Sony Alpha A7R III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

  • Full frame
  • 42 megapixels
  • Sony E
  • 64
    Overall
  • 46
    Imaging
  • 88
    Features
  • 73
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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  • Four Thirds
  • 16 megapixels
  • Micro Four Thirds
  • 47
    Overall
  • 21
    Imaging
  • 74
    Features
  • 73
    Size
  • 0
    Price
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Sony Alpha A7R III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85: a Complete Review and Comparison

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, Sony Alpha A7R III belongs to a Pro Mirrorless category, the other model, Sony Alpha A7R III is a Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Sony Alpha A7R III comes with BSI-CMOS sensor that has a resolution of 42.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 features a 16.0 MP CMOS sensor.

To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.

Sony Alpha A7R III Key Features:

  • 42.0 MP Full frame BSI-CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 32000 (Expands to 50 - 102400)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Tilting Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 10.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 127 x 96 x 74 mm
  • Weight: 657 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Replaced Sony A7R II.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Key Features:

  • 16.0 MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
  • ISO 100 - 25600 (Expands to 100 - 25600)
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • 3″ Fully Articulated Screen
  • ViewFinder: Yes
  • 9.0 fps Continuous Shooting
  • Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
  • Built-in Wireless: Yes
  • Dimensions: 128 x 89 x 74 mm
  • Weight: 505 g
  • Environmental Sealing: Yes
  • Built-in GPS: No
  • Also known as Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80

Sony Alpha A7R III substituted Sony A7R II.

Why is Sony Alpha A7R III a better choice than Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

NFC Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices
Bluetooth Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Bluetooth
Storage Slots 2 vs 1 Extra storage slot
Sensor Resolution 42.0 MP vs 16.0 MP 61.9% more pixels
Sensor Area 861.6 mm2 vs 224.9 mm2 73.9% larger pixel area
Continuous Shooting 10 fps vs 9 fps 1 fps faster
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 vs 1/4000 Faster shutter speed
Number Of Focus Points 425 vs 49 376 more focus points
Screen Resolution 1,440k dots vs 1,040k dots 27.8% higher resolution screen
Battery Life 650 shots vs 330 shots 320 more frames with a single charge
Headphone Port Yes vs No Has headphone port
Dxo Color Depth 26 vs 22.8 Better color depth
Dxo Dynamic Range 14.7 vs 12.5 Better dynamic range
Dxo Low Light Iso 3523 vs 656 Better High ISO performance
Viewfinder Resolution 3,686k dots vs 2,360k dots 36% higher resolution
Viewfinder Magnification 0.78 vs 0.74 0.04 better magnification

What are the key reasons to pick Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 over Sony Alpha A7R III

Built-In Flash Yes vs No All the lenses are stabilized
Flash Range 6.2 vs No 6.2 better flash range
Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Tilting Flexible shooting positions
Weight 505 g vs 657 g 152 g lighter

Key PROs of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85

Touch Screen Yes | Yes Easy control of camera functions
Screen Size 3″ | 3″ Large display
Screen Resolution 1,440k dots | 1,040k dots High resolution screen
Screen Type Tilting | Fully Articulated Help viewing and changing settings easily
Viewfinder Electronic | Electronic 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
Bracketing Yes | Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps | 9.0 fps Nice continuous shooting
Image Stabilization Yes | Yes Built-in stabilization
Flash Sync Port Yes | Yes Port for Flash Sync
Environmental Sealing Yes | Yes Shoot at tough conditions

Sony Alpha A7R III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics

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 Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 from the front view.

Sony Alpha A7R III
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
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Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.

Sony Alpha A7R III
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
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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 152g less than the Sony Alpha A7R III. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.

Comparing Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 by the type of Sensor and Resolution

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 Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 any different in terms of sensor type?

In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Sony Alpha A7R III features a 42.0 MP Full frame sized BSI-CMOS sensor and boasts of a Bionz X processor . Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, in its turn, comes with a 16.0 MP Four Thirds sized CMOS sensor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.

Take a look below to find the comparison of Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 by the size of their sensors.

Sony Alpha A7R III
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
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One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Sony Alpha A7R III has a sensor area 0.3x bigger compared to Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.

For Which Fields Of Photography Are Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Suitable?

