Upgrade Guide
Lumix S1 II→Lumix G85
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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The G85 offers little measurable spec improvement over the S1 II. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
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Resolution16MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
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StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | S1 II | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | -1.5 | ||
| Portrait | -1.5 | ||
| Landscape | -0.5 | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | ||
| Travel | +1.5 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.5 | ||
| Wildlife | -1.5 | ||
| Street | +0.5 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | S1 II | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,200 | £350 | |
| Released | 2025 | 2016 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/120p, 10-bit 4:2:2 internal | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject recognition (human, animal, vehicle) | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, up to 8 stops | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps (electronic), 9fps (mechanical) | 9fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 680g (body only) | 426g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | Electronic, 3.68M dots, 0.78× | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.84M dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Dual slot: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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