Panasonic FZ2500 vs Panasonic G85 with Test Video Footage

In this video I share with you my thoughts on both the Panasonic FZ2500 and the Panasonic G85. Both of these cameras are extremely good but which is better for video? The question of which is better for 4k video has come up a lot on my channel and I wanted to share my thoughts on what I like about both cameras as well as their limitations. I hope this video helps you decide which camera is right for you. I own both of these cameras and purchased them at full retail price. This video is not sponsored or anything.

0:00 - Intro
1:02 - Size, Weight and Feel
2:19 - FZ2500 additional external features
4:33 - IBIS / Stabilizer Comparison
5:12 - Handheld Stabilizer Comparison
6:50 - Total Max 4k Resolution
7:33 - G85 Advantages
8:49 - Recording Codecs and Menu Options
9:59 - Low Light Performance Comparison
11:07 - Auto Focus Test Comparison
12:53 - Unlimited Recording & Panasonic G7 Limitations
13:53 - Audio Preamp Test / Vlogging Mic Test
15:30 - Functional design & Battery Life
16:21 - Which one to Buy? (Pros & Cons)
17:16 - Zoom Lens Test FZ2500

[GeekyNerdyTechy]

Hi everyone,
I've included the time codes for the video below

0:00 - Intro
1:02 - Size, Weight and Feel
2:19 - FZ2500 additional external features
4:33 - IBIS / Stabilizer Comparison
5:12 - Handheld Stabilizer Comparison
6:50 - Total Max 4k Resolution
7:33 - G85 Advantages
8:49 - Recording Codecs and Menu Options
9:59 - Low Light Performance Comparison
11:07 - Auto Focus Test Comparison
12:53 - Unlimited Recording & Panasonic G7 Limitations
13:53 - Audio Preamp Test / Vlogging Mic Test
15:30 - Functional design & Battery Life
16:21 - Which one to Buy? (Pros & Cons)
17:16 - Zoom Lens Test FZ2500

I had a lot of requests for this video so I hope it's helpful. I am new to these sort of videos so if there's something you would like added or changed for a future video please let me know. Thanksa gain and please Subscribe to the channel. :-)

[simpleeyemedia]

Solid review. Nicely done and definitely worth watching twice.
Here's what I learned:
If you want a good true 4k camera-get the FZ2500 (the thing is designed for video), if you want a good still camera that also can serve as an awesome (UHD) B-cam in a pinch--get the G85.

Shane, you helped me realize that I needed to address the following scenario: Which camera would help me get b-roll more dependably in a pinch?
I love the idea of being able to hand someone the fz2500 and saying "shoot some footage for me"--I would not worry for a minute that I'd get decent footage back. It's already got a lens and is more of a point and shoot from the beginning. All I have to do is make sure Auto ND is on and show them where the record button is. Autofocus does it's thing, life is good!
I can't say the same thing for the g85. I would need to know that the person I ask to shoot some footage for me knows 'which end of the camera to point at the subject.' By that I mean, that they have to have the right lens on the camera and then I'd be worried because that lens probably doesn't have an auto ND filter function (like the fz2500). You could argue that the 14-140mm would be the solution and they could learn to put on ND filters. Well, now we're going down a rabbit hole...

I now know that I can't buy the FZ2500 without accepting that it is more like a camcorder that does stills (granted: it does a good job of those!). It seems to me the g85 is the still camera I need to match my other two big 4k cameras.

Thanks for the excellent review. Keep it up!

[wordzenpix]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the jitters in 4k on the FZ2500, an ongoing problem with small sensor Panasonics which I saw on my FZ80 and FZ300. It's apparent in your test video of the FZ2500. My G85 stabilizer produces no such artifacts. That alone is a deal-breaker for me on the FZ2500 which I'm returning. The 4/3 sensor on the G85 is far larger than the FZ2500, a major benefit for both stills and video and ISO as mentioned. Right now, a G85 with a bonus 12-60 and a 100-300 Panasonic zoom with stabilizer will cost only $200 more than the FZ2500 and provide an extra 120mm in zoom reach with the 2X crop of the 4/3. That combo also makes use of dual stabilization of lens and body, a vast improvement over the FZ2500. I may have a lemon FZ2500, but the autofocus at 4k is too slow to use for birds and wildlife. Curiously, at 1080, it's at least twice as fast. For those considering the two, do some serious reading on the 4/3 sensor vs the so-called 1-inch on the FZ which is nowhere near one inch in size.

