Hands on with Panasonic's new G2 micro four thirds camera

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Posted on 8 Mar 2010 at 13:06

Panasonic yesterday announced the Lumix DMC-G2, the successor to the hugely popular Lumix DMC-G1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, at the Focus On Imaging show in Birmingham. We were at the event to spend some hands on time with the camera and the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Mega OIS zoom lens.

The G2 uses a similar 12.1 megapixel Live MOS 4/3in sensor and Venus Engine HD2 processor. Combined, this gives the G2 a maximum burst rate of 3.2fps at sensitivities up to ISO 6400. The G2's durable, rubber coated body has a very familiar control layout, but its predecessor's display has been replaced with a fully articulated 3in touch screen display with a 460k dot resolution.

Undoubtedly, this is a major change to the way the camera handles and it allows you to use features such as Touch AF and Touch Ai, an on-screen touch-based user interface. It also allows you to take photos low to the ground or above your head while not compromising on the framing of your subject.

The good thing is that, unlike some of Panasonic's new compact cameras, the traditional control mechanisms are still very much present and the combination works very well together. Touch AF, in particular, is exciting and worked very well in our brief time with the camera.

The electronic viewfinder remains unchanged from the G1's and has a 1.44m dot resolution with a 100 per cent field of view at a 0.7x magnification. It's activated by using the button to the left of it.

The G2 also adds extensive video capabilities, although they do fall short of the GH1's in many respects. It can record video at up to 1,280x720 at 50fps in either motion JPEG or the popular AVCHD format with mono audio using the built-in microphone - an optional stereo microphone can be connected. Video is accessed via a dedicated button, which enables instant recording, and can still shoot stills while it's recording.

The auto-focus system has been overhauled in some ways - mainly because of the new Touch AF interface - and includes face detection and 23-zone auto-focus in both still and video modes. Panasonic hasn't announced availability or pricing, but said that it will announce the latter 30 days before it goes on sale.

Author: Tim Smalley