• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony NEX-F3 advantages over Panasonic G85

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 3.77 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,114 vs 656 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 470 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    41 mm vs 74 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    526g vs 728g
    Lighter weight
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic G85 advantages over Sony NEX-F3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.5 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    8 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Less shutter lag
    0.20 vs 0.31 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.4 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 12 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 16000 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • 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 Panasonic G85

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality; Above-average battery life for a mirrorless camera; Makes light work of shooting self-portraits; Very versatile video mode for a camera of this class.

  • Built-in flash is weak and uneven; Grip feels cramped due to low shutter button position; Bundled kit lens turns in a mediocre performance, and body isn't sold without the lens.

  • 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 Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 60p video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
Panasonic G85
Sony NEX-5N
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-5R
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic G85
Sony NEX-5R
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-6

Sony NEX-F3
Sony NEX-6
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic G85
Sony NEX-6
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1 II

Sony NEX-F3
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
Panasonic G85
Olympus E-M1 II
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $899
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Panasonic G95

Sony NEX-F3
Panasonic G95
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic G85
Panasonic G95
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger RAW buffer
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Newer
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