Upgrade Guide
Lumix G85→Lumix Lumix S9
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the G85. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the Lumix S9
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Resolution24MP vs 16MP (+8MP)
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StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
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Burst rate30fps electronic vs 9fps
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Generation8 years newer (2024 vs 2016)
Unchanged or similar
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Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | G85 | Lumix S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | — | ||
| Landscape | -1.5 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | +1.0 | ||
| Street | +1.5 | ||
| Portrait | -0.5 | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Sports | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | G85 | Lumix S9 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £350 | £1,299 | |
| Released | 2016 | 2024 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | |
| Resolution | 16MP | 24MP | ↑ |
| Video | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | Contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | IBIS — up to 5 stops | |
| Burst Rate | 9fps | 30fps electronic | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 426g (body only) | 413g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | None — rear screen only | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | 3.0" tilting touchscreen (touch drag AF) | |
| Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Leica L mount | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-I slot | Single SD UHS-II slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Other upgrades from the G85
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Camera family history