Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

Touch-screen operation and a faster image processor top the list of enticing new features in the G1's successor

Although the new 12.1Mp flagship camera in the Lumix G Micro System brings a selection of enhancements over the G1, it's the touch-screen control system that's turning heads.

As well as offering a slick playback function (imagine browsing through images on-screen with your finger, as if you were turning the pages of a book), this system offers touch-control shooting. You're able to fire the shutter, adjust settings and change focus and exposure simply by tapping on the pressure-sensitive flip-out LCD.



For instance, you can control the autofocus by simply pointing at a part of the scene you want to be rendered sharp. If you select a moving subject, the AF tracking system will then follow it as it moves through the scene.

Even better for beginners is the Intelligent Scene Selector. When in iA (Intelligent Auto) mode, the camera will switch to the appropriate mode according to the subject touched on the screen. Tap someone's face, for instance, and the camera goes into Portrait mode. Touch the background and it will switch to Scenery mode. Run your finger over something close to the camera and it will select Macro mode. Clever stuff.

The camera shares similar body styling to the Gl, so you can use it like a normal camera if the touch-screen turns you off. Meanwhile, the G2's faster Venus Engine HD II processor reportedly offers improved signal processing. While the potential for smoother colour gradation this brings is welcome, it's the selective sharpening/softening and noise-handling capabilities that could see the biggest jump in image quality. By separating the chromatic noise from luminance noise it can apply the optimal amount of noise reduction to each channel.