Overview
For those who want versatility, portability, style and smarts in their personal camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 will more than fill the bill. Built sturdy and lightweight, the G2 has the ability to swap lenses, compose with either the Swivel LCD screen or the digital viewfinder and has a processor fast enough to handle all of these functions and more.
My Best In Class Pick
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (with 14-42mm OIS Lens)
With a dramatic move into the future of photography, Panasonic has developed the worlds first Micro Four Thirds camera that will satisfy the needs of all photographers at any level of expertise.
Starting with a lightweight body and a wide variety of external controls, Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-G2 can go anywhere you want to go and is ready to capture your important moments with a touch of the finger. Featuring a touch sensitive, rotating 3.0” LCD with live view, framing and previewing your images and videos is easy and fun. If you prefer to use a viewfinder, the G2 has a bright live view digital viewfinder that displays your settings and is activated by an eye-sensor to shut off the LCD screen to prevent glare.
For shooting video, with a simple, one-button command located just behind the exposure button, you can be shooting HD video in a snap, utilizing the IA feature as well as Panasonic’s own Mega OIS (Optical Image Stabilizer) to hold things steady. In fact, when in video mode, all of your still settings are applied until you make adjustments according to what you see on the viewfinder or LCD screen. You can even apply some of the seven My Color mode settings and preview them before taking video.
Whether you are a seasoned expert or a point and shoot photographer, the DMC-G2 has a wide variety of choices that ensure you are getting just the right exposure at just the right time. Using the Intelligent Scene Selector in the iA mode, you can choose your settings by simply touching the screen. Touch a distant subject and get landscape mode, touch a face and get portrait mode or touch a close object to get macro mode. Of course, there are the Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Program modes for even more decision making and creativity. And for every level of photographer, let the new Venus Engine HD II do the work of making your images look their best, even at low ISO’s.
For quick shooting and all inclusive focusing, choose from one of these AF modes. There is AF Tracking, 1-area AF, Face Detection AF/AE and 23-area focusing. The 45-200mm lens is recommended also for a wider range of shooting possibilities.
Nice choices when you have them, and you have them with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, a smart choice for the future of photography.
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 20mm Lens)
Except for it’s more compact size, no Mega OIS and requiring an optional viewfinder, the GF1 has many of the same attributes as the G2. The G2 also has a touch screen on its swivel LCD, items that keep it from being as compact as the GF1.
Comparison with Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
No comparison. If you want an interchangeable lens camera with a tilt swivel LCD and a viewfinder, the G2 is the one for you. But if you want a camera with a lot of the great amenities you will find in the G2 but wrapped up in a smaller body with less bells and whistles, consider the ZS7.
Pros
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Micro Four Thirds
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HD Video
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Tilt LCD
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Viewfinder
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Touch Screen Control
