the reported shutter shock - perhaps the updated firmware partly solved the issue. However, the articulating screen can be a little annoying for street photography, and the 'display' button is located in a position where it can be inadvertently pressed. On the other hand, the GX9 is smaller, has notably better IBIS, and because it lacks an AA sensor filter and has an updated processing engine, can produce slightly sharper raw images (when pixel peeping). But - it's not weather sealed, and has a small (almost useless) 16:9 cropped EVF, but I do like the tilting rear screen, which is great for street photography. I do find the GX9 is capable of producing slightly better (sharper) images in low light, and I can set a minimum shutter speed when on auto ISO and aperture priority. However, like many others on these Micro Four Thirds forums, I wish Panasonic would produce an updated rangefinder style GX8/9 with a similar sensor to the G9 mk ii. I also have the G9 mk i - it's a superb camera, but weight and size let it down, which led to me purchasing the two used GX cameras.
I find that GX8 is better, a much more comfortable camera. And its 20Mp. I have it with Oly 12-100/4 as a take anywhere camera.
GX8 is a great camera, I still use it today also. I do hope they will update it with better IBIS and PDAF in the future! Great combo with the 12-100!
@@Gary_W Yes, this camera line is interesting. For the main camera I prefer classic dslr style, but the second one is nicevto have in a more simple form factor like gx8... I hope gx8 II will be released some day in the future...