AUTO FOCUS PERFORMANCE
G2 is an very responsive camera. It shines in auto focus performance. AF speed is almost instantaneous whether in bright light or low light condition, I feel it can beat some beginner DSLR cameras. In G2, you can also touch the screen to set up AF point which is very convenient.
Auto focus tracking work well in slow moving subject, such as people walking, however, sometimes, it failed to track, especially fast or erratic movement. This is where the area G2 lacks compared to regular DSLR camera.
The swivel LCD screen is helpful at times, and it is great for self portrait!
There are plenty to like about Panasonic G2
+ Small and lightweight relative to DSLR camera
+ Built-in high-res electronic viewfinder
+ Touch screen that allow you to change setting, set AF and flip image in playback
+ Swivel LCD screen help to compose photos in awkward angle
+ Fast Auto focus performance
+ Many dedicated buttons and switches
+ What you see is what you get (changing color balance, film mode shown in LCD)
+ Very good performance (responsive)
What I don’t like about Panasonic G2
- Auto focus tracking is not reliable
- Image quality in ISO 1600 and above is not as good as regular DSLR
- Harder to achieve shallow depth of field (Defocus background)
- 1/2 to 1 second screen freeze after capturing photo
- Auto ISO is not very accurate and tend to stick with ISO 400
COMPETITORS
Samsung NX10
NX10 has bigger image sensor (APS-C) and higher-res (610k) AMOLED screen, however NX10 built-in viewfinder, body handling is not as good as Panasonic G2. G2 also slightly faster in auto focus performance.
Olympus E-P2
Olympus E-P2 has a smaller design and more appropriate to be compared with Panasonic GF1 instead of G2. The main advantage E-P2 has is it has built-in image stabilization, however, it falls short in many areas such as slow auto focus especially in low light condition, low res LCD screen, and no built-in flash.
CONCLUSION
Panasonic G2 is the best flagship micro four thirds camera in 2010 with many new innovative technology such as touch screen LCD and full HD video recording. It is fun to use and carry around. However, G2 still has the same problem that has plague many four third system cameras which is image quality in high ISO setting. Despite it offers up to ISO 6400, but I recommend user to stick with ISO 800 or lower.
Subjective rating relative to mirrorless camera system 2010
Image Quality : 4/5 (with 14-42mm kit lens)
Features: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Body / Handling: 5/5
Value for money: 3/5
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for these interesting reviews!
I would like to know how the DMC-GF1 compares to the DMC-G2, particularly in terms of image quality and focus performance? Could you please elaborate?
Based on the ISO shots it looks like the G2 would be the clear winner – is this true?
from ISO shots, you’re right, G2 is about 1/2 stop cleaner. Not much, but noticeable in ISO 1600. Panasonic G2 also provide ISO up to 6400 while GF1 stuck at 1600.
I think that it is less about physical sensor improvement but more about processing algorithm. Regarding AF speed, both are impressive and I think it is a tie.
It will be hard to choose which one to buy. If the price differences is about less than $100, I think G2 gives more value. Yes, it is bigger, but I like the grip, extra buttons and switches plus the swiveling touch screen LCD.
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