Panasonic Lumix GX85: My Favorite Micro Four Thirds Camera in 2023?

[@Sven-R]

Very important about Noise: It is always better to shoot at high ISO rather than to underexpose to get a lower ISO. When pulling up the exposure in post processing, you get even more noise. Why is that so? Noise is not the result of ISO, it's because of the lack of light. Underexposing therefore has the same issue than high ISO: The signal to noise ratio is too low. With a higher ISO the camera tries to get the most out of it, and it's better doing it than trying to uplift the exposure in post. Also: Don’t think you can’t shoot in high ISO. It's better to have a noisy image than to have no image at all. As you mentioned, noise can be dealt with in post.

[@Gary_W]

Definitely agree!

[@dogblessamerica]

On the other hand it's better to have underexposed parts of the image than blown highlights that can't be retrieved at all. The new AI noise reduction in Lightroom is worth mentioning, it can make an ISO 800 image look like 100 while seemingly ADDING detail.

[@awksedgreep]

I have many cameras and I’m still very much in love with my GX85 after years of use.

[@vermis8344]

My first interchangeable lens camera. I actually resented it for a while. Now I love it.

[@Gary_W]

Good to hear now you love the GX85!

[@RoderickJMacdonald]

You, Gary, are the latest and greatest. :-)

[@Gary_W]

Thank you Roderick, I don't deserve that title yet, I do still have so much to learn!

[@Gmogli]

Just picked up this camera used yesterday.... the mojo factor is strong with this one!!!

[@laurentyarp514]

My mojo camera is the GX9. I like going out with this camera. I think this is because this is my leisure camera ;) Same complaints here about the limitations of the GX9. It's quite logic since it is a more recent interation of the FX85. As for the EVF issue, I purchased the Panasonic extended eyecup for GX9 and it makes using the EVF just great: clear view event in bright sunlight, very comfortable to the eye, and a great support point to stabilize the camera even more. It would be great if Panasonic provide a GX9 II with PDAF one day. No hurry, just saying :)

[@AbhishekDey90]

Love your Seiko GMT

[@TheNaught1]

I miss my GX85... often. Its operation made sense, usually. My nose didn't change the AF target. It slid in and out of the bag easier. Dual IS gave more stable handheld video. Don't miss deleting all the missed-focus shots or just missing the shot for lack of focus (but I shoot moving things a lot). EM5.3/OM5 is its closest cousin.

[@Gary_W]

It truly is a nice camera. The specs don't look too impressive in 2023, but the real world usage experience is still very good!

[@timothydrake1030]

Favorite camera is the Ebony 45, and 2nd favorite is the Pentax 67II.

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing!

[@TonyTony-gj8to]

Great content Gary! Very timely as I am currently looking for a backup for my main camera.

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for the kind words! Cheers!

[@ahojahojish]

Still a great camera today especially for walk around street photo. It does all you need it to do. I own the gx85 and a G9 and if I didnt tell you, you wouldnt be able to recognize which photo is taken with which camera.

[@Gary_W]

Agree 100%, it just works and the real world usage experience of the GX85 is just very nice!

[@LesFilmsduRegard]

I agree with you. He's been my favorite "Pet" since the beginning, along with the Leica 15mm... ...However, it lacks a microphone or headphone connection...

[@Gary_W]

Thanks for sharing! Yes, it would be great if the successor to this camera would include mic input and flipping screen!

[@marcodevonphoto]

5:49 where was the shot of the volcano taken? Thanks for sharing your review of the camera.

[@Gary_W]

@@marcodevonphoto it was Labuan Bajo, Indonesia 😁

[@martingreenberg870]

Thank you for this video. I have the GX85. I agree with what you say. The only thing I disagree with you is I bought the black body. The small size and lightweight make it ideal for street photography. These bodies shine with the small primes. I bought the Panasonic 12-60mm zoom and love the focal length and dual IS. I like this small zoom more than the other kit zooms 12-32 and 12-42mm lenses. One thing you didn’t mention is that the GX bodies are miniature GH bodies. As a result, the GX bodies have a lot of video features. The video from these cameras are unexpectedly good. They are good for B roll. I use my camera for short video clips. The battery issue is true for all small mirrorless bodies. They all have small batteries to power their bodies. Mirrorless bodies are consuming more power than their DSLR cousins. Solution for all small mirrorless bodies: buy more bodies. I use Wasbi. The batteries are inexpensive and and light. Bring one or two in your pocket or bag and life is good. The EVF is OK. It does it’s job. Some small bodies lack an EVF. The EVF on the GX bodies is far better than no EVF. I bought the GX9 after owning the GX85 for a while. It is incrementally better. Probably not worth the extra money if you already have the GX85. When looking at both bodies I would choose the GX 85 over the GX9. The feature I love on the GX9 the most is the L monochrome D jpeg B&W from the G9. My favorite B&W simulation of any camera I own. You are right about the IBIS. Very effective. The ability to use the IS from other other Panasonic lenses for dual IS is very handy. The autofocus for single shots is very effective. Panasonic spent a lot of effort developing depth from defocus (DFD). There is no phase detection so for continuous and video focus these bodies aren’t very sticky. We all want PDAF on the next GX iteration. The same for weather sealing. One feature I wish the GX85/9 had is an audio in jac. Even a 2.5mm jac would be a large improvement. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing Marty, the GX cameras are definitely very capable for both stills and video. I really think they are underrated.

