This is the kind of review I've been waiting for - someone to go over the nuances of the camera instead of just reading off of the spec sheet, with a real feel for the camera itself and its place within the MFT ecosystem. Thank you, David.
It's great to hear you say that - cameras have their own characters and sometimes it is the little nuanced things that make you want to pick them up or not.
@@DavidThorpeMFT I believe the difference between the G80 and G85 are the recording laws in Europe. from what I understand, the G80 separates video into sections.
David, you're reviews are just simply the best, professional, educational and a pleasure to watch. Thank you so much for all you do. I do love my G85 and you made me love it even more.
I upgraded my G7 to a G80 and I'm very glad I did. A huge step up for not a lot of money. G80/G85's are being heavily discounted now as they have been around a long time, and I think they are a fabulous all round performer. The G80 feels a lot better in my hand, No shutter shake and weather sealing.. A great every day shooter.
I agree, Laurie. It's a good example of what a Micro Four Thirds system was supposed to be, a unique combination of size and performance. Small enough to be enjoyable to use with performance that is indistinguishable from much bigger cameras for all nomral use.
David, I'm a video shooter--and I'm finding the G85 VERY impressive indeed. Adding the Metabones speed booster enables me to use all my Canon lenses--and they work great. This is a fabulous camera. I shoot it with a LCDVF viewfinder that also helps focusing and stabilization. I know you're a stills shooter, but your reviews are always so good I couldn't help but watch--and it was super. Got to see it several more times it's so information packed. thank you so much!
Well done, David. I received mine 2 days ago. It is reminding me why I love micro 43 so much. I'm astonished at some of the results I get with the 25mm 1.4 Pana Leica lens as it feels like I'm holding a feather in my hands!!
Thanks Jake. I find I get a bit blase about the size and weight of Micro Four Thirds cameras sometimes. I'm quickly brought to reality when I pick up a mate's Nikon D4!
I upgraded from a G7 to a G8 after a year. The weather sealing, new IS and eliminated shuttershock were enough to tip me over to pay the higher price, simply as a more stable investment into my hobby's future. With the new IS the selection of actually usable analog lenses is staggering. And as much as I keep imagining even better features in a future G9, I can't come up with anything that would convince me to buy a new camera in the next 3-5 years. Maybe only a massive improvement in dynamic range, and I mean human eye level realism, would make me betray that statement.
Excellent diligent presentation here and by far the best G80/85 review on the internet. Clear, succinct and precise info without all the unnecessary (usually awful!) background music and frantic lingo! Thanks very much for your efforts here - much appreciated!
Great video on the G85. Also purchased your book on the menu setting for G85. Fantastic! It puts everything you would ever want to know about control of this great camera in one place with a clear, concise way that is easy to understand. Thanks.
Thank George. I'm glad you found the book handy, too. There's so much to these Micro Four Thirds cameras and the official manuals can only cover the mechanics of operation so I thought a bit of explanation might be useful too.
Finally got a chance to take my G85 out for some extended landscape photography along with the 12-35 Panasonic lens. Loving it. Fits well in the hand, and fast shutter on bracketed shots is amazing. Can't wait to become even more familiar with all this camera can do.
I actually purchased a G80 after viewing this video, so thanks for that. Something I discovered by accident, us that it IS possible to monitor audio on video shooting. Audio is outputted from the HDMI socket during recording. I recently bought a small HDMI audio splitter box off eBay, for a completely unrelated use, but thought I'd give it a try. It works - you can't control replay level, but at least it's good enough to let you know something is being recorded.
Glad you like the G80, Keith. Serendipity is so important sometimes. I think more solutions are found by someone trying to do something else than by people looking for an answer!
Your reviews have led me to pick up a G80 12-60mm kit for 450€ like new condition, and I must say I don't think I've ever spent a better photographic dollar. Or euro, actually. I'll still keep my Fuji X-T1 plus pancake around, but between these two I am now a very happy camper. Thank you for the great and realistic perspective on all the gear you review, it is really appreciated.
Superb review, David. I own one of these bodies in addition to the three GX 85 bodies are used in the video studio. We add this body when we need four cameras. This is the only camera that I have use that is a true hybrid. Thank you for your review.
i've been looking at dozens of cameras for the last 2 days and i think i've narrowed it down to this one. this is probably one of the best camera reviews i've seen in general. i think this will be the camera i buy and take with me to alaska
Sir , you've got the most calming voice , what a pleasure. I'm a proud gx7 owner and lately I haven't got a chance to shoot it , but all the points you mentioned makes me want to switch in a heart beat to G80 and take it for a walk. by the way , I just ordered the 14-140 and I can't wait to try it. Thank you for a great review! Merry Christmas.
Yes, as I say, the camera I recommend to any friends who ask my advice. IBIS was at the top of any Panasonic users wish list, including mine and now they've done it. At a price - what's new :-(
That's an interesting question and I have no idea what the answer will be. They'll have to retain some differentiation. If technically they converge maye Olympus will go even more retro and Panasonic more futuristic. They will have to be careful, though because photographers are quire conservative about camera design overall.
+David Thorpe Yes, seems that oly goes more retro way and pana more future way. However, as much as it was beneficial for both to have compatible gear at the beginning it looks now as a it's very constrictive for them. And this applies to both, looks and specs.
I would be very much against any compromising of Micro Four Thirds as a standard. It is the competition and compatibility that makes it what it is, a comprehensive system. If Panasonic lenses didn't work properly on Olympus bodies or vice versa, I'd probably exit the Micro Four Thirds system and buy a Sony A7 of some sort. Which I most definitely do not want to do! If I could only use items from one maker in Micro Four Thirds, I'd probably just bite the bullet and go to Fuji or Sony or whatever. And I don't want to do that!
My perhaps the biggest gripe with this camera is the charging method if you have the battery grip. You'd need to carry two seperate chargers to charge the grip battery and camera battery at the same time. USB charging would solve _much_ of the problems. just plug the camera to a PC. At the same time you could import all the photos and videos. I find it very odd that Panasonic put USB charging into GX80, but not in G80. G80 even has a bigger body...
I find that odd too. I was quite surprised when I saw it. To charge both batteries in situ from the camera USB would have been very handy. Maybe something they are saving for the GH5 next year?
USB3.1 on GH5 would allow even faster charging and streaming uncompressed data. It would make sense, but taking the development time of GH5 into account, I doubt it. Anyway. It's a shame that G80 doesn't have usb charging as it's still a "prosumer" camera. Most prosumers like convenient things and USB charging would be a obvious one.
I live in Hong Kong and I watched a David Thorpe video last year. As a result I went out and bought the G7 for my girlfriend as a Christmas gift. I am not sure if I have ever done that before, allowed myself to be so immediately influenced. And you must understand that in Hong Kong that Panasonic does not spend very much on marketing, as the camera market is dominated by Sony, Canon and the others. But on the 13th floor of the Sogo building you can buy all the Panasonic from a direct distributor. So making a blind decision sort of went against the local mindset-- and even the local salesmen at camera shops. The outcome has been that my girlfriend now takes better pictures than me, partly because the intelligent modes on the Panasonic are so good. So I blame David for that. But she thinks I'm a winner because I buy such great presents. I hope to buy a Panasonic when my current cameras wear out. Thanks, David
Another great review thank you. I've had this a camera for a couple of months now. With the addition of some olympus lenses it's really starting to shine. I don't shoot video but the camera makes me want to Have a go. An adapter is available to solve the no headphone out Jack socket. The gofanco. Think it costs around $45 for anyone else wanting to primarily shoot video. Not the most elegant solution but a solution none the less. Kind regards from Sweden.
Thanks! If I didn't make videos for my channel I wouldn't have had much interest in it either but the fact that it is there as standard in such an easily accessible form would make me want to dabble in it too. The adapter is interesting and yes, elegant or not, if it works, it works. And kind regards from a very wet London, too!
This was a nice Christmas treat. Thank you! Really nice shots in this video. The tree in the mist, the Stag by the tree, and the pond with trees shots were very fine. It would be interesting to see how they look as large prints!
I always like your thoughtful reviews, made by photographer and for photographer, and this review is not exception. Also, I guess that your troubles with original G80 are over, and you have a perfectly healthy camera without paying extra money. And Happy New Year to you. P.S. I do not do videos, so for me omission of video performance is a big plus - all the time devoted to things that matter for me.
Hi Simon - happy new year to you too! Yes, got the G80 swapped so all is well now. My video knowledge is limited but it doesn't seem to matter to most people since my main experience is stills and I make no bones about that. I think if I did refer to video, I would make a separate video. These cameras are so capable that a review covering both stills and video and illustrated properly would take far too long to make and the review would be far too long.
Thanks for the good review, hope you review the grip when you get one. Glad you did not mention a fuzzy view finder, I have seen that referenced in a few forums now, hope it is not an issue with this camera. Cheers
Hi Mark, thanks! Yes I'll review the grip when Panasonic have any(!). The EVF on my first G80 was indeed totally unusable - the dealer said he's never seen anything like it - but it is very good on this one. I don't think it is a general issue with the camera but it doesn't appear to be that uncommon.
Another fine review David, and it confirmed my decision to purchase the camera as an early holiday gift to myself. Just picked this two weeks ago, traded in the kit lens and instead bought the 12-35, the 35-100 and 100-300 lenses based on reviews from your site. The camera is an upgrade from my four year old G5. Can't wait to get out and put the gear through its paces. First have to educate myself with all the new functionality. Just starting to dive into the rather extensive manual.
Thanks, Bob. You'll find the upgrade from G5 to G80 noticeable with almost everything is improved. The lenses will, of course work superbly and the two f/2.8s with the dual stabilization put the camera firmly into Olympus territory. In essence, you'll find plenty very familiar from the G5 but wait till your hear and feel the shutter! If its any help, I have a Kindle book on the G80 at amzn.to/2hkYjtH (UK) and amzn.to/2ib99Ey (USA)
Great review! I got G7 on Black Friday for $497 and after a couple of weeks ended up exchanging it for G85. Addition of IBIS and elimination of the shutter shock did it for me:o)
Excellent review. I did have the G7 and because I got a double discount on that when I bought it, really didn't resent the price hike when I traded it in for a G80. I'm having quite a lot of fun lately using some old Canon FD lenses on the G80 via an adapter, they work very well especially because of the in built manual focusing capabilities of the G80.
