Panasonic G85 vs. Panasonic LZ20: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Over my 15 years of putting cameras through their paces - from bustling city streets to tranquil mountaintops - I've learned that choosing a camera isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about how those specs translate into real-world performance and creative possibilities for you, the photographer. Today, we're comparing two distinct beasts from Panasonic’s lineup: the advanced mirrorless Panasonic G85 and the budget-friendly superzoom bridge camera, the Panasonic LZ20.

Though both carry the Panasonic name, these cameras target vastly different users, skill levels, and shooting scenarios. Let's unpack what each brings to the table, their strengths, limitations, and ultimately which could be your ideal creative partner.

A Tale of Two Cameras: Understanding Their DNA

If you glance at their spec sheets, the G85 and LZ20 appear almost like night and day. The G85 is a fully articulated, mirrorless Micro Four Thirds system camera with 16MP, advanced autofocus, 4K video, and weather sealing. The LZ20, meanwhile, is a bridge-style superzoom camera, with a fixed 25-525mm equivalent zoom, a smaller 1/2.3” sensor, and simpler controls.

To put it plainly: the G85 is aimed at enthusiasts and semi-professionals seeking flexibility and image quality, while the LZ20 fits casual shooters chasing zoom reach and easy handling at a sub-$300 price point.

But raw specs don’t tell the whole story - let’s break down how these two would perform in the fields of photography that matter most.

Size, Weight, and Ergonomics: More Than Just Numbers

Handling a camera is deeply personal. Size, weight, button layout, and grip comfort impact how you shoot throughout the day.

Panasonic G85

Weighing in at just over 500 grams and sized like a traditional DSLR, the G85 offers a robust grip and a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body. Its SLR-style mirrorless design feels reassuringly solid but not overly heavy, allowing all-day handheld comfort. The fully articulated (3", 1040k dots) touchscreen LCD swivels out, which is a godsend for low or high-angle shooting. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36M dot resolution offers a crisp framing experience with 100% coverage. This kind of viewfinder makes a huge difference for composing accurate shots in bright sunlight where LCDs falter.

Panasonic LZ20

The LZ20, while similar in weight (~499 g), sports a more compact, plastic body in an SLR-like bridge camera form. The fixed rear LCD is smaller (3", 460k dots) and non-touch, while it lacks any viewfinder - forcing you to rely completely on the LCD, which can frustrate in bright outdoor settings. The lack of a dedicated grip or weather-sealing means this camera feels more casual and less durable.

Ergonomics Verdict: For anyone serious about extended shooting, the G85’s build and controls are a significant step up. The LZ20’s simpler, all-plastic form feels toy-like in comparison, designed more for casual snapshots than demanding photographic adventures.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

As every photographer knows, image quality hinges heavily on sensor size and technology. Larger sensors typically deliver cleaner images, better depth-of-field control, and improved dynamic range.

Panasonic G85 – Micro Four Thirds Sensor

The G85 features a 17.3 x 13 mm Live MOS sensor, the standard Micro Four Thirds size. At 16MP, it strikes a balance between resolution and noise control, enhanced by the absence of an anti-aliasing filter which aids sharper details. Panasonic employs 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, incredibly effective up to several shutter stops and a boon when shooting handheld in low light or macro scenarios.

Dynamic range is solid at around 12.5 EV, and color depth clocks in at 22.8 bits according to DxOMark tests, meaning smooth gradients and rich, natural skin tones in portraits - critical for both professionals and enthusiasts.

Panasonic LZ20 – Small 1/2.3” CCD Sensor

The LZ20's sensor measures a mere 6.08 x 4.56 mm - an order of magnitude smaller - typical for point-and-shoot or bridge cameras. Although it also carries 16MP, the physical size drastically limits its light-gathering ability and dynamic range. Image noise spikes quickly above ISO 400, and detail is understandably less crisp, especially under challenging light.

The CCD sensor is an older technology that, while delivering punchy colors in bright conditions, was largely surpassed by CMOS sensors for versatility and performance by the time of the LZ20's release.

Bottom line: The G85’s sensor enables professional-quality images with superior low light performance, while the LZ20 is best saved for well-lit daytime shooting or casual use.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Catching the Moment

Reliable autofocus and burst shooting can mean the difference between a missed decisive moment and a killer shot.

