G85 overheating? record time? light sensitivity? stabilization?

I've never had overheating problems. I'm pretty sure I've recorded over an hour of 4k in direct sun on a hot day.

You don't need any special software to copy the video files off your card.

Quantum Target wrote:

Hello everyone,

I am considering purchase of the G85 and would like some input. Your time and attention are immensely appreciated. I did search for G85 content and find that with the exception of the questions put forth here , the body will do what I need. I have considered Panasonic HC-WXF1K and other camcorders like the AX53 4K Handycam but neither should perform better (on a technical basis) for this application. Doubtless there will be some areas where the camcorders will excel but most important, the G85 will beat the camcorders in terms of sensitivity - a key factor - and for other factors, hold its own and bring some tasty extras to the table. Am I wrong?

I looked at the E-M1 Mark II and M.Zukio digital ED 12-40 f2.8 Pro & ED 40-150 f2.8 Pro briefly. Clearly, a leap beyond in low light performance but probably triple the cost which puts it out of the running as are other Panasonic bodies if the G85 can get the job done. $1500.00 to $1800.00 for body and lens is doable and the G85 comes in below that - leaving room for cards and batteries and the possibility of faster or longer focal lenghts sooner if needed.

My primary use is for 4k recording of teaching. Sessions are planned not to exceed 1 hour approximately. Typical setting will be a room with a little better than average lighting and I hope, minimal to no supplementary lighting required. Other settings could be a church or hotel meeting room. Those are a real unknown. Some of them will be easy, some more challenging. The plan is to use, 2 G85s - each with the kit lens. Both will be provided with external battery power. A WIFI connection to the second camera will provide supervision, start, stop and focus. WIFI also means more power and heat of course. Initially, no projected powerpoints will be used so house lighting is assumed to be up. When / if we get to using projected powerpoints we will find faster lenses if the subdued lighting often needed becomes an issue. Can the G85 with kit lens reasonably be expected to perform well enough in this kind of setting? The same as everyone else, I would like optics like the M.Zukio digital ED 12-40 f2.8 Pro but anything like that is off the table unless required. If it is required, I need to re-run my selection with a higher target cost and see if other combos rise to viability.

Stabilizaton: There is a youtube video gives me concern. It compares the GH4 Lumix 14-140 with the A7s Canon 70-200. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQlAvRuTYIQ&list=WL&index=19 . In this test the cameras are stacked with the Lumix body in the preferred, more stable position closer to the tripod. There is a clear oscillation in the GH4 image. Since the GH4 body has no stabilization this must be the lens. Has anyone else seen this type of misbehavior in the G85 with the 14-140 or the kit lens? I know this is apples to apples but If I was to get a G4 as #2 or use this lens... I think I read something here about an issue but I am literally dreaming about this stuff and when awake I am awash with information to consider…

Heat: I considered the Sony A6500 but the reports of overheating when used at room temperatures still happening take it out of consideration. Better isn’t good enough for that issue! And yes any camera will overheat if abused. The problem is, the G85 manual mentions overheating in 4k modes specifically. This is a concern for me because my use case is extended 4K recording sessions. Not short takes or clips. I will not be recording outdoors where the camera would be in full sun or in 90F+ weather (would shade camera anyway in those cases). In all cases, the cameras will be in normal room temps - say below 75F with no external heat source impingement on camera. Also, since heating in the sensor raises the noise floor this may also have greater effect when dealing with less than optimal lighting - though I would think that the camera would shut down before noise would get that far out of hand. Your thoughts and experiences?

Record time and file handling: I am planning on using only the specified "UHS-I / UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)" cards large enough to fit a full session or 2. The standard will allow a single recording up to about 3 hours if the card is large enough. I am interested in hearing experiences working with such large files. Are there issues getting such large files off the cards seamlessly? I understand that the primary issue is the file system - FAT32 VS exFAT. Assuming the file system of the destination drive will support the file size, is there still a requirement to use Panasonic software to transfer 4K content from card to PC? I have re-formatted SDHC cards as exFAT in the past if memory serves and used them successfully - though never with this camera. Will the camera USE SDHC cards formatted exFAT? Releasing worms...

