Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 vs. Lumix DMC-GX850: The Definitive Mirrorless Face-Off for 2024

In this detailed comparison, I'll be walking you through everything you need to know about two intriguing entry-level Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras from Panasonic - the Lumix DMC-G10, introduced in 2010, and the more recent Lumix DMC-GX850 (also known as GX800 or GF9), released in 2017. Both serve photographers stepping into mirrorless photography, but they do so with very different designs, features, and performance characteristics. Drawing from my extensive hands-on testing background (over 15 years and thousands of cameras tested), you’ll get an expert rundown - not just specs, but real-world usability insights.

I’ll cover the cameras across major photography disciplines, analyze key technical components like sensors and autofocus, and finish with concrete recommendations for various user types. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Right off the bat, it’s clear these cameras target different user preferences through their body styles. The Panasonic G10 embraces the classic SLR-style mirrorless shape with a fairly substantial grip, pronounced dials, and a chunky feel - 388g of reassuring heft distributed over 124x90x74mm. This body style is great if you crave a solid hold for more deliberate shooting, plus it feels balanced with longer, heavier lenses.

Conversely, the GX850 channels a rangefinder-style design, slim and compact at just 269g and 107x65x33mm. It’s significantly smaller and lighter - noticeably pocketable. That makes it a darling for street photographers and travelers who prioritize discretion and convenience over extended handling comfort.

Ergonomically, the G10’s pronounced SLR-style controls give you immediate access to shutter speed dials, exposure compensation, and shooting modes - ideal if you enjoy tactile feedback and quick manual setting adjustments. The GX850, meanwhile, sacrifices physical controls in favor of touchscreen reliance and minimalist buttons, reflecting its selfie- and social-media-friendly ethos.

If you’re a traditionalist who likes dials and grips, the G10 feels like home, whereas those who want sleek portability and touchscreen simplicity will appreciate the GX850’s ultra-compact footprint.

A Look Down from Above: Control Layout and Top Panel

Following the ergonomics discussion, let’s zoom in on the control layout. The G10’s top panel is busy but logical: shutter speed dial, a mode dial with PASM settings, and dedicated controls for exposure compensation and drive modes. This setup facilitates hands-on shooting pace without menu diving - important for capturing fleeting moments, especially in sports or wildlife settings.

The GX850’s stripped-back top has just the essentials: power, shutter button, and a mode dial simplified for ease of use. This minimalist setup appeals to newbies or street photographers who prefer an intuitive, digital-first interaction but lessens direct physical control - potentially frustrating for seasoned shooters who want quick access to manual adjustments.

The absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the GX850 (more on that later) likely influenced its pared-down controls, reflecting its selfie-centric and vlog-ready design. By comparison, the G10 includes an EVF and maintains competitive control options for traditional shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Foundations and Real-World Impact

Now to the heart of image capture - the sensor. Both cameras sport Micro Four Thirds sensors measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, giving each a 2.1x crop factor compared to full-frame. This sensor size balances decent image quality with compact lens sizes, making MFT a popular choice for versatile photography.

However, the sensor specifications and image processing capabilities differ significantly between these models:

• Panasonic G10: Uses a 12MP sensor with an antialias (optical low-pass) filter, Venus Engine HD II processor, and max ISO 6400 (native 100-6400). DXOMark scores place its overall rating at 52, with 21.2 bits color depth, 10.1 EV dynamic range, and a low-light ISO score of 411.

• Panasonic GX850: Advances with a 16MP sensor, no AA filter (which yields crisper images), and a later version of the Venus Engine processor. Max native ISO rockets to 25600 with boosted ISO 100+, resulting in a cleaner image up to higher sensitivities. DXOMark overall score hits 73, color depth 23.2 bits, dynamic range a healthy 13.3 EV, and low-light ISO score of 586.

The tangible benefits of the newer GX850 sensor are cleaner high ISO images, better dynamic range (meaning it can capture brighter highlights and pull more shadow detail), and more detailed resolution.

In practice, this means:

• Portraits benefit from finer detail and potential to retain subtle tonal transitions.
• Landscapes reveal richer colors, enhanced shadow recovery, and crisp textures.
• Low-light and night shooters will find cleaner images with less noise at ISO 3200 and above on the GX850.

Don’t underestimate the lack of an AA filter on the GX850, which adds sharpness but can risk moiré on certain repeating patterns (rare for most real-world subjects). The G10's AA filter softens edges slightly but reduces artifacts.

Bottom line: for image quality, the GX850 is the clear winner thanks to its sensor and processing improvements, but the G10 can still hold its own for casual use or well-lit scenes.

Viewing and Composition: Screens and Viewfinders

Moving to framing, the G10 sports a modest electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 202k-dot resolution, 100% coverage, and 0.52x magnification. It’s not top-tier by today’s standards, but it provides a reliable eye-level composition tool, especially valuable in bright outdoor conditions when LCDs wash out.

