The Lumix GX850, otherwise known as the GX800 in Europe or the GF9 in Japan, is the latest interchangeable lens model from Panasonic and also one of the smallest 4K capable cameras on the market today.
As with all our most recent reviews, this full review is available in video format. However, we’ve also included a summary of our findings for your convenience.
Ethics statement: Panasonic UK sent us the GX800 (European version) for two weeks for review purposes. We were not asked to write anything about the camera, nor were we provided with any other compensation of any kind. Within the article, there are affiliate links. If you buy something after clicking the link, we will receive a small commission. Don’t worry – prices remain the same for you. To know more about our ethics, you can visit our full disclosure page. Thank you!
Main Specifications
- Sensor: 16MP Micro Four Thirds
- Lens system: Micro Four Thirds mount
- Weather-sealing: No
- Internal stabilisation: No
- Autofocus: Depth from Defocus contrast detection
- Continuous shooting: 10fps (electronic shutter), 5.8fps, 4fps and 2fps (S-AF)
- ISO Sensitivity: 200 – 25600 with 100 (Extended)
- Shutter speed: 60s – 1/500 (mechanical), 1s – 1/16000 (electronic)
- Viewfinder: No
- Rear monitor: 3-inch TFT LCD monitor with touch control
- Movie recording: 4K at 25p/24p, Full at 50p/25p
- Built-in flash: Yes
- Silent mode: Yes
- Extra features: 4K Photo, Multiple Exposure, Panorama, Time Lapse, Stop Motion Animation, Bracket, Built-in Wifi
- Dimensions: 106.5 x 64.6 x 33.3 mm
- Weight: 269g (with battery and SD card)
Video Review
Table of Contents:
- 0:52 – What I like the most: design and features
- 2:24 – What I like: image and video quality
- 4:19 – What I like: 4K Photo
- 5:40 – What could be improved: autofocus performance
- 6:30 – What I don’t like: the price
Summary of our findings
- the GX850, being one of the smallest interchangeable lens cameras on the market, can easily fit inside a small bag or jacket pocket when paired with a small prime or kit zoom
- it isn’t the most robust model from Panasonic due to the plastic construction but it is very light, making it a great everyday walk-around camera or travel companion
- the 180 degree tilting screen is useful not only for selfies but also for taking pictures at low angles
- it features the same 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor as the mid-range GX85 and G85 and like these two models, lacks an anti-aliasing filter, allowing for 10% more detail in comparison to previous sensors
- it comes packed with most of the latest features including the standard 4K Photo modes, Post Focus with Focus Stacking, Panorama, Multi Exposures, Bracketing, Stop Motion Animation and more
- the quality of the 4K footage is just as good as the mid-range models but keep in mind that the continuous recording time is limited to 5 minutes
- the camera uses the same Depth from Defocus contrast detection autofocus system as its contemporaries, which is excellent in S-AF but can struggle with moving subjects in C-AF, especially if there is a lack of contrast in the scene
- I find the price quite high given that this camera targets entry-level users
Our Verdict
There are many reasons I’d happily recommend the Panasonic Lumix GX850 to someone looking for a small yet capable camera. Not only is it one of the lightest and most portable interchangeable lens bodies on the market today, but it also inherits a vast array of characteristics from the mid-range Lumix bodies including a handsome retro design, excellent image quality, 4K video capabilities (including 4K Photo), numerous extra features, and a decent autofocus system. Paired with a few small high-quality primes, I could easily see this camera covering 90% of my needs for a day out with family or even a mini-vacation.
My only problem with the GX850 – and most entry-level mirrorless models to be honest – is the high price. Given that beginners are generally unwilling to spend more than $200 on a new camera, let alone $500, many will immediately write it off as too expensive before even looking at its impressive specifications. And let’s not forget that if you are a beginner in search of a good camera to learn on, there are many cheaper alternatives that are only 1-2 years old, such as the Lumix GF7 (the GX850’s predecessor). Granted, you don’t get the latest 4K capabilities but the image quality is almost identical, which is what counts more than anything else.
Check price of the Panasonic Lumix GX850 on B&H Photo | eBay
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Sample Images
Thanks Heather, yes I will keep the GX8 as its a great camera and acts as a backup to my GH5.. its just really tricky at the moment to choose as in my mind I want a camera that I can just take anywhere and capture good to excellent images.. I tried the LX15 in store and also the LX100 and the LX100 felt better in the hand but then you are slightly frustrated that there is no touch screen or no tilting lcd.. and the LX15 would be so pocketable but fiddly in some ways… I did also consider the ZS100 but that just looks too much of a quality compromise and would be useless in low light for the most part…I am also not convinced that the 1 inch sensors produce a quality that would suffice as when you see comparisons especially with bokeh balls etc the LX100 just looks as if its in a different league.. but is that just my heart ruling my head! I have used an RX10 for a few years now mainly for video and it is very good but the RX100 doesnt appeal that much mainly because it is priced so highly.. even the version IV is today still just shy of £700!! silly price IMHO… Perhaps I should probably wait for the LX200 which may or may not appear soon!? and see what improvements have been made but that will almost certainly be around the £700 – £800 level I would have thought…Quite a rambling reply so apologies but it is a fascinating time with cameras at the moment I think with so many options!
Are you planning on keeping your GX8? If so, the LX100 could still be a good alternative when you want to travel light.
If you are looking to substitute your GX8, however, I’d take a closer look at the GX850 or the GX85 (a little bigger with more controls and IBIS). We wrote up a full comparison which you can find here: http://mirrorlesscomparison.com/panasonic-vs-panasonic/lumix-gx850-vs-gx85-gx800-vs-gx80/
Great review as always and further to my post on the LX100 I am wondering if this camera with the panasonic 20mm f1.7 may be better overall providing you don’t miss the 3 x zoom on the LX100!?..so many choices..I love my Olympus 25mm f1.8 on my gx8 but its quite bulky and would really like a camera or camera lens combo I can just take everywhere..
It was a pretty awesome race, and we had a great view as well!
Thanks, we do our best! 😉
Yes, you are right. I copied and pasted the information from our GX85 review and forgot to change that particularly specification. Apologies for the confusion!
Actually, the max mechanical shutter speed is 1/500th (electronic first curtain) – for speeds faster than that, the only choice is the full electronic shutter. What is also very disappointing is the 1/50th sec max flash sync speed.
I got one based on your video review 🙂 Unfortunately for me in Australia, the previous model was only $150 AU cheaper than this model, and I think that was worth getting all the 4K photo and 4K video modes for that extra money. I’ve also ordered the Panasonic 42.5mm f1.7, so that I have a prime for portraits, and the collapsible kit lens for general work. There seems to be some confusion around the max mechanical shutter speed of this camera though – some comparison websites have it as my 1/500th sec only, while you have it stated as 1/4000th (which makes more sense to me). Keep up the good work!
I still like the gm1:) Amazing back up camera when u can’t get….em1 sold now em1 II for wildlife, pen f for landscapes, em10 II for macro etc… Great site keep up the youtube channel you both;) My site: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/andre-vernacchia. Can anyone tell when I left canon?
Love the Ford escort photo! Makes me want to be there
For the price, rubbish value for money.
As it lacks image stabilization better to get a GM5 if you want to go small and don’t need any of the 4K stuff.
Another timely and useful review as I want a smaller M43 camera body to go along with my G85. I’ll look for a GF7.