Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G85MK Black 2022
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
What Buyers Say
Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G85MK Black 2022
The Panasonic Lumix G85 is widely praised as an excellent value for beginners and intermediate users, offering great 4K video, solid image stabilization, and weather sealing at an affordable price. Many users highlight its reliable performance for vlogging, streaming, and content creation, though some note a plasticky build and occasional autofocus issues. A few negative experiences involve defective units or shipping problems, but overall sentiment is strongly positive.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Great 4K video quality
- Effective in-body image stabilization
- Weather-sealed body and kit lens
- No recording time limit
Cons
- Plasticky build quality
- Autofocus lag in some conditions
- So-so still image quality with kit lens
- No headphone jack for audio monitoring
- No external power supply available
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
The Sony a6500 draws strong praise for its compact design, 4K video quality, and fast autofocus, but a vocal minority of users report serious autofocus reliability issues that produce consistently blurry photos in auto mode. While many photographers love its low-light performance and IBIS, concerns about battery life, rolling shutter, missing accessories, and a stiffer lens mount appear in several reviews. Overall, the camera is well-regarded for its features, though quality control and the lack of GPS are notable frustrations.
Pros
- Excellent 4K video quality
- Compact and lightweight body
- Fast and snappy autofocus
- Great low-light performance
- In-body image stabilization (IBIS)
Cons
- Serious autofocus issues in auto mode
- Blurry photos reported by multiple users
- Short battery life
- Rolling shutter effect
- Stiff lens mount compared to NEX
Scores
Specifications
| Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G85MK | Sony Alpha a6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Live MOS | Exmor CMOS |
| Size | micro-four-thirds | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 16 MP | 24.200000762939453 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 200 | 100★ |
| Processor | Venus Engine | BIONZ X |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Auto/Manual | Phase Detection: 425Contrast Detection: 169 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | — | ✓★ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 11 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 40 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | — | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 60 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✗ | ✗ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | — | ✓★ |
| Codec | AVCHD, MP4 | XAVC S |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 2.4M dots | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.50 kg | 0.16 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 800 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✗ | ✗ |
| USB | USB-B | Micro-USB★ |
| HDMI | Micro HDMI★ | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Panasonic Lumix G DMC-G85MK Black 2022
- Strong battery (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Below average sensor (10th percentile)10th %ile
Sony Alpha a6500 Black 2016
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong social proof (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong sensor (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong af (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (9th percentile)9th %ile
Verdict
Scores 77 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 9 of 33 specs.