The GX850 forgoes an EVF entirely. Its 3-inch 1040k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD - with selfie-flip capability - is its sole window to the image. The higher resolution screen delivers vibrant previews and flexible angles for vlogging, selfies, or shooting at odd positions.

If you’re someone who favors shooting with your eye to the EVF - wildlife, sports, or landscape enthusiasts - you’ll appreciate the G10’s viewfinder, despite its basic resolution. But if you value touchscreen responsiveness, self-portraits, or shooting video while monitoring the screen, the GX850’s display shines.

Neither camera offers touchscreen focus area selection as precise as later models, but the GX850’s touchscreen does facilitate touch-to-focus, a boon for intuitive control.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability

Autofocus (AF) capabilities can make or break shooting experiences, especially with action or unpredictable subjects.

• Panasonic G10: Employs contrast-detection AF with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking modes. No phase-detection on sensor. The system features multi-area AF but lacks eye or animal detection. AF speed is moderate - great for portraits, landscapes, or casual shooting, but can feel sluggish in sports or wildlife contexts.

• Panasonic GX850: Also contrast-detect AF, enhanced with 49 focus points spread across the frame, and adds face and eye detection (though not animal eye AF). It supports continuous AF and tracking with improved performance over the G10, especially with face-focused subjects. Has focus bracketing, stacking, and post-focus modes for macro and creative applications.

Though neither has phase-detection or on-sensor hybrid AF found in newer cameras, the GX850’s AF system is noticeably snappier and more reliable in everyday use. Burst rates (continuous shooting speeds) support this: 3fps for the G10 vs 10fps for the GX850.

In real-world shooting:

• Wildlife and sports photographers might find the G10’s AF slower and less dependable, risking missed moments.
• Street and travel photographers will appreciate the GX850’s quicker AF and burst mode for spontaneous capture.

For macro work, the GX850’s focus bracketing and stacking give it an edge in achieving tack-sharp close-ups - a feature absent in the G10.

Flash and Low Light: Illuminating Conditions

Both cameras harbor built-in flashes but differ in range and flexibility:

• G10’s built-in flash reaches about 11 meters, with external flash support through a hot shoe, making it better for more serious flash setups.

• GX850’s built-in flash range is about 4 meters at ISO 100, and it lacks an external flash shoe, limiting your lighting options to its internal pop-up flash.

Regarding high ISO performance discussed earlier, the GX850’s superior sensor and image processing will yield cleaner images in dim environments, stretching up to ISO 3200 or 6400 with tolerable noise levels, whereas the G10 becomes noticeably noisy outside well-lit scenarios.

If you plan to delve into night/street photography or event shooting, the GX850’s low-light capabilities and cleaner high ISO images deliver more usable results, though no in-body image stabilization on either means you may need stabilized lenses or a tripod.

Video Capabilities: From Basic vlogging to 4K Footage

If video matters, these cameras differ quite a bit:

• Panasonic G10: Video tops out at 720p (1280x720) at 30fps in Motion JPEG, a dated format with huge file sizes and limited editing flexibility today. No microphone or headphone ports. Ideal for casual home videos but not serious videography.

• Panasonic GX850: Offers true 4K UHD video at 30p and 24p, as well as 1080p60 full HD with AVCHD and MP4 codecs. Includes 4K photo mode (allows extracting 8MP stills from recorded 4K video), timelapse recording, and basic in-camera corrections. Sadly, no external mic or headphone jacks here either.

In terms of image stabilization during video, neither camera offers in-body stabilization. You’ll need stabilized lenses or gimbals if handheld video is a priority.

For aspiring vloggers or travel videographers on a budget, the GX850 is the straightforward winner, offering modern 4K video and more versatile recording options.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping You Shooting Longer

• Battery Life: The G10 offers approximately 380 shots per charge (CIPA rating), which is quite decent for entry-level cameras of its generation. The GX850, however, rates around 210 shots, reflecting its miniature size and power-hungry advanced screen and processor.

So if extended shooting days without recharging matter - say, on landscape hikes or weddings - take note: the G10 has the edge.

• Storage: G10 uses full-sized SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the GX850 supports microSD cards in addition to SD cards. Functionally equal, but some may prefer the physical size of full SD cards for durability and compatibility.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity options can streamline your workflow greatly:

• The G10 offers no wireless or Bluetooth connectivity options. You’d need physical cables for transfers or remote control.

• The GX850 includes built-in Wi-Fi (though no Bluetooth or NFC), allowing wireless image transfers and remote shooting via the Panasonic Image App. This feature is invaluable for casual shooters sharing to social media, remote capture, or quick image backups on the go.

If wireless convenience is important, the GX850 provides modern solutions that the G10 completely lacks.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, supported by a vast stable of over 100 lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. Whether you want compact primes, ultra-zoom travel lenses, fast portrait glass, or macro optics, you’ll find excellent options for both.

