Panasonic has the news day all to itself with its newfangled pair of
Micro Four Thirds shooters, and in case you were wondering -- yeah, this is the exact same duo that we saw
slip out on Friday. Up first is the Lumix DMC-G2, which looks an awful lot like the
G1 it replaces and is touted as the first interchangable lens system camera with touch-control shooting. Granted, we
haven't exactly warmed to the idea of using a touchpanel to fire off a shot, but hey, it is what it is. Other specs include a 12.1 megapixel Live MOS sensor, Venus Engine HD II technology, a 3-inch rear LCD and a 720p (AVCHD Lite) movie mode, though curiously enough a price and release date eludes us. Moving on, there's the DMC-G10, which is supposedly the "world's lightest" interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder; this one packs the same 12.1 megapixel sensor and Venus Engine HD II as on the G2, but the 3-inch LCD lacks tilt / swivel / touch options. We're still waiting on pricing for this one as well, but now is as good a time as any to mention that both fully support those obnoxiously expensive
SDXC cards. Huzzah!
posted March 7th 2010 10:06AM
CNET Asia has got a hands on of both cameras over here: http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2010/03/06/mini-hands-on-with-the-panasonic-lumix-dmc-g1/
and here:
http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/digitalcameras/0,39005881,45218337p,00.htm
@Atkins
Disappointing for you???
What about me, I bought a red GH1 less than 6 months ago.
I wonder if it would be wise to unload it right away before its price would drop and order a new G2 right away or if apart for the new name and the useless touch screen the cams will be basically be identical.
@Plexus
The GH1 is much better! I wish I had one. It's got a bigger sensor / multi-aspect ratio, and it also does 1080p. Also you got that excellent 14-140mm lens. What's your point?!
@Plexus This isn't the GH1 replacement, it's the G1 replacement. Panasonic has said they are keeping the G series as the entry level cams and the GH1 as the full HD enthusiast cameras. The GH1 probably won't be replaced until summer at least.
I think I'm still going to old out for the black E-PL1 or whatever cannon has cocking.
@fieldsakafields **hold
@fieldsakafields
agreed. Nothing very exciting here. Let's hope Sony or sigma come up with more interesting models.
@grandmainger
For sigma I do comprehend, but sony? they should just focus making TVs as they're just wasting their time even trying. Sorry if u're a sony fanboy... but the reality is hard like a rock.
@fieldsakafields
How are they wasting their time? I'm not a Sony fanboy, but I have seen what they can do in a premium compact size with their new EXMOR sensors, and the results are better than most (read: most, not all).
Zeiss lenses have always been pretty good, too. Don't be so negative.
My thoughts exactly. Underwhelmed here.
Where is the lx3 replacement? hopefully that is where panny is spending it's time.
Absolutely nothing here for me to feel bad about.. (love you GF1) :)
@Prospero
same here, i bought the gf1 last december. I was wondering what's up with the venus engine II have to offer over the venus engine hd on the gf1...
@andyusa These cameras aren't aimed at current MFT owners. But for me who was waiting to get a Lumix G1, now I have a better option :D That or maybe I'll find a dirt cheap G1 as well.
@JRKScope
Come on, what's the point of this camera when you can get an entry level DSLR with similar size but probably better PQ? Wasn't the original idea of M4/3 was to "micronize" the 4/3 system? This camera is small in size, but not small enough to justify on what there're charging for their lens and accessories. I got the GF-1 and I can tell u it's really hard to stomach the price on what they're charging for the lens and accessories. But at least I got something that's pocketable and would like to bring along when I go vacation. I wouldn't doubt the PQ of it but what's the point? Just to show how much they support Oly's new system? I wonder if Oly would have something similar coming out?
This is awesome!
But doe's it blend?
/s
Underwhelming might be a better word... sure - for folks just thinking of getting into m4/3, the G2 looks appealing.. the G10 is major fail for sure. I was hoping for a GF2.. they would own the game completely if they would just take the GF1 and include an integrated EVF, slightly bumped out grip and updated engine.
@DaPesto The GF1 just came out Sept. 2009, it won't be upgraded until later on in the year.
@DaPesto
" take the GF1 and include an integrated EVF, slightly bumped out grip'
you do realise you just described the G1, GH1... right?
Hoping for a new GF1 would be ridiculous.. it been out for only 6 months!!
The only thing I really like about these is the lens is small and light and the swivel LCD are the most useful feature compare to the fix LCD that most company have use in their existing DSLR. However, they should of added maybe a few more megapixel? I print 13x19 paper and the 12mp barely cover 75% of the page.
@cdf74dc9 If you're printing some stuff that big, you should stick to mid-range SLRs like the D90 or Rebel T2i. Maybe even full-frame. For now, mFT is confined to entry level though im sure the jump to midrange is doable in a few years.
Why OIS? I know it is on average 1-2 stops better than sensor-shift/IBIS, but then it works with all lenses. Panay's 20mm pancake for examples doesn't have OIS meaning that GF1+20mm kit has no IS at all.
Oly somehow manages to cram the IBIS into their MFT cameras - why can't Panay?
Otherwise - nice upgrade. Were I into video, I'd get myself one of this.
ill take the dmc-gf1 over these models..hmmm or just wait for the dmc-lx4... kinda bummed the g2 doesn't have 1080p :( that 550d/t2i is looking pretty good these days for HD content
@dubprocess
You wanna trust me on this. The GF1 and LX-whatever aren't in the same league. Not even LX-4 or 5. I got both the LX-3 and GF-1 but the LX-3's been collection dust ever since I got the GF-1. You should get the picture.
Hope this brings the GH1 price down