Resetting a Design (Panasonic Lumix G95 vs G85)

 Being a big fan of the Panasonic Lumix G85 camera model since its introduction in 2016 (during the last true Photokina event in Cologne 😢), I was wondering what can be really improved with its replacement version Lumix G95 (or G97)* except for sure the image sensor definition that have been enhanced from 16MP to 20MP. Even though considering this added image definition, the Pana Lumix G95 (or G97) may not represent a strong departure from its ever popular G85 predecessor. 

What was a first turn-off in favor of the beloved Lumix G85 was the bulkier camera body of the Lumix G95 (or G97) not by a lot I agree, but sufficiently to bother you. Secondly the dial controls texture and presentation do have a different feel for the user although the push buttons of the G95 have a more positive clicking feeling and are better positioned. The top of flash pseudo-pentaprism of the Lumix G95 is triangular opposed the flat one of the Lumix G85 that give to the new model a less simpler design. 

If you looking on every angles the two camera models, it is clear that the newest Lumix G95 is bigger in dimensions compare to the previous Lumix G85. But the two models are using the same accessories including the battery pack, the electronic flash models and the battery grip. So, why the latest G95(or G97) is been the biggest? May be because it is a mystery of the electronic embarked into these model replacements. With a new 20MP image sensor, the Lumix G95 may ask for an additional space to accommodate it. 

Another explanation could be that the Lumix G95 (or G97) are manufactured with a totally different camera body. Many differences are noticeable like the larger camera grip or the re-localisation of several push buttons. As for the additionnel headphone port added to the Lumix G95 (or G97). There is no doubt that both Lumix G85 and G95( or G97) are sharing a lot of technical elements outside or inside but their configuration seems to be slightly different. Moreover the general feeling for some Lumix G85 regular users is that the Lumix G95(or G97) don't carry the same construction quality level and the same fineness of design. 

In terms of performance the Lumix G95 offers some avancements like a more definite image sensor or like some extended functionalities no present on the previous Lumix G85 (Live Composite Mode, BlueTooth, Headphone Port, etc). But except for the sensor, you can expect the same behavior from the two models, same performance for auto-focusing, for exposure metering, for reactivity in  general, for video capacity and many other similar characteristics. All these camera models (G85, G95, G97) are weather resistant which is excellent for outdoor assignations. The Lumix G85 is less energy-consuming than the G95(or G97) and have also a power indicator green light.

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All in all, I have a net preference for the original Lumix G85** over the G95(or G97) because the latter reflect a non-desirable tendency in the photo industry to offer new versions of camera that are bigger in dimensions which is the last thing many photographers are looking for. For them, compact cameras are still a better choice to use everyday. 

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*All these Panasonic Lumix G camera models have different nominations depending in which country they are offered. G85 can be G80 or G81; G95 can be G90 or G91; G97 seems to be universal. A new version of the G95 named G95D is using an improved rear screen.

**The Panasonic Lumix G85 may have the best optional vertical power grip (DMW-BGG1) that I ever experimented in term of ergonomic and functionalities. Its balance is remarquable especially when used with a physically longer lens or zoom optic. This combination has been slightly altered with the succeeded G95 (or G97) model.   

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