Upgrade Guide
Lumix Lumix S9→Lumix G85
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Situational
One clear hardware improvement over the Lumix S9. Worth it if that specific upgrade aligns with what you shoot.
What's new in the G85
-
Weather sealingAdded — fully sealed body
Unchanged or similar
-
Resolution16MP (down from 24MP — optimised for low light)
-
StabilisationIBIS not present in new body
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Lumix S9 | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travel | — | ||
| Vlogging & Video | -1.0 | ||
| Street | -1.5 | ||
| Portrait | +0.5 | ||
| Landscape | +1.5 | ||
| Sports | — | ||
| Wildlife | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | Lumix S9 | G85 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £350 | |
| Released | 2024 | 2016 | ↓ |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS (no low-pass filter) | |
| Resolution | 24MP | 16MP | ↓ |
| Video | 4K/60p (10-bit), C4K/60p, 1080p/240p | 4K/30p, 1080p/60p | |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF with subject recognition | Contrast-detect AF, DFD technology | |
| Stabilisation | IBIS — up to 5 stops | 5-axis Dual I.S. 2 (body + lens) | |
| Burst Rate | 30fps electronic | 9fps | ↓ |
| Battery Life | ~310 shots (CIPA) | ~330 shots (CIPA) | ↑ |
| Weight | 413g (with battery) | 426g (body only) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes | ↑ |
| Viewfinder | None — rear screen only | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.74× magnification | |
| Screen | 3.0" tilting touchscreen (touch drag AF) | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen, 1.04M dots | |
| Mount | Leica L mount | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II slot | Single SD UHS-I slot |
Compare side-by-side
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