Thanks, John. Some of the Panasonic deals around are amazing. Manual focusing is a lot easier than most people think but I suppose it is more difficult for photographers who have never used a film camera.
Thank you for this and all your other reviews. I find your considered presentation of the cameras and lenses like breath of fresh air especially when compared with many of the other, almost hysterical, reviews that are available on the internet. At present I am looking to purchase a new MFT body as I recently drenched my GX7 in sea water; it still works but some buttons do not work all the time. I also have an Olympus EM5 mk1 but have never really liked the user interface so I see it as my spare body. My next camera will have to be weather sealed and while I don't do much action photography some improvements to CAF would be welcome. I have been seriously thinking about an Olympus EM1 Mk2 but since seeing this review I think I am tending towards the Panasonic G80 as the CAF seems good enough for my needs and I like idea of being able to change the size of the focus point. I also like saving a thousand pounds on a body that will most likely be almost worthless in five years time. Do you think I should be considering any other MFT cameras before I buy. Thanks again, best wishes Simon
Sea water is the worst for cameras. I dropped a Nikon F5 in the sea once and that was that. Camera wise, the G80 is about the best all round camera in Micro Four Thirds in terms of performance and price. Unless there is any specific attribute of the Olympus you want, the twin SD slots say or you major on sports,, the G80 is better value.
Yes sea water corrodes the contacts, anyway that will teach me to be more careful. I will probably go for best value and get the G80, that will leave me with some money to invest in some more glass.
I would love a GX80 with the articulating screen and grip of the G80. I don't want a mic jack since stand-alone external mics are always better and more flexible anyway in my experience. Weather sealing is nice too but adds bulk and can't say I enjoy taking pictures in the rain that often. :)
Firstly, Merry Christmas David, great review I love the shots in the wilderness especially the rain drop and the elk. For further power saving you should also be able to run your LCD and Live View in Black and White whilst keeping the replay of shots in their true JPEG colour. I find it helps me focus on composition most.
That's a good tip, Brian, thanks. Happy Christmas to you too. Mist is wonderful, isn't it? Just separates a scene into individual objects in a similar way to blacj and white.
True, though I don't get much mist in the tropics. We get fantastic sunsets in the summer (Christmas Time). www.google.com.au/search?q=darwin+sunsets&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU720AU720&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=950&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjy1NWl9JHRAhWDtpQKHU4jBGsQ_AUIBigB
After listening to this I went straight to like and sub, only to discover I’d already sub’d at some point in the past. So I guess the only other way to show appreciation for the brilliant review/ASMR session David is to comment here and say thank you very much. A breath of fresh air amidst a sea of hyper YT camera reviews.
I just went and bought that camera a few days ago and I have to say, the joy of filmmaking has returned to me after a several year absence. I was on the fence between this camera and an A-6400 or M50 but I believe it was your video that convinced me this was the one to go with. Thank you so much - again.
The back, I know, I know :-) I reckon the G80 is as capable as any DSLR with some elctronic wizardry thrown in as well. The Canon will have the edge in some respects but with its size and weight the G80 is a joy to use.
I did encounter an oddity when it comes to the Auto EVF activation on this camera. While shooting multiple timelapse sequences I've noticed that the moment the EVF comes back online because because I bring my eye to the viewfinder, the interval sometimes lags and misses a shot or two. All in all, great camera though.
What you are saying emphasises the fact that these cameras could be just as aptly titled imaging computers! Of the thousands of actions a user might make, no-one thought of that. Probably 2 separate ostensibly unrelated lines of code among tens of thousands in the firmware.
dear David i m so glad you finally got your camera from panasonic and you have the chance of giving your opinion on this camera that i learn to love in so little time. I did buy on jun the G7 because your great review and i buy on nov the new one because i love the G7 so much and i used always that the newone i asume it s going to be a blast, and it was, i really love this micro 4/3 the portability and the mixing of so many lens i can put fro different brands, that having the in body stabilitation it is so cool that for me well cost the extra 200 o 300 buck for it, of course if you don t have the budget the g7 it is the best option but if you can pay the extra money well it is the superb choice for content creator, photographer and videographers. on video it is a great choice too, the video it is most of the time smooth and crispy. I really enjoy your review and well worth the wait having this good of a revieew from such as you my good friend, as always graceful for the time you take on deliver so good reviews. see u on your next videos and i hope you could share most videos of this one and other good stuff in the future.
Super review! You're right up there with the best of the best when it comes to reviewing camera products! Bought the G80, but went with Olympus lenses (three of the PRO series)...wanted the weather sealing features, and more robust build. Hope it wasn't a mistake...lol
No mistake with the Olympus lenses, Rick. They focus just as well (and actually superbly well) on Panasonic as Olympus, DfD or no DfD. Robust, as you say and i also like the on lens Fn button, built in back button focusing. Not to mention the manual focus lens collar. It is those lens choices that make Micro Four Thirds a system.
Just got mine. I was shooting Nikon with a 200-500 but needed the convenience of the size and weight difference. I ordered the 25mm 1.7 lens and an Olympus 60mm macro. Hopefully I can pick up a tele before too long. Also need to get a more convenient bag. Looking at Domke. I'd love the trooper bag you did a video on but it's simply out of my budget.
The Trooper is great but not cheap, as you say. What I would say is that it's a bag you buy once and keep. There's also the Wotancraft Pilot bre.is/74GWVLME which is cheaper and lighter. I'm reviewing it now. More modular, you can buy the basic bag and then add to it. The Nikon 200-500 is a good lens, it seems but at 2.5Kg no lightweight. You'd be pushed to get a complete Micro Four Thirds outfit up to that weight!
Very very good review david really enjoyed that thank you, I have owned the G80 about 6 weeks now and I absolutely love it, it is a stunning camera and the IBIS for me makes it a game changer. I did own a couple of GH4's and a G7 which I have unloaded to pay for one of these babies and now just awaiting the release of the GH5 due out in Mar 17 ;)
Thanks, David. Yes, the in body stabilization is a game changer for many photographers. I'm looking forward to the GH5 too, though I'm struggling to find anything that limits what I want to do using the G80.
Yes me too the G80 is a little stunner, I am primarily a videographer shooting weddings so really can't wait for the GH5 to be released with the fabulous 4k 60p and of course no more silly 30 minute recording limit well done Panasonic :)
I've always been impressed by Panasonic's willingness to listen to what their users say and act on it. I thought in the past that Panasonic were committed to in lens stabilization and would stick with it but they have taken on board what users wanted and supplied in body stabilization as well. I like that kind of flexibility. It seems the same with the GH5 and many video people seem to be getting quite excited about it. All I need to do now is negotiate a second lifetime with the devil to get up to speed with what it all means and how to best use it :-)
It works as well as on stills. Panasonic used to have restricted stabilization for video on some earlier cameras with IBIS but those days seem to be over now. There's an option for electronic stabilization on video too, though I'e never found it necessary.
Congratulations. Great review as always David. I have a G6 and recently bought a G80. I am very satisfied with this camera, in addition to the improvements in image quality, I would say the ergonomics and usability of this camera is the best I have tried till now. (And given my old age, I have tried quite a few). I am planning a trip to Africa this spring, and I value very much that the equipment is light and ease to use (not a lot of lens changes) but produce a good image quality. I will bring the G80 with a 12-35 f2.8 (great lens) and my panasonic 100 - 300, I am considering buying the panasonic 35 - 100 f2.8, but then I saw a good offer on the Olympus 40 150 f2.8, I would like the extra reach of the olympus, and may leave the 100 - 300 at home, using then only two lenses (maybe one on the G6 and the other on the G80) but I am concerned with the weight and size of the olympus, and lack of stabilization. I will appreciate very much if can share your thoughts on this?
Thanks Luis The G80's stabilization copes happily with the 40-150mm, no worries there. Although the Olympus is bigger and heavier than most Micro Four Thirds lenses, it really replaces 2 lenses, the 35-100 and (with the 1.4x converter) nearly the 100-300. A G80 and those 2 lenses is an awful lot of power. With the 12-35 on the G6 and the 40-150mm on the G80 you have a _seriously_ capable outfit that'll still fit in a quite small bag and is still relatively light. It's also top quality from 12 though to 210mm. You also, in the 40-150mm Pro have a lens that you are very unlikely ever to want to sell which offsets the price in the longer term.
Thinking about same upgrade, G7 to G80, a real good camera on paper: better build, ibis, no olpf, nice photo and video. Now it's cheaper and you can buy a grip also on G80.
@@DavidThorpeMFT trying to seek my g7 for a g80. There is a 200€ sale promotion till January. Which is the other olympus alternative around 500€ body? I like Panasonic menu and wifi app for remote control, are olympus good too? Alternative to 14-42 kit lens not too expensive? 🤓 Thanks
@@nerdMike i think the G80 is your best bet. Olympus have the E-M5ll but the G80 is more up to date and as good in mostcways and better in several. Olympus will probably be updating it soon.
It really is nice. I haven't overall much liked the sound of the (necessarily) triple action Micro Four Thirds shutters because they sound slightly indefinite to me as well as percussive. This does away with all that.
Thanks for that, Frederick! That is a hard decision between cameras to make. The Panasonic is better in focusing, the Olympus in stabilization, though the Panasonic matches it if you have a stabilized Panasonic lens. There's nothing in the performance of these cameras to make either one decisively better., though. The Panasonic has 4K video and all the 4K stills goodies, the Olympus has the high resolution facility. Honestly, I'd decide on the feel of the cameras in my hands. For me that would be the Panasonic because I find the Olympus a bit too small ad cramped but there will be just as many who would prefer the Olympus to the 'too big' Panasonic. Good luck! :-)
Good solid review David. I upgraded from the G6 up to the G80 and so far it is great for all the reasons you have mentioned. The only niggle is not having a headphone port so I can monitor audio whilst filming. I think someone suggested a workaround if you use a Zoom H1 microphone it has a headphone port so maybe you can plug headphones into that and monitor the audio-not sure, I will try it and see if it works. I have reviewed the G80 with samples on my channel if you are interested.
Thanks Steve! That would be an interesting workaround. I think Panasonic probably leave the headphone port off for marketing reasons. There have to be reasons to buy a GH4!
