What To Know
- The GX85 also has an electronic viewfinder, which provides a more modern shooting experience but may not be as bright or responsive as an optical viewfinder.
- The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 comes at a higher price point, but it justifies the cost with its more advanced features, including 4K video recording, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and a more compact and lightweight design.
- However, the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** provides a more modern and compact shooting experience with 4K video recording, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and a wider lens selection.
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when you’re faced with a plethora of options from different brands. Today, we’ll be diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular choices: the Canon EOS 700D paired with the **EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM** lens and the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** with the **G Vario 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH** lens. Both are excellent entry-level cameras, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive guide will help you determine which camera best suits your needs and budget.
Sensor Size: The Foundation of Image Quality
The Canon EOS 700D boasts an APS-C CMOS sensor with 18 megapixels, while the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** features a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor with 16 megapixels. The larger APS-C sensor in the Canon provides a slight edge in terms of image quality, particularly in low-light situations. The larger sensor captures more light, resulting in cleaner images with lower noise levels.
However, the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Panasonic offers advantages in portability and lens selection. The smaller size translates to a more compact and lightweight camera body, making it ideal for travel photography. Moreover, the Micro Four Thirds system boasts a vast array of lenses from various manufacturers, offering greater flexibility and creative options.
Autofocus: Speed and Precision
Both cameras offer decent autofocus performance, but the Canon EOS 700D takes the lead with its 9-point cross-type autofocus system. This system provides faster and more accurate focus acquisition, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85**, on the other hand, utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system, which is generally slower and less accurate in low-light situations.
However, the Panasonic compensates for this with its advanced autofocus features, including face and eye detection, which are particularly useful for portrait photography. The GX85 also features a 4K Photo mode that allows capturing high-resolution stills from 4K video footage, offering a unique way to capture fast-paced action.
Video Capabilities: A Closer Look
Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD (1080p) video at 30 frames per second. However, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 offers a significant advantage with its 4K video recording capabilities at 30 frames per second. This allows for higher-resolution video capture, providing greater detail and flexibility in post-production.
The Canon EOS 700D lacks 4K video recording, but it compensates with its excellent video quality and features like manual audio control and a headphone jack for monitoring audio levels. The EOS 700D also features a dedicated movie button, making it easier to switch between photo and video modes.
Design and Features: Comfort and Control
The Canon EOS 700D features a traditional DSLR design with a large, comfortable grip and a well-organized button layout. The camera offers a top-mounted LCD screen for viewing shooting information and a large optical viewfinder for a classic shooting experience.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85, on the other hand, adopts a mirrorless design with a compact and lightweight body. It features a tilting touchscreen LCD for intuitive menu navigation and shooting control. The GX85 also has an electronic viewfinder, which provides a more modern shooting experience but may not be as bright or responsive as an optical viewfinder.
Price and Value: Finding the Right Fit
The Canon EOS 700D is generally more affordable than the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85**. This price difference is primarily due to the older technology used in the EOS 700D. However, the EOS 700D still offers excellent value for its price, providing a solid entry-level DSLR experience.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 comes at a higher price point, but it justifies the cost with its more advanced features, including 4K video recording, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and a more compact and lightweight design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget and priorities.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for You
Both the Canon EOS 700D and the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** are excellent choices for entry-level photographers. The Canon EOS 700D offers a classic DSLR experience with a larger sensor, faster autofocus, and a more affordable price point. However, the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** provides a more modern and compact shooting experience with 4K video recording, a tilting touchscreen LCD, and a wider lens selection.
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly DSLR with excellent image quality, the Canon EOS 700D is a great choice. However, if you prefer a more compact and versatile camera with 4K video capabilities, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 is the better option.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Other Considerations
While we’ve covered the key features and specifications, there are other factors to consider when choosing between these cameras:
- Lens Selection: The Canon EOS 700D uses the EF and EF-S lens mounts, offering a vast selection of lenses from Canon and third-party manufacturers. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 utilizes the Micro Four Thirds system, which also boasts a wide range of lenses from various brands.
- Connectivity: Both cameras offer Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing you to easily transfer images to your smartphone or tablet.
- Battery Life: The Canon EOS 700D generally has a longer battery life than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85, particularly when using the optical viewfinder.
- Customization: Both cameras offer a range of customization options, including custom function buttons, shooting modes, and picture styles.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Photographic Journey
Choosing the right camera is a personal decision that requires careful consideration of your needs, budget, and shooting style. The Canon EOS 700D and the **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** both offer excellent value and features, providing a solid foundation for your photographic journey.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, you can make an informed decision and embark on a path of creative exploration. Remember, the best camera is the one that you use most often and that inspires you to capture the world around you.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners, but the **Canon EOS 700D** might be slightly easier to learn due to its traditional DSLR design and controls.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** is the clear winner for video recording due to its 4K video capabilities.
Q: Which camera has better autofocus performance?
A: The **Canon EOS 700D** offers faster and more accurate autofocus, particularly in low-light situations.
Q: Which camera is more compact and portable?
A: The **Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85** is significantly more compact and lightweight due to its mirrorless design.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The **Canon EOS 700D** generally produces cleaner images with lower noise levels in low-light situations due to its larger APS-C sensor.