Developers and manufacturers often demonstrate lazy and needlessly regimented thinking (you are only allowed to 'create' the way we have imagined). That 'class' would check the card type when it is inserted and since the SDHC standard requires FAT32 they require the card be formatted this way - even though the standard does not exclude the ability to format with other file systems - like exFAT AND the camera contains the code to read and write the exFAT file system! I see this thinking with Panasonic and their attitude about 'modifications' to the way other cameras in their line work in terms of record time limitations. As I see it the only difference is in the 'mind' of the manufacturer (and possibly lawyers and politicians) between adjusting any control on the camera away from the factory default setting and removing "features" aka hobbles or adding capability. Canon has it right - the camera is yours. The camera isn't a camera without the firmware. Use it as you like. If you do something to render the camera inoperative like drop it or change firmware and it goes wrong, restoring the camera will not be covered by warranty. Anyway, this is why I have to ask.

[This next part may need to move to a separate thread but there is some relevance here at this stage I think.] As for work flow, I would like to use the free version of DaVinci Resolve on a Win 10 platform. The PC will probably be a 32G Hades Canyon with 2 512G NVMe, M.2 drives -1 OS, 1 scratch. And whatever works well enough for bulk store and render sink. I don't need to work with much more than 2.5 hours total 4K content at a time and will be doing not more than 1.5 hours of finished video per week. Any roadblocks or hazards to be aware of with the camera default / only 4K format? Anyone using DR with this camera? Are you dissatisfied with any aspects of the combination?

Thanks to all for your input.

Anon

1. Stabilization: The 14-140 V2 specifically had the issues you described when used on old, unstabilized bodies. The stabilization on that lens is actually very effective, but it had some minor problems in video. When paired with a stabilized body though, the dual IS on that lens should be superlative. Any problems with the stabilization of the lens is cancelled out by the stabilization on the body, and the total stabilization is better than either the lens or body can provide alone. Someone else mentioned the GX85, but I believe that body supports dual IS, while the G85 has dual IS 2, which is as good as it gets.

2. Panasonic bodies don't overheat. Period.

3. I've never heard of any problems with getting large files off the cards or requiring any special software. In fact, if the individual files are any bigger than 4GB, it'll be the first time I've ever seen it. I don't have the G85 specifically, but whenever I've recorded video with Panasonic cameras (or any other cameras), the files were always split into parts 4GB or less. If anything has changed, I'd be interested to hear about it.

I honestly didn't read everything you wrote, as the whole file system thing or getting files off a card has never been an issue. Just stick the card in the camera. Use in camera formatting for most reliable results. Record to your hearts content. Then stick the card in the SD card slot of your computer and copy them off or edit them directly on the card. Don't worry about the file system. It doesn't matter.

Be aware though that I believe the European version, the G80, might have a 30 minute record limit before you have to hit the record button again. I believe the G85, the US version, is unlimited.

Quantum Target wrote:

Record time and file handling: I am planning on using only the specified "UHS-I / UHS-II UHS Speed Class 3 (U3)" cards large enough to fit a full session or 2. The standard will allow a single recording up to about 3 hours if the card is large enough. I am interested in hearing experiences working with such large files. Are there issues getting such large files off the cards seamlessly? I understand that the primary issue is the file system - FAT32 VS exFAT. Assuming the file system of the destination drive will support the file size, is there still a requirement to use Panasonic software to transfer 4K content from card to PC?

No, and there never was.

I think you are overthinking this. Just let the camera format whatever card you put in it, and you'll be OK. 4K isn't even very demanding at 100Mb/s so I wouldn't waste money on "specified" cards. I now use Samsung Select 128GB microSDXC cards with zero issues - just make sure your card writes at the required speed and you are good to go. You don't need UHS-II, either.

