Upgrade Guide
Lumix S5 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 S5 II. Spend the money on glass instead.
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution16MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | S5 II | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -3.3 | ||
| Street | -0.7 | ||
| Travel | -0.4 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -3.9 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -2.3 | ||
| Filmmaking | -3.9 | ||
| Documentary | -3.1 | ||
| Sports & Action | -2.7 | ||
| Landscape | -2.2 | ||
| Wildlife | -1.9 | ||
| Casual | -1.4 | ||
| Food | -1.7 | ||
| Macro | -1.1 | ||
| Architecture | -2.7 | ||
| Astrophotography | -3.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | S5 II | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,999 | £350 | |
| Released | 2023 | 2016 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 6K/30p, 4K/60p, C4K/60p, V-Log | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect AF with subject/face/eye detection | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS (up to 6.5-stop with OIS lenses) | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic / 7fps mechanical | 9fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | 740 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 740g (body only) | 426g (body only) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes | |
| Viewfinder | 0.76" OLED EVF, 3.68M dots | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L-mount | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G85 against your specific genres — not just specs.
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