Panasonic has taken the wraps off two new new cameras based on teh Micro Four-Third interchangeable lens system that aims to bring the quality of DSLR cameras to much more-compact camera bodies. Panasonic says the DMC-G2 is the first Micro Four-Third camera with a movable LCD viewfinder, and the DMC-G10 is the lightest interchangeable lens camera money can buy.
First up, the Lumix DMC-G2 sports a flip-out 3-inch, touch-enabled LCD viewfinder that can be used not only during playback but during shooting as well: users can set the adjustable autofocus just by touching the subject in the display. The G2 offers a 12.1 megapixel resolution, can shoot 720p AVCHD Lite video, and features intelligent auto features like a scene selector, autofocus tracking, face detection, and ISO control, along with Panasonic optical image stabilization for blur-free photos and video. The G2’s intelligent auto mode also features “intelligent resolution” technology bring out outlines and texture while reducing noise to make soft gradients smoother. The G2 also features in-camera creative filters and a dust reduction system designed to keep the sensor clear. The G2 stores images to SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, and features a mini HDMI output for putting material on a big screen. Panasonic hasn’t released availability or pricing information—saying that’ll come 30 days prior to shipping—but the G2 will be available in black, red, and blue.
Panasonic has also unveiled the Lumix DMC-G10, which the company claims is the lightest interchangeable lens camera on the market—of course, that may not matter too much when you’re already carrying around interchangeable lenses. The G10 carries similar specs to the G2, but without the swivel, touch-enabled LCD viewfinder display—curiously, the G10 also eschews AVCHD Lite video in favor of capturing 720p video in Motion JPEG format. Again, no word on pricing or availability yet, but the G10 will only be available in black.