Panasonic Lumix GX850 (GX800)

Announced January 4, 2017

Compare Panasonic Lumix GX850 (GX800)
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PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.

Reviewer Consensus

Good

Panasonic Lumix GX850 is a remarkably compact and affordable mirrorless camera that provides impressive image quality and 4K video capabilities for entry-level photographers. While its small size and intuitive touchscreen make it an excellent travel companion, the lack of a viewfinder, limited battery life, and overheating issues during 4K recording may restrict its utility for more demanding tasks.

Weighted from 24 reviewer scores

Pros

  • User-friendly touchscreen with selfie-friendly 180-degree tilt
  • Fast and reliable autofocus system
  • Highly portable and compact design
  • Strong 4K video and photo performance
  • Affordable entry point into the versatile Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem

Cons

  • Inconvenient use of microSD cards and lack of external microphone input
  • Short battery life and overheating concerns during 4K video
  • Limited manual controls and physical grip
  • Lacks an electronic viewfinder and weather sealing
  • Absence of in-body image stabilization
  • Launch price $549.99 (USD)
  • Sensor 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
  • Stabilization None

Expert Reviews

All 24 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • DPReview 76/100

    The Panasonic GX850 is one of the smallest/lightest interchangeable lens cameras on the market and reasonably simple to operate. It features a 180-degree flip-up touchscreen, excellent stills and video quality and reliable autofocus.

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  • Imaging Resource

    The Panasonic GX850 is a compact yet capable entry-level Micro Four Thirds camera that offers excellent image quality, great features and good performance, all for an affordable price.

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  • Amateur Photographer

    It can be used in fully automatic mode, but has enough functions to allow budding photographers to experiment with taking manual control as they learn how to use it.

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  • Trusted Reviews

    The GX800 is a great entry-level camera for beginners, offering a good range of features and a simple interface. It’s a shame that it doesn’t have an eye viewfinder, but it’s a great choice for those who want to take their first steps into the world of digital cameras.

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  • PCMag

    The Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 is one of the smallest mirrorless cameras you can buy today, and while its 16MP sensor isn't cutting edge, it's a solid entry-level model.

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  • The Art of Photography

    It does outstanding work for stills, but that's what it is, and so when you consider those, I still think it's an incredible camera, but I just wouldn't consider it as a main camera for those reasons until Panasonic get those worked out.

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  • Targeted mainly at snapshooters, the Panasonic’s Lumix DC-GX850 will suit those looking for a compact, pocketable camera that does more than their smartphones ““ and delivers sharper, more colour-accurate photos.

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  • Stuff

    While the GX800’s few imperfections – no viewfinder, no hot shoe, limited video controls – mean I can’t recommend it unreservedly, it’s still a great camera, particularly for those taking their first steps into advanced photography.

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  • Neocamera

    The Panasonic GX850 puts excellent image-quality into a compact camera body. Even though the GX850 is a mirrorless, this and its price puts it in competition with Premium Compact cameras while having the advantage of interchangeable lenses and higher image-quality.

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  • Camerahoarders

    It might lack some advanced features, but it takes next to nothing space in the camera bag. Overall, this is a great little camera. I think many will be happy with it.

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  • New Atlas

    If you want to improve your photos without the bulk of a DSLR, this a great option. But if acting like you're in a Tokyo photo booth or snapping and instantly putting your images on Instagram is the goal, then stick to the smartphone.

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  • Eric Gibaud

    Yes, I would buy that kind of camera if I needed it because you walk around with that, it's very easy to use, it works straightaway. [...] Easy to use, yes I would recommend this [...] camera, so size everything is in favor.

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  • Avp Studios

    I'm sure some people will beg to differ, but it's amazing value for money around the 300 pound mark. You could probably get it for around 350 300 with its kit lens.

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  • ReviewLamp

    I'd say that if you need a good compact camera to travel with or use for street photography, this is an amazing option. It takes really good pictures, is well-built, and is very user-friendly.

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  • Justin Reves

    It's kind of been pitched a little bit as a great travel camera, and if you're in a situation where you're saying I only have 550 US dollars to spend on a travel camera, maybe it's a good option. But if you have any more money, there's lots of better options.

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  • Techy Agent

    I see it appealing to people who are looking to purchase a higher-end camera than a typical point and shoot camera, someone who has a budget of maybe 500 or 600 dollars and wants to buy a higher-end camera to get some higher-end video and photography [...]

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Specifications

General

Announcement date January 4, 2017
Launch MSRP $549.99
Medium Digital
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Body type Rangefinder-style mirrorless

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 16MP
Sensor format Micro Four Thirds
Sensor technology CMOS
Sensor dimensions 17 x 13 mm
Expanded ISO range 100
Aspect ratio options 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9

Still Capture

Other still formats JPEG, MPO, RAW
Built-in flash guide number 4 m at ISO 100

Optical Design

Elements 8
Groups 7

Focal Length & Aperture

Focal length (wide) 12mm
Focal length (tele) 32mm

Angle of View

Field of view 84°

Autofocus

AF architecture Contrast detect
AF points Contrast Detection: 49
Autofocus modes Continuous-Servo AF, Flexible, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
AF low-light sensitivity -4EV

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Electronic Front Curtain Shutter
Shutter speed range 1/16000s to 60s
Flash sync speed 1/50s
Maximum electronic shutter speed 1/16000s
Exposure compensation -5 to +5 EV
Metering modes Center-Weighted Average, Multiple, Spot

Display & Viewfinder

Rear LCD size 3-inch
Rear LCD articulation Tilting

Stabilization

In-body stabilization (IBIS) No

Connectivity

USB USB 2.0 hi-speed (480 Mbit/sec)

Power

Battery DMW-BLH7
CIPA battery life (LCD) 210 shots

Body

Weight (body only) 239g (8.4 oz)
Dimensions 55.5 x 24 x 55.5 mm (2.19 x 0.94 x 2.19 in)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 269g (9.5 oz)
Weather sealing None