Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Micro Four Thirds with touchscreen free-angle LCD

The Lumix G2 is the latest in new breed of camera pioneered by Panasonic. Affectionately referred to as ‘hybrids’, these new cameras have effectively re-written the rule book when it comes to camera design.

Traditionally, DSLRs have offered photographers more creative manual control over settings but at a higher cost and within a heavier, bulkier body. On the other hand compact cameras offered a more simplistic approach to shooting, in a slim body, but often at the expensive of creative and manual shooting options. Hybrids aim to bridge this gap and cameras like the Olympus Digital PEN series, the Samsung NX10 and more recently the Sony NEX cameras have proved hugely popular with the buying public.

Announced earlier this year, alongside beginner model the G10, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 has introduced some features from its older siblings, as well as a host of new innovations to create a package that’s bound to cause photographers to stop and look.

Out of the box the G2 is remarkably small and lightweight. The kit lens – a 14-42mm zoom – is also petite and comes with a handy lens hood attached. The battery grip fits well into the right hand, offering a large enough bulge to comfortably for your digits around. Designed much like a DSLR, complete with the ridge under the hotshoe where a mirror box would traditionally be found, the benefit of this camera system on a long day out and about with camera in tow is immediately obvious. All the functionality, non of the neck ache.

For users stepping up from a compact, the G2 might seem a little intimidating at first glance. The top and back of the camera are littered with buttons, dials and switches. Although all are clearly labelled. On the top left, users will locate a flash on switch, plus a dial for metering mode control and a lever below this to change focus modes. Both have a firm action and clearly click in and out of each selection. On the other side of the flash sits a mode dial with A, P, S, M and Custom modes, plus scene modes. Auto can be accessed via the iA button which switches the intelligent auto feature on and glows blue to let you know it is activated. The on/off switch, shutter release, drive mode lever and movie mode button are also on the top plate.

Round the back and the rear is dominated by the 2.7” vari-angle LCD. This can be flipped out for high or low-angle shoots, and rotated in on itself to keep the LCD tucked away and safe from scratches. The G2 also boast an electronic viewfinder. Whilst most agree that EVFs are not as good as their optical counterparts, they have come on leaps and bounds, and for times when composing with the LCD is not viable, the EVF is a definite bonus. Down the right hand panel uses will find the control dial for altering settings, Display, Quick Menu and Shutter Effect button, as well as the dpad, offering quick access to ISO, White balance, creative style modes and the menu.

Using the Display button users can choose the interface that best suits them. The traditional Live View option is there, with settings and icons displayed around the live image, but there’s also a shooting setup display that shows all the Aperture, shutter, exposure, white balance and other technical settings across the whole screen. The latter will suit DSLR shooters wanting a lightweight backup, whilst the former might be more suited to compact step up users.

As well as showing users the settings selected, the G2s 2.7” LCD serves another, more exciting purpose. The first of the hybrids to boast touchscreen technology, use your finger to select one of the 23 focus points, or use it in playback to scroll through and zoom in and out of each image. Ideal for the smartphone generation of users who’ll be used to altering key settings on other devices like this, the G2 looks like it could appeal to a broader market than any of its stablemates.

It is innovations like the touchscreen that make the G2 a real pleasure to use. Accessing features quicker than via the menu system, the touch controls mean that you’re less likely to miss a shot.

Another handy feature is the Control dials dual functionality. Use it to a) change the aperture whilst in AP mode and b) depress it once to access the exposure compensation feature. Positioned beneath your right thumb, all this can be done with your eye to the EVF, making adjustments feel more intuitive than ever.

Down to the nitty gritty and the image performance of the camera. Those photographers using the camera on manual settings will find features like the metering modes work very well. Changing ISO manually will show decrease in quality and increase in noise over 800, although this is a similar story on most low-mid level DSLRs too. White balance left on automatic did a good job for most images, as did the iAuto setting when this was selected and took over all settings for us.

The level of detail recorded on both high quality Jpg and RAW settings was good, with small fissures in rocks being clear and clean. Colours were generally faithful, if a little muted – although personal preference might favour this to the oversaturated look produced by some cameras.

Movies are produced at just short of full HD 720p, with a rate of 30fps and mono audio. Although there is a jack on the side for an external microphone to be attached – making it ideal for budding movie-makers.

On the whole, the Panasonic Lumix G2 was a joy to use, especially when out and about. The petite dimensions and lightweight really do make a difference and we’d be inclined to take out a camera like this on more occasions than a heavier DSLR. It’s quick to spring to life, easy to handle and produces some truly excellent images too. Price wise, the G2 seems to have conquered too, with a £600 price tag for both body and lens making this an affordable option.

There are still some who will argue at this price, those who want this many features should just invest in a DSLR system, which will offer more room to advance, more lenses, more accessories and are more tried and tested. However, we say, spend a day with the G2 and you’ll soon be persuaded!

Final Verdict There’s very little not to like about the G2. The new innovations coupled with the older features is a successful mix OVERALL

Debbi’s passionate about all things photographic: from the latest digital kit to the greatest techniques to capture a scene. She’s been at the helm of the photography portfolio of magazines, websites and more for three years.