Panasonic G Adventures

Well, a few weeks have passed, and I’m starting to see why some photographers prefer Panasonic cameras. They don’t have models that resemble the Olympus E-M10 or E-M5 series, and their design is quite different. If you’re used to the handling of a DSLR, Panasonic offers more options in that area. Olympus (or OM System) only provides that DSLR-style grip in their higher-end models. That said, the G81 remains a relatively compact and lightweight camera—smaller and lighter than the E-M1 Mark III and only slightly heavier than the E-M5 Mark III.

Now, if you’re looking for a high-end stills camera in the Micro Four Thirds system, Olympus/OM System is the clear winner. Take the OM-1 Mark II, for example—no Panasonic camera can match it for photography. Panasonic’s lineup consists mostly of heavier, bulkier cameras. However, if your focus is on video, then Panasonic is undeniably the better choice.

Back to my G81. After catching the “filmmaking bug,” I quickly started looking for an upgrade—but without breaking the bank. That turned out to be more challenging than expected. I did extensive research on both Panasonic’s current and older models, including the G91/G95, G9/G9II, GH5 (all versions), GH6, and GH7. You’d think that after nine years, finding a better alternative to the G81 would be easy given Panasonic’s vast lineup. And yes, technically, there are better options—but not if you don’t want to spend significantly more, carry a larger and heavier camera, or deal with added complexity. And that last part is key.

The G85 (same as G81/80 in different regions) shoots 4K at 30/25/24p with a 100Mbps bitrate, though limited to 8-bit. However, in my experience, it delivers excellent results with minimal technical knowledge and little post-processing. If your primary focus is photography and video is just a secondary feature, this camera is hard to beat.

Recently, I’ve been taking only this camera on my outings to get more familiar with it—besides my Olympus TG Tracker, which stays mounted on my bike’s handlebars for “on-the-road” footage. I’ve also realized that I can keep the G81 in a side pannier for quick access while carrying my photography gear in my hard case as I always have. It truly is a “shoot-and-go” camera – or in my case “film-and-go” 🙂

Color versions of my visit to the city bicycle bridge. Developed in RawTherapee using Adobe camera profiles for the G81 sensor (GX85 is exact the same sensor) —Scenery profile—except for the two shots inside the tunnel, which were processed with the same LUT used in the video. That LUT comes from Emily Lowery of Micro Four Nerds—City Escape – Street Wise.

A photo compilation in video form, with a short 45-second clip filmed on the Lumix G81. Well… video is a whole different ball game! For the seasoned pros among you, it might look a bit amateurish, but hey—we’re learning. And honestly, I have zero desire to ever be called a pro. It’s all about having fun, experimenting, and just enjoying the process!