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 Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 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 Sony Alpha A7R III Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
Portrait Photography
99%
54%
Street Photography
95%
99%
Sports Photography
99%
82%
Daily Photography
68%
77%
Landscape Photography
100%
86%

Sony Alpha A7R III for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (42 MP)
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 for Portrait Photography

Advantages:

  • Image Stabilization
  • Face Detection Focusing

Disadvantages:

  • Small Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor

Sony Alpha A7R III for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Full frame(35.9 x 24 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 for Street Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Fully Articulated Screen
  • Image Stabilization
  • Large Four Thirds(17.3 x 13 mm) sensor

Disadvantages:

  • Big size (128 x 89 x 74 mm)

Sony Alpha A7R III for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing
  • Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
  • Big Number of autofocus Points (425)
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3523)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (10.0 fps)
  • Small battery life (650 shots)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 for Sports Photography

Advantages:

  • Environmental Sealing

Disadvantages:

  • Slow Continuous Shooting (9.0 fps)
  • Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
  • Smal Number of autofocus Points (49)
  • Bad Low Light ISO (656)
  • Small battery life (330 shots)

Sony Alpha A7R III for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Big weight (657 g)
  • Big size (127 x 96 x 74 mm)
  • No Built-in Flash

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 for Daily Photography

Advantages:

  • Built-in Flash
  • Built-in View Finder
  • Live View
  • Wireless Connectivity
  • Video is available

Disadvantages:

  • Small Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
  • Big weight (505 g)
  • Big size (128 x 89 x 74 mm)

Sony Alpha A7R III for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Large Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) sensor
  • High resolution sensor (42 MP)
  • Good Dynamic Range (14.7)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support
  • Nice Low Light ISO (3523)

Disadvantages:

No Significant Disadvantages

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 for Landscape Photography

Advantages:

  • Good Dynamic Range (12.5)
  • Environmental Sealing
  • Live View
  • RAW Support

Disadvantages:

  • Small Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
  • Low resolution sensor (16 MP)
  • Bad Low Light ISO (656)

Comparison of Sony Alpha A7R III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85: Final Verdict

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, Sony Alpha A7R III or Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85, 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 Sony Alpha A7R III and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 here is what we can say in conclusion:

According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Sony Alpha A7R III deserves a higher Total Score than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.

Sony Alpha A7R III vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 Table Of Technical Specs

For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:

Sony Alpha A7R III Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85
General
Brand Sony Panasonic
Model Alpha A7R III Lumix DMC-G85
Announced Oct 25, 2017 Sep 19, 2016
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Sensor Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor Size Full frame Four Thirds
Sensor Dimensions 35.9 x 24 mm 17.3 x 13 mm
Sensor Area 861.60 mm2 224.90 mm2
Sensor Resolution 42.0 MP 16.0 MP
Max Image Resolution 7952 x 5304 4592 x 3448
Max Native ISO 32,000 25,600
Max Boosted ISO 102,400 25,600
Min Native ISO 100 100
RAW Support Yes Yes
Lens
Manual Focus Yes Yes
Lens Mount Sony E Micro Four Thirds
Number of Lenses 83 94
Focal Length Multiplier 1x 2x
Macro Focus Range
AutoFocus
AF Touch Yes Yes
AF Continuous Yes Yes
AF Single Yes Yes
AF Tracking Yes Yes
AF Selective Yes Yes
AF Center Yes Yes
AF Multi Area Yes Yes
AF Live View Yes Yes
AF Face Detection Yes Yes
AF Contrast Detection Yes Yes
AF Phase Detection Yes No
Number of Focus Points 425 49
Number of Cross Focus Points n/a n/a
Screen
Screen Type Tilting Fully Articulated
Screen Size 3″ 3″
Screen Resolution 1,440k dots 1,040k dots
Live View Yes Yes
Touch Screen Yes Yes
ViewFinder
ViewFinder Electronic Electronic
ViewFinder Resolution 3,686k dots 2,360k dots
ViewFinder Coverage 100% 100%
ViewFinder Magnification 0.78 0.74
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed 30 s 60 s
Max Shutter Speed 1/8000 s 1/4000 s
Continuous Shooting 10.0 fps 9.0 fps
Shutter Priority Yes Yes
Aperture Priority Yes Yes
Manual Exposure Mode Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation Yes Yes
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Built-in Flash No Yes
Flash Range 0 6.2
Flash Modes Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
External Flash Yes Yes
AE Bracketing Yes Yes
WB Bracketing Yes Yes
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment Yes Yes
Average Yes Yes
Spot Yes Yes
Partial No No
AF-Area No No
Center Weighted No No
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Sensor Score 100 71
DxO Color Depth 26.0 22.8
DxO Dynamic Range 14.7 12.5
DxO Low Light ISO 3523 656
Video Features
Video Resolutions 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone Port Yes Yes
Headphone Port Yes No
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Yes Yes
HDMI Yes Yes
USB USB USB 3.1 Gen 1(5 GBit/sec) USB 2.0
Physical
Environmental Sealing Yes Yes
Water Proof No No
Dust Proof No No
Shock Proof No No
Crush Proof No No
Freeze Proof No No
Weight 657 g 505 g
Physical Dimensions 127 x 96 x 74 mm 128 x 89 x 74 mm
Battery Life 650 shots 330 shots
Battery Type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Model NP-FZ100 n/a
Other Features
Self Timer Yes Yes
Timelapse Recording Yes Yes
GPS
Storage Type Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one) SD/SDHC/SDXC card
Storage Slots 2 1

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