G85vs Z5
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.
Entry-Level Full-Frame & Dslr Switchers — Z5 (2020): The most affordable route into full-frame Z — dual card slots, IBIS, and a capable sensor at an accessible price.
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
Z5 (2020)
- DSLR photographers switching to full-frame mirrorless for the first time
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame image quality on a tighter budget
- Photographers stepping up from APS-C who don't need fast burst or 4K
- Z5 II shoppers on a budget — the original Z5 is now excellent value used
Quick take: The z5 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the g85 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | G85 (2016) | Z5 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £999 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.3MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 24.3MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/30p (with crop), 1080p/60p |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Hybrid AF — 273 phase-detect points, eye/subject detection |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | IBIS — up to 5 stops |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 4.5fps |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~470 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 590g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 134 × 100.5 × 69.5mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.8× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.2" tilting touchscreen |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon Z mount |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | Z5 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Everyday | — | |
| Sports | — |
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