This new Micro Four Thirds camera will be available in Canada in June, for $900 in a kit that includes a 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 image-stabilized zoom lens. Like all Micro Four Thirds cameras, it dispenses with a reflex viewfinder and mirror, allowing for smaller body and lens size than a DSLR, while maintaining benefits like large sensor size and lens interchangeability. The DMC-G2 also benefits from DSLR-type controls and capabilities, plus useful automation that you might find in a point-and-shoot digicam. In particular, its touchscreen LCD is one of the most versatile and sophisticated available in a camera. In a nutshell, this makes some camera operations similar to an iPod or iPhone.

The new Venus Engine HD II features advanced signal processing and improved noise reduction, for better results at high ISO levels. The DMC-G2 is the first to provide the new Intelligent Resolution technology, which can smooth or sharpen different parts of an image or video frame to optimize the quality. It's always on in iA mode and some Scene modes, and can be activated in other modes at the desired level of intensity.

Feature set: Resembling a miniature DSLR with an electronic viewfinder, this Panasonic G2 employs high-grade components. These include a swing/tilt LCD screen with 460,000-point resolution and a 1.4-million-dot EVF based on technology developed for broadcast video cameras. Instead of an in-camera stabilizer, an anti-shake system is installed in many Lumix Micro lenses. In addition to Face Detection, there's a full Face-Recognition system. After taking a photo of a person, you can input the subject's name; in future photo sessions, the camera will prioritize focus/exposure for that individual.

The built-in flash is small, but offers decent power (Guide Number of 11 at ISO 100). The G2 also accepts optional flash units. In addition to many familiar modes, overrides and functions, Panasonic provides a special mode, My Colour, with seven options for special effects. Nine Film Modes (picture styles) are also available for creating virtually any desired look. Overrides for contrast, sharpness, saturation and noise reduction are available in each mode.

And Panasonic installed its own Intelligent Auto (iA) system with automatic motion detection, which sets faster shutter speeds and Tracking AF when motion is detected. The iA mode can also select the fully automatic Scene mode that's most suitable for many types of subjects.

Operation: In addition to the many auto modes, you'll find a wealth of advanced features, 21 menu screens and many analog controls to satisfy experienced photographers. The numerous options can make the camera seem overwhelming at first. For quicker/easier operation there's a [Q.Menu] button that activates a sub-menu of 14 features. These are quite intuitive once you appreciate the purpose of entirely new items such as Intelligent Resolution and Intelligent Exposure (for better highlight/shadow detail). The photo shown here was taken with the iResolution control set to maximum.

Instead of using analog controls, touch the LCD anywhere to optimize focus and exposure for that that part of the scene. If the subject moves, the system will track it until you take the photo. Touch the [Q.Menu] icon and you can select a desired function by touching the pertinent icon. Other features can also be set by a touch, including aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation. When the touch-shutter feature is set to On, the camera will focus and take a shot as soon as you press the shutter icon on the screen.

While reviewing images in playback mode, you can scroll by swiping your finger across the screen as you would with an iPod. Press any part of the screen and the image is magnified (up to 16x); you can then roam around the magnified to examine various segments of the photo by moving your finger. The touchscreen is very responsive and rates high on the cool-factor scale.

Article Tags:  panasonic, micro four thirds, four thirds, digital, digicam, camera, SLR, DSLR, interchangeable, lens, HD video, AVCHD, Lumix, G2, DMC-G2