Upgrade Guide
Lumix G85→Lumix GH5
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Strong upgrade
The GH5 improves across 5 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most G85 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the GH5
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Resolution20MP vs 16MP (+4MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Burst rate12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) vs 9fps
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Battery life~410 shots (CIPA) vs ~330 shots (CIPA)
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Generation1 year newer (2017 vs 2016)
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | — | ||
| Landscape | -1.5 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.0 | ||
| Street | — | ||
| Portrait | -0.5 | ||
| Wildlife | +1.0 | ||
| Sports & Action | +1.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | G85 | GH5 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £699 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2017 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 20MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p, C4K/30p, 1080p/180p; 10-bit 4:2:2 internal; unlimited recording | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Contrast-detect DFD AF, face/eye detection | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | IBIS — up to 5 stops; Dual IS 2 with compatible lenses (6.5 stops) | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 12fps (AFS), 9fps (AFC) | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~410 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 725g (with battery and card) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | EVF, 3.68M dots, 0.76× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.62M dots | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Dual SD UHS-II slots |
Compare side-by-side
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