Outstanding review. Extremely thorough and detailed as usual. a review like this I'm guessing took weeks or even a month to put together, panasonic or actually micro 4 thirds manufacturers Owe you a debt. How they are to pay you that's another question lol. Respect
Thanks very much! Yes, you are right on the time factor. I use a camera until the review sort of writes itself. It takes time but it means the little things get noticed. The makers, well I suppose they could send me huge cheques and give me paid holidays to test their cameras. Maybe a yacht or two. But I'd probably settle for them answering my emails occasionally :-)
Hello David Sir... Hope you are doing absolutely great, I'm from Kolkata ( India ) and Professionally a Pharmacologist but in love with Streetphotography. Sir would you recommend Panasonic Lumix G85 for the purpose in 2022 ??? Need your guidance Sir 🙏
Thanks for the reply, I wonder why I am getting blocked my end, maybe something on my PC. Would be nice for more options though. We tend to purchase via apple store now after having Kindle problems.
Apple are just too complicated to deal with for something with potentially low sales. Amazon and Kindle make it really easy to make a book. I can't understand why I can get it and you can't. I am using the Australian site in the UK, of course but there is no limitation on my part and I regularly get Australian sales. Have you contacted Amazon?
After using this new model now which do you prefer this one or the GX8? Just wondering as the only thing I have negative about the GX8 is shutter shock, and most people do not seem to see it. Build wise there does not seem to be any failures like other Mu-43 brand(s). The GX8 seems to be rock solid apart from being not the most up to date and every camera has that problem soon after release.
Another great review, David. Your reviews are always very deliberate and thorough.. I was hoping to get your input on a purchasing decision. I have owned the GX8 for about a year and a half now, and I've considered switching to the G85. The main reasons are for the improved IBIS, the video advantages (less crop, IBIS in 4K etc), as well as the new shutter. The only thing that concerns me is the 16mp sensor vs the 20mp sensor in the GX8 (I crop from time to time). I've seen comments that with the removal of the AA filter in the G85 that there isn't a lot of difference in image quality between the G85 and the GX8. My question is - is this still relevant when it comes to cropping photos with both cameras? In other words, if I crop the same shot taken on both the GX8 and the G85, would the removal of the AA filter in the G85 still mean that the images would still look very similar in terms if image quality? Or would the GX8 still hold an advantage when it comes to cropping? I hope that made sense!
That's a hard question to answer because it would depend on the degree of cropping. Let's say you were cropping heavily to the subject and wanted to view on a 1920px width screen. The necessary heavy crop on the 16Mp might leave you with only 1300px width on your image. You'd need to upsample to get the 1920px which will certainly impinge on sharpness. On the other hand, the 20Mp image cropped may still leave you 1920px so you'd be using the native image with no quality loss at all. If both crops left you with more than 1920px width, the G85 would be better but........... Actually, it's pretty theoretical. To my eyes, the difference between the AA filter or not is pretty marginal and in principle I'd prefer 20Mp with AA to 16Mp without. That's on the basis that the 20Mp is not at the expense of more noise which seems the case with the Micro Four Thirds cameras. So, if you don't normally crop _heavily_, I'd say the G85 would be worth having. The factors you mention, particularly the better IBIS and shutter are very important. However, I'd muddy the waters even further by saying that the GX8 is such a nicely laid out camera with such a good EVF and I like the 'rangefinder' configuration so much that I'm confused too! But, overall, if the sensor size isn't crucial, it has to be said that the G85 is about the best all round Micro Four Thirds so far. Until the GX9? :-)
Very tempted to swap out my 4 year old Oly E-M1 for the G80. I also want the new 100-300 or 100-400 with the dual IS which would be great! 16MP with no low pass filter will be more than enough for me. Is this a good idea?
The Olympus is a great camera and I'd say keep it except that the G80 really is such a great all rounder and will work so well with the lenses you mention that I'd be inclined to get it. The new shutter is really sweet and the stabilization excellent. And with the updates to the 100-300, it should be just as instantaneous in its focusing as I found the 100-400 to be. So, good idea, yes I reckon so.
In the past David you said you preferred the ergonomics of the Panasonic but I believe you switched to Olympus because of the inbody stabilisation on the EM1. Now that Panasonic is so similar would you switch back to Panasonic? Or are you happy with a mixed system?
Because I review the cameras I have four or five at any one time so I never switched as such, I have always used both.Really I only know which I prefer by which one I pick up if I'm going out to take pictures. For me it's an instinctive rather than rational choice and at the moment falls squarely on the G80. I love the new shutter with its sweet whisper action, I like the stabilization and the easy to use menu. It's a very complete camera and handles beautifully. I also have an Olympus E-M1 Mk2 and of there is action to be done, it would be foolish not to use it. I'm giving it a really thorough workout and it's a fine camera. I'm in an enviable position with cameras but if I wasn't reviewing I'd have 2, a big one and a smaller one. I find the choice I have just gets in the way. Ideally they'd both be the same make so that there was some consistency in the control layout. The smaller one would be a GX80.
Hi David, congratulation for getting finally the G80/85, and of course a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Great comprehensive review as always. I had read the G80/85 instruction manual and was a bit confused regarding wireless flash. Could you tell me if the Metz 15 MS-1 works in wireless mode with the G80/85? Thanks again for your great u-tube work
Hi Martin - thanks for the kind words. Yes, the Metz works seamlessly with the G80/85. Set the Flash menu to wireless operation, cover the G80's flash with the Metz mask and fire away with everything under TTL control.
Great videos, one of my go-to sources for new camera gear. Seeking advice on something - how bad REALLY is the purple fringing on unedited OOB jpegs of Pany lenses on Oly bodies? I can't get a good sense of this and can't borrow lenses. I'm considering trading my EM10 Mark ii for the GX85 (sacrificing a bit of that Olympus image processing but picking up IS video). Though I really enjoy the handling and OOB jpegs of the Oly body, the Pany 12-32mm is looking like the ideal walkaround lens - decent price used and gives me that 12mm focal length.
Hi Jennifer - I've put a 100% pull of the corner from my 7-14mm Panasonic zoom showing the fringing at its worst, in a high contrast corner on a very wide angle lens. It'll dial out easily in Lightroom or most imaging software. goo.gl/i8LDlR The 12-32 is ridiculously small and gives you dual stabilization with the GX85, so yes, a great walk around lens. I'm very fond of the E-M10II - a hard call between those two. I'm gald you find the videoes helpful. Therer are so many good Micro Four Thirds cameras around now, I get myself confused!
Hi David, What a nice review!! It ticks all the points: clear, interesting, and formative. Thank you very much. It made me considering upgrading mi gh3.... from strictly the stills quality, do you think is it worth? Thanks again.
Hi Ramiro - you won't see any dramatic improvement in image quality, its images will be a bit less noisy and a bit more contrasty, cleaner looking. The stabilization, new shock free and whisper quiet shutter and so on make it a worthwhile upgrade, though. So overall, yes, it is worth it.
Another great review, are we talking about C-AF on a par with my GX8,i struggle holding the GX8 without making un intentional button adjustments so would like to consider this camera. The GX8 though is great for birds in flight.
Thanks! I didn't have any problems with the GX8 buttons but if you do the G80 might suit you better. I'd try one first though, to make sure. For BIF, I doubt there's any notice any difference at all in focusing performance. I love the GX8 - if it had the G80 shutter and stabilization there's be no way to choose between them than to see which one felt best - unless the 20Mp was crucial.
Just to let you know i took the plunge and changed my GX8 for the G80,it does BIF just as well and i feel its giving me sharper images with the 100-400. Thanks
Panasonic focusing is superb generally but I found that the 100-400 was outstanding even in that context. I find the G80 hard to fault. It reminded me of the first time I picked up a GH3 and felt like I'd used one for years.
+guyo68 I'd say the G80 is better in every way except for serious video photographers. An upcoming GH5 will redress the balance I expect and probably be a very serious video machine. But for stills the G80 is state of the art apart from not having the 20Mp sensor. I'm not bothered by that myself anyway. Glad you liked the review, thanks.
I just upgraded from my GH4 which I've used over the last 3 years. For photography, the G80/G85 is better in every way. I would say that the video quality on the G85 is comparable, but the GH4 has pro features not available on the G85: Variable Frame Rate (which includes slo-mo to 96fps in 1080p), VLOG and a headphone jack to monitor audio. The GH4 has some other nice settings like using shutter angles which I liked, but can work around. For my video use, I didn't use these extra features in practice, so I'm not missing anything with the G85. Of course the G85's IBIS is a big video improvement over the GH4 - something I'll definitely use. It looks like the GH5 will have even more pro features (dual cards, maybe slo-mo in 4K, etc). So unless you truly need pro video features, I believe the G85 is easily the best value for video and stills in the Lumix lineup.
Thanks Lyndon! A lot of people prefer the Olympus jpg rendering. You can emulate it on the Panasonics, I'm told but I've never managed to get it exactly the same.
Another great video from you, Thorpe! BUT i still can't choose the path to go: The older GH4 or this camera. They are almost at the same price. The built in stabilization is a nice feature, even though I have had that on my Olympus m43's for quite a long time. I will you the camera mainly for video - and I DO enjoy the headphone jack in the GH4 - but what else is better when recording videos on the older model? Please, if you want to recommend me any camera with both good video and that also is nice for photography, what would you recommend? Regards, Fredrik
Thanks! If you can live without the headphone socket and 4K as opposed to UHD video, the G80/85 looks much the better bet with its stabilization and absence of low pass filter. The GH4 has some other video controls like master pedestal which is important for gardening but for most people (certainly me) the G80 is enough. I can't think of any better choice camera except maybe a G7 of you wanted to save some money. It is a shame about the headphone socket though. A separate recorder would be the answer to that I suppose which could potentially up sound quality all round.
Hi David, do those little red straps clip on either side of the camera clip onto a bigger shoulder/neck strap? If so can you please provide the link to what it is. Lovely review by the way. Some of the misty scenes, the big tree, the antlers, were they photographed at Knole, Kent in the vast grounds of Knole House?
Hi Mike - glad you like the review. The clips are from Peak Design, an American company but you can get them on Amazon amzn.to/2FslpL0 You can either use their straps or your own but they make the strap easily removable either way. The park, no, it is Richmond Park but both that and Knole are very similar. I know Knowle well because I was brought up in Tunbridge Wells and we used to visit frequently.
