Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GX85

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Nikon D5 vs Panasonic GX85

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35mm 858.0mm²
20.8 megapixels
ISO 100 - 102,400

Go in depth with our full Nikon D5 Review.
How does it shoot? Nikon D5 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the D5.
Compare Nikon D5 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Nikon D5 conclusion.

4/3 224.9mm²
16.0 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GX85 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GX85 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GX85.
Compare Panasonic GX85 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GX85 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Nikon D6
Compare D5 vs D6
Compare Nikon D6 vs Panasonic GX85

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Differences

Nikon D5 advantages over Panasonic GX85

Larger sensor
35mm vs 4/3
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 6.45 vs 3.77 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Fast startup
~0.40 vs 0.9 sec
Faster startup lets you catch the moment
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
D5 test data on DxO Mark GX85 test data on DxO Mark

2,343 vs 662 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Longer stills battery life
More info

Longer stills battery life

Cameras with longer battery life can take more photos before exhausting their batteries.

Special note: The measurement standard for battery life stipulates that if a camera has an internal flash, it must be used for 50% of photos taken. For this reason, comparisons of one camera with an internal flash to another without will not be comparable

3780 vs 290 shots
Capture more photos
Top deck display
Yes vs No
Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
External Mic Jack
Jack vs No jack
Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
Higher max flash sync
1/250 vs 1/160 sec
Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
Higher-res screen
590k vs 347k pixels
More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
More pixels
20.8 vs 16.0 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Dual card slots
Yes vs No
Gives you more storage flexibility
Headphone jack
Yes vs No
Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
Has anti-aliasing filter
Filter vs No Filter
Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
Faster JPEG shooting
12.1 fps vs 10.5 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster RAW shooting
12.1 fps vs 10.6 fps
Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
Bigger RAW buffer
183 vs 44 shots
Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
Higher extended ISO
3276800 vs 25600 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic GX85 advantages over Nikon D5

Less expensive
$598 vs $3299*
Save money for lenses or accessories
Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
In-camera panoramas
Yes vs No
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Tiltable vs Fixed
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Thinner
43 mm vs 92 mm
Thinner
Lacks anti-aliasing filter
No Filter vs Filter
Enjoy sharper photos
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Bigger JPEG buffer
Unlimited vs 200 shots
Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/8000 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Eye-level viewfinder
Both provide
You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
Shoot 4K video
Both provide
Make sure you have a fast computer
Touchscreen
Both provide
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Hot shoe
Both provide
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
Bulb shutter
Both provide
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

Tilt-swivel screen
Neither provide
Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
On-sensor phase detect
Neither provide
Usually improves live view and video AF performance
Slow-motion videos
Neither provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read D5 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read GX85 User Reviews

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Buy the Nikon D5

Body Only (CF Version)

Body Only (CF Version)
Body Only (XQD Version)
Body Only 100th Anniversary Edition (XQD)

All D5 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GX85

Kit with 12-32mm lens (Black)

Kit with 12-32mm lens (Black)
Kit with 12-32mm and 45-150mm lenses (Black)
Kit with 12-32mm lens (Silver)

All GX85 Deals

Review Excerpt

Excellent image quality; Excellent high ISO performance; Fast 153-point autofocus system; Fast continuous shooting speeds; 4K video recording; Pro-quality camera body; Outstanding battery life.
Large and heavy body might not be right for all; Loud shutter; Underutilized touchscreen; Low ISO dynamic range not as good as predecessor; Extended high ISOs not very useful; Sluggish Live View AF.
Read our Nikon D5 Review

Excellent build-quality; Good ergonomics for its size; Built-in 5-axis Dual IS, Built-in EVF; Tilting LCD touchscreen monitor; Competitive still image quality; Excellent 4K video quality; Fast autofocus and burst modes; Generous buffers; Tons of advanced features; Built-in Wi-Fi.
EVF could be better; Sluggish RAW and RAW+JPEG buffer clearing; No external mic and headphone jacks; Slow x-sync speed; Mediocre battery life.
Read our Panasonic GX85 Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon EOS-1D C

Nikon D5

Canon EOS-1D C

$4898
35mm

Touchscreen
More cross-type AF points

$6989
35mm

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Panasonic GX85

Canon EOS-1D C

$598
4/3

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$6989
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Canon EOS-1D C

Compared to Nikon D4S

Nikon D5

Nikon D4S

$4898
35mm

Less expensive
Shoot 4K video

$5399
35mm

Fast startup
Higher effective ISO

Compare Nikon D5 vs Nikon D4S

Panasonic GX85

Nikon D4S

$598
4/3

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$5399
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Nikon D4S

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark II

Nikon D5

Canon 1DX Mark II

$4898
35mm

Fast startup
Longer stills battery life

$2999
35mm

Higher effective ISO
Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon D5 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Panasonic GX85

Canon 1DX Mark II

$598
4/3

Focus peaking
Less expensive

$2999
35mm

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Canon 1DX Mark II

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Nikon D5

Olympus E-PL8

$4898
35mm

Larger sensor
Eye-level viewfinder

$599
4/3

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8

$598
4/3

Eye-level viewfinder
Shoot 4K video

$599
4/3

Longer stills battery life
More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-PL8

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Nikon D5

Olympus E-PL9

$4898
35mm

Larger sensor
Eye-level viewfinder

$700
4/3

Focus peaking
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D5 vs Olympus E-PL9

Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL9

$598
4/3

Eye-level viewfinder
Lacks anti-aliasing filter

$700
4/3

Built-in Bluetooth
Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-PL9

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