Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a digital mirrorless interchangeable lens camera adhering to the Olympus and Panasonic developed Micro Four Thirds System (MFT) system design standard.[1] It was announced in March 2010[2] along with a lesser featured Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10.[3]

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Panasonic DMC-G2 + Konica Hexanon 50 F1.7
Overview
Type	Micro Four Thirds System
Released	March 2010
Lens
Lens	Micro Four Thirds System mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor	17.3 × 13 mm Live MOS
Maximum resolution	4000×3000 (12 megapixels); 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, 1:1 image format
Film speed	ISO 100–6400
Storage media	SD, SDHC
Focusing
Focus modes	Automatic or Manual Face detection / AF Tracking / 23-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing Touch (1-area-focusing in Face detection / AF Tracking / Multi-area-focusing / 1-area-focusing)
Exposure/metering
Exposure modes	Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority
Exposure metering	Intelligent Multiple (Center weighted, average and spot)
Flash
Flash	Built-in-Flash, TTL, GN 11 equivalent (ISO100 · m)
Flash bracketing	±3.0 EV in ⅓ EV steps 3,5,7 frames* • 1/3 or 2/3 , +/−2.0 EV steps
Shutter
Shutter speed range	60–1/4000 sec
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	EVF color display, 100% field of view, 0.7x (35mm equiv), 1.4x magnification, with 1,440K dots equivalent; LCD or articulated multi-angle 3-inch (76 mm) inch color LCD (460,000 dots equivalent)
Image processing
White balance	custom modes
General
Battery	Li-Ion 7.2 V, 1250 mAh
Weight	body+battery 428 g; 14–42 mm zoom lens 165 g

Introduced as successor to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the G2 included 720p HD video capability using both AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG recording formats.

The G2 has a resistive touchscreen to control many camera functions including easy selection of a focus point within the live view frame. The touchscreen interface allows control duplicating the numerous dials and buttons on the G2. The G2 shipped with a new Panasonic 14–42 mm kit zoom lens, a lighter, and less expensive, version of the original Panasonic 14–45 mm kit zoom sold that shipped with the Panasonic G1.

The United States MSRP with 14–42 mm kit zoom lens was US$800.00.[4] Available colors were black, red and blue.

The Micro Four Thirds system

The Micro Four Thirds (MFT) system design standard was jointly announced in 2008[5] by Olympus and Panasonic, as a further evolution of the similarly named predecessor Four Thirds System[6] pioneered by Olympus. The Micro Four Thirds system standard uses the same sized sensor (nominal 4000 pixels by 3000 pixels) as the original Four Thirds system. One potential advantage of the smaller MFT system sensor (when compared to market leaders Canon and Nikon APS-C and full frame sized) is potentially smaller and lighter lenses. The smaller MFT sensor with reduced image circle allows the development of smaller and lighter native lenses. The MFT sensor has a crop factor of 2.0 when compared to 35mm film equivalent full frame sensors. By comparison, the more popular consumer (as opposed to professional) DSLRs such as those made by Canon, Nikon and Sony have 1.5 to 1.6 crop factor APS-C sensors, which means larger and heavier lens designs. For example, a typical Olympus MFT M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens weighs 112g, is 56mm in diameter and 50mm in length.[7] The equivalent Canon APS-C DSLR EF-S 18-55mm f3.5–5.6 kit lens weighs 190g, and is 69mm in diameter and 80mm in length[8]

While the older Four Thirds system design standard allowed the incorporation of a single lens reflex (SLR) camera design including a mirror box and pentaprism based optical viewfinder system, the MFT system design standard sought to pursue a technically different camera, and specifically slimmed down the key physical specifications which eliminated the ability to include the traditional complex optical path and the bulky mirror box needed for a SLR optical viewfinder. Instead, MFT uses either a built-in (Panasonic) or optional (Olympus/Panasonic) compact electronic viewfinder (EVF) and/or LCD back panel displaying a Live view from the main image sensor. Use of an EVF/back panel LCD and smaller four thirds image sensor format and allows for smaller and lighter camera bodies and lenses. The MFT system standard also specifically includes seamless switching between still photography and HD video recording as a design criterion.

