G7 vs G85

Yeah...here we go - another one of those vs. threads......

I am coming to this section from the buying advise section. Instead of going through all those details again that brought me here I figured I would just post a link if you want to read the background on this decision I have before me.

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4489339

So I am down to a used G7 or G85. This body will be used mostly with a Panasonic 100-400 f4-5.6.

I was all about set to get the G7 until I made a last run on my research. That’s when I learned that the G85 has no AA filter. Well that is huge for me. I know a lot of folks say there isn’t enough difference to bother but for me in the past with Pentax gear the lack of AA filter was big - at least to my eyes.

Then it was mentioned in the other section about IBIS - that with the G85 I would get a big benefit from both body and lens stabilization. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around how those two would work together.

As you can see I have pretty much talked myself right into the G85. Am I missing anything obvious? My shooting will be mostly wildlife in the woods with no video at all. I’m not afraid to use a tripod either - actually prefer it most of the time the way I shoot.

Panasonic G cameras evolve moderately but significantly both in functionality and IQ.  Consequently advice is straight forward buy the latest model you can afford.

The G85 is a big step up from the G7, better in every way. G9 is better still. All of these models have come down in price as they've aged. I had the G7 with no plans to upgrade, then I held and tried the G80, better: EVF, solid body, dual-IS, weather-sealed, fantastic new mechanical shutter, no AA filter. Upgraded straightaway. See my Flickr for albums using all three, also 100-400mm. I wouldn't get the G7, even if I had to wait a little while to afford the G80/85. G& is not weather-sealed, G80/85and 100-400mm are.

Thanks everyone - you all confirmed my thoughts.

I bought myself the G85 a couple of weeks ago. I did a lot of research on several brands/models before narrowing it down to either the G85 or G95. Then one day I saw a G85 bundle with both the 12-60 and 45-150 kit lenses for about $700 US. I haven't used the camera too much but I am happy with it so far. I looked at the G7 but it didn't have IBIS and that was a must for me as I had it in my 2 Sony cameras. The G85 is light and fairly easy to use. There are still many features and functions I'm learning as the menu system is different than what I was used to. The touchscreen is very useful for quickly changing settings and moving the focus point. Here is a brief description of the main differences.

https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/preview/panasonic-g85-vs-g7/

If your budget allows, I would get the G85.

coaltrain wrote:

Thanks everyone - you all confirmed my thoughts.

I've had a G7 , honestly with the way things are now the G85 is the bare minimum.

But honestly whats your budget ? The G85 is a great camera but I see it in kit form for $700. I got my used G9 for $800 including spare OEM batteries and the G9 is a better match to the 100-400. Much better focus , deeper grip etc. If you want to fully exploit that lens then its the way to go.They're available new for $1,000.

I would say , save a little more and get the G9 instead. It is by far the best bang for buck in Panasonic's lineup right now.

P.S. and yes the IBIS makes a huge difference esp at such long focal lengths.

Chuck_G wrote:

I bought myself the G85 a couple of weeks ago. I did a lot of research on several brands/models before narrowing it down to either the G85 or G95. Then one day I saw a G85 bundle with both the 12-60 and 45-150 kit lenses for about $700 US. I haven't used the camera too much but I am happy with it so far. I looked at the G7 but it didn't have IBIS and that was a must for me as I had it in my 2 Sony cameras. The G85 is light and fairly easy to use. There are still many features and functions I'm learning as the menu system is different than what I was used to. The touchscreen is very useful for quickly changing settings and moving the focus point. Here is a brief description of the main differences.

https://mirrorlesscomparison.com/preview/panasonic-g85-vs-g7/

If your budget allows, I would get the G85.

That’s the same deal I found with the 2 lenses. I know they are just kit lenses but I’ve found in the past that with a little work and patience they can work very well.

Yeah - the G85 seems to he quite a jump in features over the G7. I was about to pull the trigger on one when I thought I would do a little more research. Sure glad I did!

Thanks for your input!

I'm late to the post as usual. Many will not agree with me, but I say that my experience is from having a G9 for six months, yes it is a great camera but one should always handle a camera if possible before buying. After 6 months I was getting rather tired of the G9 too large and heavier than any mft camera I have used previously, so long story short looking at results from other forum members I choose to change to a G80/85 and glad to say have not regretted it for one moment. Fits my hands like a glove performance is as good as I need. So my advice is if the G9 does attract you then do try to handle one first. But if you view some results by forum members using the G80/85 then you can judge whether they would suit your requirements. A good selection to view check out Windmillgolfers sites.

