Sweet spot: Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 real-world samples

I think that the 2016, 500$-800$ interchangeable lens roundup was published too early and it should be revised with the full review of the GX80 / GX85. For me, it's difficult to believe that the A6000 is better value than GX80/85/7II, with kit lens, the price of the A6000 is only 100$ cheaper than the GX85 / 80 (bhphotovideo as reference).
Kit lens is a way better in the Panasonic, final IQ, too. This camera is expected for users that don't use complex stabilizers or carry a large tripod where they go. Handheld videos are as night and day between A6000 and GX85, Panasonic ones looks far better. And what about long exposures? With GX85 we saw 2" crisp exposures, 4k photo modes gives you the ability to take more complex picts a lot easier. If you mind get the best results for less money, I think the GX85 have the edge. A6000 is a great camera, but GX85 is a step above for near the same price. If you think to update lens, then way better for the Panasonic.

And... sorry for my english ;)

Jun 3, 2016permalink

Boss of Sony

Why weren't more of these photos taken with the 12-32mm f3.5-5.6, the lens that the camera comes with? Some people seem to mistakenly assume that a pro lens is required to take decent photos. From what I've seen of the 12-32, it is every bit as sharp as that pro 12-35 lens.

Jun 2, 2016*permalink

Maybe it's because in some places Panasonic did a pre-order offer, a kit with GX80/85 with 12-32mm and 25mm f1.7. Most of these pictures were taken with this lens, I suspect is the lens of this kit.

I ordered mine for 620€ (about 694$) including 12-32mm and 25mm f1.7 and 10% discount in the next Lumix lens or accesories.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

Herman james

That sounds like a great deal!
What shop did you order it from?

Jun 2, 2016permalink

I ordered it in www.fotografia-online.es, a spanish shop in Madrid, this was the cheapest that i could find, but other stores had the same offer for about 650€, great deal too. The Panasonic offer has ended, it was before june and only for the 100 first pre orders, now in the same shop the camara is 699€, body and 12-32 only. Amazon Spain have it in stock (a few units), i was speaking with the shop where I bought the camera and told me that they will receive it next monday, I hope to receive it over the next week.

Jun 3, 2016permalink

Peerg

I have the 12-32. Indeed a decent lens. But if you want to get the most out of your camera, use better glass. for example the pana 20mm, or oly 45. Or with a zoom like the pana 12-35 f2.8. Big difference.

Jun 4, 2016*permalink

Boss of Sony

I don't see a big difference. The earlier gx85 sample photos taken with the 12-32 are sharp at the pixel level. That's as sharp as you can get. This lens is highly recommended by various review sites, and is possibly the best kit lens ever made.

Jun 4, 2016permalink

As far as I know, 12-32, as Boss of Sony says is one of the best kit lens ever made, its a compact lightweight, crisp lens, very good quality, the only major cons are the plastic construction, relatively slow aperture, unsealed for dust and weather and short zoom.
I have the Oly 12-40 f2.8 Pro too, maybe a bit large for the GX80, but very good lens.

Jun 6, 2016permalink

LukeDuciel

Seems DPR folks like this cam, at least using it. I find the general quality (easy on eye) of sample gallery implicitly goes with how the DPR likes the cam. ;)

Jun 2, 2016permalink

princecody

Better JPEG rendering? GX85 or Pen-F?

Jun 2, 2016permalink

Osa25

Some very impressive shots here. But the second one (portrait of the man with beard) I did not care for.

I dont understand the logic of the exposure either (25 mm, 1/160 sec, f/1.7, ISO 3200). With an image -stabilized body and a 25mm lens, I would have expected the camera to make a bit longer exposure and take the ISO down. Would have come out better.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

For the sake of this sample gallery and that particular shooting scenario, 1/160 was the slowest shutter speed I felt comfortable shooting human subjects. Any slower and I was risking getting into motion blur territory. Any sign of motion blur and the image is no longer useful as a sample.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

Osa25

Fair enough.

For me personally, above 1600, I dont like the way they come out. At least to my eye anyway.

That's not a criticism BTW. Just my taste. I find the program exposure seems to follow a similar logic. So I tend to cap the ISO on these things at 1600 when it comes to images of people.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

gskolenda

I sure wish DPR would start posting the video specs, BIT RATES!!! What is the CONNECTIVITY! Microphone, Yes/No, Headphone Socket-Yes/No, HDMI-Yes/No, Wifi-Yes/No, Panasonic's just as bad, same with B&H! It seems nobody wants to post all the specs, because then it would reveal what some might think is a negative, and then be compared to their competition, Hello McFly! It's 2016, that's what we're going to do!

