Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 mirrorless camera unveiled

Panasonic has officially unveiled the Lumix GX85 mirrorless camera, which will be sold as Lumix GX80 in markets outside North America.

The rumor mill has recently leaked information about a Panasonic GX85 camera, hinting that the product is a stripped-down version of the Lumix GX8.

Shortly after that, the first photos of the device showed up online, along with a name correction: the product was supposed to be called Lumix GX80.

Well, it seems like both names are correct, as the two models are aimed at different markets. Panasonic has just introduced the mirrorless camera, which will be called GX85 in North America and, respectively, GX80 in other markets, including Europe and Japan.

Panasonic introduces new 4K mirrorless camera: Lumix GX85 / GX80

Panasonic Lumix GX85 features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor without an optical low-pass filter. The removal of the anti-aliasing filter means that fine detail resolution is about 10% higher compared to regular 16MP sensors.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 features a 16-megapixel sensor without an optical low-pass filter.

The image sensor is joined by a brand new Venus Engine that offers speed and resolving power. The shutter mechanism has been improved, too, and it includes an electromagnetic drive that reduces shocks in order to prevent blur from appearing in your photos.

Moreover, the new mirrorless camera has a novel 5-axis Dual Image Stabilizer. It combines in-body image stabilization with in-lens stabilization, so that it offers about four stops of stabilization.

Panasonic fans are already used to seeing 4K video recording in the company’s cameras. As a result, there is no surprise that the GX85 / GX80 has such ability, along with support for 4K Photo, 4K Burst, 4K, Pre-burst, and Post Focus among others.

Quick autofocus speeds are a priority to Panasonic

The new Micro Four Thirds camera features a Contrast AF technology that allows it to communicate with a lens at up to 240fps. Additionally, the shooter can focus in only 0.07 seconds.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 comes packed with an electronic viewfinder and a tilting touchscreen on the back.

The Venus Engine allows the camera to shoot up to 8fps in continuous shooting mode with single focus and up to 6fps with continuous AF turned on. The popular Depth From Defocus technology is supported as well, so focusing speed will not be a problem at all, regardless of scenarios.

There are 49 focus points in the AF system, which includes support for Face Recognition, Face Detection, Eye Detection, and Pinpoint AF among others. During this time, photographers can use a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25600.

After capturing photos or videos, users can easily transfer them to a smartphone or tablet via WiFi technology. Moreover, the mobile devices can be used to remotely control the Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80.

Touchscreen, viewfinder, and flash add versatility into a tiny camera

The specifications list of the new mirrorless camera include a 3-inch 1.04-million-pixel touchscreen, which can be tilted upwards by 80 degrees and downwards by 45 degrees. An electronic viewfinder is also included and offers a resolution of about 2.76 million pixels.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 features a 5-axis dual image stabilization technology.

A regular mechanical shutter has a maximum speed of 1/4000s, while the electronic shutter allows users to set the speed at up to 1/16000s. On the other hand, the slowest shutter speed stands at 60 seconds.

There is a built-in pop-up flash, albeit users can attach an external flash through the hot-shoe mount. A stereo microphone records high quality audio in videos, as there is no available port for an external one.

Speaking of ports, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity options.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 coming to a store near you this May

This is a compact and lightweight interchangeable lens camera. It measures roughly 122 x 71 x 44mm / 4.8 x 2.8 x 1.73 inches and weighs about 426 grams / 0.94 lbs with the battery inserted in its place.

The battery life is 290 shots on a single charge, which is a decent value for this type of camera. Storage capabilities include one SD / SDHC / SDXC slot and, if you are going to capture 4K videos, then you will need faster ones and with as much space as possible.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 / GX80 features in-camera RAW development, time-lapse photography mode, stop-motion animation, and a new L-Monochrome mode.

The mirrorless camera will become available in late May for a price of $799.99 in a kit including a 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 lens and in black and silver colors choices.