G85vs S1 II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Travel & Video — G85 (2016): 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.
Hybrid & Video — S1 II (2025): The S1 II is the full-frame L-mount hybrid camera Panasonic's system has been waiting for — phase-detect AF, 4K/120p, class-leading IBIS, and a professional build in one complete package. It addresses every weakness of the original S1 and positions Lumix firmly back in the conversation for serious hybrid shooters.
Who should buy what
G85 (2016)
- Travel photographers who want weather sealing on a budget
- Vloggers and hybrid shooters
- MFT system users stepping up from entry-level
S1 II (2025)
- Hybrid photographers who need excellent stills and serious video capability
- Video professionals who want full-frame quality with 4K/120p
- Landscape and portrait photographers who want maximum stabilisation
- L-mount system users upgrading from S1 or S5 II
Quick take: The s1 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the g85 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | G85 (2016) | S1 II (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £2,200 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~400 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 680g (body only) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 138.5 × 100.0 × 91.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | S1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wedding & Events | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history