I love your videos David. A relaxed delivery and great timings to your edits. But I don't like the 14-140 you often recommend. I guess this is because I film more than take stills. But I found the IS on the 14-140 terrible. Skittish and twitchy. And the low light ability is even worse than the f stop would suggest. Then the focus ring is nasty, cheap feeling and devoid of any feeling. (Fly by wire is inconsistent and unpleasant often, but this one is a bad even for FBW) But fair enough, it is sharp.
Thanks for the kind words. I bow to your experience with video so it handy that you add your experience to mine for people to read. For stills, I'd rarely (if ever) use manual focus with a lens like this and the IBIS is good. I often remark that I really do need another lifetime so that I can get up to speed with 'proper' video.
David Thorpe I know that you cater to photographers more than videographers. But I bet a lot of people will arrive at your videos because they bought a gh4 or gh3 for film work. And they want to learn more about m43 in general. I got the 14-140 with my gh4 near it's release date. And yes I found it very lacking in the things filmmakers want. But I can't Deny its huge range of FOV, plus it's lightweight and sharp as a tack. But terrible for manual focusing a moving subject. And the IS isn't reliable at all for filming /run and gunning. Thanks for your reply. I realize it's all just opinion. But I did give it a fair few months trail before realizing it easing up to the job for me.
Manual focus is not ideal with Micro Four Thirds lenses in general due to the greater depth of field afforded by the smaller sensor. And the 14-140mm being relatively slow doesn't help. I don't really use the stabilization for video since my stuff is mainly tripod mounted or, in my blues club, static. I agree it is all opinion but in the end most things cannot be pinned down objectively so informed opinion is all we have. As an example, many photographers will reject a camera because of shutter shock. Because I'm aiming to take pictures for sale or professional use, I just don't need or care about ultimate sharpness. Sharp will do. Both parties are right - just different standpoints. I could try to pretend I know more about video than I do but it really wouldn't sit comfortably with me!
David Thorpe for sure. I'm not arguing at all. Just putting forward my findings with that lens. Many people rate it so I realize I'm in minority. And I'm comparing it to completely different lenses in terms of weight and price. (After getting the canon 70-200mm f2.8 mk2 that one put the 14-140 completely in the shade) Once you get used to how full frame pro lenses like sigma art and canon L lenses focus and handle it's hard to go back. In terms of native lenses I kept the nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 for portrait photos, and the Olympus 12mm f2 for a light wide option. But the rest of my m43 lenses have been replaced by bigger thug like FFs now. I realize It does fight against one of the USP's of m43 system. But it's just the way I like to work. But it is lovely to pop that 12mm and 42.5mm and my gh4 into a tiny bag and travel light now and again. :)
I didn't take any of what you said as arguing - just you putting an informed point of view. It's an interesting addition to my opinion and only serves to help us all. The Micro Four Thirds system is there to be used in any way people want. If someone prefers to use bigger FF lenses or native pancake lenses, what's nice is that the cameras can handle them all. The more and more personal ways that people work the better in my book.
Thanks for the review, David. Very useful as usual. Could you say whether the G80's in-body stabilisation requires the focal length to be set manually when using the Olympus 40-150 zoom or does the Olympus communicate this data automatically like a native Panasonic lens? Thanks again.
I'm glad you find the reviews helpful - thanks! When you use an Olympus lens on Panasonic bodies or vice versa, everything is reported to the camera fully automatically. Micro Four Thirds is a standard, so anything bought for it will work in the same way regardless, Sigma, Metz, whatever. In fact you can even upgrade firmware on an Olympus lens via a Panasonic body and vice versa.
That's great. Cheers. I have the G80 and the only drawback is having to manually select the focal length for its IBIS to work properly after I change the zoom length on unstabilised zoom lenses like Sigma's 18-35 f1.8 or 70-200 f2.8 (both Canon fit with M43 adapters) etc. That system is somewhat impractical for live video work in particular. Apparently the otherwise ideal Panasonic 35-100 has inherent stabilisation issues (micro-jitter) that hurt it for video use. Pity. So I'm eyeing the Olympus lens range for more efficient workflows. Thanks for the info.
You're wellcome, Rogier. Three Legged Thing doan adjustable one but I don't know of any specifically made for the G85. amzn.to/2FP3Vsk (UK) amzn.to/2roZgc8 (USA)
Hi, David, Great review, as usual, and thanks again for the hard work you do for us regular folk! I'm on the verge of buying this camera even tho I have the G7 (which I will keep), but decided to buy a second camera. Just wondering your opinion on something. I read that the mechanical shutter is able to use more of the sensor and gives better IQ than the electronic shutter. Do you find this to be true? I'm a little spoiled to the silence of the electronic shutter, and I rarely use flash so that's not really a factor for me. Hope you had a great Christmas, and have a happy and prosperous New Year!
Hi Linda - nice to hear from you. Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours too. I think some time ago the electronic shutter was prone to banding in low light but those days are gone. I can't tell any difference at all in comparison shots, though maybe scientific tests on test charts might show something . I doubt it, though. Anyway, most of us don't shoot test charts and the real world is very different. The only minus points to the e-shutter that I can see are the usual ones of no, or restricted flash use and distortion of moving images. With the G80 I've been using the mechanical shutter since it is so smooth and quiet and has no limitations other than a lower fastest speed. I'm waffling here - there's no reason to use one or the other on the G80, just personal preference. On the G7 it avoids any possibility of shutter shock.
Thanks a bunch, David. That helps me to know that I'm not sacrificing IQ with the e-shutter since I do shoot a lot of 4k photo mode which, of course, defaults to the e-shutter to get 30 fps. I'm happy now. :-)
So does a weather sealed body still matter even when using lenses that are not weather sealed? (like the 14-140 II) IN other words does a non weather sealed lens compromise the weather sealing benefit of the body?
Not really. The question is whether you are willing to potentially let water ruin your gear (who is?). So any combination of camera body/ lens that included a non-sealed item makes that combination unusable in wet or dusty conditions. Personally, I do everything to protect my gear from the weather, sealed or not. In casual use, keeping the camera under your jacket and just popping it out for a shot or two won't hurt it except under conditions where you probably couldn't take pictures anyway.
Hi David, great reviews. Need some advice on the AF on the G80, GX80 compared to the EM1 MK 1. I use the EM1 with pany 35-100 2.8 to shoot my son's basketball games in low light. The EM1 seems to hunt or miss shots during the game, I'm in close and all but the AF is hard to control. Do you think that the pany cameras would give me better AF during low light? I presume that the high ISO detail is similar in these three cameras. I can't afford to go for the EM1 Mk2. I just would like a bit better C AF than the EM1 offers at the moment. Thanks.
As usual, an expertly given review of the camera. Such a listenable to voice as well. You will be missed David.
This is the kind of review I've been waiting for - someone to go over the nuances of the camera instead of just reading off of the spec sheet, with a real feel for the camera itself and its place within the MFT ecosystem. Thank you, David.
It's great to hear you say that - cameras have their own characters and sometimes it is the little nuanced things that make you want to pick them up or not.
David Thorpe very true. I like the lx 100 for that very reason.
David Thorpe b
@@DavidThorpeMFT I believe the difference between the G80 and G85 are the recording laws in Europe. from what I understand, the G80 separates video into sections.
We all wish you’d had another lifetime David. Very much missed.
WOW WOW WOW that is about the most detailed and full of micro info I've seen in a camera review. Great job.
Very flattering to hear that and I'm very glad you think so.
David, you're reviews are just simply the best, professional, educational and a pleasure to watch. Thank you so much for all you do. I do love my G85 and you made me love it even more.
Thanks for telling me that, Dan. I appreciate it - and your enthusiasm too!
I upgraded my G7 to a G80 and I'm very glad I did. A huge step up for not a lot of money. G80/G85's are being heavily discounted now as they have been around a long time, and I think they are a fabulous all round performer. The G80 feels a lot better in my hand, No shutter shake and weather sealing.. A great every day shooter.
I agree, Laurie. It's a good example of what a Micro Four Thirds system was supposed to be, a unique combination of size and performance. Small enough to be enjoyable to use with performance that is indistinguishable from much bigger cameras for all nomral use.
using Password generators for model names, lol, good one
David, I'm a video shooter--and I'm finding the G85 VERY impressive indeed. Adding the Metabones speed booster enables me to use all my Canon lenses--and they work great.
This is a fabulous camera. I shoot it with a LCDVF viewfinder that also helps focusing and stabilization.
I know you're a stills shooter, but your reviews are always so good I couldn't help but watch--and it was super. Got to see it several more times it's so information packed.
thank you so much!
Simply brilliant.
Comprehensive, well paced and accessible.
Quiet quality.
Thank you.
Glad you thought so and I appreciate you telling me. Thank you, Paul.
Well done, David. I received mine 2 days ago. It is reminding me why I love micro 43 so much. I'm astonished at some of the results I get with the 25mm 1.4 Pana Leica lens as it feels like I'm holding a feather in my hands!!
Thanks Jake. I find I get a bit blase about the size and weight of Micro Four Thirds cameras sometimes. I'm quickly brought to reality when I pick up a mate's Nikon D4!
I honestly enjoy your style and the thoroughness of your reviews.
Thanks Shaun, much appreciated!
I upgraded from a G7 to a G8 after a year. The weather sealing, new IS and eliminated shuttershock were enough to tip me over to pay the higher price, simply as a more stable investment into my hobby's future. With the new IS the selection of actually usable analog lenses is staggering. And as much as I keep imagining even better features in a future G9, I can't come up with anything that would convince me to buy a new camera in the next 3-5 years. Maybe only a massive improvement in dynamic range, and I mean human eye level realism, would make me betray that statement.
Excellent diligent presentation here and by far the best G80/85 review on the internet. Clear, succinct and precise info without all the unnecessary (usually awful!) background music and frantic lingo! Thanks very much for your efforts here - much appreciated!
Good to hear that, Henry and thanks. I try to do exactly what you say, basically stick to the point without frills.
Yes! and I'll certainly be looking out for your review on the GH5 when it eventually arrives! Cheers!
Great video on the G85. Also purchased your book on the menu setting for G85. Fantastic! It puts everything you would ever want to know about control of this great camera in one place with a clear, concise way that is easy to understand. Thanks.
Thank George. I'm glad you found the book handy, too. There's so much to these Micro Four Thirds cameras and the official manuals can only cover the mechanics of operation so I thought a bit of explanation might be useful too.
David you are always my go-to-guy for reviews. This is my next camera!
Thanks Jimmy - good choice of camera!