Because both models rely on the same mount and sensor size, lens compatibility is identical, which is a huge advantage for Panasonic users wanting future upgrades.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or splash resistance. This reflects their entry-level category and price points.

If shooting in challenging weather or rugged environments is critical, you’ll want to consider higher-tier models with weather sealing.

Performance Scores and Overall Assessment

Looking at DXOMark’s evaluation and real-world testing, the GX850 leads comfortably in overall scoring - better color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO. The G10’s strength lies in its solid physical handling and built-in EVF, which the GX850 lacks.

How These Cameras Perform Across Key Photography Genres

Portrait Photography:
The GX850’s improved sensor resolution and lack of AA filter yield sharper details and smoother skin tones. Eye-detection AF helps nail critical focus on faces. The G10 lacks eye AF and has lower resolution, which makes portraits less sharp and sometimes less pleasing in tone transitions. Both produce adequate bokeh with fast lenses, but the GX850’s tech assists more with focus precision.

Landscape Photography:
Dynamic range advantages of the GX850 make a big difference in landscapes - better highlight retention and shadow recovery. The G10 beats in battery stamina and EVF use but falls short image-quality-wise. Neither is weather-sealed, so cautious use is advised outdoors.

Wildlife Photography:
The G10’s slower AF and modest burst rate (3fps) limits fast action capture. The GX850’s 10fps burst and improved AF coverage make it a better fit for smaller or slower wildlife, though serious wildlife pros may still need more advanced phase-detect AF and longer lens support.

Sports Photography:
Similar story as wildlife. The GX850 is more practical for casual sports shooters due to faster continuous shooting and better AF tracking. Neither is a pro sports camera but the GX850 fares better.

Street Photography:
In the street, stealth and size matter. The GX850’s slim shape and silent electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16000s offer discrete shooting. Lack of EVF might be balanced by articulating screen and touchscreen controls. G10 is bulkier, with louder mechanical shutter. The GX850 edges this category.

Macro Photography:
GX850 takes this easily with focus bracketing and stacking, plus faster AF and touchscreen. The G10 doesn’t offer these features and slower AF makes macro focusing tricky.

Night and Astrophotography:
The GX850’s improved high ISO performance helps here, but neither body has stabilization, requiring tripods. The G10’s longer battery life can be a benefit for long exposures.

Video:
GX850 decisively wins with 4K, 1080p60, and 4K photo modes. The G10 is stuck at 720p and Motion JPEG.

Travel Photography:
Weight and size favor the GX850, making it less tiring to carry all day. Wi-Fi enhances sharing. G10 offers better ergonomics for serious shooting but bulkier.

Professional Use:
Both are entry-level, but the G10’s physical controls and EVF may suit traditional workflows. GX850 offers sharper raw files and better image quality but no EVF and limited external accessories reduce versatility.

Sample Images and Real-World Testing

Panasonic G10 front Panasonic G10 screen back Panasonic GX850 front Panasonic GX850 screen back

Comparing JPEGs and RAW files from both cameras shows GX850’s images have cleaner high ISO, better color rendition, and more detail in shadows. The G10 images hold up for daylight shooting but struggle as ISO rises.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Panasonic’s G10 and GX850 serve different user profiles despite sharing a brand and lens mount.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 if you prefer:

  • A traditional, ergonomically robust body with EVF
  • Longer battery life for extended shooting sessions
  • Physical dials and buttons for quick manual control
  • Shooting mostly in daylight or well-lit environments
  • External flash flexibility
  • You don’t prioritize video or latest sensor performance

• Opt for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 if you want:

  • A pocket-friendly, lightweight camera ideal for street, travel, or social media use
  • Superior sensor and image quality with 16MP resolution and better dynamic range
  • Fast autofocus with face and eye detection
  • Higher burst rates for sports, wildlife, and action
  • Advanced macro options like focus stacking
  • 4K video capability and 4K photo features
  • Built-in Wi-Fi for instant sharing

Pricing and Value Considerations

Both cameras hover close in introductory price (~$550), making the choice primarily about which features and shooting ergonomics you prioritize. Given that the G10 is older tech, you may find it more affordable used or as part of kits, whereas the GX850 - being from 2017 - still feels relevant for beginners and enthusiasts who want modern features without breaking the bank.

Wrapping Up

In seven years separating their launch dates, Panasonic refined its mirrorless approach significantly. The G10 represents an era when mirrorless cameras balanced DSLR design heritage with emerging sensor tech. The GX850 reflects a shift towards compact, video-capable, socially connected cameras with sharper image quality tuned for today’s varied content creators.

There’s no single winner here - only a better match for your particular needs. Whichever you pick, both cameras provide solid entry points into Micro Four Thirds photography with vast lens ecosystems.

Happy shooting!

If you want to visually check the design differences once again before your decision, here’s a helpful image placing their top views side-by-side:

Feel free to reach out if you need lens recommendations or tips on getting the most from your Panasonic mirrorless!