My First MFT Camera Lumix GX85 SOOC Review

Diving into the Micro Four Thirds World with the Lumix GX85

Hey guys! I'm super stoked to share my journey into the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system, and what better way to start than by talking about my first ever MFT camera – the Lumix GX85! I've always been fascinated by the compact size and impressive image quality that MFT cameras offer, and after a lot of research and deliberation, I finally took the plunge. The GX85 seemed like the perfect entry point, offering a fantastic balance of features, performance, and value. And let me tell you, it hasn't disappointed! One of the primary reasons I was drawn to the GX85 is its compact and lightweight design. As someone who loves to travel and explore, I wanted a camera that wouldn't weigh me down or take up too much space in my bag. The GX85 fits the bill perfectly – it's incredibly portable and comfortable to hold, making it ideal for all-day shooting. But don't let its small size fool you; this camera packs a serious punch in terms of image quality. The 16-megapixel sensor, coupled with Panasonic's excellent image processing engine, produces sharp, vibrant, and detailed images. I've been particularly impressed with the dynamic range, which allows me to capture a wide range of tones and details, even in challenging lighting conditions. Another feature that I've come to appreciate is the GX85's in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This technology helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images and smoother videos, even when shooting handheld in low light. It's a game-changer for me, as it allows me to capture steady shots without having to lug around a tripod everywhere I go. The GX85 also boasts a range of other features that I've found incredibly useful, such as its fast and accurate autofocus system, its 4K video recording capabilities, and its tilting touchscreen display. The autofocus system is particularly impressive, allowing me to quickly and easily lock onto my subjects, even when they're moving. The 4K video recording is a huge bonus, as it allows me to capture stunningly detailed videos that look great on my big-screen TV. And the tilting touchscreen display is a lifesaver for shooting from awkward angles, such as low to the ground or overhead. But perhaps the most appealing aspect of the GX85, for me at least, is its ability to produce beautiful images straight out of the camera (SOOC). I'm not a huge fan of spending hours editing photos on my computer, so I appreciate a camera that can deliver great results without a lot of post-processing. The GX85's JPEG engine is excellent, producing images with pleasing colors, contrast, and sharpness. Of course, you can always shoot in RAW format if you want more control over the editing process, but I've found that the JPEGs are often good enough for my needs. All this contributes to making the Lumix GX85 a fantastic entry point into the world of Micro Four Thirds photography, offering a blend of portability, performance, and image quality that's hard to beat. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, this camera has something to offer. So, if you're like me and have always been intrigued by the MFT system, the GX85 might just be the perfect place to start your journey. You won't regret it!

Exploring the SOOC Capabilities of the GX85

Now, let's dive a little deeper into the SOOC (straight out of camera) capabilities of the Lumix GX85. As I mentioned earlier, this is one of the main reasons why I was so drawn to this camera. I love the convenience of being able to capture photos that look great without having to spend a ton of time editing them. And the GX85 truly excels in this area. Panasonic has done an excellent job of tuning the GX85's JPEG engine to produce images with pleasing colors, contrast, and sharpness. The colors are vibrant and accurate, without being overly saturated or artificial-looking. The contrast is well-balanced, providing a good sense of depth and dimension to the images. And the sharpness is excellent, capturing fine details without being overly harsh or grainy. One of the key factors contributing to the GX85's impressive SOOC performance is its intelligent auto (iA) mode. This mode automatically analyzes the scene and selects the optimal settings for the best possible results. It's like having a built-in photography assistant that takes care of all the technical stuff, so you can focus on composition and capturing the moment. The iA mode is particularly useful for beginners who are still learning the ropes of photography. It takes the guesswork out of choosing the right settings, allowing you to capture great photos even if you're not familiar with all the technical aspects of photography. However, even experienced photographers can benefit from the iA mode, especially in situations where you need to capture a shot quickly and don't have time to fiddle with the settings. In addition to the iA mode, the GX85 also offers a range of other picture styles that you can use to customize the look of your images. These picture styles include Standard, Vivid, Natural, Monochrome, and several others. Each picture style has its own unique characteristics, allowing you to tailor the look of your photos to your specific preferences. For example, the Vivid picture style produces images with more saturated colors and higher contrast, while the Natural picture style produces images with a more muted and realistic look. The Monochrome picture style, as the name suggests, captures images in black and white. I've found myself experimenting with different picture styles depending on the subject I'm shooting and the look I'm trying to achieve. It's a fun and easy way to add some creativity to your photography without having to spend hours editing your photos in post-processing. Another aspect of the GX85's SOOC performance that I appreciate is its excellent white balance. The camera does a great job of accurately rendering colors in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dim indoor lighting. This is crucial for capturing images that look natural and realistic. Of course, you can always adjust the white balance manually if you want to fine-tune the colors, but I've found that the auto white balance setting is usually spot-on. All in all, the Lumix GX85's SOOC capabilities are truly impressive. It's a camera that allows you to capture beautiful images without having to spend a lot of time editing them. This makes it a great choice for anyone who values convenience and wants to focus on capturing the moment, rather than spending hours in post-processing. So, if you're looking for a camera that can deliver great results straight out of the box, the GX85 is definitely worth considering. You will be pleasantly surprised at how versatile the GX85 is without the need for editing software and techniques. The settings of the Lumix GX85 will provide a solid foundation for any photography skills you are trying to learn and hone.