Panasonic G85 – Advanced Contrast-Detect AF

The G85 uses Panasonic’s DFD (Depth From Defocus) contrast-detect autofocus, with 49 focus points spread across the frame. Though it lacks phase-detection, its AF system is speedy and accurate, aided by sophisticated subject tracking and face detection. Eye Detection is supported but not quite at Sony or Canon mirrorless levels.

It supports continuous shooting up to 9 fps with mechanical shutter - a solid rate for wildlife and sports photography - alongside silent electronic shutter modes up to 1/16,000s.

Panasonic LZ20 – Basic Contrast-Detect AF, Limited Burst

The LZ20 offers contrast-detect autofocus with only 9 focus points, focused mainly at the center. This system is slower and less reliable for moving subjects. Burst rate tops out at a slow 1 fps, unsuitable for action photography.

Real-World Testing Notes

In my testing, the G85 locked focus rapidly on moving subjects like runners or birds in flight. Tracking was effective in daylight but struggled somewhat in low contrast or dim lighting. The LZ20 often missed focus or hunted, especially at the long end of its zoom, making it frustrating for fast subjects.

In-Camera Stabilization: Stability When It Counts

Image stabilization technology is a crucial factor for both stills and video shooting, particularly handheld.

Panasonic G85 – 5-Axis Sensor Stabilization

The G85 excels with its 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), stabilizing pitch, yaw, roll, and X/Y shifts. This system complements Panasonic’s optically stabilized lenses perfectly, allowing for shake-free handheld captures even at telephoto focal lengths or slower shutter speeds.

This IBIS also smooths out videos, making the G85 a versatile tool for hybrid creators.

Panasonic LZ20 – Optical Stabilization Only

The LZ20 provides only lens-based optical image stabilization. While this helps reduce blur from handshake, especially at telephoto lengths, it’s less effective than IBIS and offers no compensation for angular movements.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Matter

If you care about video, it’s essential to examine codecs, resolutions, stabilization, and audio support.

Panasonic G85 – 4K Ready and Versatile

The G85 records internal UHD 4K video at 30p with a high bitrate (around 100 Mbps), embracing the hybrid creator’s call. Panasonic’s acclaimed 4K Photo mode enables extracting 8MP stills from 4K video - impressively blurring the line between stills and motion.

Its microphone input allows external mics for improved audio capture - critical for interviews or narrative work. While no headphone jack is a bummer for monitoring, the quality of the video footage combined with stabilization and manual controls makes the G85 a formidable video tool for indie filmmakers or vloggers.

Panasonic LZ20 – Basic HD Video

The LZ20 maxes out at 720p HD video at 30 fps with Motion JPEG codec, a dated format producing large files with limited quality. There is no external microphone or headphone jack, and no stabilization bonus beyond the lens system.

For casual movies or family videos, it suffices, but it cannot compete with the G85’s cinematic video output.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let's see how each camera fits into popular photography types, blending technical specs with practical user experience.

Panasonic G85 front Panasonic LZ20 front Panasonic LZ20 screen back

Portrait Photography

• G85: With its clean Micro Four Thirds sensor, sharp lenses, and accurate color rendition, portraits show pleasing skin tones and controlled bokeh. Eye detection improves subject sharpness. The articulating screen helps compose creative angles.
• LZ20: Limited aperture range (max f/3.1) and small sensor yield flat images with noisy shadows. Background blur is minimal, detracting from portrait quality.

Landscape Photography

• G85: Strong dynamic range preserves detail in shadows and highlights. Weather sealing invites shooting in inclement conditions. Sensor resolution strikes a compromise between detail and noise.
• LZ20: Small sensor struggles with dynamic range. Fixed lens limits composition flexibility. The lack of weather sealing discourages rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• G85: Fast autofocus and 9 fps burst suitable for moderately fast subjects; however, Micro Four Thirds reach and lens telephoto options vary. IBIS aids stabilization for longer focal lengths.
• LZ20: Impressive 25-525mm zoom offers reach, but slow focus, single frame rate, and lack of tracking make it ill-suited for fast action.

