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

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Differences

Olympus E-M5 II advantages over Panasonic G85

  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Higher effective ISO
    908 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Thinner
    44 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 9.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Panasonic G85 advantages over Olympus E-M5 II

  • Less expensive
    $598 vs $899*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 18 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 13 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Olympus E-M5 II
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  • Body Only (Silver)
  • Body Only (Black)
All E-M5 II Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G85
Kit with 12-60mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 12-60mm Lens (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
All G85 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent handling in a compact, weather-sealed body; Crisp, roomy electronic viewfinder; Image quality that can take the fight to APS-C DSLRs; Unique high-res mode lets it bat far above its weight for static scenes; Extremely fast 10 fps burst shooting, Excellent video feature set

  • Control dials are easily bumped; Below-average battery life at default settings; Buffer depths for raw shooters are a bit limited; 16-megapixel sensor resolution feels dated; Weak bundled flash strobe

  • Read our Olympus E-M5 II Review

  • Very good image quality; Very good high ISO performance and dynamic range; Fast and accurate autofocus; Excellent 4K video recording quality and features.

  • OLPF-less sensor is prone to moiré; Electronic viewfinder struggles in low light; Continuous autofocus is limited to 6fps shooting; Below average battery life.

  • Read our Panasonic G85 Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX7
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX7

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GX7
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GX7

Compared to Panasonic GX8

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX8
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX8

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GX8
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $998
  • 4/3
  • NFC
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GX8

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic GX85
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic GX85

Panasonic G85
Panasonic GX85
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic GX85

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Olympus E-M5 II
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Thinner
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus E-M1 II

Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Olympus E-M1 II

Compared to Panasonic G95

Olympus E-M5 II
Panasonic G95
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Thinner
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-M5 II vs Panasonic G95

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer

Compare Panasonic G85 vs Panasonic G95

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