My Experiences and Initial Thoughts on the Lumix GX85

So, after spending some time with the Lumix GX85, I thought I'd share some of my experiences and initial thoughts. Overall, I've been incredibly impressed with this camera. It's exceeded my expectations in almost every way, and I'm so glad I chose it as my first MFT camera. One of the things that has struck me the most is the sheer versatility of the GX85. It's a camera that can handle a wide range of shooting situations, from landscapes and portraits to street photography and travel. The compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around all day, while the impressive image quality and features ensure that you can capture great photos no matter what you're shooting. I've also been really impressed with the ergonomics of the GX85. The camera feels great in my hand, and the controls are well-placed and easy to use. The tilting touchscreen display is a huge plus, allowing me to shoot from awkward angles with ease. And the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright and clear, making it easy to compose shots even in bright sunlight. The autofocus system on the GX85 is also lightning-fast and accurate. It locks onto subjects quickly and reliably, even in challenging lighting conditions. This is particularly important for me, as I often shoot moving subjects, such as wildlife and street scenes. I need a camera that can keep up with the action, and the GX85 definitely delivers. As I mentioned earlier, I'm a big fan of the GX85's SOOC performance. The JPEGs that this camera produces are simply stunning. The colors are vibrant, the contrast is well-balanced, and the sharpness is excellent. I've been able to capture some truly beautiful images without having to spend any time editing them. Of course, there are times when I do want to edit my photos, and the GX85's RAW files provide plenty of latitude for post-processing. But it's nice to know that I can always rely on the JPEGs if I need to. Another aspect of the GX85 that I appreciate is its 4K video recording capabilities. I'm not a professional videographer, but I do enjoy shooting videos from time to time. The GX85's 4K videos are incredibly detailed and sharp, and the in-body image stabilization helps to keep things smooth and steady. I've been using the GX85 to capture videos of my travels, and I'm really happy with the results. Of course, no camera is perfect, and there are a few things that I would like to see improved on the GX85. For example, the battery life is a bit on the short side, so I always carry a spare battery with me. And the menu system can be a bit confusing at first, but I've gotten used to it over time. Overall, though, these are minor quibbles. The Lumix GX85 is an outstanding camera that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a compact, versatile, and high-performing MFT camera. It's a camera that has inspired me to get out and shoot more, and I'm excited to continue exploring its capabilities. If you are like me and are just beginning to explore the world of MFT photography, you can rest assured that your skills will improve with the use of the Lumix GX85. The settings of the GX85 will give you a solid footing to build on as you learn more about photography.

Final Verdict: The Lumix GX85 - A Great Entry into MFT Photography

In conclusion, my first foray into the world of Micro Four Thirds with the Lumix GX85 has been an overwhelmingly positive experience. This camera has proven to be a fantastic tool for capturing stunning images and videos, and it has ignited my passion for photography even further. If you're considering making the jump to MFT, or if you're simply looking for a compact and versatile camera that delivers exceptional image quality, the GX85 is definitely worth a look. Its combination of portability, performance, and affordability makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced photographers alike. The SOOC capabilities of the GX85 is something that you will not regret once you make your purchase. You will be able to capture moments without the need for editing software or tools and that is a very attractive proposition for budding photographers.

One of the things that I appreciate most about the GX85 is its ability to capture beautiful images in a variety of shooting situations. Whether I'm shooting landscapes, portraits, street scenes, or travel photos, this camera consistently delivers excellent results. The 16-megapixel sensor provides plenty of resolution for sharp and detailed images, and the in-body image stabilization helps to ensure that my shots are always crisp and clear, even when shooting handheld in low light. The GX85's intelligent auto (iA) mode is a game-changer for beginners, as it takes the guesswork out of choosing the right settings. But even experienced photographers can appreciate the convenience of this mode, especially in situations where you need to capture a shot quickly and don't have time to fiddle with the settings. The camera also offers a range of other picture styles that you can use to customize the look of your images, allowing you to add your own personal touch to your photos. The ergonomics of the GX85 are also excellent. The camera feels comfortable in my hand, and the controls are well-placed and easy to reach. The tilting touchscreen display is a huge plus, allowing me to shoot from awkward angles with ease. And the electronic viewfinder (EVF) is bright and clear, making it easy to compose shots even in bright sunlight. The Lumix GX85 has been a revelation and something that I will recommend for anyone that is trying to get into the world of Micro Four Thirds cameras. The SOOC capability of the GX85 is just one of its many attractive qualities. So, if you're looking for a camera that can help you take your photography to the next level, I highly recommend the Lumix GX85. It's a camera that I'm sure you'll love as much as I do. It is the perfect foray into MFT photography and will have you wanting to expand your knowledge and capabilities in the arena of photography. All in all, I am glad that I made the purchase and will never look back.