I have been a photographer for over 70 years, and my aim is to produce photos that please when viewed not for faults but mostly familiarity and memories.

I have both.

G85 is heavier than G7. Or maybe I should say the G7 is significantly lighter. If you use exposure bracketing a lot, it's more difficult to access on G85 than on G7. Other than that, definitely go for G85, especially because the price difference is so small compared to the price of the 100-400m lens.

The shutter is much better on G85 (less shutter shock) and there is also the electronic first curtain option.

The kit lenses are quite nice optically. If there is enough light for your 100-400mm, there is definitely enough light for the kit lenses as well. From 12-400mm with two lenses with a smallish gap in between is pretty impressive. There may be times when 100-400mm is too big and heavy to carry, but carrying the 45-150mm would be no problem.

Thanks for your input.

Actually I've been a bit hesitant because of the opposite - that the G85/G7 is going to be too small for me. I've been shooting with a full size DSLR for many years (Pentax K-5IIs).

Also I have large arthritic hands - I have a very hard time finding work gloves that I can even get on over my knuckles. It's not that they are so inflamed - just that I have XXL hands. The arthritis part makes it hard for me to hold smaller things.

That's where I appreciate the post above about the battery grip - especially if I am going to have the 100-400 on it all the time. I used a battery grip all the time on my DSLR. Good to hear the Vivitar unit is good - I will be ordering one with my camera.

And I thought the same as above about having only the 100-400. I was going to get a body only but I also feel that that one lens alone wouldn't cut it. When i found the deal with the 2 kit lenses (1 of which is free) I felt it was meant to be,

I've bought the cheap (~$50) 3rd party grips for both my G85 and G9 . They work fine and definitely come in handy when I need the extra battery time or plan on shooting a lot of vertical shots.

coaltrain wrote:

Chuck_G wrote:

Then one day I saw a G85 bundle with both the 12-60 and 45-150 kit lenses for about $700 US.

That’s the same deal I found with the 2 lenses. I know they are just kit lenses but I’ve found in the past that with a little work and patience they can work very well.

That's a great bundle deal. I haven't used the 12-60, but many say it is as good or nearly as good in IQ as the PL 12-60 f/2.8-4. I did have the 45-150, and I think it's a great little lens, just not as fast as more expensive options.

I've only handled the G85, but I did own a G7. Between those two, no question, get the G85. One of the rare Panasonic cameras to get a "Gold" review here on DPR: https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonic-lumix-dmc-g85-g80

The G9 is a great deal now too, but bigger, heavier, and pricier.

Just thought I would update -

I’ve had the G85 with the 2 kit lenses for about a week now. After a vendor hiccup I also now have my pl 100-400.

I’ve spent the last few days with the camera in my hands in my chair familiarizing myself with it. I have all my initial menu choices set. I am going to start shooting raw+jpeg at first to see what I may need to do with the images.

I am also trying to use just my iPad with LightRoom mobile thus time around. What I am trying to avoid now is all the time spent at my desk in front of the PC sorting and tweaking the images.

I’m getting ready to take my first walkabout on my property today with the 12-60. It’s overcast which is a lot where I live so will be a good test - especially being I set my ISO limit at 800.

I really appreciate all the opinions and help here. I am off on a new adventure running!
~Stan~

I have the 12-60 and 45-150 kit lenses. Of the two, I like the IQ better on the 12-60. It's a nice little lens and, in my opinion, very good for the price. I am looking at getting the Panasonic 100-300 and a good macro lens sometime in the next year or so depending on finances. Hope you enjoy your new camera. I'm still tweaking my settings after shooting about 200 photos..

For the record I want to mention that the internal flash is much further in the front in G85 than in G7. This means that the lens is less likely to block the flash. This is useful when using wide angle lenses and in macro photography. The difference is surprisingly large.

A macro lens was on my wish list right away as I used a Pentax 100mm 2.8 macro lens a lot in my APSC days.

But thinking more about it, I really don’t need 1:1 ratio. I mostly take closeup pics of flower blossoms and greenery. So before I jump on that I am going to see what I can do with the 12-60. Not sure how the minimum focus distance will be when zoomed at different focal lengths but it will sure be fun to see!

And thanks for the info on the flash - I do need some supplemental light quite a bit.