Developers and manufacturers often demonstrate lazy and needlessly regimented thinking (you are only allowed to 'create' the way we have imagined). That 'class' would check the card type when it is inserted and since the SDHC standard requires FAT32 they require the card be formatted this way - even though the standard does not exclude the ability to format with other file systems - like exFAT AND the camera contains the code to read and write the exFAT file system! I see this thinking with Panasonic and their attitude about 'modifications' to the way other cameras in their line work in terms of record time limitations. As I see it the only difference is in the 'mind' of the manufacturer (and possibly lawyers and politicians) between adjusting any control on the camera away from the factory default setting and removing "features" aka hobbles or adding capability. Canon has it right - the camera is yours. The camera isn't a camera without the firmware. Use it as you like. If you do something to render the camera inoperative like drop it or change firmware and it goes wrong, restoring the camera will not be covered by warranty. Anyway, this is why I have to ask.

??

[This next part may need to move to a separate thread but there is some relevance here at this stage I think.] As for work flow, I would like to use the free version of DaVinci Resolve on a Win 10 platform. The PC will probably be a 32G Hades Canyon with 2 512G NVMe, M.2 drives -1 OS, 1 scratch. And whatever works well enough for bulk store and render sink. I don't need to work with much more than 2.5 hours total 4K content at a time and will be doing not more than 1.5 hours of finished video per week. Any roadblocks or hazards to be aware of with the camera default / only 4K format? Anyone using DR with this camera? Are you dissatisfied with any aspects of the combination?

I have no issues using the latest version 14 or Resolve with 4K video, on my laptop (unlike v12); I'm editing 4K video from the G7 generally.

And you could consider the G7 as your main camera - since you are tripod mounting it, you don't need stabilisation anyway, and the camera is very cheap. In fact, the Z-cam E1 would be absolutely ideal for you application. and it is even cheaper. There's probably people round here with one that don't know what to do with it, maybe they'll sell you theirs?

Also consider you are going to need an external power supply for longer recording times.

uncle dunc wrote:

I don't have the G85 specifically, but whenever I've recorded video with Panasonic cameras (or any other cameras), the files were always split into parts 4GB or less. If anything has changed, I'd be interested to hear about it.

The G7 (older camera) breaks up files into 4.26 GB sizes, the GX85 does not. The GX85 will write one long file, regardless of how long you're recording. I'm assuming the G85 would be the same, since it came after the GX85, and it's basically the same camera, but in a DSLR style body.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/panasonic-gx85/panasonic-gx85A.HTM

I believe you, but, when I look at this review on IR, they say that it's still split into 4GB files.

"Continuous sustained 4K video recording is unlimited for the NTSC-region model. The camera will continuously record videos until the file size reaches 4GB, at which point a new file will automatically be created, although playback will be seamless."

So, they're wrong? I don't have the GX85 either, so I can't say.

Edit: I do think you're right that the G85 and newer bodies no longer do the 4GB split.

Holistic Photog wrote:

1. Stabilization: The 14-140 V2 specifically had the issues you described when used on old, unstabilized bodies. The stabilization on that lens is actually very effective, but it had some minor problems in video. When paired with a stabilized body though, the dual IS on that lens should be superlative. Any problems with the stabilization of the lens is cancelled out by the stabilization on the body, and the total stabilization is better than either the lens or body can provide alone. Someone else mentioned the GX85, but I believe that body supports dual IS, while the G85 has dual IS 2, which is as good as it gets.

Ok, so this is good but kind of raises another question - suppose I would end up with a G7 as suggested by someone in this thread. No IBIS there so would this be an issue with the lens in question still?

2. Panasonic bodies don't overheat. Period.

As it ought to be - hate seeing weasle words (paragraphs actually) in the manual. I know if I drive a truck over the camera it might not work after. if I don't  you shouldn't think a paragraph in the manual will stop me from raising as large a stink as I can!

