Panasonic Lumix G80 (G85): Review

In this chapter, we will test dynamic range of the sensor and various backlight modes that are offered by the camera. First of all, let us present the image without any supportive functions.

 

1/800 s, F10, ISO 200, 12 mm (24 mm EQ), +0,3 EV, click to enlarge

 

Trees and the house are quite dark but even though, there are some details. The sun has made large blown highlights. You can download the RAW file. You can recover some highlights but it can be seen that the sensor has surprisingly better dynamic range in shadows. Very nice job.

 

 1/1000 s, F11, ISO 200, 12 mm (24 mm EQ), +0,3 EV, click to enlarge

 

Intelligent Dynamic Control can be set to automatic mode or manually to three different levels. This images was taken with the lowest setting. It is obvious that highlights are a little bit better in a comparison with the previous image and the trees are also brighter. Unfortunately, details are worse and more smudged.

 

1/1300 s, F11, ISO 200, 12 mm (24 mm EQ), +0,3 EV, click to enlarge

 

This is the highest setting of Intelligent Dynamic Control function. It is obvious that the blown highlight is even smaller and the trees are not so dark as in previous images. Smudging of the details is much stronger, unfortunately. I would not recommend to use this function.

 

1/1000 s, F11, ISO 200, 12 mm (24 mm EQ), +0,3 EV, click to enlarge

 

Lumix G80/G81/G85 provides hardware HDR mode that takes multiple exposures which are blended together. The details in shadows are much better than in previous images, also highlights are not blown so much. Quite good result.

 

1/500 s, F8, ISO 200, 12 mm (24 mm EQ), +0,3 EV, click to enlarge

 

This is the last image of the backlight chapter. In the RAW image, you can recover some of blown highlights but do not expect miracles. The sensor is better in shadows. There is small ghosting of the 12-60mm lens around the sun.