Panasonic has launched LUMIX GX8 camera’s compact version LUMIX GX85, which shoots 4K Video, takes 4K photos and has a 5-axis stabilization system for anti-shaking shoots built right inside a compact body. The same device will be called as GX7 Mark II in Japan, GX80 in Europe and the rest of the world.
Panasonic has become popular in the photography world, after the company added high-quality imaging and high-end features to its LUMIX GX8 mirrorless camera, GX85 also carries most of the features that its sibling has. The company has focused on budget-friendly price tag as well as easy-to-carry design.
Similar range of mirrorless compact cameras that shoots 4K video costs above $1000 price mark, but Panasonic LUMIX GX85 will be sold at $799 when it will be launched in May. This price tag includes a bundled lens from Panasonic.
Main difference between GX8 and GX85
The big brother LUMIX GX8 has a 20MP sensor resolution, while the all new GX85 also has an impressive 16MP sensor resolution. But the main twist in the tale is – the removal of optical low-pass filter by Panasonic for the first time in its product lineup. Combined with a new Venus Engine image processor, the GX85’s AA-filter-less sensor should yield better per-pixel detail.
One more important change is the addition of a pop-up flash built right into the camera. Panasonic has removed the flash in LUMIX GX8, but the new model takes a note from the GX7’s playbook and offers the built-in flash. Panasonic LUMIX GX85’s autofocus system works in both good lighting and dim. Like the earlier LUMIX GX7 and LUMIX GX8, low-light autofocus sensitivity is rated down to -4EV, which are impressively dark focusing conditions. The new camera also includes the company’s Starlight AF mode, which can detect the precise, small contrast differences in stars compared to the night sky for easy focusing.
No Optical Low-Pass Filter
But a professional photographer knows the difficulties of shooting certain subjects with the camera that has no optical low-pass filter. When picturing certain subjects like fine repeating lines and meshes, some fabrics and other man-made structures, for example, moiré and aliasing artifacts could appear in the images. However, according to Panasonic, the Venus Engine image processor inside the GX85 has been specifically designed to help combat moiré and other false color issues.
Shoot 4K Videos and 4K photos
Panasonic LUMIX GX85 can also record high-resolution 4K video in 3840 x 2160 at 30p or 24p in addition to the full-HD 1,920 x 1,080 60p (60 Hz) videos with practical full-time AutoFocus. You can also capture 4K photos, even during the fleeting photo opportunities at 30fps by extracting the most appealing frame. Panasonic has added 3 modes to take 4K pictures from GX85 – 4K Burst, 4K Burst (Start/Stop) and 4K Pre-burst. All these functions in 4K images enable saving pictures in 8-megapixel equivalent high resolution.