MFT cameras are physically slimmer than most interchangeable lens cameras because the standard specifies a much reduced lens mount flange to imaging sensor plane distance of just 20mm. Typically this so-called flange focal distance is over 40mm on most interchangeable lens cameras.[9] The MFT system design flange focal length distance allows for, through use of an adapter, the possibility to mount virtually any manufacturer's existing and legacy still camera interchangeable lens (as well as some video and cine lenses) to an MFT body, albeit using manual focus and manual aperture control. For example, many theoretically obsolete 35mm film camera lenses, as well as existing current lenses for APS-C and full frame DSLR's are now usable on MFT cameras. As an example, an older (i.e., used, obsolete and low priced), but still high quality, 50mm f/1.8 "standard" lens from a 35mm film camera can be used on a MFT camera body. With MFT sensors having a crop factor of 2.0, the old 50mm f/1.8 "standard" lens becomes a high-speed (although manual) 100mm f/1.8 telephoto portrait lens. So the MFT system allows the re-use of expensive lenses that may have outlived their 35mm film format camera, and can be used on a modern digital camera body capable of both still and HD video recording. Similarly, the MFT system design allows current DSLR lenses to be used as well, although only with manual focus and aperture control.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 features

Upon introduction in March 2010,[2] the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 was marketed as the world's first interchangeable lens camera with an articulated, touch control LCD. Also added was 720p HD video and a redesigned physical user interface, changing placement of dials and button controllers, and an electronic viewfinder. Notably, the G2 was not capable of full 1080p HD video as was the then top-of-the-line Panasonic GH1. The ability to choose the focus point by touching the desired area on the screen was implemented in all Panasonic MFT cameras introduced after the G2. Other manufacturers such as Sony with its new NEX family of cameras, and Olympus in its PEN E-P3 MFT camera also incorporated use of the touch screen feature for camera controls.

The "new" 14-42mm kit zoom lens was less expensive than the original optical image stabilized 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit zoom lens that came with the G1. The 14-42mm kit lens is lighter, but longer than the original 14-45mm kit lens, features a plastic, rather than metal lens mount, and omits on-off switch for the in lens optical image stabilization system. However, the 14-42mm optical image stabilization system on-off could be controlled through camera menus. Many enthusiasts regard the 14-42mm kit lens as a step down in both optical image quality and build quality from the original 14-45mm kit lens.

Body colors and MSRP

The camera was available in three colors — black (suffix K), red (R) and blue (B). MSRP in the United States for the body and 14-42mm kit zoom lens was $USD 800.00.[4]

Successor model

The G2 camera's successor model is the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3 which was announced in May 2011.[10]

Video recording formats

AVCHD Lite Format (.MTS files)

Menu designation	Aspect ratio	Resolution	Frame rate	Bit rate
NTSC HD	16:9	720p 1280 × 720	60p (sensor output is 30 fps) (60p done with frame dup)	SH: 17, H: 13, L: 9 Mbit/s
PAL HD	16:9	720p 1280 × 720	50p (sensor output is 25 fps) (50p done with frame dup)	SH: 17, H: 13, L: 9 Mbit/s

M-JPEG Format (.MOV files)

Menu designation	Aspect ratio	Resolution	Frame rate	Bit rate
HD	16:9	1280 × 720	30 frame/s	~8 MB/s
WVGA	16:9	848 × 480	30 frame/s	~3.5 MB/s
VGA	4:3	640 × 480	30 frame/s	~2.7 MB/s
QVGA	4:3	320 × 240	30 frame/s	~0.7 MB/s

