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When it comes to photography, having a reliable camera is crucial. A good camera can help capture beautiful moments and precious memories. The Panasonic LUMIX G85 is a mirrorless camera that promises to deliver impressive features to help you take your photography to the next level. In this review, I will be sharing my personal experience with this camera and my overall thoughts on it.
I have been using the Panasonic LUMIX G85 for several months now, and I must say that it has exceeded my expectations. The camera is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for travel photography. The 12-60mm lens that comes with the camera is versatile and produces sharp and clear images. I have used this camera for both photography and videography, and it has performed exceptionally well in both areas.
One of the standout features of this camera is its 5-axis in-body dual image stabilization, which works well in low-light conditions and produces clear handheld shots. The camera also has an eye-level OLED live viewfinder and a 3-inch LCD display that adjusts for optimal viewing angles. Additionally, the camera can record 4K video, and the Lumix 4K photo and 4K post-focus features allow you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken.
The only drawback I have noticed is the battery life, which is not very impressive. However, this can be easily remedied by carrying an extra battery.
Fine Detail Performance
The Panasonic LUMIX G85 boasts a 16-megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter. This results in a near 10% boost in fine detail resolving power over existing 16-megapixel micro four thirds sensors. The camera also allows for color temperature settings between 2500 to 10000K in 100K increments, giving users more control over their images.
Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera
With a 12-60 millimeter lens, the Panasonic LUMIX G85 is a modern hybrid photography performance mirrorless camera that is nearly half the bulk of most DSLRs. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry around. The camera has a micro four thirds mount that is compatible with a wide range of lenses, giving users the flexibility to choose lenses that suit their needs.
Class Leading Dual Image Stabilization
The in-body 5-axis dual image stabilization of the Panasonic LUMIX G85 works in both photo and motion picture recording, including 4K video, to produce clear handheld shots even in low light conditions. The diopter adjustment ranges from minus-4.0 to plus-4.0 (dpt), making it easy to adjust for different users. This feature is a game-changer for videographers and photographers who need to capture steady shots on the go.
Live Viewfinder and Flip LCD Display
The Panasonic LUMIX G85 has an integrated eye-level OLED live viewfinder (2360K dots) and a rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) that adjust for optimal viewing angles to maximize viewing. This makes it easy for users to compose and view their shots in different lighting conditions. The flip LCD display is especially useful for vloggers and selfie-takers.
4K Video Capture
The Panasonic LUMIX G85 allows for 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive Lumix 4K photo and 4K Post Focus that allows users to record photos up to 30fps and set their desired focus points after the photo has been taken. This feature is great for capturing fast-moving subjects or when users are unsure of their focus points. The camera also has a regular-speed 4K video mode that is more than adequate for most videography needs.
Battery Life and Charger Behavior
While the Panasonic LUMIX G85 has a decent battery life, some users have reported odd behavior with the battery charger. One user reported that the charger started giving a blinking light, which could be temperature or dirty contact-related. After gently scrubbing the contacts on the charger and batteries, they got a solid green light like normal charging behavior. This could be a concern for users who need to record for extended periods, but there is not much searchable information on this issue.
Pros:
- Fine detail performance with a 16 megapixel micro four thirds sensor.
- Dual image stabilization for clear handheld shots, even in low light conditions.
- 4K video capture and Lumix 4K photo for high-quality video and photos.
Cons:
- Battery life is not amazing and may need an extra battery.
- High ISO/low light performance is lacking compared to APS-C or Full Frame sensors.
- Rubber on the camera’s grip may fall off over time and require repair.
Conclusion
Overall, I highly recommend the Panasonic LUMIX G85 to anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich mirrorless camera. The camera’s lightweight design, versatile lens, and impressive features make it a great choice for travel photography, videography, and everyday use. Despite the battery life being a drawback, the camera’s dual image stabilization, 4K video capabilities, and 4K photo and post-focus features more than make up for it.
Questions & Answers:
Question: Is the Panasonic LUMIX G85 good for beginners?
Answer: Yes, it is a great camera for beginners as it is feature-packed yet compact and easy to travel with.
Question: Can you use other lenses besides Panasonic lenses?
Answer: Yes, you can use other lenses, but you may lose the dual image stabilization and DFD technology if you use non-Panasonic lenses.
Question: What is the battery life like?
Answer: The battery life is okay, but it may not last very long and may require an extra battery for longer use.
