G85: My first field testing result (image heavy)

G85 is not a new model anyway, but as it still has a lot of features/capability very close to its successor, and in the light of the current cost advantage over its successor (very similar to the GX85 when GX9 was launched), I suppose there might still have certain interest on it. I wish this might give some idea on how this camera will perform on day to day real life shooting by an amateur.

An early feeling on this camera was at: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/63025800 comparing with GX85, certain early feeling over it as well as how I had primarily set it up.

Have just finished my examination on the first batch of field testing of this camera and IMHO:

M-shutter is really very good, improved from GX85 and much better than all older Pannys I used (GX1, GX7). I could find softness when shooting 14-140 f/3.5-5.6 on m-shutter of GX85 (might be because of shutter shock), the problem should have been eliminated completely on G85. The EFCS of G85 which can support upto 1/2000" is of course an improvement over GX85, but as per the solid performance of the m-shutter, it has no need to put into serious use yet.

Sharpness is in line with my expectation on GX85 because of getting rid of the AA filter. Quite noticeable sharper SOOC jpg than GX7. Moire has yet to be seen since GX85, so as on G85. Might be I am more tolerance than those who prefer AA filter sensor.

Highlight overblown vs zebra (105%) test suggested that there is likely a room of around 2/3ev ~ 1ev (from the setting at the edge of no zebra) before highlight area having zebra covered will actually overblown.

The 1st of the followings consequence was taken on the edge of zebra appeared, +1/3ev every shot after it until the shot that highlight alert actually blinks on review. Posted the 1st shot (no zebra at all), the last but one (+1ev from the first shot of the sequence which has no highlight alert on in-camera playback) and the last (+1.33ev and has highlight alert appears on in-camera playback):

#1 No zebra

#4 of the sequence, +1ev from #1, no highlight alert on in-camera playback

#5 of the sequence, +1.33ev from #1, highlight alert on in-camera playback

I still prefer the vivid mode (all parameters at default including NR=0) for non portrait shots, have iDynamic and iResolution at standard.

Highlight/Shadow been as interest to use as that of GX85.

However, the in-camera HDR should better use with tripod because its auto alignment has not much improvement from GX85.

A few samples from the field testing (not for contest of any kind please):

High/Shadow (similar to GX7/85):

Right: used a custom H/S of -2 (highlight), +4 (shadow), similar to a HDR flaterning effect by single shot

In-camera HDR (3 shots of 1ev per step) handheld (a failure on auto alignment IMHO, similar to that of GX7 or GX85):

It was a sunny, basically no wind at all, very soft output

A single shot of the above:

Normal shootings:

12-35 f/2.8 @17mm, A, 1/320", f/5.6, -0.66ev, ISO 200, m-shutter

Some miracle performance (to me) from 45-200 wide open on that day:

45-200 @200mm, A, 1/1000", f/6.3, 0ev, ISO 200, m-shutter

45-200 @136mm, A, 1/640", f/6.3, -0.66ev, ISO 200, m-shutter

Basically shutter shock on m-shutter of 14-140 be eliminated on G85:

14-140 @140mm, A, 1/640", f/5.6, ISO 200, m-shutter

14-140 @140mm, A, 1/800", f/5.6, -1ev, ISO 200, m-shutter

14-140 @140mm, A, 1/320", f/5.6, ISO400, m-shutter

14-140 @46mm, A, 1/100", f/4.9, -1.33ev, ISO 500, m-shutter

Interestingly G85 on ISO 2000 is not that bad (it could be better on more careful exposure setting):

14-140 @140mm, A, 1/320", f/5.6, +1.66ev, ISO 2000, m-shutter

Also found CAF on 4K video is very usable, will post a sample later.

Quite happy with this camera until now. Thank you for reading.

Go in a churche and use m-shutter, aks some one to stand 5m away, the g85 is much less a "klik" noise then former shutters.

I use m-shutter , infact auto select, also in nature and you see some reaction sometimes but no running away.

😁

spike29 wrote:

Go in a churche and use m-shutter, aks some one to stand 5m away, the g85 is much less a "klik" noise then former shutters.

I use m-shutter , infact auto select, also in nature and you see some reaction sometimes but no running away.

😁

Shall do whenever I have a chance.

However, when I shot with GX7/GX85 in my previous trips (just returned from Holy Land) using e-shutter, I used a low volume AF confirmation beep and artificial shutter sound as well that gave me no trouble so far. I think the e-shutter sounds of GX7/85 should be similar to that of the m-shutter of G85 .

Thank you for your head up on this.

alcelc wrote:

spike29 wrote:

Go in a churche and use m-shutter, aks some one to stand 5m away, the g85 is much less a "klik" noise then former shutters.

I use m-shutter , infact auto select, also in nature and you see some reaction sometimes but no running away.

😁

Shall do whenever I have a chance.

However, when I shot with GX7/GX85 in my previous trips (just returned from Holy Land) using e-shutter, I used a low volume AF confirmation beep and artificial shutter sound as well that gave me no trouble so far. I think the e-shutter sounds of GX7/85 should be similar to that of the m-shutter of G85 .

Thank you for your head up on this.

Reading my self back, it sounds a bit crooked.

Translated: The shutter is that low intrusive that i find no reason to delibratly  use e or the semi e shutter. It's conveniant to use auto mode so shutter speed can run free from 1sec to max 1/8000sec or so.

Only when you use silent mode , i have one custom c set up as silent mode with no beeps or lcd or shutter sound for thos moments you think i go use "spy-mode" 😉 and i never thought of using it. Waving around with the camera shows enough the intention.

I remember my good old canon ftql shouting PICTURE!!!!! Every time the mirror slapt against the open and close endstops. Nearly causing a echo in a churche or other sound enhancing building. 😅

No need to risk banding or such for  avoiding shuttershock either.

Never seen any proof that shuttershock was preset. More my own "tremble" or hardpush on relase.

Congrats on your new camera! It's a great tool for sure.

I recently got the G9 for a good price so I was thinking of replacing my G80 but I might as well just keep it. It's such an enjoyable, well rounded and mature camera. I've been using it for only one years since I replaced my em1.1 and so far I love it.

And then the price I could get out of it (around 350€) might just not be worth it.

Anyway, enjoy

I see. 100% agreed. 😉

No doubt G9 is current among the best of Panny.

Had played with it a few times in showroom, love it but the size and weight worried me a lot. So originally looked for the smaller G95 (as G9 might overkill my sort of shooting), but eventually the price of G85 finally won.

Happy shooting.