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

CarlosMP

Not sure if you are trolling because everything you asked for is in Panasonic's web-site.
http://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/cameras/lumix-interchangeable-lens-ilc-cameras/DMC-GX85K.html#start=1&cgid=cameras

Just click on specs and expand all.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

@gskolenda Those specs can also be found on DPReview here: GX85 specs. We'll be publishing the full review very soon.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

dotyman

Hey Biff,

Sometimes you need to do a little research YOURSELF.

M. McFly

Jun 4, 2016permalink

gskolenda

well I am doing the research, did not see the expanded part on Panasonic's site.
Hello DOTYMAN, Using your computer and looking up 3 different site qualify s for research to me.

Jun 6, 2016permalink

dotyman

Probably not the most successful strategy to simply use a number and call it quits after that. Your objective is to find the information, not count the number of sites you visit. Also, I think you would get a better response if you weren't so critical before understanding all the available information first. You can always ask for what you're interested in–people on the forum are usually willing to help out.

Jun 6, 2016permalink

brunobarolo

Dan Bracaglia wrote, "We'll be publishing the full review very soon."

How soon is very soon? Can't wait (-:

Jun 7, 2016permalink

stevo23

I like the images from this.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Thanks Steve, I've really enjoyed using the GX85.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

stevo23

I have an A7and looking at adding the 21 Loxia to my kit for backpacking. Would carry the 35, a tele and the 21mm. Then I saw this. I'm very tempted to get one of these.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Bill Bentley

Not bad. In comparing images 19/20 with 39/40 it looks like very good shadow recovery can be had up to +75 in LR before noise takes over. The dark corners in the OOC images look essentially black before being edited.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Impressive,

It seems to extract noticeably more detail out of these lenses as it's predecessor.
Which certainly helps with the high ISO B&W images.

That with the very affordable 25mm F1.7. Then the price and the complete feature set make this a very attractive offer.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Hugo808

Most impressive!

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Marcelobtp

WOW! that lens looks sharp, contrasty and colorfull, the camera produce very nice colors, im impressed by the image quality

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Which lens multiple lenses were used.

I was mostly impressed by the cheap 25mm F1.7 and also the 12-32mm
Leaving that AA filter out and having that smooth shutter surely seems to have a noticeable effect.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Marcelobtp

sorry, the 25mm 1.7 that im refering, but all of them are quite good in my opnion.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Sean65

This camera really reminds of the GF1 I took on a tour of Spain (but much better). I really enjoyed that camera and regretted selling it. Panasonic seemed to loose their way with the following GF cameras but this looks like the replacement that should have been. Looks like a pretty decent camera at a great price.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

The GF1 is a classic, I have many great shots from it with the 20mm 1.7 and yes, this one is a very tempting model.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

Axel Vercauteren

Great shots but Panny still has a problem with yellows

Jun 1, 2016permalink

jackspra

The yellows look fine to me.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Sean65

Me too, but I think the exposure is slightly under by a 1/3.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Axel Vercauteren

Check thisout: http://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/advanced-compact-cameras/interchangeable-lens/panasonic-lumix-dmc-gx85#TESTS.
It's typical for Panny, yellows are undersaturated and greenish.

Jun 5, 2016permalink

jackspra

Another camera that takes great quality shots.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

MrTaikitso

My GX8 took way sharper shots, although the one of the strawberry is nice. I had no problem with shutter shock BTW. I also handled a GX80/85 the other day. Nothing like as flexible and not as compact as the GX7 that is still a great camera itself. Put an Oly 12-40mm Zuiko Pro on the GX8 and you have a killer combination. Just ensure you use a tripod for video being the lens is not stabilised. Here is to the GX9, smaller than the GX8, but with same manual controls a flip out display and 5 axis stabilisation.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

norman shearer

Sounds to me like you are trying to justify your purchase of the GX8. I'm sure it's a great camera but it does not get better by berating another model!
The GX80/85 looks like the best bang for buck m43 camera to date. I'd have it over the GX7 any day and I owned a GX7 for nearly 2 years..

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Same here.
Actually my girlfriend is considering selling hers after looking at the benefits of this model.

Well considering we are going to photokina. If she doesn't see something more interesting it's simply going to happen.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

BostonC

There is no comparison out there of the effect removing AA-filter in raw. When will DPR put the GX85 into the Image Comparison Tool?

