Panasonic G2 Reviewed; Micro Four Thirds Continues Its Advance

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/panasonic_lumix_dmc_g2_review/' target='_blank'>http://www.photographyblog.com/revi..._dmc_g2_review/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a new Micro Four Thirds camera boasting a 3 inch articulated touchscreen LCD that provides touch-based functions like Touch AF/AE and Touch Shutter. Other key features of the G2 include a 12.1-megapixel CMOS image sensor, upgraded Venus Engine HD II processor, sensitivity range of ISO 100-6400, 720p HD video recording in AVCHD Lite format, a port for an optional stereo microphone and an electronic viewfinder."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1278704673.usr15670.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Well, it looks like Panasonic has another winner on its hands. If you did read the <a href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/98783/nikon-ranked-first-in-japan-sales-for-interchangeable-lens-cameras-for-1h-2010.html" target="_blank">post on BCNRankings</a> for interchangeable lens cameras sold in Japan, sales of Micro Four Thirds cameras are on the rise. I do like some of the changes Panasonic has wrought on this release, like moving the command dial to the rear of the camera, but at the same time, it's all so incremental. Yea, there's video now compared to the G1, but there's not much on the still camera side. I wish more companies would be like Nikon, where usually a new camera really brings about change.</p><p>Oh, and if you are interested in this camera, I suggest looking for the dual-lens version that comes with the 45-200mm lens as well. I believe it is quite competitively priced (unless Panasonic decides to screw over consumers in some parts of the world).</p>

[Reid Kistler]

The G2 is an attractive looking camera! As a Canon S3 IS owner, I really appreciate the articulated lcd screen, as well as the overall size, within which Panasonic has still managed to maintain a decent looking hand grip, an eye-level viewfinder, pop up flash, and a hot shoe....

When it gets time to consider replacing the S3 - perhaps in 5 to 10 more years :D - could see something like the G2 making the short list.

Although hopefully prices will have fallen by then: Body + a couple of lenses currently looks to run around 4-figures - and $45 (B&H Photo) for a replacement battery!?! :eek: Makes our AA Eneloops seem like genuine bargains! ;)

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

US$45 for the battery is cheap. Here it's more like US$90. That said I still prefer lithium batteries over AA rechargeables normally. The discharge rate is quite a bit lower still, even compared to Eneloops.

I took a look at the G2's price, it's quite competitive, and the while there's no dual lens kit, the price for the 45-200 is one of the lowest in the world.

[Reid Kistler]

Recall one or two (?) efforts to get manufacturers to agree to "Standardized" batteries, which would hopefully increase the odds of being able to walk into a non-tech-specific store & pick up a replacement / backup.

Alas, it does not appear that very many manufacturers climbed on the bandwagon.

As long as nearly every piece of hardware has its own unique (or nearly unique) battery, prices will remain high - and owners of older equipment face the prospect of one day no longer being able to power their gear... :(

[Andy Dixon]

I've been looking at this camera for a while as my first baby step in to the DSLR market. Sure it's its not a full DSLR but as a novice I think this could be a nice way to start.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

It's not even a DSLR as there's no mirror. It is a nice looking piece of kit though. I have the GH1 and I'm quite pleased with it as a stills camera.

BTW, dpreview.com (http://www.dpreview.com) has their review up. It's a good read!