Street Photography

• G85: Although not the most compact, discreetness is aided by silent shutter and tilt screen. Low light sensitivity benefits evening street scenes.
• LZ20: Portable and less intimidating but poorer image quality and no viewfinder reduce framing precision.

Macro Photography

• G85: Excellent close focusing capabilities and focus stacking options plus stabilized sensor make macro shots crisp and manageable.
• LZ20: Close focus as near as 2cm - great for casual macro snaps but resolution and sharpness are limiting factors.

Night and Astro Photography

• G85: With native ISO up to 25600 (boosted) and clean output up to 3200 ISO, it handles night scenes well when paired with sturdy tripod use.
• LZ20: ISO tops out at 1600; noise levels at night make astro shots impractical.

Travel Photography

• G85: Balanced size, weather sealing, long battery life (~330 shots), and versatile lens lineup make it an excellent travel companion.
• LZ20: Superzoom power without lens changes is handy for travel, but fixed zoom, smaller sensor, and limited controls weigh against it.

Professional Use

• G85: Supports RAW files, offers custom profiles, and has flexible connectivity options (Wi-Fi), making it feasible for professional workflows.
• LZ20: JPEG only, no RAW support, limited connectivity. More a point-and-shoot style camera.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Reliability

The G85 boasts robust magnesium alloy construction with environmental seals against dust and moisture - a feature tested during drizzly hikes and dusty landscapes, where it performed flawlessly with no degradation. Meanwhile, the LZ20’s plastic body lacks sealing, making it vulnerable in harsh conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras rely on single batteries and accept SD cards, but:

• G85 provides approximately 330 shots per charge - honestly, on the lower side compared to some DSLRs but typical for mirrorless cameras.
• LZ20 offers about 380 shots - slightly better, thanks to less demanding electronics.

However, the G85’s USB charging option adds convenience on the road that the LZ20 misses.

Connectivity and Extras

The G85 includes built-in Wi-Fi for instant image transfers and remote control via a smartphone app, streamlining sharing and tethering workflows. The LZ20 has no wireless features.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which Is Worth Your Investment?

Priced around $900 new, the G85 delivers professional-grade features, interchangeable lens flexibility, superior image quality, and 4K video. Its value shines for enthusiasts or pros seeking a capable mid-tier mirrorless system.

The LZ20, retailing near $250, is an entry-level superzoom packed with simplicity and zoom reach but compromises heavily on image quality and versatility.

Visual Summary and Performance Ratings

For those who enjoy quantitative assessments, here is a consolidated overall and genre-based performance rating from rigorous lab and field testing:

LCD Screens and Interface Experience

The G85’s higher resolution, touch-enabled, fully articulated screen supports intuitive focus, menu navigation, and creative compositions, especially at awkward angles. The LZ20’s fixed, lower-res screen offers basics but limits creativity and ease of use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To wrap things up, here’s when I’d recommend each camera based on years of hands-on testing and practical usage:

Choose the Panasonic G85 if…

• You want a versatile, robust camera for serious photography, including portraits, landscapes, and video.
• You desire interchangeable lens flexibility with a rich Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
• You shoot in varied environments requiring weather sealing.
• You need professional features like RAW support, 4K video, and advanced autofocus.
• You are prepared to invest in a camera system with growth potential.

Choose the Panasonic LZ20 if…

• Your budget is constrained below $300.
• You principally need a single all-in-one zoom lens for casual family, vacation snapshots, and some distant shooting.
• Image quality and low light performance are not your highest priorities.
• You want simplicity without fuss and no interchangeable lenses.

Closing Reflection

Though the Panasonic G85 and LZ20 share a brand lineage, they occupy very different corners of the camera market. The G85 embodies a mature, capable system for photographers and hybrid shooters hungry to control every aspect of their creative output. The LZ20 is a no-frills digital zoom camera for casual users prioritizing reach and ease.

In my journey testing thousands of cameras, this kind of pairing is common - features and quality scale with price and intended use. The key is understanding where your priorities lie and matching your gear accordingly. Hopefully, this detailed comparison arms you with the insights needed to make that choice confidently.

Stay curious, keep shooting, and may your next camera be the right one for your photographic adventures!

End of Review