Jun 1, 2016permalink

BostonC

You're right, I forgot abt that the comparison tool indeed depends on ACR.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

https://youtu.be/f1ulfP8mfUQ

I saw a comparison in mirrorlessons.com and you can se a subtle difference, the comparison is GX7 vs GX80 - GX85, this one is a bit sharper than the GX7, but you shoul look as pixel peeper.
In the other hand, moire could be a problem in some situations:

Jun 3, 2016permalink

TheDarmok74

A well-regarded 16MP Four Thirds sensor?
That's one way of putting "they use a quite dated sensor" ;-)
Of course I realize that the new 20 MP sensor isn't really much better but still, that's a very linient way of saying it.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

The Squire

Seriously doubting the need for a A6300 when this does so much at almost half the body-price...

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Well the A6300 does everything a tad better.

That said i'd be happier with this one as it has a very good and affordable lens line-up.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

gskolenda

The 6300 has major overheating problems when shooting video! Went thru that with the Nex-7. I like this GX85, might have to try it out.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

BarnET - except for focus point selection, sadly. "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink," or should I say, "Focus points everywhere, but no good way to pick one..."

Well, not to mention IBIS, actually. So that one too.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

AF point selection good point Sony should really give their customers a touchscreen. IBIS is another good one.

But then Panasonic doesn't have on sensor phase detect at all. DFD certainly ain't perfect for tracking.

The GX80 EVF is not that good. I know given experience with the Gx7.

4k uses a sensor crop which limits the low light capability. Sony may overheat but With SLOG and full downsampled readout it's output is significantly better.

The GX80 sensor is good but not A6300 good.

But then given the price point this is being really picky. To be honest i don't know a better allrounder at this price point. And i don't think we will see one soon either.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

BarnET Agree. The lens selection for m43 are way superior to the Sony line up in IQ and affordability.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

brendon1000

Well depends on your needs. The A6300 has better AF and a larger sensor. This camera has very decent IQ but in some occasions a larger sensor is better.

For most people this is more than enough camera. But for those people who want as big a sensor as they can afford then they won't consider a 4/3 rd sensor camera.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

In my humble experience the sensor size thing is a little over-rated. There is much more affecting the final output than size.

I have a Sony A7 and a Hasselblad Lunar (Nex-7 guts I know) and at lower iso I really cannot tell the difference in IQ and I like way more the look of my Leica M8 files than the Sony FF. So at the end all are good enough!

Jun 2, 2016*permalink

brendon1000

To each their own. My friend shoots with Olympus OMD E5 mk 1. He liked the camera but he also got a Fuji to test and he finds the IQ from that better. I upgraded to an A7 a year ago and I find the IQ to be better than my old APS-C camera.

So some people may appreciate and find differences in the sensor performance depending on what they are shooting.

Obviously the differences aren't great but for people who shoot a lot it does matter to them which is why despite all the flaws the A6300 is still selling so well. Many people do appreciate that the A6300 has a sensor that is almost twice the sensor size of any m43 camera.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

Dr. Noodle

So when Olympus or Legacy lens used it has a nice 3 axis IS just as good as my trusty EPL2... well done..!!!

Jun 1, 2016permalink

There's more to IBIS than just the number of axes, but as agentlossing says, this is 5-axis IBIS.

From the tests I've seen, it is probably best compared to the the original E-M10 in terms of real-world performance when using non-stabilized lenses, but matches the best Olympus (i.e. E-M5 II) can offer when combined with Dual IS compatible lenses.

Figure about 2-3 stops more benefit that you get from your E-PL2.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

CarlosMP

Enjoy your amazing EPL2 video quality , Amongst other things that a much newer and more expensive camera is going to have.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

KevinG

what are you using to open the RAWS? My PS CC says no dice and I'm not seeing any updates for the camera raw part of it.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

fatdeeman

Beta?

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Vit Adamek

RawTherapee freeware raw conventor is good to go.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

It's Beta support.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

drent

Is the beta available for everybody?

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Not yet, but hang tight, Raw support should be coming soon!

Jun 1, 2016permalink

KevinG

Thanks Guys!!