[@NanookFieryArcticSkyy]

Yep my My four-thirds go to is Olympus E1 from 2003.

[@gordon3988]

Thanks Gary. I found a new one with the two kits lenses (12-32 and 45-150) for about $600 or a used almost new one for $400, but to pick up the lens I would prefer (14-140 II) is another $400. Too many choices! The 14-140 about half that if the older version. Now I have to decide!

[@Gary_W]

I think you will benefit from this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3nTmJl8jM94nqs hope this helps!

[@aiseurnae5976]

I owned almost all consumers Panasonic cameras, from the GH2 to the S5II. The GX85 is one of their best cameras. Why ? Because of the size and image quality, the video is not so much cropped in 4K compared to the GX9 and the video engine is great. The GH6 and the S5II have great colors, great IBIS, great AF (for the S5II only) but both have a new engine and the rendering is not as good as before.

[@Mo2008di]

What about OM System 5 ? It has PDAF ….but OM not good in video

[@aiseurnae5976]

@@Mo2008di I don"t use Olympus cameras, but the video quality doesn't look good to me.

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing, the GX85 definitely is still an impressive camera even for 2023 standard.

[@Mo2008di]

I’m planning to buy this camera or the successor GX9…..but olympus OM-5 is tempting also especially it has a PDAF,IBIS,High Res Mod & more

[@LesFilmsduRegard]

Buy the GX80. The small difference doesn't justify the price difference...

[@abchappell01]

That was a wonderful video presentation, Gary. I enjoyed it very much. Have you ever considered using the Panasonic GX9 camera? It seems to be very similar to the GX85.

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for the kind words! I do consider the GX9 before buying the GX85, but I prefer the GX85 because it's not as expensive, and the smaller megapixel actually is better for me as I don't need ultra high resolution. Hope this helps!

[@ДмитрийМарьянович]

I use GM1 & Olympus 25 F1.8. It's good enough for me.

[@Lepewhi]

My favorite camera is the Panasonic GX9(silver version). I like the retro rangefinder look.

[@Gary_W]

Nice! GX9 is definitely a beautiful camera!

[@fabiovillelaoficial]

I have both the LX100 and the GX85... I really like both... the value for money of the micro 4/3 is incredible... the optical quality of my 45-150 is the same as my expensive and heavy Canon 70-200 2.8 IS II. .. at ISO 6400 I see no difference with my canon SL2 which has a larger sensor.

[@Gary_W]

Good to hear! Thank you for sharing 😁😁

[@Oske.images]

I bought my GX80 (UK equivalent.) in 2017. It's handy for video. (The pancake kit lens with stabilisation gives added stabilisation.) But my favourite lens to use is the Leica summilux F1.7 15mm. (30mm equivalent.) Great for street.. It's still my go to camera to take out.. I have a Full frame Canon digital SLR, but it's only ever used for night photography with tripod.. I've found if batteries aren't old, they last really well..

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing 😁

[@pavlispetros]

Can we also have a review on these Fender guitars behind you?? (Great review!)

[@Gary_W]

Coming in the future 😊 those are standard Stratocasters, but one is made in Mexico, the other made in Japan, and the other made in US. I bought a custom guitar a couple of years ago with some specs combined from those Strats, plus a 24 fret neck, and now it's my main guitar.

[@pavlispetros]

@@Gary_W love them all

[@paulhan6309]

what lens do you recommand for this camera? I'll use it for architectural and street photography

[@Gary_W]

I suggest you check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIClaH1_prSNbrs Hopefully that could help

[@scotthansenmtbt4110]

I own a GX9, 2 GX85’s, LX10’s and LX100’s etc etc…..I agree, I love my GX85’s over the rest….can’t explain it either….maybe I think the 16mp has more of a film look than my GX9 🤷‍♂️….it’s easy to use, and yes if I could only own one, it would be the GX85, I love the look of my images!!!!!!!

