Upgrade Guide

Lumix Lumix S1→Lumix G85

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Lumix

Lumix S1

£1499

2019

→

Upgrade to

Lumix

G85

£350 (-£1,149)

2016

❌

Skip it

The G85 offers little measurable spec improvement over the Lumix S1. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	Lumix S1	G85
Price	£1,499	£350
Released	2019	2016	↓
Sensor	24.2MP full-frame CMOS	16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter)
Resolution	24MP	16MP	↓
Video	4K/60p (crop), 4K/30p (full-frame), 1080p/180p, V-Log (upgrade)	4K/30p, 1080p/60p
Autofocus	DFD contrast-detect AF — reliable but slower than phase-detect rivals	Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS — 6 stops	5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens)
Burst Rate	9fps continuous with AF/AE	9fps
Battery Life	~380 shots (CIPA)	~330 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	898g body only	426g (body only)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	OLED EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.78× — one of the finest EVFs available	Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification
Screen	3.2" touchscreen, tilting	3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots
Mount	L-mount (Leica/Panasonic/Sigma)	Micro Four Thirds
Memory Cards	Dual SD UHS-II slots	Single SD UHS-I slot

Compare side-by-side

See Lumix S1 and G85 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G85 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the Lumix S1

Related buying guides

Camera family history