G85vs A7S
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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
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
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The g85 has the highest resolution at 16mp; the g85 is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | G85 (2016) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £600 |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 16.0MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | None |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 128.4 × 89.2 × 74.3mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, NFC | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Street | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Sports & Action | ||
| Astrophotography | — |
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