Decision tools · Compare
G85 vs GH5
Quick take: The GH5 has the highest resolution at 20MP; the G85 is the most affordable.
16 specs side by side·15 genres scored·UK prices from Wex Photo Video and Clifton Cameras
How to read this page. Highlighted cells win that row on the spec alone. Genre scores are the engine's base scores (enthusiast, photo and video); Camera Match re-weights them for your level and priorities. Price buttons are affiliate links; the price you pay is the same.
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Verdictwhich should you buy?
G85 — Travel & Video: The G85 is the definitive enthusiast MFT package — combining 4K/30p, Dual I.S. 2 stabilisation, and weather sealing in an affordable, well-built body. It lacks phase-detect AF (contrast-detect only) but covers travel, landscape, and casual video effectively. One of the best-value used-market MFT cameras available — a practical, capable companion for photographers who want reliability over cutting-edge specs.
GH5 — Video, Filmmaking & Hybrid Shooting: The GH5 redefined what a consumer video camera could do — 4K/60p and 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording made it the independent filmmaker's tool of choice for years.
Who should buy what
G85 (2016)
is the right camera for you if…
- Travel photographers who want weather sealing on a budget
- Vloggers and hybrid shooters
- MFT system users stepping up from entry-level
GH5 (2017)
is the right camera for you if…
- Independent filmmakers who need 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording without a dedicated cinema camera
- YouTube creators who want 4K/60p, a fully articulating screen, and unlimited recording
- Photographers who shoot primarily stills but need serious video capability as a second
- GH4 owners who want 4K/60p and 10-bit — a significant step up
Full specificationsthe better value in each row is highlighted
| Specification | G85Lumix · 2016 | GH5Lumix · 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £176 usedBest | £352 used |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 20.3MPBest |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC)Best |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA)Best |
| Weight | 426g (body only)Best | 646g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 138.5 × 98.1 × 87.4mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, headphone jack, HDMI |
Wins the row — price, resolution, burst, battery, weight and sealing are compared; text specs aren't ranked.
How they score by genreengine base scores out of 10
Genre
G85
GH5
Portrait
4.9/10
5.4/10
Street
5.6/10
5.0/10
Travel
5.5/10
4.9/10
Wedding & Events
4.0/10
5.4/10
Vlogging & Video
4.2/10
4.5/10
Filmmaking
4.3/10
5.8/10
Documentary
4.8/10
5.6/10
Sports & Action
5.3/10
6.1/10
Landscape
4.7/10
4.9/10
Wildlife
6.0/10
6.3/10
Casual
4.2/10
3.9/10
Food
5.8/10
5.9/10
Macro
7.0/10
7.1/10
Architecture
4.5/10
4.9/10
Astrophotography
4.2/10
5.0/10
Scores come from the same engine as Camera Match: verified specifications weighted by what each genre needs, with documented adjustments. The product page and this table show the enthusiast base score. See how scores are calculated →
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