Let’s check out how the Canon T7i compares to the mirrorless 4K-capable Panasonic G85. Both are priced under $1000 so it’s quite a tough decision to make if you’re buying your first compact camera.
Our comparison table below covers the important specifications of each camera. Below that, we specifically talk about the new improvements and which model is better suited for your needs.
| Canon T7i | G85 | |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.2 | 16.0 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Format | APS-C | Micro Four Thirds |
| Crop Factor | 1.6x | 2.0x |
| AA Filter | Yes | None |
| Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 4592 x 3448 |
| Body Image Stabilization | Yes (Movie only) | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Canon EF/EF-S | Micro Four Thirds |
| ISO | 100 - 25,600 | 200 - 25,600 |
| Expanded ISO | 51,200 | 100 |
| AF Points | 45 | 49 Contrast |
| Cross-type AF Points | 45 | 0 phase |
| Continuous Mode | 6fps | 6fps* |
| LCD | 3.0" - Fully Articulated | 3.0" - Fully Articulated |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Peaking | No | Yes |
| Top LCD Display | No | No |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | EVF (2.36M) |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.82x | 1.48x |
| Video Resolution | 1920x1080 (60/30/24p) | 3840x2160 (30/24p) |
| 1280x720 (60/50p) | 1920x1080 (60/30/24p) | |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Memory Card Type | SD | SD |
| Dual Card Slots | No | No |
| SD UHS Support | UHS-I | UHS-II |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/16000 |
| Slowest Shutter Speed | 30" | 60" |
| Bulb Mode | Yes | Yes |
| JPEG Buffer Size | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| RAW Buffer Size | 27 | 62 |
| Time Lapse | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Max Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/160 |
| Startup Time | x | 0.8s |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in GPS | No | No |
| Built- in NFC | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB Type | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Environmentally Sealed | No | Yes |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 600 shots | 320 shots |
| Battery Included | Yes (LP-E17) | Yes |
| Weight | 18.8 oz (532g) | 17.8 oz (505g) |
| Size | 5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0" | 5.1 x 3.5 x 2.9" |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Release Date | 2017 | 2016 |
Canon T7i Advantages:
- 8 More Megapixels – The amount itself has nothing to do with quality, but by having more, you can print larger and crop a lot without losing details.
- Bigger Sensor – APS-C is bigger than MFT and you can expect better high ISO results
- Higher Max ISO -1 stop higher maximum ISO. Not an advantage for most situations because it’ll result in images with way too much noise, but it could prove to be useful in really extreme low light places
- AF System – The Panasonic G85 has 4 more AF points, but they’re all contrast based. The T7i on the other hand has 45 phase-detection points and they’re all cross-type. Phase is faster and better suited for fast moving subjects, whereas cross-type is even more accurate in low light situations. Both cameras offer AF that’s usable for stills and action, but the T7i is better here.
- Flash Sync Speed – 1/200 vs /160
- Connectivity – The T7i also has built-in NFC and Bluetooth support
- Battery Life – Twice as long battery life
- Less Expensive – The T7i body is around $150 cheaper
The Canon T7i is a DSLR and is therefore a little bit bigger, but the weight difference is very minimal. The main advantages of it are more megapixels, a better AF system for action/low light and slightly better noise performance.
Video wise, the articulating LCD screen, stabilization, touchscreen and Canon’s Dual Pixel AF are all a welcome addition. There’s no 4K, but if you don’t need it then it’ll be fine with Full HD at 60fps.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
Panasonic G85 Advantages:
- Body Image Stabilization – The G85 has built-in Image Stabilization. Great if you use lenses that aren’t stabilized!
- 9 vs 6fps – Both cameras can shoot at 6fps with continuous auto focus, but hte G85 can go up to 9 if you choose AF-S.
- Focus Peaking – Every mirrorless camera offers focus peaking. If you’re focusing with a manual lens or have a bad eye sight, the camera highlights what part of your image is in focus. Great for video too!
- Viewfinder – Its coverage is 100% and what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what you get (exposure wise too)
- 4K Video – One of the most affordable 4K (30p) cameras out today!
- UHS-II – The G85 supports SD UHS-II cards which have faster minimum writing/reading speeds
- Faster Max Shutter Speed – 1/16000 vs 1/4000
- Slowest Shutter Speed – 60″ vs 30″. Both have Bulb mode though.
- RAW Buffer – 62 vs 27, much better if you photograph action in RAW.
- Environmentally Sealed – Despite being this affordable, the G85 is sealed and more protected for shooting in rain/snow/dust areas
- Size & Weight – The camera is a lot smaller and slightly lighter
If you want 4K video, the G85 is an obvious winner. It offers focus peaking, UHS-II and environmental sealing, which is why it’s better as an all-around video camera. Not to mention its smaller size (the weight is fairly similar though). It’s of course just as good as photography, and the built-in stabilization that works for both photos and videos is awesome to have.
You can buy it at Amazon or read more reviews.
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