Product Listing

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Review

By Alvin Soon - 17 May 2010

Conclusion

Conclusion

We found that the Panasonic G2 is suitable exactly for whom it's designed for: a camera for the compact camera upgrader, who will find welcome in its user-friendly features, rather than the DSLR downgrader who might find the ISO performance a little lacking.

It's best handled using the LCD, which compact users will be used to taking advantage of the excellent touch-sensitive controls and the large screen, but also because the screen is more pleasant to use than the viewfinder which we found a little dark for our taste. Image clarity is comparable to the best of the entry-level DSLR models in the market, but ISO performance only fares better than compacts. Video performance is excellent, with auto-focus a strong feature lacking in DSLR video cameras.

These are all factors that will appeal to and attract compact camera upgraders, who're looking for better image performance than they can wrangle out of their compacts, without the weight and bulk of a DSLR. The biggest appeal to an upgrader (and even to a DSLR user) is how smart the camera is. Panasonic's contrast AF system is fast and accurate, and its Intelligent Auto (iA) mode is one of the best auto modes in the consumer market, letting an ordinary user switch it on and trust its advanced features, like face detection, to help them get the best shot each time.

Unfortunately the local retail price for the G2 hasn't been fixed yet, but looking at prices from overseas, we're guessing that it'll come in the S$1100 region for a G2. The high prices of the Micro Four Thirds cameras is something we've harped on before, but it looks like Panasonic's going to be more aggressive with the G2. Now that prices are comparable to competing DSLRs, it comes down to a matter of preference. Do you prefer ease-of-use, lightness and compactness, or do you prefer ultimate image quality over bulk and complexity? If you belong to the former profile, than the Panasonic Lumix G2 is your ideal choice, despite the price.

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
9.0
  • Performance 8
  • Design 9
  • Features 9
  • User-Friendliness 9
The Good
Responsive touch-screen.
Sharp and detailed photos.
Easy to use auto functions.
Follow-focus in video mode.
The Bad
Average ISO performance.
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.