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Panasonic G2 Comparison Review

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in March 2010 and is equipped with a Four Thirds sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.

camera

Is the Panasonic G2 a good camera? The G2 has a Camera Elo of 1412. This rating puts the G2 below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (Four Thirds cameras), the G2 also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Panasonic G2 is more than 14 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2010.

Headline Specifications
Panasonic G2
Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses
12 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
720/30p Video
ISO 100 - 6 400
Electronic viewfinder (1440k dots)
3.0 LCD, 460k dots
Swivel touchscreen
2.6 shutter flaps per second
360 shots per battery charge
124 x 84 x 74 mm, 428 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Panasonic G2 vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Panasonic G2 vs credit card front
G2 versus credit card top view
G2 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Panasonic G2 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G2 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 428 g 360 n Mar 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-450 130 mm 91 mm 53 mm 440 g 500 n Mar 2009 499ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH2 124 mm 90 mm 76 mm 442 g 330 n Sep 2010 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1 124 mm 84 mm 45 mm 360 g 410 n Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Panasonic G2 was launched in the US market at a price of $599. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

The Panasonic G2 features a Four Thirds sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.0. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Panasonic G2 among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Panasonic G2 sensor measures

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic G2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.349353
2.
 
Olympus E-450 Four Thirds 10.0 3648 2736none21.510.551256
3.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
4.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
5.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
6.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
7.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
8.
 
Panasonic GH2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i21.211.365560
9.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
10.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
11.
 
Panasonic G1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000none21.110.346353
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The G2 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the G2 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G2 has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 1440k dots. The viewfinder offers a field of view of 100% and a magnification of 0.70x. The following tables report on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic G2 and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic G21440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
2.
 
Olympus E-450optical n2.7 / 215 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
3.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
4.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
5.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
7.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic GH21534 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic G11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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The LCD screen on the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is flexibly attached to the body. In particular, the LCD is hinged on the side and can be flipped out for odd-angle shots in both portrait and landscape orientation. Also, this fully articulated, swivel type of LCD attachment is often appreciated by videographers for its flexibility. Moreover, v-loggers like the design because the screen can be turned to be front-facing.

articulated screen
Flexible screen on the G2

One convenient feature of the G2 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic G2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Olympus E-450Y- / ----2.0---
3.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
5.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Panasonic GH2Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G1Y- / ---mini2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the G2 can be found in the free online Panasonic G2 Manual or on the Panasonic support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G2 handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic G2......72/1004/54.5/5 Mar 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Olympus E-450........4/54/5 Mar 2009 499ebay.com
3.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
4.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
5.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GH25/5+ +..79/1004.5/55/5 Sep 2010 899ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G1..+ +..70/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2008 599ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Panasonic G2 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the G2.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Panasonic G2 based on?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Panasonic G2 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Panasonic equipped the G2 with the Venus HD II image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Panasonic G2?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400.

Does the Panasonic G2 have a selfie-friendly screen?

Yes, the LCD-screen of the G2 is flexible and can be turned to be front-facing for capturing selfies.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2?

Panasonic does not publish a shutter rating for the G2. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

How do I find the shutter count on my Panasonic G2?

Panasonic embeds the number of shutter actuations in hidden menus. You can check the number of shots that your G2 has taken up to now by carefully following the steps described on the Panasonic G2 shutter count page.

Does the Panasonic G2 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Panasonic G2 for flash photography?

The G2's flash sync speed is 1/160 sec.

Which battery does the Panasonic G2 use?

The camera gets its power from the DMW-BLB13 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

If you would like to see a side-by-side review with another camera, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Panasonic G2
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date March 2010
    Launch Price USD 599
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 225 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 000 x 3 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.33 μm
    Pixel Density 5.34 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 6 400 ISO
    Image Processor Venus HD II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 53
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.3
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 493
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 1440k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen
    V-logging Friendliness Front-flip possible
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.6 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support no
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type DMW-BLB13 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)360 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 124 x 84 x 74 mm
    (4.9 x 3.3 x 2.9 in)
    Camera Weight 428 g (15.1 oz)

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