If you’re in the market for a mirrorless camera, then the Panasonic Lumix GX85 Vs Sony a6400 are two excellent options to consider. Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to weigh these up before making a final decision. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both cameras and compare their features, performance, and value for money to help you decide which one is the right choice for you.
In this comparison, we will talk about the following:
- What are Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400?
- How is the Design of Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400?
- How is the Image Quality from Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400?
- How is the Video Feature in Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400?
- How is the Autofocus Performance of Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400?
- Which Mirrorless Camera to Buy?
| Panasonic Lumix GX85 | Sony a6400 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
|
| Product Dimensions | 4.8 x 2.78 x 1.73 inches inches | 6.2 x 9.2 x 4.55 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.09 Pounds | 0.64 Pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon |
About Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400
The Panasonic Lumix GX85, also known as the GX80 outside of North America, was released in 2016. It features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 4K video recording. The camera has a tilting touchscreen, electronic viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Sony a6400, on the other hand, was released in 2019. It features a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and 4K video recording. The camera has a tilting touchscreen, electronic viewfinder, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Both cameras are aimed at enthusiasts and advanced users, and offer a range of manual controls and customization options. They are popular choices for people who want high-quality image and video output in a compact and portable form factor. Read also: Panasonic Lumix GX85 VS G7 here.
Design and Build Quality
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a compact and lightweight camera that is well-built and easy to handle. It has a simple design that’s reminiscent of old pocket cameras, which will appeal to some users. The camera body is made of high-quality plastic that feels durable and solid in your hand. The camera has a comfortable grip and a good range of physical controls, including a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a dedicated video record button.
On the other hand, the Sony a6400 is slightly larger and heavier than the GX85, but it still feels comfortable to hold and use. It has a more modern design that’s similar to other Sony mirrorless cameras. The camera body is made of high-quality materials that feel solid and robust. It has a larger grip than the GX85, which makes it easier to hold for extended periods of time. The camera has a good range of physical controls, including a mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and a custom function button.
Overall, both cameras have good build quality, and they are well-designed for their respective user bases. However, if you’re looking for a smaller and more lightweight camera, then the Panasonic Lumix GX85 might be the better choice for you.
Image Quality
When it comes to image quality, both cameras perform exceptionally well. The Panasonic Lumix GX85 has a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor that produces sharp and detailed images with excellent color accuracy. The camera has a maximum ISO sensitivity of 25,600, which means that it can capture good quality images in low light conditions.
On the other hand, the Sony a6400 has a larger APS-C sensor with 24 megapixels. This means that it can capture more detail than the GX85, especially in low light conditions. The camera has a maximum ISO sensitivity of 32,000, which is slightly better than the GX85. The a6400 also has excellent dynamic range, which means that it can capture a wider range of tones in a single image.
Overall, both cameras produce high-quality images, but the Sony a6400 has a slight edge in terms of image detail and low-light performance.
Video Features
If you plan to use your camera for video production, it’s important to consider the camera’s video features. Both the Panasonic Lumix GX85 and the Sony a6400 are capable of producing high-quality video with advanced features and options.
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 can shoot 4K video at 30fps and features a variety of advanced video options, including focus peaking, zebra patterns, and time-lapse. The camera also features a 5-axis image stabilization system, which helps to produce smoother, more stable footage. The Sony a6400 can also shoot 4K video at 30fps and features a variety of advanced video options, including S-Log2 and S-Log3, which allows for greater dynamic range and color grading in post-production. Check our other comparison in: Sony Alpha a6400 vs Fujifilm X T30 here.
Autofocus
The GX85 has a contrast-detect autofocus system that works well in most situations. It has 49 focus points that cover a wide area of the frame, which means that you can focus on your subject quickly and accurately. The camera also has a range of autofocus modes, including face detection, eye detection, and subject tracking, which make it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects.
The Sony a6400, on the other hand, has a hybrid autofocus system that combines both contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus. This makes it even faster and more accurate than the GX85, especially when it comes to tracking moving subjects. The camera has 425 focus points that cover almost the entire frame, which means that you can focus on your subject quickly and accurately.
Conclusion
After considering all the features and specifications of the Panasonic Lumix GX85 and Sony a6400, we can conclude that both cameras are excellent choices for different types of photographers. If you are on a budget and want a lightweight and compact camera with good image quality, then the Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a great option. However, if you are willing to spend a bit more and want a camera with better autofocus, larger sensor, and more advanced video features, then the Sony a6400 is the better choice.