3. I've never heard of any problems with getting large files off the cards or requiring any special software. In fact, if the individual files are any bigger than 4GB, it'll be the first time I've ever seen it. I don't have the G85 specifically, but whenever I've recorded video with Panasonic cameras (or any other cameras), the files were always split into parts 4GB or less. If anything has changed, I'd be interested to hear about it.

see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xql4nqIU65Y

I think I have seen comments elsewhere that agree. This guy mentions problems with G7 not G85 but the possibility exists of inheriting such issues. Of concern are audio -I hadn't mentioned but a big deal - and dropped frames.

honestly didn't read everything you wrote, as the whole file system thing or getting files off a card has never been an issue. Just stick the card in the camera. Use in camera formatting for most reliable results. Record to your hearts content. Then stick the card in the SD card slot of your computer and copy them off or edit them directly on the card. Don't worry about the file system. It doesn't matter.

Be aware though that I believe the European version, the G80, might have a 30 minute record limit before you have to hit the record button again. I believe the G85, the US version, is unlimited.

I will be getting US version so the 4G limit should be a non-issue on exFAT formatted cards.

A

uncle dunc wrote:

I don't have the G85 specifically, but whenever I've recorded video with Panasonic cameras (or any other cameras), the files were always split into parts 4GB or less. If anything has changed, I'd be interested to hear about it.

The G7 (older camera) breaks up files into 4.26 GB sizes, the GX85 does not. The GX85 will write one long file, regardless of how long you're recording. I'm assuming the G85 would be the same, since it came after the GX85, and it's basically the same camera, but in a DSLR style body.

To all - your comments are much appreciated.

uncle dunc,

To be clear. I am looking at the G85 not the GX85.

I don't think you are exactly correct. No camera can write files larger than 4G to FAT32 formatted media. larger files can only be written to exFAT media. The software in the camera may  limit files to an arbitrary size smaller than the media format will support. Thisis the source of no small amount of confusion. It helps to eliminate ambiguity if you specify the actual media format used to support your assertion.

Anon

Quantum Target wrote:

Holistic Photog wrote:

1. Stabilization: The 14-140 V2 specifically had the issues you described when used on old, unstabilized bodies. The stabilization on that lens is actually very effective, but it had some minor problems in video. When paired with a stabilized body though, the dual IS on that lens should be superlative. Any problems with the stabilization of the lens is cancelled out by the stabilization on the body, and the total stabilization is better than either the lens or body can provide alone. Someone else mentioned the GX85, but I believe that body supports dual IS, while the G85 has dual IS 2, which is as good as it gets.

Ok, so this is good but kind of raises another question - suppose I would end up with a G7 as suggested by someone in this thread. No IBIS there so would this be an issue with the lens in question still?

Maybe. There was a guy here called Vesku who was relentless about "micro jitter" on the 14-140 mark II. You can search Vesku or "jitter" in relation to this lens and get everything you need to know.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/54459813

I don't think he talks about this much anymore though because he probably upgraded bodies.

I'll add that the 14-140 II is great for stills on any body, as the OIS is very effective on every body for that.

Panasonic makes a lot of lenses that aren't affected much (or at all) by jitter. For instance, the 14-140 mark I and the 100-300 mark I appear immune. I've never heard anything, good or bad, about the 100-300 mark II. It appears Mega OIS lenses and some (or many) Power OIS lenses are immune. The problem appears limited to a subset of Power OIS lenses on unstabilized bodies (in video mode only). It appears the 14-140 II is susceptible. I don't know if it's every copy of the lens or just some.

My advice would be to get an IBIS body if you want to use that lens for video. And note that  older IBIS bodies, like the GX7/GX8 had IBIS, but not video IBIS. Make sure it's 5-axis IBIS.

