Although Panasonic's Lumix DMC-G2 is arguably the most significant camera introduced at PMA 2010, you won't have read this in my daily online PMA reports (or anyone else's) because of non-disclosure commitments that expired on March 7.

The G2 targets the same market as the cam' it replaces (the G1): DSLR users seeking a potent carry-around camera with little (if any) compromise in image quality, and dissatisfied point-and-shooters balking at the size and weight of DSLR alternatives. It is the latter group that will especially welcome many of the G2's new features.

The G2 inherits much of its predecessor's hardware: essentially, the same 12MP sensor, 1.44-million dot, eye-sensing EVF, and a scaled-down, SLR-like profile.
Overall image processing speed is reportedly much improved via the latest Venus HDII engine. Other enhancements include many technologies found on Panasonic's new P&S line, like "intelligent resolution," although in this case, users can choose among three gradations (low, medium, high) instead of just on or off. In brief, iRes can simultaneously apply three different processing algorithms so that contours (like the outline of a tree), textures (tree leaves), and smooth gradations (a typical sky) are each given optimum treatment for best image quality.

Other conveniences familiar to P&S users include Face Detection with face tracking, Panasonic's iA ("intelligent auto focus") circuit, and "quick menu" button.

The key new hardware feature is a juicy, 460k-dot articulating touch screen that affords such niceties as playback of images using a swiping motion (iPod/iPhone users are used to this).

More important, the touch functionality makes image capture easier. Touch an onscreen face to have the camera enter portrait mode and invoke appropriate focusing and exposure settings; touching a flower triggers the macro mode. Grid lines that help during scene framing and composition can be customized for each photograph because the user can drag each line to a different location along the LCD's vertical and horizontal axis at will.

One can also tick an onscreen box to have the G2 snap a shot upon a subsequent touch.

The system even works in its movie mode (AVC Lite: 720p @ 30fps), which makes the camera even easier to use to snag video: Panasonic's contrast AF is generally considered more reliable and much speedier than any video-capable DSLR's.

Unlike consumer camcorders, Micro Four Thirds (and DSLR) cameras can isolate subject matter with out-of-focus backgrounds, thanks to its relatively large sensor and the availability of large maximum aperture lenses. With the G2, one can touch a nearby face onscreen, and then touch a person far back into the picture plane to smoothly change the point of focus: a transitional technique effectively deployed by countless movie directors. You can also change the aperture while shooting video.

The on-board mic is monophonic, but the input is stereo.

Although the G2 is the only Panasonic Micro Four Thirds model with a touch screen, two main traits position it below its GH-1 stable mate: AVCHD Lite for video (the GH-1 does Full HD via the non-Lite version); and the bundled zoom lens. It comes with a 14-45mm f3.5/5.6 optic that's lighter and more cost effective than the previous kit lens found on the old G1, let alone the costly 14-140mm f4/5.8 zoom that accounts for much of premium exacted for the top model. The new zoom also lacks an O.I.S. switch, presumably to save weight: switching is controlled from the body.

The latter is especially important for a second Micro Four Thirds addition, the G10, which snags "world's lightest system camera status," along with a lower price tag.

From the front, it's hard to tell the two apart, but key differences are immediately apparent at the back: the G10 foregoes the articulating touch screen and ‘pro' quality EVF (it has a 202k-dot affair). Inside, circuitry employs Motion JPEG (which uses twice as much data to code video than AVCHD Lite).

Although no firm pricing is available as I post this, the Panasonic figures the G10 will sell for about $200 less than the G2 when both models debut this June.

Stateside, the G2 is available in a neon blue, red, and black; and the G10 in black only. In Canada, only the black models of either camera will be imported.

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