Panasonic unveils Lumix DMC-GX85

 Angled view of the new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85, silver version. (Source: Panasonic.)

With a similar body design to the GX8, the GX-85 is smaller and lighter and will be offered in all-black and silver and black body colours. The camera body has an attractive textured look. The front and rear dial system is crafted in high-quality aluminium and provides flexibility as well as complete control over the camera, while the solid grip is stable and comfortable to hold. The re-engineered 16 megapixel Digital Live MOS sensor has no Low Pass Filter, which Panasonic claims improves resolution by roughly 10%. Panasonic’s new Venus Engine suppresses moirø© to ensure sharper images with natural colour rendition for still photos and movie clips. The new shutter mechanism is electromagnetically driven instead of spring driven, reducing shutter noise and virtually eliminating shutter shock. It has also contributed to the smaller camera profile.

Panasonic’s contrast-based AF system features Depth from Defocus technology offering high speed AF of approx. 0.07 sec, and high-speed burst shooting at 8 fps (AFS) / 6 fps (AFC). Low-light AF supports autofocusing in lighting down to -4EV, while Starlight AF is available for capturing subjects like stars in the sky at night using autofocus. Other useful AF features include 49-point focus detect, Custom Multi AF, Face/Eye Detection AF and Pinpoint AF.

 Front and rear views of the Lumix DMC-GX85, black version. (Source: Panasonic.)

The 5-axis in-body stabilisation operates during both photo and video recording, including 4K shooting, to provide stable imaging in situations ranging from capturing images at slow shutter speed or with a telephoto lens, to handheld video shooting.   Users of any of the 13 compatible Panasonic lenses, including the recently-released Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4.0-6.3 ASPH Power O.I.S., can take advantage of Dual IS, which combines the new 5-axis in-body stabilisation with the original 2-axis optical stabilisation in the lens.

The GX-85 introduces extra finesse in bracketing capabilities. Focus Bracketing adjusts the focus point while maintaining depth of field, a useful capability for precise macro shots.  Aperture Bracketing maintains focus while adjusting depth of field. Panasonic’s 4K feature suite is also supported in the form of 4K Video, which offers four times the resolution of Full HD and easy to use 4K Live Cropping for stable panning and zooming during recording. Panasonic’s 4K Photo modes are now accessed via a dedicated on-camera button and include 4K Pre-burst mode which records 30 frames per second before and after the  shutter is released and Post Focus,  which allows the user to choose the focal point of an image, after the shot has been taken.

The tilting Live View Finder  (EVF) has a resolution of 2,764,000 dots and supports 0.7x magnification (35mm camera equivalent). An Eye Sensor switches automatically between the EVF and the 3-inch 1,040K-dot, tilting LCD monitor.

Other key features are as follows:
 – Focus, aperture, exposure and white balance bracketing
 – Creative Control with 22 filter options that can be applied in P/A/S/M mode
 – ‘L Monochrome’ profile with rich gradation reminiscent of classic black and white film.
 – Wi-Fi connectivity using the Panasonic Image App
 – New optional External Flash DMW-FL200L (GN20). Complies with 90-degree vertical bounce lighting, can be used as an LED light in video recording and features wireless shooting.

The DMC-GX85 will be available in Australia in late May from photographic specialists and consumer electronics retailers. The body only (DMC-GX85GN-K, -S) is priced at RRP AU$1099. The single-lens kit with 12-32mm lens (DMC-GX85KGNK, S) is RRP AU$1199, the twin lens kit with 12-32mm and 45-150mm lenses (DMC-GX85TWIN-K, -S) will sell for RRP AU$1449 and the zoom lens kit with 14-140mm lens (DMC-GX85ZOOM-K, -S) is priced at RRP AU$1699. Full details of the new camera can be found at www.panasonic.com.au.