• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Panasonic GX85 advantages over Olympus E-M5 III

  • Less expensive
    $598 vs $1099
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    44 vs 23 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Olympus E-M5 III advantages over Panasonic GX85

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
    5 years vs 8 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    20.4 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 10.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    30.0 fps vs 10.6 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/16000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-M5 III
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Silver)
  • Kit with 14-150mm Lens (Black)
  • Kit with 14-150mm Lens (Silver)
All E-M5 III Deals

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.

  • Read our Panasonic GX85 Review

  • Improved image quality; Very good dynamic range & high ISO performance for a modern MFT sensor; Very fast AF; Excellent image stabilization; 4K video recording; Weather-sealed build quality.

  • Below average battery life; Small size can be awkward with long, heavy lenses; One SD card slot.

  • Read our Olympus E-M5 III Review

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

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-M10 II

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash

Compare Olympus E-M5 III vs Olympus E-M10 II

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

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-PL8
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer video battery life
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compare Olympus E-M5 III vs Olympus E-PL8

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

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-PL9
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Olympus E-M5 III vs Olympus E-PL9

Compared to Panasonic G100

Panasonic GX85
Panasonic G100
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Panasonic G100

Olympus E-M5 III
Panasonic G100
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Olympus E-M5 III vs Panasonic G100

Compared to Olympus E-M10 IV

Panasonic GX85
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic GX85 vs Olympus E-M10 IV

Olympus E-M5 III
Olympus E-M10 IV
  • $924
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $649
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Olympus E-M5 III vs Olympus E-M10 IV

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