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing 😁

[@elzafir]

Hey, Gary. Does the Indonesian version of GX85 has unlimited recording? If so, in which format (AVCHD/MP4) and in which resolution? I heard conflicting information about this. Thanks.

[@Gary_W]

Yes it does have unlimited recording, but the file will be divided into 30 minutes separate files. So for example you recorded a 1 hour 15 minute long video, then you will have two 30 minutes files and one 15 minutes file, but they are continuous. I have only tried in 1080 AVCHD, I haven't tried it in MP4 or in 4K. Hope this helps!

[@i1v1o]

Nice review, I am interested in the Olympus 12-100mm Pro for my GX80 camera, but I don't know whether the lens works well and is suitable for the GX80

[@Gary_W]

It does work with the GX80, should be no problem. Cheers!

[@i1v1o]

Thanks super 🙂

[@daniellesanders9677]

would you still prefer this over Gx7?

[@Gary_W]

This is an upgrade to the GX7, especially with the IBIS.

[@lloydbligh5601]

Nice looking photos. I don’t care for the cropping method on the Olympus cameras are the Panasonic the same or are they like the Nikon method? Because of this I’m looking to sell my Olympus camera but keep my lenses.

[@Gary_W]

Thank you. Yes both Olympus and Panasonic have the same 2x crop factor.

[@Hazel-xk7zi]

gx85 yang coklat gampang kena bercak2 gak ya ?

[@Gary_W]

Aman kak tidak mudah kotor, mudah dibersihkan pakai tissue atau kain kering juga

[@JohnDoe-zw5jr]

How this cam compare to em10 ii?

[@Gary_W]

Very similar, just a different form factor. GX85 is more capable as a hybrid photo + video camera, I believe EM10II is more still oriented although it can do video too.

[@dylantkl]

@Gary Do you think Lx100 worth the buy? I really love your video about Gx85, making me rethinking about my decision to get Lx100. I am really seriously thinking of getting the Gx85 since it is much more affordable now. The only set back to me I see is the Lens. Keen to know your thoughts

[@Gary_W]

LX100 vs GX85 would be down to preference. Nowadays I am more inclined to choose GX85 because the ability to change lens, and the IBIS which helps tremendously especially for recording video. But I do still use my LX100 regularly too if I just want a camera that's ready at all times with a built in lens for all the necessary focal lengths.

[@Cr7randomshorts]

Gx85 or Olympus m1markii ? I am torn btween these two 😭

[@Gary_W]

Really depends on what you need. If you need to have a more rugged camera with solid features, go with the EM1ii. If you just need something simple and effective, go with the GX85.

[@syahirakbar]

OM or Lumix?

[@JAALMARZA]

I have the OM1 for some jobs, but i prefer many times my GX8 in my free time. Greetings from Spain! 👍🏼

[@Gary_W]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jupiterman7]

I love the size of the gx85 but prefer my em5 mk III more in every way except the menu system and miss the dual ibis with my Panasonic lenses...

[@jupiterman7]

I will say though I do like the look of your GX85 mine's all black and every time I see your camera I think that is a nice looking camera

[@Mo2008di]

I’m thinking about both hehehe I lean to em5miii …but do you think the video quality of olympus and colors better than lumix ?

[@jupiterman7]

@@Mo2008di I mostly use them for photography and time lapse although for time lapse the the Lumix has 9999 shots vs oly 999 shots.... the autofocus is definitely better on the Oly for video. Color wise I don't think they are that different but I mostly use my gh5ii for video... so I guess I prefer my gh5 for video except blog style where the Oly has PDAF and of course the rotating screen...

[@erics670]

do you wear a neck strap?

[@Gary_W]

I used to but nowadays I don't use neck strap as much. I prefer a sling bag that's easy to open and close to carry my cameras.

[@YannickKhong]

Vs Olympus?

[@Gary_W]

Not really apple to apple. I always think of Panasonic as more of a hybrid stills and video camera, and Olympus more of a stills camera with a bit of video functions.

[@rsg7221]

I will never sell my GX85/80. The system is so cheap. I am never afraid of damaging my gear. I have the A7C II, but that system is just too expensive for travelling.

[@Gary_W]

Thanks for sharing! 😁

[@littledevil971]

The flash on my camera doesn't work. What to do when I press Close the shutter halfway to focus and the flash indicator will glow red. Try turning off silent mode.