Panasonic Introduces GX85

2016.04.06

Earlier today, Panasonic unveiled the third member of their premium GX-series of Micro Four-Thirds mirrorless. The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 - called GX80 in some markets - slots itself between the original GX7 reviewed here which introduced image-stabilization to Panasonic mirrorless digital cameras and the flagship GX8 reviewed here that reached professional-grade with its study weather-sealed body.

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 supersedes the GX7 with a new 16 megapixels LiveMOS sensor without anti-alias filter to delivers 10% more details while maintaining the same resolution and pixel-size. It offers an all-new 5-axis in-body image-stabilization system that exceeds even the flagship GX8. This mechanism pairs with lens-based stabilization to deliver an unprecedented level of stabilization when combined with a compatible optically-stabilized lens.

A newly developed hybrid shutter allows mechanical shutter-speeds of 1/4000 to 60s or electronic ones of 1/16000 to 1s. The GX85 can capture full-resolution images at 8 FPS with focus locked on the first frame or 6 FPS with continuous AF. It has a shallow buffer for 13 RAW files but write throughput which allows up to 100 JPEG images per burst with a sufficiently fast SDXC UHS-I memory card.

This mirrorless features the same class-leading 2.8 megapixels EVF as on the GX7. While it keeps the useful Eye-Start Sensor of its predecessor, the new viewfinder has a fixed position which trades flexibility for durability. The rear 3" touchscreen LCD though has one megapixel and does tilt. The body of the GX85 offers a similar layout yet is noticeably smaller than the GX8. It still fits dual control-dials but it not weather-sealed.

4K for video and stills are major features of the GX85 with Ultra-HD video capture and 30 FPS burst shooting at 4K resolution with optional pre-buffering. Full 1080p HD video at 60 FPS is also supported. There is a built-in stereo microphone but no provision for an external one.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is scheduled to be available next month for $799 USD or $999 CDN. Adorama and B&H Photo are already accepting pre-orders at these links.

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