Panasonic GX850 Image Quality

It is immediately apparent here that the GX850 produces sharper images than its predecessor, the GF7, thanks in part to the omission of an optical low-pass filter, though default sharpening appears to be stronger as well. The GX850 image also has higher contrast, slightly lower noise levels, and colors are generally a little more vibrant, particularly dark greens and reds. A nice upgrade in image quality here at base ISO and it's nice to see how much image quality has improved from Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds models lately.

As expected, the 24-megapixel Canon M100 out-resolves the 16-megapixel GX850 in high-contrast subject matter, however the Panasonic image is sharper and crisper, and subtle detail in the red-leaf swatch is actually a bit better from the GX850. Noise levels appear lower from the Canon's APS-C sensor (however keep in mind its lower base ISO), while colors are warmer and generally a little more accurate.

Here we compare the GX850 to another entry-level mirrorless, the Fuji X-A3. Unlike its more expensive siblings, the X-A3 uses a traditional Bayer color filter instead of X-Trans for it APS-C sensor. Again, the 24-megapixel camera easily out-resolves the GX850 while offering lower noise levels, however the GX850 is sharper with less noticeable sharpening halos. Contrast is also better from the GX850 in our tricky red-leaf swatch, however colors are brighter and more pleasing from the X-A3.

These two Micro Four Thirds rivals have essentially the same pixel count and sensor, but processing is obviously different. Panasonic's processing holds onto a bit more fine detail, however its sharpening appears a little clumsy in comparison with rougher edges. The E-PL8 image on the other hand isn't quite as crisp, but is a bit smoother and contrastier. Luma noise is a little higher from the Olympus, however chroma appears slightly better controlled than from the Panasonic. Both provide pleasing colors, though the E-PL8's looks to be a little more accurate overall.

Yet another comparison with a 24-megapixel APS-C model, and again, the higher pixel count offered by the Sony out-resolves the GX850 in the mosaic crop. And the Sony manages to produce a sharp, detailed image without obvious sharpening halos. Still, the Panasonic holds its own considering its smaller, lower resolution sensor, and does a little better with overall color accuracy.

Here at ISO 1600, we can see the GX850 offers more detail, greater sharpness, improved contrast and better color than the GF7. The GX850's area-specific noise reduction appears improved as well, leaving edges a little smoother and better defined than its predecessor. A very nice improvement over the older generation.

At ISO 1600, the M100's resolution advantage over the GX850 starts to disappear. The Canon's less sophisticated noise reduction leaves behind higher levels of luminance noise while also softening and smearing fine detail more than the GX850's area-specific noise reduction, which is more effective at reducing noise in flatter areas while holding onto more detail in the mosaic crop. Both cameras start to struggle with our notorious red-leaf swatch, however it's the GX850 that holds onto better detail in the pink fabric. Colors are still a bit brighter and more pleasing from the M100, though.

The X-A3 pulls away further from the GX850 here at ISO 1600, with lower noise, more detail, higher contrast and better color, although sharpening halos remain more obvious from the Fuji.

The Olympus E-PL8 continues to deliver a smoother, slightly cleaner image with higher contrast here at ISO 1600, however the Panasonic's sharper image holds onto more fine detail with less smudging and fewer noise reduction artifacts.

At ISO 1600, the Sony A5100's aggressive default noise reduction softens and smudges fine detail more than the GX850's, giving the Panasonic the edge in sharpness and detail here. Detail in the red-leaf swatch appears higher from the Sony, but much of it is false and distorted.

Once again, the newer generation GX850 offers noticeably better image quality at ISO 3200 than its predecessor. The GX850 produces lower luma noise, much less chroma blotching as well as better contrast and color, however the GF7 does hold onto a bit more detail in our troublesome red-leaf swatch.

Similar to what we saw at ISO 1600, the GX850 produces a crisper image with lower noise and better fine detail retention with the help of more sophisticated noise reduction, though in some ways the M100 image looks perhaps a little more "natural" with a more film-like noise "grain".

The X-A3 still comes out ahead here at ISO 3200 with better detail in most areas, lower noise with a more consistent "grain", and more pleasing colors. The X-A3 does marginally better with fine detail in our tricky red-leaf swatch despite lower contrast, though both have blurred it quite heavily.

Once again, the GX850 holds onto more fine detail while leaving behind slightly higher noise levels versus the E-PL8's smoother, more contrasty image which suffers from more smearing of fine detail and more obvious noise reduction artifacts.

And finally, similar to what we saw at ISO 1600, the A5100's heavy-handed noise reduction has softened and smudged the image so much at ISO 3200 that it almost looks like Vaseline has been smeared on the lens in comparison to the GX850's much crisper and more detailed image. Flatter areas do look cleaner with less chroma noise from the A5100, but have an uneven, more "processed" look. Again, the Sony appears to do better with detail in the red-leaf swatch, but much of it is false.