Finally got a chance to take my G85 out for some extended landscape photography along with the 12-35 Panasonic lens. Loving it. Fits well in the hand, and fast shutter on bracketed shots is amazing. Can't wait to become even more familiar with all this camera can do.
Good to hear you like it - there's such a lot the camera can do but as you've found, mosu imortantly it does the basics very well indeed.
I actually purchased a G80 after viewing this video, so thanks for that. Something I discovered by accident, us that it IS possible to monitor audio on video shooting. Audio is outputted from the HDMI socket during recording. I recently bought a small HDMI audio splitter box off eBay, for a completely unrelated use, but thought I'd give it a try. It works - you can't control replay level, but at least it's good enough to let you know something is being recorded.
Glad you like the G80, Keith. Serendipity is so important sometimes. I think more solutions are found by someone trying to do something else than by people looking for an answer!
Your reviews have led me to pick up a G80 12-60mm kit for 450€ like new condition, and I must say I don't think I've ever spent a better photographic dollar. Or euro, actually. I'll still keep my Fuji X-T1 plus pancake around, but between these two I am now a very happy camper.
Thank you for the great and realistic perspective on all the gear you review, it is really appreciated.
That's a really lovely and upbeat comment, Jenny/ Thank you.
Have bought my g80 and am not disappointed, coupled with the Panasonic Leica 25mm F1.4, they are a superb combination.
Excellent camera, excellent lens. I'm glad you are pleased.
Superb review, David. I own one of these bodies in addition to the three GX 85 bodies are used in the video studio. We add this body when we need four cameras. This is the only camera that I have use that is a true hybrid. Thank you for your review.
i've been looking at dozens of cameras for the last 2 days and i think i've narrowed it down to this one. this is probably one of the best camera reviews i've seen in general. i think this will be the camera i buy and take with me to alaska
Sir , you've got the most calming voice , what a pleasure.
I'm a proud gx7 owner and lately I haven't got a chance to shoot it , but all the points you mentioned makes me want to switch in a heart beat to G80 and take it for a walk.
by the way , I just ordered the 14-140 and I can't wait to try it.
Thank you for a great review! Merry Christmas.
Thanks Serg! You'll love the 14-140, probably the best all round versatile lens in the Micro Four Thirds system. It's a nice size on the GX7, too.
Thanks for the review... even in 2023 it seems like a great camera.
I have a Panasonic G7, wonderful little camera, I wish it had the IBIS of the G80.
Yes, as I say, the camera I recommend to any friends who ask my advice. IBIS was at the top of any Panasonic users wish list, including mine and now they've done it. At a price - what's new :-(
No contest for Thorpe doing camera reviews. Just take it 🏅
What can I say except - thank you!
Panasonic adopting more and more of Olympus features is only a good thing.
+MrSonicAdvance and who'd have though it last year?
Makes me wonder...if pana and oly will start having the same features. Won't it be bad for both of them?
That's an interesting question and I have no idea what the answer will be. They'll have to retain some differentiation. If technically they converge maye Olympus will go even more retro and Panasonic more futuristic. They will have to be careful, though because photographers are quire conservative about camera design overall.
+David Thorpe Yes, seems that oly goes more retro way and pana more future way. However, as much as it was beneficial for both to have compatible gear at the beginning it looks now as a it's very constrictive for them. And this applies to both, looks and specs.
I would be very much against any compromising of Micro Four Thirds as a standard. It is the competition and compatibility that makes it what it is, a comprehensive system. If Panasonic lenses didn't work properly on Olympus bodies or vice versa, I'd probably exit the Micro Four Thirds system and buy a Sony A7 of some sort. Which I most definitely do not want to do! If I could only use items from one maker in Micro Four Thirds, I'd probably just bite the bullet and go to Fuji or Sony or whatever. And I don't want to do that!
My perhaps the biggest gripe with this camera is the charging method if you have the battery grip. You'd need to carry two seperate chargers to charge the grip battery and camera battery at the same time.
USB charging would solve _much_ of the problems. just plug the camera to a PC. At the same time you could import all the photos and videos.
I find it very odd that Panasonic put USB charging into GX80, but not in G80. G80 even has a bigger body...
I find that odd too. I was quite surprised when I saw it. To charge both batteries in situ from the camera USB would have been very handy. Maybe something they are saving for the GH5 next year?
USB3.1 on GH5 would allow even faster charging and streaming uncompressed data. It would make sense, but taking the development time of GH5 into account, I doubt it.
Anyway. It's a shame that G80 doesn't have usb charging as it's still a "prosumer" camera. Most prosumers like convenient things and USB charging would be a obvious one.
The E-M1Mkll has USB3.
Yeah. That'd be the dream camera. Price is a bit steep...
And it doesn't charge via the C type USB socket on the camera ;-(
Another wonderful review. Now the GH5 is just around the corner...
It has a lot to live up to and the makers do like to pull something special out of the bag for their flagship models.
I live in Hong Kong and I watched a David Thorpe video last year. As a result I went out and bought the G7 for my girlfriend as a Christmas gift. I am not sure if I have ever done that before, allowed myself to be so immediately influenced. And you must understand that in Hong Kong that Panasonic does not spend very much on marketing, as the camera market is dominated by Sony, Canon and the others. But on the 13th floor of the Sogo building you can buy all the Panasonic from a direct distributor. So making a blind decision sort of went against the local mindset-- and even the local salesmen at camera shops.
The outcome has been that my girlfriend now takes better pictures than me, partly because the intelligent modes on the Panasonic are so good. So I blame David for that. But she thinks I'm a winner because I buy such great presents.
I hope to buy a Panasonic when my current cameras wear out. Thanks, David
You are welcome, Chris. And I'm acting as cupid as well as a camera reviewer!
Another great review thank you. I've had this a camera for a couple of months now. With the addition of some olympus lenses it's really starting to shine. I don't shoot video but the camera makes me want to Have a go. An adapter is available to solve the no headphone out Jack socket. The gofanco. Think it costs around $45 for anyone else wanting to primarily shoot video. Not the most elegant solution but a solution none the less. Kind regards from Sweden.
Thanks! If I didn't make videos for my channel I wouldn't have had much interest in it either but the fact that it is there as standard in such an easily accessible form would make me want to dabble in it too. The adapter is interesting and yes, elegant or not, if it works, it works. And kind regards from a very wet London, too!
This was a nice Christmas treat. Thank you!
Really nice shots in this video. The tree in the mist, the Stag by the tree, and the pond with trees shots were very fine. It would be interesting to see how they look as large prints!
Yes, that would be interesting. The G80 has picked up very subtle colouring and detail in the pix, so it'd need a good printer.
I have an Epson T3270 (24") hint, hint.
:-)
I always like your thoughtful reviews, made by photographer and for photographer, and this review is not exception. Also, I guess that your troubles with original G80 are over, and you have a perfectly healthy camera without paying extra money.
And Happy New Year to you.
P.S. I do not do videos, so for me omission of video performance is a big plus - all the time devoted to things that matter for me.
Hi Simon - happy new year to you too! Yes, got the G80 swapped so all is well now.
My video knowledge is limited but it doesn't seem to matter to most people since my main experience is stills and I make no bones about that. I think if I did refer to video, I would make a separate video. These cameras are so capable that a review covering both stills and video and illustrated properly would take far too long to make and the review would be far too long.
Thanks for the good review, hope you review the grip when you get one.
Glad you did not mention a fuzzy view finder, I have seen that referenced in a few forums now, hope it is not an issue with this camera.
Cheers
Hi Mark, thanks! Yes I'll review the grip when Panasonic have any(!). The EVF on my first G80 was indeed totally unusable - the dealer said he's never seen anything like it - but it is very good on this one. I don't think it is a general issue with the camera but it doesn't appear to be that uncommon.
Thank you for this revied David. Lovely. I have been deliberating getting this camera for 4K needs.
You're welcome, Bart.
I felt in love with your style of reviewing cameras. I hope I'll fall in love for the G80 too 'cause I'm sold now :)
Thank you, David!
Thanks so much! I think you will love the G80. There's not much to dislike, really.
Thank you so much for confirming the camera to buy, the G85. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos. Aloha!
Another fine review David, and it confirmed my decision to purchase the camera as an early holiday gift to myself.
Just picked this two weeks ago, traded in the kit lens and instead bought the 12-35, the 35-100 and 100-300 lenses based on reviews from your site. The camera is an upgrade from my four year old G5. Can't wait to get out and put the gear through its paces. First have to educate myself with all the new functionality. Just starting to dive into the rather extensive manual.
Thanks, Bob. You'll find the upgrade from G5 to G80 noticeable with almost everything is improved. The lenses will, of course work superbly and the two f/2.8s with the dual stabilization put the camera firmly into Olympus territory. In essence, you'll find plenty very familiar from the G5 but wait till your hear and feel the shutter!
If its any help, I have a Kindle book on the G80 at amzn.to/2hkYjtH (UK) and amzn.to/2ib99Ey (USA)
Great review! I got G7 on Black Friday for $497 and after a couple of weeks ended up exchanging it for G85. Addition of IBIS and elimination of the shutter shock did it for me:o)
Yes, big attractions. I was surprised how much the removal of the possibility of shutter shock meant to me.
Excellent review. I did have the G7 and because I got a double discount on that when I bought it, really didn't resent the price hike when I traded it in for a G80. I'm having quite a lot of fun lately using some old Canon FD lenses on the G80 via an adapter, they work very well especially because of the in built manual focusing capabilities of the G80.
Thanks, John. Some of the Panasonic deals around are amazing. Manual focusing is a lot easier than most people think but I suppose it is more difficult for photographers who have never used a film camera.
Thank you David. Being a G7 owner shooting mainly video, you have helped me make up my mind to hold out for the GH5. Merry Christmas to you.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too. The G7 was and remains a great camera.
Thank you for this and all your other reviews. I find your considered presentation of the cameras and lenses like breath of fresh air especially when compared with many of the other, almost hysterical, reviews that are available on the internet.
At present I am looking to purchase a new MFT body as I recently drenched my GX7 in sea water; it still works but some buttons do not work all the time. I also have an Olympus EM5 mk1 but have never really liked the user interface so I see it as my spare body.
