• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 50 - 100,000

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Differences

Panasonic GX85 advantages over Leica SL2-S

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    43 mm vs 83 mm
    Thinner

Leica SL2-S advantages over Panasonic GX85

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    24.6 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
  • Longer exposure
    500 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    25.0 fps vs 10.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    100000 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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 GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • 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.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-M10 II

Panasonic GX85
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More telephoto lens reach
Leica SL2-S
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Internal flash

Compared to 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
Leica SL2-S
Olympus E-PL8
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to 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
Leica SL2-S
Olympus E-PL9
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Canon R6

Panasonic GX85
Canon R6
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Leica SL2-S
Canon R6
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $2149
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Canon R3

Panasonic GX85
Canon R3
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Leica SL2-S
Canon R3
  • $4895
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $5999
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • On-sensor phase detect
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