I will note however that you would do yourself a disservice if you need an all-purpose lens for stills and you don't get the 14-140 II. It's probably the sharpest superzoom lens EVER made for an interchangeable lens camera. Most of these lenses lose some quality at the long end. This one doesn't. Don't let this one issue dissuade you, as this lens is an optical marvel. There's really nothing else like it.

2. Panasonic bodies don't overheat. Period.

As it ought to be - hate seeing weasle words (paragraphs actually) in the manual. I know if I drive a truck over the camera it might not work after. if I don't you shouldn't think a paragraph in the manual will stop me from raising as large a stink as I can!

3. I've never heard of any problems with getting large files off the cards or requiring any special software. In fact, if the individual files are any bigger than 4GB, it'll be the first time I've ever seen it. I don't have the G85 specifically, but whenever I've recorded video with Panasonic cameras (or any other cameras), the files were always split into parts 4GB or less. If anything has changed, I'd be interested to hear about it.

see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xql4nqIU65Y

I think I have seen comments elsewhere that agree. This guy mentions problems with G7 not G85 but the possibility exists of inheriting such issues. Of concern are audio -I hadn't mentioned but a big deal - and dropped frames.

honestly didn't read everything you wrote, as the whole file system thing or getting files off a card has never been an issue. Just stick the card in the camera. Use in camera formatting for most reliable results. Record to your hearts content. Then stick the card in the SD card slot of your computer and copy them off or edit them directly on the card. Don't worry about the file system. It doesn't matter.

Be aware though that I believe the European version, the G80, might have a 30 minute record limit before you have to hit the record button again. I believe the G85, the US version, is unlimited.

I will be getting US version so the 4G limit should be a non-issue on exFAT formatted cards.

A

pannumon wrote:

Quantum Target wrote:

Holistic Photog wrote:

see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xql4nqIU65Y

I think I have seen comments elsewhere that agree. This guy mentions problems with G7 not G85 but the possibility exists of inheriting such issues. Of concern are audio -I hadn't mentioned but a big deal - and dropped frames.

I watched the video. About his points:

1. Audio: no comments

2. 4Gb file limit. Is it really a problem if you lose 1-2 frames in an 1 hour video? I can see that it can be annoying if you want externally recorded audio to be synced exactly, but in reality I cannot see this as a problem. If you don't plan to do post-processing, is it a problem to share the video in two parts?

3. 30min limit. Because EU taxation, this can be an issue. Personally, I would not have paid 100-200€ more for this camera to have no 30min limit.

4. Video AF. I think I'm the only person saying this, but it's a big step back from the good old GH1. I started a thread about this about a week ago. Still, this is not an issue after you have learned how the camera works.

5. Quality control. Panasonic has one of the best quality control of any camera manufacturers. That being said, there can be issues with the dials. Still, it's nothing compared to the problems related to Olympus cameras. On the other hand, Olympus repair service seems to be superior compared to Panasonic, but it also depends where you live.

Be aware though that I believe the European version, the G80, might have a 30 minute record limit before you have to hit the record button again. I believe the G85, the US version, is unlimited.

I will be getting US version so the 4G limit should be a non-issue on exFAT formatted cards.

Just to confirm, 4Gb limit has nothing to do with the 30min limit.

Just to second that. The old bodies would split the clips into 4GB chunks regardless of file system. I believe that on the older bodies, even if they accepted exFAT formatting and did unlimited recording, would still split the clips into 4GB chunks. However, I don't fully agree with the guy in the video. When I used AVCHD recording, I never lost a single frame between the clips. It was always completely seamless. MP4 may be different though.

It seems like the newer bodies (e.g. GX85 and G85) no longer do the 4GB split (but rather one long continuous clip), whether they have a 30 minute limit or not. So, again, the 30 minute limit on some European bodies has nothing to do with the old 4GB split.

Some additional thoughts:

Why do you need image stabilization? Will the camera stay on tripod or will there be additional person(s) taking the video?