My next camera will have to be weather sealed and while I don't do much action photography some improvements to CAF would be welcome. I have been seriously thinking about an Olympus EM1 Mk2 but since seeing this review I think I am tending towards the Panasonic G80 as the CAF seems good enough for my needs and I like idea of being able to change the size of the focus point. I also like saving a thousand pounds on a body that will most likely be almost worthless in five years time. Do you think I should be considering any other MFT cameras before I buy.
Thanks again,
best wishes
Simon
Sea water is the worst for cameras. I dropped a Nikon F5 in the sea once and that was that. Camera wise, the G80 is about the best all round camera in Micro Four Thirds in terms of performance and price. Unless there is any specific attribute of the Olympus you want, the twin SD slots say or you major on sports,, the G80 is better value.
Yes sea water corrodes the contacts, anyway that will teach me to be more careful. I will probably go for best value and get the G80, that will leave me with some money to invest in some more glass.
Damn it David, I didn't expect to want to buy this camera but after this review I have to get it. Excellent review as always.
Thanks! There's a new version out now (or soon) the G90.
I would love a GX80 with the articulating screen and grip of the G80. I don't want a mic jack since stand-alone external mics are always better and more flexible anyway in my experience. Weather sealing is nice too but adds bulk and can't say I enjoy taking pictures in the rain that often. :)
You need a sort of mix and match camera system! Good point about the mic.
David, some amazing photos in this video. Thank you!
The G80 is very enjoyable and easy to use, I'm sure that makes a difference to the pictures you take.
Firstly, Merry Christmas David, great review I love the shots in the wilderness especially the rain drop and the elk.
For further power saving you should also be able to run your LCD and Live View in Black and White whilst keeping the replay of shots in their true JPEG colour. I find it helps me focus on composition most.
That's a good tip, Brian, thanks. Happy Christmas to you too. Mist is wonderful, isn't it? Just separates a scene into individual objects in a similar way to blacj and white.
True, though I don't get much mist in the tropics. We get fantastic sunsets in the summer (Christmas Time). www.google.com.au/search?q=darwin+sunsets&rlz=1C1CHBF_en-GBAU720AU720&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=950&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjy1NWl9JHRAhWDtpQKHU4jBGsQ_AUIBigB
After listening to this I went straight to like and sub, only to discover I’d already sub’d at some point in the past. So I guess the only other way to show appreciation for the brilliant review/ASMR session David is to comment here and say thank you very much. A breath of fresh air amidst a sea of hyper YT camera reviews.
What can I say except thanks so much, Reginald!
I just went and bought that camera a few days ago and I have to say, the joy of filmmaking has returned to me after a several year absence. I was on the fence between this camera and an A-6400 or M50 but I believe it was your video that convinced me this was the one to go with. Thank you so much - again.
@@reginaldworthington7558 Glad it has worked out so well - the pleasure of photography was what Micro Four Thirds brought back for me.
Bravo review. Sold my canon 40D kit a while back as it was getting on my nerves ands back. This really looks the business.
The back, I know, I know :-) I reckon the G80 is as capable as any DSLR with some elctronic wizardry thrown in as well. The Canon will have the edge in some respects but with its size and weight the G80 is a joy to use.
Thank you and Merry Christmas
And to you Jergen - thanks!
I did encounter an oddity when it comes to the Auto EVF activation on this camera. While shooting multiple timelapse sequences I've noticed that the moment the EVF comes back online because because I bring my eye to the viewfinder, the interval sometimes lags and misses a shot or two. All in all, great camera though.
What you are saying emphasises the fact that these cameras could be just as aptly titled imaging computers! Of the thousands of actions a user might make, no-one thought of that. Probably 2 separate ostensibly unrelated lines of code among tens of thousands in the firmware.
Thanks David. I'll follow your advise
And very happy with your book about the G80, with more practical information than the official (dutch) manual!
That's good to know, John. Thank you.
Best review I've ever watched.. thanks for all the examples of the cameras photo capabilities as well as video.
Praise indeed and highly appreciated. Thanks. Travis!
David, thank you for all of your great work! Love from Canada.
You are more than welcome -thanks! And love from London.
dear David i m so glad you finally got your camera from panasonic and you have the chance of giving your opinion on this camera that i learn to love in so little time.
I did buy on jun the G7 because your great review and i buy on nov the new one because i love the G7 so much and i used always that the newone i asume it s going to be a blast, and it was, i really love this micro 4/3 the portability and the mixing of so many lens i can put fro different brands, that having the in body stabilitation it is so cool that for me well cost the extra 200 o 300 buck for it, of course if you don t have the budget the g7 it is the best option but if you can pay the extra money well it is the superb choice for content creator, photographer and videographers.
on video it is a great choice too, the video it is most of the time smooth and crispy.
I really enjoy your review and well worth the wait having this good of a revieew from such as you my good friend, as always graceful for the time you take on deliver so good reviews.
see u on your next videos and i hope you could share most videos of this one and other good stuff in the future.
Thanks for the kind words - great to see your enthusiasm for the G80/85.
Merry Christmas Mr Thorpe peace to you and your family.
To you and yours too Grady!
Super review! You're right up there with the best of the best when it comes to reviewing camera products! Bought the G80, but went with Olympus lenses (three of the PRO series)...wanted the weather sealing features, and more robust build. Hope it wasn't a mistake...lol
No mistake with the Olympus lenses, Rick. They focus just as well (and actually superbly well) on Panasonic as Olympus, DfD or no DfD. Robust, as you say and i also like the on lens Fn button, built in back button focusing. Not to mention the manual focus lens collar. It is those lens choices that make Micro Four Thirds a system.
Just got mine. I was shooting Nikon with a 200-500 but needed the convenience of the size and weight difference. I ordered the 25mm 1.7 lens and an Olympus 60mm macro. Hopefully I can pick up a tele before too long. Also need to get a more convenient bag. Looking at Domke. I'd love the trooper bag you did a video on but it's simply out of my budget.
The Trooper is great but not cheap, as you say. What I would say is that it's a bag you buy once and keep. There's also the Wotancraft Pilot bre.is/74GWVLME which is cheaper and lighter. I'm reviewing it now. More modular, you can buy the basic bag and then add to it. The Nikon 200-500 is a good lens, it seems but at 2.5Kg no lightweight. You'd be pushed to get a complete Micro Four Thirds outfit up to that weight!
Very very good review david really enjoyed that thank you, I have owned the G80 about 6 weeks now and I absolutely love it, it is a stunning camera and the IBIS for me makes it a game changer. I did own a couple of GH4's and a G7 which I have unloaded to pay for one of these babies and now just awaiting the release of the GH5 due out in Mar 17 ;)
Thanks, David. Yes, the in body stabilization is a game changer for many photographers. I'm looking forward to the GH5 too, though I'm struggling to find anything that limits what I want to do using the G80.
Yes me too the G80 is a little stunner, I am primarily a videographer shooting weddings so really can't wait for the GH5 to be released with the fabulous 4k 60p and of course no more silly 30 minute recording limit well done Panasonic :)
I've always been impressed by Panasonic's willingness to listen to what their users say and act on it. I thought in the past that Panasonic were committed to in lens stabilization and would stick with it but they have taken on board what users wanted and supplied in body stabilization as well. I like that kind of flexibility.
It seems the same with the GH5 and many video people seem to be getting quite excited about it. All I need to do now is negotiate a second lifetime with the devil to get up to speed with what it all means and how to best use it :-)
Yes another great review from RUclipss best reviewer ! Would you choose this over the GH4 David (for video)?
Get the G85 and the eoshd colour profile lut. Once you use the IBIS you'll never go back.
The IBIS on the G80 is very much on a par with its Olympus counterparts now. The firmware upgrade was for movie stabilization, I believe.
It works as well as on stills. Panasonic used to have restricted stabilization for video on some earlier cameras with IBIS but those days seem to be over now. There's an option for electronic stabilization on video too, though I'e never found it necessary.
Congratulations. Great review as always David. I have a G6 and recently bought a G80. I am very satisfied with this camera, in addition to the improvements in image quality, I would say the ergonomics and usability of this camera is the best I have tried till now. (And given my old age, I have tried quite a few). I am planning a trip to Africa this spring, and I value very much that the equipment is light and ease to use (not a lot of lens changes) but produce a good image quality. I will bring the G80 with a 12-35 f2.8 (great lens) and my panasonic 100 - 300, I am considering buying the panasonic 35 - 100 f2.8, but then I saw a good offer on the Olympus 40 150 f2.8, I would like the extra reach of the olympus, and may leave the 100 - 300 at home, using then only two lenses (maybe one on the G6 and the other on the G80) but I am concerned with the weight and size of the olympus, and lack of stabilization. I will appreciate very much if can share your thoughts on this?
Thanks Luis
The G80's stabilization copes happily with the 40-150mm, no worries there. Although the Olympus is bigger and heavier than most Micro Four Thirds lenses, it really replaces 2 lenses, the 35-100 and (with the 1.4x converter) nearly the 100-300. A G80 and those 2 lenses is an awful lot of power.
With the 12-35 on the G6 and the 40-150mm on the G80 you have a _seriously_ capable outfit that'll still fit in a quite small bag and is still relatively light. It's also top quality from 12 though to 210mm. You also, in the 40-150mm Pro have a lens that you are very unlikely ever to want to sell which offsets the price in the longer term.
David Thorpe thank you very much David, I appreciate very much your help.
Excellent review as always. Your presentation of the information is simply the best.
I'm still learning a lot so I'll stick with my G7 for now.
Thanks Billy. Yes, no pressing reason to change.
Thinking about same upgrade, G7 to G80, a real good camera on paper: better build, ibis, no olpf, nice photo and video. Now it's cheaper and you can buy a grip also on G80.
Yes, the G80 is a great example of the system and its capability. And at a fair price too.
@@DavidThorpeMFT trying to seek my g7 for a g80. There is a 200€ sale promotion till January. Which is the other olympus alternative around 500€ body? I like Panasonic menu and wifi app for remote control, are olympus good too? Alternative to 14-42 kit lens not too expensive? 🤓 Thanks
@@nerdMike i think the G80 is your best bet. Olympus have the E-M5ll but the G80 is more up to date and as good in mostcways and better in several. Olympus will probably be updating it soon.
Great review David! I just bought this to replace my Sony A7r and it's absolutely awesome.
Thanks Horace! The Sony is no slouch so that is praise indeed for the Panasonic.
Great review David. I'm amazed at how much I love the sound and feel of the magnetic shutter compared to my GH4.
