Panasonic launches Lumix DMC-G2 and Lumix DMC-G10

Panasonic has unveiled the Lumix DMC-G2 and Lumix DMC-G10 Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens cameras. Replacing the Lumix G1, the G2 will feature a vari-angle touch panel LCD. The Lumix G10 offers simple functionality for the less tech-savvy consumer.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

The two latest Lumix G series cameras are modeled after their G1 and GH1 predecessors. They feature a sturdy, DSLR-like build quality with the compact footprint that Micro Four Thirds allows. They employ the same 12.1 megapixel Live MOS image sensor found in the other G series cameras, and they will shoot 720p HD video. To give beginner photographers some help, the G2 and G10 will be equipped with Panasonic's iA intelligent Auto mode. It automatically selects scene modes and enacts Intelligent ISO, Mega O.I.S. stabilization, and Intelligent Exposure. A dedicated button will offer access to iA shooting mode.

Along with iA, the Lumix G2 and Lumix G10 are equipped with the standard array of manual shooting controls. They'll also offer artistic filters called My Colors that will apply in-camera processing effects including "retro" and "silhouette." The Lumix G2 will support the use of My Colors in both still photos and video recording, while the G10 will only offer My Colors in still photography.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10

The Panasonic Lumix G2 and G10 will use the new Venus Engine HD II image processor. Panasonic claims the new system will be able to identify both chromatic noise and luminance noise and will be able to apply noise reduction to both. The Venus Engine HD II also offers Panasonic's new-for-2010 Intelligent Resolution technology, a feature that Panasonic says will enhance the look of textures, gradations, and outline areas by applying some in-camera processing.

Rounding out the list of features, the Lumix G2 and G10 will offer 3.2 fps continuous shooting and an automatic sensor-cleaning dust-reduction system. A few minor changes have been made to the control layout of the new cameras, including the addition of a dedicated video record button as well as the relocation of a wheel dial to the back of the camera body.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
The Lumix G2 introduces a touch panel to the Micro Four Thirds system for the first time. The 3.0-inch touch-friendly LCD has 460k-dot composition. Focus targets can be selected through the touch panel by touching the screen where you'd like the camera to lock focus. Once an AF target is locked in, the size of the focusing area can be manipulated by the user.

Touch focus is also available in movie mode. While recording video, you'll be able to shift focus between subjects using touch AF. The adjustment is gradual and softened to create a smooth transition. The G2 also offers a touch shutter, and touch functionality will help users browse photos quickly in image playback mode.

The screen articulates 180 degrees from side to side and tilts by 270 degrees up and down. Shooters will also be able to skip the screen and use a 1,440,00-dot Live View Finder. Both offer 100% field of view coverage. The Lumix G2 will record 720p HD video recording in AVCHD Lite format with Dolby Digital audio recording.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10
Everything at the heart of the Lumix G10 is basically the same as the G2. It employs the sensor, processor, and still image shooting modes as its more advanced, touch-capable sibling. The Lumix G10 scales back the feature set in a few minor ways. As mentioned earlier, it won't offer the scene modes and creative My Color filters in movie mode, though they're all available in still image capture.

The Live View Finder features a lower-res 202,000-dot composition, though the G10's 3.0-inch LCD features the same resolution as the G2's monitor. Like the G2, it offers mini HDMI output. The Lumix G10 will record HD video in Motion JPEG format rather than AVCHD Lite. It will be available in black only, whereas the G2 will be offered in red, black, and blue.

Pricing and Availability
Panasonic has not released pricing information for the Lumix DMC-G2 and Lumix DMC-G10 at the time of launch. They will announce pricing 30 days before the cameras start shipping to consumers. Both cameras will ship with the newly-announced Lumix G Vario 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Mega OIS zoom lens.