If you want easy workflow, just shoot 1080p. Do you have experience about lighting, and are there resources for setting it properly? If the lighting is not good, the video will look mediocre at best even when shot at 4k.

Have you considered getting few large-aperture primes instead of the kit lenses? Kit-lenses are slow (aperture-wise), and you need all the possible light to the sensor when shooting indoors (unless you set up additional lighting). I mean lenses like Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, Panasonic 25mm f/1.7, Sigma 30mm f/1.4, Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7, Sigma 60mm f/2.8... These are all affordable.

I want to also mention that I have a feeling the OP may misunderstand the "jitter" issue. It completely disappears if you turn off the OIS. In other words, an OIS lens is ALWAYS more stable than an unstabilized lens. Even with any jitter, the footage is ALWAYS more stable than it would be if you turned off the OIS. But you'll now lose the benefit of the stabilization. You can just turn off the OIS on an unstabilized body and any jitter will disappear, but the actual shaking will be worse than the original jitter that you had with OIS. The actual shaking is due to handshake or wind, and the jitter is simply due to the fact that the OIS is not sufficient to counteract the shaking.

In other words, if the OP is thinking of getting a lens like the 14-150 without any stabilization to make the jitter go away, then that's a fundamental misunderstanding of the issue.

In the YouTube video, the reason the camera is shaking on the tripod is due to the wind and the fact that the stabilization is not sufficient to counteract it (if it's even on). It's not due to the lens itself but due to the wind. An unstabilized lens would perform no better here.

hindesite wrote:

is there still a requirement to use Panasonic software to transfer 4K content from card to PC?

No, and there never was.

I didn't put that well. I was concerned about stitching files together where there was a 4g limit - usually from the media format when it is FAT32.

I think you are overthinking this. Just let the camera format whatever card you put in it, and you'll be OK.

On file sizes: The formatting of the card will or ought to be the final deciding factor that controls whether or not the recording is broken up at the 4G size. If you are not formatting cards exFAT - the camera probably won't for SDHC - you will have 4G chunks. If you are using SDXC and the camera formats, you should never see 'chunked' video I expect. I am trying to confirm that the camera will use file system file size limit - except EURO models where avoiding a tax is the deciding factor (see “grumbling” above). This line of inquiry is driven by reports of inconsistencies with the 'chunking' process - occasional dropped frames - a complication I don't need! Still not clear about how rigid the firmware is in terms of what it will accept for formatting on a given card. Will it accept a validly formatted card and write to the card based on the limitations of the file system format or does it ‘know better’ and protest or use small files because the card is an “H” instead of an “X” and ignore the fact that the valid exFAT format will permit files greater than 4G.

4K isn't even very demanding at 100Mb/s so I wouldn't waste money on "specified" cards. I now use Samsung Select 128GB microSDXC cards with zero issues - just make sure your card writes at the required speed and you are good to go. You don't need UHS-II, either.

On speed: I get that write speed is key. Some cards will/may not write at the 100Mbs rate and still be usable because of a combination of a deep buffer in camera, a card that writes just under the 'required' speed and the user not needing a record duration that doesn't overwhelm the combination of the two. It bears mentioning, though likely only the newest among us might not be aware, that sustained write speed is what videography requires and that the card manufacturer or seller will not necessarily give this number but the easier to achieve burst speed. Also careful attention to Bvsb. Even the most seasoned have little slips on that one occasionally. Familiarity with the related standards and a good sense of the ‘why’ for those standards as well as a bit of wariness serves well to avoid buying memory that won't meet your needs - and to be fair - wasting money on over spec’d cards. There is another speed factor that bears consideration. Read performance for transfer into my edit system. Here, my reader will be able to max out the fastest cards available ATM. Having a faster card than needed by the camera still has some benefit. I am going to run some numbers on this before buying but for me, less time spent waiting for transfers is worth some coin.

I have no issues using the latest version 14 or Resolve with 4K video, on my laptop (unlike v12); I'm editing 4K video from the G7 generally.

