Panasonic LUMIX GX85 → Panasonic LUMIX GX9
Is the upgrade worth it? Every change on the spec sheet, and an honest read on who should bother.
The bottom line
The Panasonic LUMIX GX9 is the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX GX85, released 2 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 3 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: resolution rises from 16MP to 20.3MP. The Panasonic LUMIX GX9 lists at $897 (the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 launched at $799, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
Upgrade to the Panasonic LUMIX GX9 if…
Stick with the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 if…
- •You shoot in low light or indoors — AF that focuses down to -4 EV gives it the edge after dark.
- •None of the headline changes map to what you actually shoot — the camera you own doesn't get worse when a successor launches.
What changed (8 items)
↑ 3 improved · ↓ 3 stepped back · → changed without a clear better/worse
| Spec | Panasonic LUMIX GX85 | Panasonic LUMIX GX9 |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| ↑Effective Resolution | 16 MP | 20.3 MP |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| ↑Continuous Shooting | 8 fps | 9 fps |
| Focus | ||
| ↓Low Light AF | -4 EV | -3 EV |
| Monitor | ||
| ↑LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.24M dots |
| General | ||
| ↓Price (MSRP) | $799 | $897 |
| →Body Material | Polycarbonate | Magnesium Alloy |
| →Dimensions | 122×71.5×44.3 mm | 124×72.1×46.8 mm |
| ↓Weight | 406g (14.3 oz) | 407g (14.4 oz) |
What stayed the same (39 items)
Everything below is identical on both bodies — if these are what you buy a camera for, the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 already has them.
Ready to buy?
Panasonic LUMIX GX85 (keep or buy used)
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Panasonic LUMIX GX9
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Frequently asked
Is it worth upgrading from the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 to the Panasonic LUMIX GX9?
The Panasonic LUMIX GX9 is the direct successor to your Panasonic LUMIX GX85, released 2 years later. Across the full spec sheet it improves 3 items and steps back on 3. The changes that matter most: resolution rises from 16MP to 20.3MP. The Panasonic LUMIX GX9 lists at $897 (the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 launched at $799, and older bodies typically sell for well under launch price on the used market). The generation gap here is modest — upgrade only if a specific change below solves a real problem in your shooting.
What does the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 still do just as well as the Panasonic LUMIX GX9?
39 spec items are identical between the two, including sensor type (Live MOS), sensor size (Micro Four Thirds), image processor (Venus Engine), lens mount (Micro Four Thirds), iso range (native) (200 – 25600), iso range (extended) (100 – 25600). If those cover your needs, the older body remains fully capable.
Does the Panasonic LUMIX GX9 give anything up compared to the Panasonic LUMIX GX85?
Yes — 3 items on the spec sheet move the other way: low light af (-4 EV → -3 EV), price (msrp) ($799 → $897), weight (406g (14.3 oz) → 407g (14.4 oz)).
Full side-by-side spec table →Panasonic LUMIX GX9 full specs →