[RepairGuyDK]

A very comprehensive review, thank you for a great video !, very well done bro. I own 2 pcs FZ2500, and absolutely love them for the video capabilities ! - greetings from Denmark

[hvrsSs]

good comparison, I bought fz2500 yesterday ;o)

[BlackIjs]

This is exactly the video I was looking for! Own a G85 and was looking for a 2nd body (on a tight budget). Looked at the FZ300, but I shoot a lot of low light. Wanted to compare these two because they are both on sale atm. It looks like I need another G85. If Panasonic releases a game-changing LX200 in Sept, maybe that will be my 3rd body.

[evilgeniusentertainment]

Excellent video for both cameras. Keep 'em coming! liked/subbed

[beatdiabetes]

Wonderful review! A question: I own a G85 and it never splits the files regardless of how long the clip. I have recorded videos of a maximum of 1 1/2 hours with no split files. So with the FZ2500, at what length of time does it split the file, if recording in 4K? If the FZ2500 splits the files, and the G85 never splits the files, then these two cameras must be using a different system for recording. Is that your understanding?

[jamalabdul]

Very informative video! If I ever start creating content on YouTube, I will definitely reference this video. Cheers!

[MyJeanf]

Hi Shane great video, I have the G80 and the GH5 However I have been thinking of selling my G80 and buy a fz2500 to be a b can to my GH5. DO you think it's a smart move or should I stick with the G80. Any advice would be appreciated. I video Documentary's and some photos. Thanks jf

[CreatorofWhat]

I got my G85 a few weeks ago and I love it!

[CentralFloridaBigfoot]

Thank you! I've had my for a month or so now. Still love it for hiking, etc. Now I'm testing the AK4000 Gimbal. It's sweet!

[paulalexander]

Thanks for your time in making this video. My current cameras are a Sony HX20 and a Pentax K-X all getting a little bit long in the tooth so I'm thinking of buying the FZ2500 or maybe the G85. Are there other brand cameras that come close to the FZ2500 or the G85 in price and capability that I should check out? Thanks

[JNavas]

Very good review, thank you!
My own experience with the FZ2500 is that the ND filter is huge. I use 1/4 when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight, which allows me to set an ideal shutter speed of 1/125 when shooting 1080p60 (50 Mbps) video.

[jackperales]

Woh, I love how robust the Fz2000 / 2500 looks. I am about to buy my first camera and I would like to know which one you could recommend. (Video / Filmaker oriented) Lumix G95 (12-60) + an additional 45-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens, or the Fz2000 / 2500 🤩 in advance each have their advantages and disadvantages. What do you think? Greetings from Peru ❤️

[videophoto]

Hi Shane. Could you please tell me if FZ 2500 has a 2 type of zoom (slow and fast) ? And also I cannot see any of review of Lumix G9 which I think is great camera for video. What is the reason? Do we can expect review of G9?

[virenshah]

I have both & is selling away FZ2500, the extra Zoom of FZ2500 isn't enough if 14-140 MM is used on G85.

[MrNYCman]

How does the Panasonic FZ2500 compare with the FZ1000 Mark ll? I shot mostly stills and I heard the FZ1000 Mark ll had a slight edge in image quality.

[ashstubbings]

You've just gained another subscription.

[iRecordOS]

which camera did u chose and why. So far I’m thinking g85. I shoot t5. I think it’s amazing minus the continuous autofocus; however I never shot any of the fore mentioned cameras. My note 5 shoots superb 4K.