Panasonic broadens Micro Four-thirds camera line

Panasonic has just expanded its Micro Four-thirds camera line to four models by adding two new models: the Lumix DMC-G2, which replaces the G1, and Lumix DMC-G10. Both are 12-megapixel cameras with large Live MOS sensors (like those SLRs use) and accept interchangeable lenses. Panasonic was the first to introduce this new kind of digital camera two years ago, one that combines key SLR features—a large image sensor and interchangeable lenses—with the smaller size and weight of a point-and-shoot. It's a category that appears to be on the cusp of getting very hot, particularly since Samsung and Sony said they plan to join Panasonic and Olympus in creating such a small interchangeable-lens type of camera.

The two Lumix models are compatible with SD, SDHC and the new higher capacity SDXC memory cards. Both shoot RAW in addition to JPEGs, can capture HD-resolution video, and offer live-view on a 3-inch LCD with a 460,000-dot count, which should make the display very clear. They also have popup flashes, will ship with a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.8 zoom lens, and run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
Photo: Panasonic

Here are some of the specs that distinguish the pricier G2 from the G10:

• The G2 includes a touchscreen 3-inch LCD that can also swivel. The LCD also has some unique focusing features; you can use the touchscreen LCD to help you shoot better photos and video as well as for its face detection and subject-tracking features. The G2 also has a higher quality HD-video setting, called AVCHD Lite, which should produce smoother video footage. Its viewfinder is the same as the G1's, with a very sharp 1,400,000 dots.
• The G10 is a stripped-down version of the G2, which doesn't include the AVCHD Lite settings, swiveling LCD, or very high dot-count in the electronic viewfinder. The G10's viewfinder is only about 200,000 dots, which is what you'll find on Panasonic's superzooms. But the G10 is just a bit lighter than the G2.

When we saw a preview of the G2 and G10 at PMA, there was one section of the camera that I thought needed improving: The graphical interface and menu structure. I felt Panasonic needed to take heed of what companies like Apple are doing with interfaces on its iPhone, to produce a cleaner, less cluttered graphical interface.

The older Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 and the DMC-GF1 both remain in the product line. Although pricing has not yet been set, we're guessing the G2 touchscreen model will run around $800-900, and the more entry-level G10 about $500-600. Both models should be available in late May or early June.

—Terry Sullivan