Panasonic LUMIX G97 vs Panasonic LUMIX GX85
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if…
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio.
- ✓You photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks.
- ✓You vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio.
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 if…
- ✓You value portability — at 406g (14.3 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, Log and no clip limit.
- ›Price: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 launched at $699, $100 under the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Durability: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Weight: the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 is 406g (14.3 oz) vs 530g (1.17 lb) — 124g you'll feel on a long day out.
- ›Resolution: 20.3MP on the Panasonic LUMIX G97 vs 16MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
- ›Burst: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 shoots 9fps to the Panasonic LUMIX GX85's 8fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
Frequently asked
Is the Panasonic LUMIX G97 or the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 better?
Same line, different generation: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 (2025) moves ahead on resolution (20.3MP vs 16MP) and subject-detection AF. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX G97 if you shoot video seriously — it brings Log for gradable footage and both mic and headphone jacks for monitored audio. Choose it if you photograph moving subjects — it adds AF subject detection for animals that the other body lacks. Choose it if you vlog or shoot handheld solo — the fully-articulating screen flips to face you and there's a mic input for clean audio. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Who should choose the Panasonic LUMIX GX85?
Choose the Panasonic LUMIX GX85 if you value portability — at 406g (14.3 oz) it's noticeably lighter than the 530g (1.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Panasonic LUMIX G97 and the Panasonic LUMIX GX85?
Video: the Panasonic LUMIX G97 is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, Log and no clip limit.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | Venus Engine | Venus Engine |
| Effective Resolution | 20.3 MP | 16 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | − | 100 – 25600 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | 1/16000 |
| Flash Sync Speed | − | 1/160 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 9 fps | 8 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | Up to 30p |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 60p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | No | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Log Profiles | V-Log L | − |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Mic Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Output | − | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | − | 49 |
| Contrast Detect Points | 49 | − |
| Low Light AF | − | -4 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | No |
| Animal AF | Yes | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 2.76M dots |
| EVF Magnification | − | 0.7x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.84M dots | 1.04M dots |
| LCD Type | Vari-Angle | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 | v4.2 |
| USB | USB-C | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $799 |
| Body Material | − | Polycarbonate |
| Dimensions | 130.4×93.5×77.4 mm | 122×71.5×44.3 mm |
| Weight | 530g (1.17 lb) | 406g (14.3 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | − | 290 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | − | 290 shots |
| Battery Type | − | DMW-BLG10 |
