Panasonic to release two new micro four-thirds cameras: the G2 and G10

Panasonic Lumix G2 Find the best price Note: until the G2 and G10 are realised in June 2010, these price tables may contain inaccurate information. Panasonic Lumix G10  MARCHANDS €     Amazon.co.uk  8.95  Bookdeposit...  14.47  Comet  69.99  Pc world  84.99  Pixmania  88.00  Amazon mark...  98.99  Compare prices Note: until the G2 and G10 are realised in June 2010, these price tables may contain inaccurate information.

Panasonic is releasing not one but two new bridge cameras with interchangeable lenses. The Lumix DMC-G2 and Lumix DMC-G10 are set to replace the Panasonic G1, the first camera of its kind.

Both new models have a lot in common with the G1. In fact, they’re the same basic camera, but where the G10 has been stripped of a few features to make an entry-level model, the G2 packs in a few extra functions to position it higher up the market, just under the GH1. Both cameras still feature the 12-Megapixel 4/3" sensor, but as there’s no multi-aspect-ratio technology, 16:9-format photos won’t be any wider than 4:3-format photos, they’ll just be less tall.

This has a direct impact on the wide-angle and video modes. In fact, both the G2 and the G10 film in 720p HD resolution. The G10 has an integrated video mode, whereas the G2 has a separate shutter-release button, located on the top of the camera next to the photo shutter-release button, just like on the GF1. The G10 records videos in the M-JPEG format (not the most effective codec around), while the G2 uses AVCHD Lite, offering much better quality and compression.

Note that the G2’s AVCHD is encoded as 50 Hz interlaced video, although the sensor actually captures a 25 Hz progressive signal. Given that any LCD television will have to deinterlace the video signal to read it, the conversion process is surely slightly pointless?

Design differences

There are a few strange little differences in design and handling between the two models. For example, to select the autofocus mode on the G10 you use a thumb wheel, whereas on the G2 it’s done via a little lever, as the same thumb wheel is used to select the AF focusing points. The latter, however, are located on a left-hand button of the G10, the same one that carries a ‘film’ logo on the G2. So if we add to that the GH1, which has the same design as the G1, then that makes three different layouts in as many cameras. It’s no big deal; it’s just a little confusing.

The G2’s extra thumb lever and button make a somewhat surprising addition given that the camera also features a touch screen — a feature that usually cuts down the number of buttons and levers on the camera body. It’s basically the same 3-inch, 3:2-format, 460,000-dot screen used in other cameras in the range, except that the G2’s display can be flipped-out, angled and tilted. Although swivel screens are a popular feature on camcorders, I don’t think I’ve seen one on a digital camera since the Kodak EasyShare One. The G2 will even come with a stylus. In any case, I’ll have to get my hands on a G2 and test it for myself before I comment on just how practical this new feature is.

One final difference is that the G2 has the much-acclaimed, although now widely abandoned (by Olympus in particular), LCoS viewfinder used in the G1 and GH1. The G10 will feature a 202,000-dot viewfinder with a spec that closely resembles that of the cheaper bridge cameras out there.

So to sum up: the G10 is a G1 with a basic viewfinder, a fixed screen and 720p HD video recording in the M-JPEG format. The G2 is a G1 with 720p HD video recording in the AVCHD format and a touch screen.

Bundles and availability

The lenses supplied will not be the same as those bundled with the G1, as the standard 14-45 mm zoom lens will be replaced by a 14-42 mm version. The specs look pretty similar; I’m just hoping this change in design isn’t being used to mask a change in quality.

These new models are due for release in the UK in June 2010. The G10 will be available bundled with a 14-42 mm lens, and it’s likely to be marketed at a price that’ll give the Olympus E-PL1 a good run for its money.

The G2 will be available as the camera body only, in a basic lens bundle, or in a twin-lens bundle with both 14-42 mm and 45-200 mm lenses. The G2 is also being offered in three different colours, with red, blue and black to choose from.

In the meantime, don’t forget the Panasonic GH1, which films in 1080i HD with stereo sound, is available with a 14-140 mm lens for around £1,000.


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