Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 belongs to a Semi-Pro Mirrorless category, the other model, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is a Entry-Level DSLR camera. One of the key common traits of both cameras we are looking at is sensor. Both Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100, are equipped with the same 16.0 MP CMOS sensors.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - MirrorLess and DSLR. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Key Features:
Nikon D5100 Key Features:
Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
Continuous Shooting | 9 fps vs 4 fps | 5 fps faster |
Number Of Focus Points | 49 vs 11 | 38 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 921k dots | 11.4% higher resolution screen |
Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
Weight | 505 g vs 560 g | 55 g lighter |
Environmental Sealing | Yes vs No | Shoot at tough conditions |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.74 vs 0.52 | 0.22 better magnification |
Sensor Area | 370.52 mm2 vs 224.9 mm2 | 39.3% larger pixel area |
Flash Range | 12 vs 6.2 | 5.8 better flash range |
Battery Life | 660 shots vs 330 shots | 330 more frames with a single charge |
Dxo Color Depth | 23.5 vs 22.8 | Better color depth |
Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.6 vs 12.5 | Better dynamic range |
Dxo Low Light Iso | 1183 vs 656 | Better High ISO performance |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical (pentamirror) | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Microphone Port | Yes | Yes | High quality audio recording option |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Built-In Flash | Yes | Yes | External flash available |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 16.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 55g less than the Nikon D5100. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 16.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Nikon D5100 is equipped with a sensor that is 0.6x larger than the one featured in Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
Photography Type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 | Nikon D5100 |
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 or Nikon D5100, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Nikon D5100 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D5100. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 | Nikon D5100 | |
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General | ||
Brand | Panasonic | Nikon |
Model | Lumix DMC-G85 | D5100 |
Announced | Sep 19, 2016 | Apr 26, 2011 |
Body Type | SLR-style mirrorless | Compact SLR |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Four Thirds | APS-C |
Sensor Dimensions | 17.3 x 13 mm | 23.6 x 15.7 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.90 mm2 | 370.52 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4592 x 3448 | 4928 x 3264 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 6,400 |
Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Nikon F |
Number of Lenses | 94 | 287 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 2x | 1.5x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 49 | 11 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | 1 |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Fully Articulated | Fully Articulated |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots | 921k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic | Optical (pentamirror) |
ViewFinder Resolution | 2,360k dots | 0k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | 100% | 95% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.74 | 0.52 |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 30 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 9.0 fps | 4.0 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 6.2 | 12 |
Flash Modes | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
DxO Sensor Scores | ||
DxO Sensor Score | 71 | 80 |
DxO Color Depth | 22.8 | 23.5 |
DxO Dynamic Range | 12.5 | 13.6 |
DxO Low Light ISO | 656 | 1183 |
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC | 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (30, 25, 24 fps), 640 x 424 (30, 25 fps) |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
Video Formats | MPEG-4, AVCHD | MPEG-4 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 505 g | 560 g |
Physical Dimensions | 128 x 89 x 74 mm | 128 x 97 x 79 mm |
Battery Life | 330 shots | 660 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | n/a | EN-EL14 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | Optional | |
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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