G85vs Lumix S5
Lumix
Lumix S5 (2020)
Starting from £1699 new
Best for Professional video & hybrid shooting
View Lumix S5
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.
Professional Video & Hybrid Shooting — Lumix S5 (2020): The S5 is an outstanding video camera that also takes excellent stills. 10-bit 4K/60p, dual native ISO and 6.5-stop IBIS in a weather-sealed body is a compelling package. The contrast-detect AF is its main weakness vs Sony and Canon — but for controlled shooting it doesn't hold it back.
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
Lumix S5 (2020)
- Videographers who need 10-bit colour science in a full-frame body
- Photographers who shoot video as a second discipline
- Studio photographers who want full-frame IBIS at a lower price
- L-mount system users building a versatile kit
Quick take: The lumix s5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the g85 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | G85 (2016) | Lumix S5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £1,699 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p 10-bit V-Log/HLG, 5.9K anamorphic, 1080p/180p slow-motion |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Contrast AF (DFD Technology), face/eye detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | 6.5-stop IBIS (dual IBIS with Lumix S lenses) |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 7fps mechanical, 9fps electronic (AFS) |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 714g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 132.6 × 97.1 × 81.9mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.78× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.84M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L-mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | Lumix S5 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Video | — |
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