And you could consider the G7 as your main camera

As I mentioned, the session length is planned to be about 1 hour. The G7 is off the table because: "Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] in [4K] is 29 minutes 59 seconds." this is still up on the Panasonic web site. Any system that limits 4K uninterrupted record time to less than 1 hour won't receive further consideration. I am ok with 3+ hour file size if that were to require a hard break (it shouldn't) but even at that I expect the record time to be limited only by the maximum supported card size. As far as I can tell the G85 doesn't even meet baseline 1 hour requirement. From website:

" Continuous recordable time (Motion picture): MP4 [4K/30p]: Approx. 90 min with H-FS12060"

and

"Actual recordable time (Motion picture): MP4 [4K/30p]: Approx. 45 min with H-FS12060"

BAH!!! The most unhelpful set of specifications EVER!  And why on earth does the lens need to be specified!!!!

I just noticed this ACTUAL LIMIT! HELP!

... you don't need stabilisation anyway, and the camera is very cheap. In fact, the Z-cam E1 would be absolutely ideal for you application. and it is even cheaper. There's probably people round here with one that don't know what to do with it, maybe they'll sell you theirs?

True, I don't need stabilization for the specified use case but I don't want to limit myself for other applications too much either. As for the Z-cam It may work but is significantly reduced in capability and will require purchase of lens. Assuming I use the same kit lens, the overall cost will be similar and I loose lots of capability and have to deal with a reduction in picture quality - not a lot but some. I could buy lens for less - esp. used but I think I need some zoom for flexibility right out of the box.

Also consider you are going to need an external power supply for longer recording times.

I did mention this was in my plan.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Anon

Quantum Target wrote:

As I mentioned, the session length is planned to be about 1 hour. The G7 is off the table because: "Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] in [4K] is 29 minutes 59 seconds." this is still up on the Panasonic web site.

Mine does unlimited recording in 4K.

Any system that limits 4K uninterrupted record time to less than 1 hour won't receive further consideration. I am ok with 3+ hour file size if that were to require a hard break (it shouldn't) but even at that I expect the record time to be limited only by the maximum supported card size. As far as I can tell the G85 doesn't even meet baseline 1 hour requirement. From website:

" Continuous recordable time (Motion picture): MP4 [4K/30p]: Approx. 90 min with H-FS12060"

and

"Actual recordable time (Motion picture): MP4 [4K/30p]: Approx. 45 min with H-FS12060"

BAH!!! The most unhelpful set of specifications EVER! And why on earth does the lens need to be specified!!!!

Because the lens uses power.

The limit they are referring to here is the limit imposed by the battery.  Since you are using external power you won't to need consider this limit.

Elmokki wrote:

hindesite wrote:

Quantum Target wrote:

As I mentioned, the session length is planned to be about 1 hour. The G7 is off the table because: "Maximum time to record motion pictures continuously with [MP4] in [4K] is 29 minutes 59 seconds." this is still up on the Panasonic web site.

Mine does unlimited recording in 4K.

The 29 minutes 59 seconds is an European taxation thing. As far as I have understood EU imposes extra tolls on video cameras and anything recording 30min or more is taxed extra. Due to this digital camera manufacturers limit the recording, at least on cameras sold in Europe. This may be part of the reason why G85 is also G80 and G81 and GX85 is also GX80.

You can change GX80 at least to think it was not sold in Europe. It changes the framerate settings for video and assumedly the max recording time too. I have not tried this as it needs some esoteric key combinations and I have had no need for it either.

That is essentially correct - mine is the PAL version and although not "European" did have limitations (including the braindead choice of 24fps or 25fps for recording rate).

The key combination is hardly esoteric and is performed in a few seconds, and there are no downsides to using the camera in this state. This allows people with these cameras to match the output from action cams and phones, so most people would find this useful if they do any video at all, though I think many would not realise this was possible.