Micro Four Thirds Camera introduction roadmap

Item	Model	Sensor	Electronic View Finder (EVF)	Announced
1	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effective)	EVF; 1.4x magnification; 1.44M dots	2008, October[11]
2	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1	4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 14.0 mp (12.1 mp effect)	EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44M dots	2009, April[12]
3	Olympus PEN E-P1	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	optional hotshoe optical VF-1; 65 degree AOV	2009, July[13]
4	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF LVF1; 1.04x mag; 202K dots	2009, September[14]
5	Olympus PEN E-P2	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2009, November[15]
6	Olympus PEN E-PL1	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2010, February[16]
7	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect)	EVF; 1.04x magnification; 202K dots	2010, March[17]
8	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect)	EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44M dots	2010, March[18]
9	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2	4:3; 3:2; 16:9 (multi-aspect); 18.3 mp (16.0 mp effect)	EVF; 1.42x mag; 1.53M dots	2010, September[19]
10	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF; 1.04x mag; 202K dots	2010, November[20]
11	Olympus PEN E-PL1s	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2010, November[21]
12	Olympus PEN E-PL2	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, January[22]
13	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3	4:3 / 16.6 mp (15.8 mp effect)	EVF; 1.4x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, May[23]
14	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.1 mp effect)	N/A	2011, June[24]
15	Olympus PEN E-P3	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, June[25]
16	Olympus PEN E-PL3	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, June[26]
17	Olympus PEN E-PM1	4:3 / 13.1 mp (12.3 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF VF-2; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, June[27]
18	Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1	4:3 / 16.6 mp (16.0 mp effect)	opt hotshoe EVF LVF2; 1.4x mag; 1.44M dots	2011, November[28]
19	Olympus OM-D E-M5	4:3 / 16.9 mp (16.1 mp effect)[29]	EVF; 1.15x mag; 1.44M dots	2012, February[30]

References

1. "Four Thirds – Micro Four Thirds – Benefits of Micro Four Thirds". Four-thirds.org. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
2. "Lumix Dmc-G2, World's First* Interchangeable Lens System Camera With Touch-Control Movable LCD" (Press release). Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
3. "Panasonic Lumix G10, World's Lightest* Digital Interchangeable Lens System Camera with a Viewfinder" (Press release). Archived from the original on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
4. "Panasonic G2 Review". Imaging Resource. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
5. "Olympus / Panasonic announce Micro Four Thirds". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
6. "Four Thirds – Four Thirds – Standard". Four-thirds.org. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
7. "Four Thirds – Micro Four Thirds – Products(Lenses)". Four-thirds.org. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
8. "Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II: Digital Photography Review". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
9. Flange focal distance
10. "Panasonic Introduces Company's Smallest and Lightest Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera with a Viewfinder,*1 Complete With Easy-To-Use Features and HD Video" (Press release). Archived from the original on 17 July 2011. Retrieved 24 July 2011.
11. "Panasonic Lumix Dmc-G1: World's Smallest and Lightest Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera*" (Press release). Archived from the original on 28 July 2011. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
12. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 April 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
13. "Olympus E-P1 'digital Pen' – in depth preview + samples". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
14. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 April 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
15. "Olympus launches E-P2 Micro Four Thirds camera". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
16. "Olympus unveils the affordable Pen". Digital Photography Review. 3 February 2010. Retrieved 3 February 2010.
17. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
18. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
19. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 9 April 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
20. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 17 August 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
21. "OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL1s｜デジタル一眼カメラ｜オリンパスイメージング". Olympus-imaging.jp. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
22. "Olympus E-PL2 announced and previewed". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
23. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
24. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 18 July 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
25. "OLYMPUS – News Release: World's fastest AF*, Flagship of PEN series "OLYMPUS PEN E-P3"". Olympus-global.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
26. "OLYMPUS – News Release: High functionality and high performance into a small body, "OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL3"". Olympus-global.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
27. "OLYMPUS – News Release: First model of the New Line of "PEN mini" Series "OLYMPUS PEN mini E-PM1"". Olympus-global.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
28. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 19 May 2012. Retrieved 13 December 2011.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
29. "Olympus announces OM-D E-M5 weather-sealed Micro Four Thirds camera". Dpreview.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.
30. "OLYMPUS – News Release: The OLYMPUS OM-D, a new generation system camera compliant with the Micro Four Thirds System standard". Olympus-global.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.

External links

Media related to Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 at Wikimedia Commons

• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 site
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Press Release
• Lumix DMC-G2 Review by dpreview.com
• Lumix DMC-G2 Review by imaging-resource.com
• Information & Tutorials on the Lumix DMC-G2 at TheG2Club.com