It really is nice. I haven't overall much liked the sound of the (necessarily) triple action Micro Four Thirds shutters because they sound slightly indefinite to me as well as percussive. This does away with all that.
Excellent review! Gorgeous photos too!
Looking forward to seeing what the Lumix G5 will be able to do.
Thanks! Presuming you mean the GH5 :-) Yes, me too.
Yes GH5. And very much looking forward to seeing what you can do with it. Your photos with the GH4 show that you are the master of the micro 4/3.
😊
Thank you for another great video.
Merry Christmas David
and all the health & happiness for you & your family.
Glad you liked it - Merry Christmas to you and yours too.
This, or an OMD EM-5 mark ii - ugh i can't decide. Love your reviews!! Thanks for all your hard work!!
Thanks for that, Frederick! That is a hard decision between cameras to make. The Panasonic is better in focusing, the Olympus in stabilization, though the Panasonic matches it if you have a stabilized Panasonic lens. There's nothing in the performance of these cameras to make either one decisively better., though. The Panasonic has 4K video and all the 4K stills goodies, the Olympus has the high resolution facility.
Honestly, I'd decide on the feel of the cameras in my hands. For me that would be the Panasonic because I find the Olympus a bit too small ad cramped but there will be just as many who would prefer the Olympus to the 'too big' Panasonic. Good luck! :-)
thanks for this - I feel that the Olympus is a tad small, as well. Thanks again for all your videos and your response!!
Thanks for all your work this year David. I always look forward to your videos. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Enzo
Merry Christmas to you and yours too, Enzo. Luckily, I enjoy the videos and associated photography so much it never feels like work :-)
Good solid review David. I upgraded from the G6 up to the G80 and so far it is great for all the reasons you have mentioned. The only niggle is not having a headphone port so I can monitor audio whilst filming. I think someone suggested a workaround if you use a Zoom H1 microphone it has a headphone port so maybe you can plug headphones into that and monitor the audio-not sure, I will try it and see if it works. I have reviewed the G80 with samples on my channel if you are interested.
Thanks Steve! That would be an interesting workaround. I think Panasonic probably leave the headphone port off for marketing reasons. There have to be reasons to buy a GH4!
Outstanding review. Extremely thorough and detailed as usual. a review like this I'm guessing took weeks or even a month to put together, panasonic or actually micro 4 thirds manufacturers Owe you a debt. How they are to pay you that's another question lol. Respect
Thanks very much! Yes, you are right on the time factor. I use a camera until the review sort of writes itself. It takes time but it means the little things get noticed. The makers, well I suppose they could send me huge cheques and give me paid holidays to test their cameras. Maybe a yacht or two. But I'd probably settle for them answering my emails occasionally :-)
Hello David Sir... Hope you are doing absolutely great, I'm from Kolkata ( India ) and Professionally a Pharmacologist but in love with Streetphotography. Sir would you recommend Panasonic Lumix G85 for the purpose in 2022 ??? Need your guidance Sir 🙏
As always, another informative and entertaining review.
+Rich Castro Thanks Rich!
Thanks for the reply,
I wonder why I am getting blocked my end, maybe something on my PC. Would be nice for more options though. We tend to purchase via apple store now after having Kindle problems.
Apple are just too complicated to deal with for something with potentially low sales. Amazon and Kindle make it really easy to make a book. I can't understand why I can get it and you can't. I am using the Australian site in the UK, of course but there is no limitation on my part and I regularly get Australian sales. Have you contacted Amazon?
Awesome review!
Thank you!
You mentioned a flash sync via hotshoe at 3:41 in your video. Which one would you recommend?
I just use a cheapie - amzn.to/2ljbvVi (UK) or this one amzn.to/2kVzd6r (USA) would do the trick.
Excellent review David.
Thanks, Mike, much appreciated.
I love this design. Imagine this design with an APC-S sensor!!!!
I guess the camera would have to be bigger but yes, a thoughtful balance between functionality and complexity.
Fantastic and passionate review! Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
After using this new model now which do you prefer this one or the GX8?
Just wondering as the only thing I have negative about the GX8 is shutter shock, and most people do not seem to see it. Build wise there does not seem to be any failures like other Mu-43 brand(s). The GX8 seems to be rock solid apart from being not the most up to date and every camera has that problem soon after release.
Superb review David. Thank you
Another great review, David. Your reviews are always very deliberate and thorough.. I was hoping to get your input on a purchasing decision. I have owned the GX8 for about a year and a half now, and I've considered switching to the G85. The main reasons are for the improved IBIS, the video advantages (less crop, IBIS in 4K etc), as well as the new shutter.
The only thing that concerns me is the 16mp sensor vs the 20mp sensor in the GX8 (I crop from time to time). I've seen comments that with the removal of the AA filter in the G85 that there isn't a lot of difference in image quality between the G85 and the GX8. My question is - is this still relevant when it comes to cropping photos with both cameras? In other words, if I crop the same shot taken on both the GX8 and the G85, would the removal of the AA filter in the G85 still mean that the images would still look very similar in terms if image quality? Or would the GX8 still hold an advantage when it comes to cropping? I hope that made sense!
That's a hard question to answer because it would depend on the degree of cropping. Let's say you were cropping heavily to the subject and wanted to view on a 1920px width screen. The necessary heavy crop on the 16Mp might leave you with only 1300px width on your image. You'd need to upsample to get the 1920px which will certainly impinge on sharpness. On the other hand, the 20Mp image cropped may still leave you 1920px so you'd be using the native image with no quality loss at all. If both crops left you with more than 1920px width, the G85 would be better but...........
Actually, it's pretty theoretical. To my eyes, the difference between the AA filter or not is pretty marginal and in principle I'd prefer 20Mp with AA to 16Mp without. That's on the basis that the 20Mp is not at the expense of more noise which seems the case with the Micro Four Thirds cameras.
So, if you don't normally crop _heavily_, I'd say the G85 would be worth having. The factors you mention, particularly the better IBIS and shutter are very important. However, I'd muddy the waters even further by saying that the GX8 is such a nicely laid out camera with such a good EVF and I like the 'rangefinder' configuration so much that I'm confused too! But, overall, if the sensor size isn't crucial, it has to be said that the G85 is about the best all round Micro Four Thirds so far. Until the GX9? :-)
Just answered all my questions. . Great stuff. . Cheers
That's my intent! Glad you found it helpful, thanks.
Very tempted to swap out my 4 year old Oly E-M1 for the G80. I also want the new 100-300 or 100-400 with the dual IS which would be great! 16MP with no low pass filter will be more than enough for me. Is this a good idea?
The Olympus is a great camera and I'd say keep it except that the G80 really is such a great all rounder and will work so well with the lenses you mention that I'd be inclined to get it. The new shutter is really sweet and the stabilization excellent. And with the updates to the 100-300, it should be just as instantaneous in its focusing as I found the 100-400 to be. So, good idea, yes I reckon so.
In the past David you said you preferred the ergonomics of the Panasonic but I believe you switched to Olympus because of the inbody stabilisation on the EM1.
Now that Panasonic is so similar would you switch back to Panasonic? Or are you happy with a mixed system?
Because I review the cameras I have four or five at any one time so I never switched as such, I have always used both.Really I only know which I prefer by which one I pick up if I'm going out to take pictures. For me it's an instinctive rather than rational choice and at the moment falls squarely on the G80. I love the new shutter with its sweet whisper action, I like the stabilization and the easy to use menu. It's a very complete camera and handles beautifully.
I also have an Olympus E-M1 Mk2 and of there is action to be done, it would be foolish not to use it. I'm giving it a really thorough workout and it's a fine camera.
I'm in an enviable position with cameras but if I wasn't reviewing I'd have 2, a big one and a smaller one. I find the choice I have just gets in the way. Ideally they'd both be the same make so that there was some consistency in the control layout. The smaller one would be a GX80.
Hi David,
congratulation for getting finally the G80/85, and of course a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Great comprehensive review as always.
I had read the G80/85 instruction manual and was a bit confused regarding wireless flash. Could you tell me if the Metz 15 MS-1 works in wireless mode with the G80/85?
Thanks again for your great u-tube work
Hi Martin - thanks for the kind words. Yes, the Metz works seamlessly with the G80/85. Set the Flash menu to wireless operation, cover the G80's flash with the Metz mask and fire away with everything under TTL control.
Thanks David for your input regarding the wireless flash.
Great videos, one of my go-to sources for new camera gear. Seeking advice on something - how bad REALLY is the purple fringing on unedited OOB jpegs of Pany lenses on Oly bodies? I can't get a good sense of this and can't borrow lenses. I'm considering trading my EM10 Mark ii for the GX85 (sacrificing a bit of that Olympus image processing but picking up IS video). Though I really enjoy the handling and OOB jpegs of the Oly body, the Pany 12-32mm is looking like the ideal walkaround lens - decent price used and gives me that 12mm focal length.
Hi Jennifer - I've put a 100% pull of the corner from my 7-14mm Panasonic zoom showing the fringing at its worst, in a high contrast corner on a very wide angle lens. It'll dial out easily in Lightroom or most imaging software.
goo.gl/i8LDlR
The 12-32 is ridiculously small and gives you dual stabilization with the GX85, so yes, a great walk around lens. I'm very fond of the E-M10II - a hard call between those two. I'm gald you find the videoes helpful. Therer are so many good Micro Four Thirds cameras around now, I get myself confused!
Hi David,
What a nice review!! It ticks all the points: clear, interesting, and formative. Thank you very much. It made me considering upgrading mi gh3.... from strictly the stills quality, do you think is it worth? Thanks again.
Hi Ramiro - you won't see any dramatic improvement in image quality, its images will be a bit less noisy and a bit more contrasty, cleaner looking. The stabilization, new shock free and whisper quiet shutter and so on make it a worthwhile upgrade, though. So overall, yes, it is worth it.
Another great review, are we talking about C-AF on a par with my GX8,i struggle holding the GX8 without making un intentional button adjustments so would like to consider this camera.
The GX8 though is great for birds in flight.
Thanks! I didn't have any problems with the GX8 buttons but if you do the G80 might suit you better. I'd try one first though, to make sure. For BIF, I doubt there's any notice any difference at all in focusing performance. I love the GX8 - if it had the G80 shutter and stabilization there's be no way to choose between them than to see which one felt best - unless the 20Mp was crucial.
