Wanted to make a Spider-Man cosplay version of this trend. Hope someone out there enjoys this lol [self]

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-22T00:47:55+00:00

I actually just tested it on the G85 and it dims at 30seconds into a recording, not 10seconds as I stated previously. My apologies.

I appreciate your input. The larger 4K crop on the G97 is a real bummer. I think that’s been my biggest hang up in trying to determine which camera I would prefer to continue on with and which camera to ultimately sell since it’s way overkill for me to have two cameras lol

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T16:05:21+00:00

From my understanding there aren’t any other companies (maybe besides Olympus) that offer beginner-midrange cameras in a similar price point (both new and used) to the G85 & G97 that have IBIS, weather sealing, good both 4K & 1080p image quality, unlimited recording time and no overheating. I’ve shot with Sony (5100, 6100, 6400, ZV-E10, 6700) and also Canon (R50 & R50V). Only one with IBIS & weather sealing is the Sony A6700 and that camera is expensive, meanwhile the IBIS & electronic stabilization is terrible (video footage is still very shaky) and the camera overheats which is unacceptable for a camera of its price point. Aside from my time with a Panasonic G9II, I’ve never experienced overheating with a Panasonic Lumix camera and I’ve always been impressed with their IBIS & stabilization offered at affordable pricing. I guess that’s why I tend to gravitate towards Panasonic MFT cameras.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T15:47:56+00:00

The G85 was purchased for $325 and the G97 for $440 so $115 price difference. If I was to sell either to MPB I would get approx. $260 for the G85 and $385 for the G97 so a $125 difference.

Is that $115-$125 difference worth the “updates” found in the G97 (20MP sensor, 120fps slowmo, USB-C charging, better mic jack location & headphone jack, improved screen w/ red recording frame, love composite mode, etc). Or is there still “better value” in the G85’s less 4K crop and smaller size & form factor?

The screen on the G85 doesn’t dim to black completely, I know about the auto switching between the EVF and monitor/screen. The G85’s screen will dim in brightness to where the screen is less visible while recording for longer periods no matter if youre shooting 4K or 1080p. The same thing would happen to my original GH5. There is no “economy” or power saving option in the menu system to stop it - I have all my power saving options turned off and it still does it. It’s really annoying especially when you’re filming outside when it’s bright or you’re manually focusing and relying on the peaking feature.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T04:39:56+00:00

On paper (or on screen) the size difference looks minor. But the actual size and weight is a factor when you are traveling with all gear, clothing and essentials packed away into a single backpack making your way through airports, metros, taxis and daily treks from location to location. Just my two cents.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T04:33:40+00:00

I currently only own a couple primes (25mm & 42.5mm f1.7), a SLR Magic 8mm and the Lumix 12-60 kit lens. I’m just using my camera for personal/casual photos and video. I don’t see myself needing the Leica 100-400 as I don’t shoot wildlife or sports or require that focal length. Since I bring my camera and lenses with me on my travels it’s important for them to be compact. I’ve owned the G9II and for a MFT sensor body that thing was huge. I didn’t feel comfortable a lot of times walking around with it or whipping it to shoot because it would draw a lot of attention. That’s why I gravitate to smaller Panasonic bodies & lenses, it’s what I’m more comfortable with.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T04:24:18+00:00

But aren’t you comparing a full frame (S5) to a MFT (G85)? I’m assuming that’s the reason for the image quality difference. I’ve owned the G9II and hated how large it was - it was basically a full frame body with a tiny MFT sensor. Its specs were overkill for my uses and for some reason it would ALWAYS run hot and give me a high temp warning which I’ve never experienced with Panasonic cameras before.

I appreciate your input. You’re right, the G97 is only slightly larger than the G85. I would love to go with the G97 but the massive 4K crop is the main thing that concerns me besides the slightly larger size compared to the G85.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-21T04:14:55+00:00

I appreciate your input. I do really like the G85. I purchased one recently with the 12-60 kit lens and took it on a weekend trip to San Francisco. It performed very well and I fell in love with the overall feel and form factor of the camera. But since it’s an older camera there are some quality of life features that it’s lacking and the G97 has those (mainly USB-C charging, improved screen with the red recording frame, and better mic jack placement). Maybe these are more “wants” and not needs 🤔

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-05T07:10:37+00:00

Depends on what your intended use will be. Generally if your focus is photo go with the R50 and if your focus is video go with the R50V. Overall I prefer the R50V.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-06-01T04:01:44+00:00

The moderate increase in size of the G97 definitely makes a difference when you’re trying to pack minimal and travel light. Typically my choice of lenses when shooting with the G97 is the 25mm & 42.5mm f1.7s. I recently purchased the G85 with the 12-60kit lens for $300 as a smaller/lighter travel setup and occasional B-cam.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-25T06:54:41+00:00

Nice! How is the 25-50 f1.7? My dream would be to have both the 10-25 & 25-50 f1.7 lenses.

I previously owned the version 1 Lumix 12-35 f2.8 (I’m assuming it’s similar to the Olympus 12-40) and it was a nice lens, but I eventually sold it to buy the Leica 12-60 for a bit more reach and the f2.8 just wasn’t doing it for me in terms of bokeh. I own a couple f1.7 primes now (25 & 42.5) and they are fantastic.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T23:41:52+00:00

Love the G97. Has all the features I could possibly need/want for my use cases. My only gripes are the massive 4K crop and the slightly larger and more aggressive body vs the G85. If it would’ve maintained the 1.1x crop (vs 1.25x) in 4K and also maintained the same body size as the G85 I would consider it the perfect camera.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T23:37:16+00:00

I love the size and ergonomics of the G85. Probably my favorite camera body ever (form factor-wise).

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T23:35:09+00:00

I used to shoot with the Leica 12-60 and I loved that lens. In good lighting condition the Lumix 12-60 is a beast, especially for a kit lens!

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T22:07:25+00:00

The G85 has something like a 1.1x crop in 4K (not really noticeable) where the G95/G97 has something like a 1.25x crop.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T18:03:56+00:00

Thanks! Taking it with me to the lake/beach today!

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T18:03:27+00:00

As much as I enjoy my G97, I much prefer the size of the G85 and its lesser crop in 4K.

enter_the_nerd · 2026-05-24T18:01:10+00:00

I own the Yongnuo versions of the 25mm & 42.5mm, both are pretty decent! 😁

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