Jun 2, 2016permalink

Look like nice results at a very good price point. I, too, am a bit curious to see how the 12-32 kit lens performs, but at least with the 25/1.7 it looks to me like the removal of the AA filter yields some subtle improvements in image sharpness overall compared to my GX7.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

princecody

This Best's the Pen-F in so many ways 😀👍🏻👍🏻

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Vit Adamek

Apart from EVF, fully articulated screen, build quality, sensor, battery life and more sofisticated customization options. But they are in different price bracket anyway.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

EVF on the GX85 is definitely inferior to that of the PEN F. But build quality is pretty similar between the two. And the GX85 is no slouch when it comes to customization. Of course its hard to beat Olympus in that game.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Vit Adamek

Well, I though PEN F has more metal externally. I own GX80 and while it feels solid and well assembled, it feels a bit plasticky as well. Recent Olympus cameras (since e-pm2) offer greater EV range in bracketing as well. And Panasonic's bulb is limited to 2 minutes only.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

The Pen lacks 4K video for those into it. But playing with both at Yodobashi store I could testify the Oly is a way more sexier camera. I wouldn't mind having any of both!

Jun 2, 2016permalink

princecody

JPEG is becoming the new Raw ☺️

Jun 1, 2016permalink

iudex

In Lazyland maybe. ;-)

Jun 1, 2016permalink

John McCormack

Hmmm. No images with the kit lens. Guess this one is only for folks with deep pockets.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Many of the most striking images were taken with the <$250 25/1.7.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

There are several images in there shot with the kit lens (the daisies, some of the low light shots, the parking garage). I just really hit it off with the 25 F1.7 and ended up using it quite a lot. It's really the perfect size and weight for the GX85.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

John McCormack

Ooops. I guess I missed those, Dan. Thanks for work you do.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

My pleasure!

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Dan, the strawberry shots look delicious really.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

tjmckay4

Hang on a sec.... "...The GX85 also features a 3-axis stabilized sensor, that when combined with a Panasonic stabilized lens, offers 5-axis of stabilization,...". That's not true is it? Doesn't the GX85 have true in body 5-axis stabilization that works with any lens but also works with Panasonic OIS lenses.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

Yes, you're correct, the GX85 has 5-axis IBIS, but uses 3-axes on the sensor and 2-axes on the lens when using dual IS.

I don't know why DPR keeps repeating this, they made the same error and subsequent correction in their original release for this camera.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Boelseye

Dual IS is only working when the firmware of your Panasonic lenses is updated.
Page 7 of the short manual. Coming from a GX7 all my lenses didn`t get Dual IS.
Otherwise its only IBIS and some older lense won`t even work.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

@tjmckay4 @Androole Thank you for pointing this out, you are correct, the sensor offers 5-axis IS. We've updated the text.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

abortabort

@ Dan - While you are at it, would you like to update the previous overview where it states this is the first camera to do so?

Jun 2, 2016permalink

tonyC1994

Nice shots! Waiting for full review.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Coming soon : )

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Not as soon as we would like!!! ;)

Jun 3, 2016permalink

Aroart

I think this is prob the best new bang for the buck...

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Gesture

Premium product. Premium price.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

abortabort

Budget product. Budget price.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

0MitchAG

No product. No price.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

digitalhecht

Product. Price.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Product.

Jun 2, 2016permalink

eivissa1

Pfff...

Jun 2, 2016permalink

drent

Adobe camera raw? Is this available for the GX80?

Jun 1, 2016permalink

jor23

So, 3 axis ?

Jun 1, 2016permalink

tonyC1994

5-axis

Jun 1, 2016permalink

@jor23 Yes, it is 5-axis, sorry for the confusion.

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Naveed Akhtar

Great photoset .. specially with 25mm lens

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Elchanan

Impressive. A little dodgy at ISO 6400, but that's to be expected. Also, I prefer the natural looking OOC JPEGS to the raw conversions which seem a tad overexposed.

Jun 1, 2016*permalink

Naveed Akhtar

I personally like OOC too, I guess raw conversion is just to show the potential!

Jun 1, 2016permalink

Naveed Akhtar

and i like it on all the ISOs .. bit more grainy, but fits my taste
i like my dark photos bit grainy any-ways ..

Jun 1, 2016permalink

aliasfox

I bet the OOC jpegs are to show what they look like. Panasonic historically has had a weaker jpeg engine than some of the competition - Oly and Fuji come to mind as having the most 'pleasing' jpeg renditions, and Panny jpegs can over-saturate the red channel, while de-emphasizing the yellow channel sometimes - at least these are results that we get out of the GF3. White balance has historically been less consistent as well.

It looks like you guys shot with EV comped down for most of these shots, presumably to preserve highlights for PP. I'd be interested to see how well the camera judges exposure with 0 EV comp dialed in on jpeg shots - if all goes well, this will replace the GF3 in the fall/winter, but I'm curious to see how well the camera does jpegs when shooting for jpegs.

Jun 1, 2016permalink