Upgrade Guide
Lumix G85→Lumix Lumix G9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Strong upgrade
The Lumix G9 improves across 5 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most G85 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the Lumix G9
-
Resolution20MP vs 16MP (+4MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
-
Burst rate20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic vs 9fps
-
Battery life400 shots (CIPA) vs ~330 shots (CIPA)
-
Generation1 year newer (2017 vs 2016)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | Lumix G9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | -1.0 | ||
| Landscape | -0.5 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -1.0 | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Portrait | -0.5 | ||
| Wildlife | +3.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | +3.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | G85 | Lumix G9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £549 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2017 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K 60fps, C4K 24fps | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | 225-point contrast-detect DFD | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | 5-axis IBIS, 6.5 stops (6.0 stops dual IS) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | 400 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 658g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF 0.83× 3.68M-dot | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M-dot | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | 2× SD UHS-II |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See G85 and Lumix G9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Lumix G9 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the G85
Related buying guides
Camera family history