• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic G85 advantages over Panasonic ZS80

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.77 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.74x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 102 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    50 vs 32 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS80 advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Less expensive
    $398* vs $598
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Newer
    6 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic G85

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic ZS80

Review Excerpt

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic G7

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G7
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic G7
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $498
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to 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
Panasonic ZS80
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Panasonic ZS70

Panasonic G85
Panasonic ZS70
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic ZS70
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon A1000

Panasonic G85
Nikon A1000
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
Panasonic ZS80
Nikon A1000
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $477
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Panasonic G95

Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $631
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
Panasonic ZS80
Panasonic G95
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Compare Other Cameras?