Just to let you know i took the plunge and changed my GX8 for the G80,it does BIF just as well and i feel its giving me sharper images with the 100-400.
Thanks
Panasonic focusing is superb generally but I found that the 100-400 was outstanding even in that context. I find the G80 hard to fault. It reminded me of the first time I picked up a GH3 and felt like I'd used one for years.
Review well worth the wait... Any thoughts on how this compares with the GH4? A little apples to oranges, I know, yet even so...?
+guyo68 I'd say the G80 is better in every way except for serious video photographers. An upcoming GH5 will redress the balance I expect and probably be a very serious video machine. But for stills the G80 is state of the art apart from not having the 20Mp sensor. I'm not bothered by that myself anyway. Glad you liked the review, thanks.
I just upgraded from my GH4 which I've used over the last 3 years. For photography, the G80/G85 is better in every way. I would say that the video quality on the G85 is comparable, but the GH4 has pro features not available on the G85: Variable Frame Rate (which includes slo-mo to 96fps in 1080p), VLOG and a headphone jack to monitor audio. The GH4 has some other nice settings like using shutter angles which I liked, but can work around. For my video use, I didn't use these extra features in practice, so I'm not missing anything with the G85. Of course the G85's IBIS is a big video improvement over the GH4 - something I'll definitely use. It looks like the GH5 will have even more pro features (dual cards, maybe slo-mo in 4K, etc). So unless you truly need pro video features, I believe the G85 is easily the best value for video and stills in the Lumix lineup.
Thanks a very good review, and I may go for a G80
Glad you liked it it - the G80 goes for some very reasonable prices now.
Great review once again David! I'm loving the G85. It's a great upgrade from my trusty G6. I still prefer the Olympus colour palette, however.
Thanks Lyndon! A lot of people prefer the Olympus jpg rendering. You can emulate it on the Panasonics, I'm told but I've never managed to get it exactly the same.
Another great video from you, Thorpe! BUT i still can't choose the path to go: The older GH4 or this camera. They are almost at the same price. The built in stabilization is a nice feature, even though I have had that on my Olympus m43's for quite a long time.
I will you the camera mainly for video - and I DO enjoy the headphone jack in the GH4 - but what else is better when recording videos on the older model?
Please, if you want to recommend me any camera with both good video and that also is nice for photography, what would you recommend?
Regards,
Fredrik
Thanks! If you can live without the headphone socket and 4K as opposed to UHD video, the G80/85 looks much the better bet with its stabilization and absence of low pass filter. The GH4 has some other video controls like master pedestal which is important for gardening but for most people (certainly me) the G80 is enough. I can't think of any better choice camera except maybe a G7 of you wanted to save some money.
It is a shame about the headphone socket though. A separate recorder would be the answer to that I suppose which could potentially up sound quality all round.
Hi David, do those little red straps clip on either side of the camera clip onto a bigger shoulder/neck strap? If so can you please provide the link to what it is. Lovely review by the way. Some of the misty scenes, the big tree, the antlers, were they photographed at Knole, Kent in the vast grounds of Knole House?
Hi Mike - glad you like the review. The clips are from Peak Design, an American company but you can get them on Amazon amzn.to/2FslpL0
You can either use their straps or your own but they make the strap easily removable either way. The park, no, it is Richmond Park but both that and Knole are very similar. I know Knowle well because I was brought up in Tunbridge Wells and we used to visit frequently.
Ah! Richmond Park yes, forgot about that. Thanks for the link to Amazon.
I love your videos David. A relaxed delivery and great timings to your edits.
But I don't like the 14-140 you often recommend.
I guess this is because I film more than take stills. But I found the IS on the 14-140 terrible. Skittish and twitchy.
And the low light ability is even worse than the f stop would suggest.
Then the focus ring is nasty, cheap feeling and devoid of any feeling. (Fly by wire is inconsistent and unpleasant often, but this one is a bad even for FBW)
But fair enough, it is sharp.
Thanks for the kind words. I bow to your experience with video so it handy that you add your experience to mine for people to read.
For stills, I'd rarely (if ever) use manual focus with a lens like this and the IBIS is good. I often remark that I really do need another lifetime so that I can get up to speed with 'proper' video.
David Thorpe I know that you cater to photographers more than videographers.
But I bet a lot of people will arrive at your videos because they bought a gh4 or gh3 for film work. And they want to learn more about m43 in general.
I got the 14-140 with my gh4 near it's release date. And yes I found it very lacking in the things filmmakers want.
But I can't Deny its huge range of FOV, plus it's lightweight and sharp as a tack.
But terrible for manual focusing a moving subject. And the IS isn't reliable at all for filming /run and gunning.
Thanks for your reply. I realize it's all just opinion. But I did give it a fair few months trail before realizing it easing up to the job for me.
Manual focus is not ideal with Micro Four Thirds lenses in general due to the greater depth of field afforded by the smaller sensor. And the 14-140mm being relatively slow doesn't help. I don't really use the stabilization for video since my stuff is mainly tripod mounted or, in my blues club, static.
I agree it is all opinion but in the end most things cannot be pinned down objectively so informed opinion is all we have. As an example, many photographers will reject a camera because of shutter shock. Because I'm aiming to take pictures for sale or professional use, I just don't need or care about ultimate sharpness. Sharp will do. Both parties are right - just different standpoints. I could try to pretend I know more about video than I do but it really wouldn't sit comfortably with me!
David Thorpe for sure. I'm not arguing at all. Just putting forward my findings with that lens.
Many people rate it so I realize I'm in minority.
And I'm comparing it to completely different lenses in terms of weight and price.
(After getting the canon 70-200mm f2.8 mk2 that one put the 14-140 completely in the shade)
Once you get used to how full frame pro lenses like sigma art and canon L lenses focus and handle it's hard to go back.
In terms of native lenses
I kept the nocticron 42.5mm f1.2 for portrait photos, and the Olympus 12mm f2 for a light wide option. But the rest of my m43 lenses have been replaced by bigger thug like FFs now.
I realize It does fight against one of the USP's of m43 system. But it's just the way I like to work.
But it is lovely to pop that 12mm and 42.5mm and my gh4 into a tiny bag and travel light now and again. :)
I didn't take any of what you said as arguing - just you putting an informed point of view. It's an interesting addition to my opinion and only serves to help us all.
The Micro Four Thirds system is there to be used in any way people want. If someone prefers to use bigger FF lenses or native pancake lenses, what's nice is that the cameras can handle them all. The more and more personal ways that people work the better in my book.
Great video David, as usual! I got the GX85 last week and love it. Is this cam newer than the GX85?
Yes, it came out a little later. Very similar innards but he GX85 is much more compact.
Thanks for the review, David. Very useful as usual. Could you say whether the G80's in-body stabilisation requires the focal length to be set manually when using the Olympus 40-150 zoom or does the Olympus communicate this data automatically like a native Panasonic lens? Thanks again.
I'm glad you find the reviews helpful - thanks! When you use an Olympus lens on Panasonic bodies or vice versa, everything is reported to the camera fully automatically. Micro Four Thirds is a standard, so anything bought for it will work in the same way regardless, Sigma, Metz, whatever. In fact you can even upgrade firmware on an Olympus lens via a Panasonic body and vice versa.
That's great. Cheers. I have the G80 and the only drawback is having to manually select the focal length for its IBIS to work properly after I change the zoom length on unstabilised zoom lenses like Sigma's 18-35 f1.8 or 70-200 f2.8 (both Canon fit with M43 adapters) etc. That system is somewhat impractical for live video work in particular. Apparently the otherwise ideal Panasonic 35-100 has inherent stabilisation issues (micro-jitter) that hurt it for video use. Pity. So I'm eyeing the Olympus lens range for more efficient workflows. Thanks for the info.
Thanks for the review. Are you aware of any L-bracket that works with the G85?
You're wellcome, Rogier. Three Legged Thing doan adjustable one but I don't know of any specifically made for the G85. amzn.to/2FP3Vsk (UK) amzn.to/2roZgc8 (USA)
Hi, David,
Great review, as usual, and thanks again for the hard work you do for us regular folk! I'm on the verge of buying this camera even tho I have the G7 (which I will keep), but decided to buy a second camera. Just wondering your opinion on something. I read that the mechanical shutter is able to use more of the sensor and gives better IQ than the electronic shutter. Do you find this to be true? I'm a little spoiled to the silence of the electronic shutter, and I rarely use flash so that's not really a factor for me.
Hope you had a great Christmas, and have a happy and prosperous New Year!
Hi Linda - nice to hear from you. Happy Christmas and New Year to you and yours too. I think some time ago the electronic shutter was prone to banding in low light but those days are gone. I can't tell any difference at all in comparison shots, though maybe scientific tests on test charts might show something . I doubt it, though. Anyway, most of us don't shoot test charts and the real world is very different.
The only minus points to the e-shutter that I can see are the usual ones of no, or restricted flash use and distortion of moving images. With the G80 I've been using the mechanical shutter since it is so smooth and quiet and has no limitations other than a lower fastest speed. I'm waffling here - there's no reason to use one or the other on the G80, just personal preference. On the G7 it avoids any possibility of shutter shock.
Thanks a bunch, David. That helps me to know that I'm not sacrificing IQ with the e-shutter since I do shoot a lot of 4k photo mode which, of course, defaults to the e-shutter to get 30 fps. I'm happy now. :-)
So does a weather sealed body still matter even when using lenses that are not weather sealed? (like the 14-140 II) IN other words does a non weather sealed lens compromise the weather sealing benefit of the body?
Not really. The question is whether you are willing to potentially let water ruin your gear (who is?). So any combination of camera body/ lens that included a non-sealed item makes that combination unusable in wet or dusty conditions.
Personally, I do everything to protect my gear from the weather, sealed or not. In casual use, keeping the camera under your jacket and just popping it out for a shot or two won't hurt it except under conditions where you probably couldn't take pictures anyway.
Hi David, great reviews. Need some advice on the AF on the G80, GX80 compared to the EM1 MK 1.
I use the EM1 with pany 35-100 2.8 to shoot my son's basketball games in low light. The EM1 seems to hunt or miss shots during the game, I'm in close and all but the AF is hard to control.
Do you think that the pany cameras would give me better AF during low light?
I presume that the high ISO detail is similar in these three cameras. I can't afford to go for the EM1 Mk2.
I just would like a bit better C AF than the EM1 offers at the moment.
Thanks.