Panasonic G2

[sapper]

Anyone got one of these yet? Wouldn't mind some feedback if so.

[Malcolm Cousins]

Re: Panasonic G2

I have just got one and am delighted with it. The resolution it kicks out is amazing and for the size and lightness, it is a very go anywhere camera. If you decide to get one you will not be disappointed.

[StephenL]

Re: Panasonic G2

How do you find the build quality compared to Olympus kit? I had a G1, which photographically and ergonomically was great, but felt somewhat toy-like and flimsy compared with, say, an E-620.

[Malcolm Cousins]

Re: Panasonic G2

Granted, it is lighter but it is well made and solid and the output is certainly not
what you would expect from a toy. My other camera is a E3 which is quite heavier to lug around than the G2. I'm quite happy with both of them.

[baldyb]

Re: Panasonic G2

Can I pick up on this thread.

I have been very impressed with my panasonic lumix tz10 as a walkabout and I'm now seriously thinking of buying the G2. I have read numerous intenet reviews on it but would value the opinion of anyone here who has used one, ideally in comparison to the e-600/620.

Thanks in advance

[StephenL]

Re: Panasonic G2

I now own the G2, along with the E-P2, and am pleased with the camera. However, if I hadn't already sold the E-620 to fund the E-30 it would have been a harder decision to justify the G2. The E-620 is a great camera. But in the long run I wanted the option to use physically smaller lenses. And having used the E-P2 swayed me towards having two bodies which could use all lenses.

The only down side to the G2 is that image stabilisation is handled in-lens, which means that only (some) Panasonic lenses are stabilised on that body, whereas any lens is stabilised on the E-P2. The IBIS of the E-P2 is useful, but to counter this, the physical design of the G2, being DSLR-shaped, means in practice you can get away with unstabilised lenses if you exercise a modicum of common sense and do what us old photographers have always done - use a faster shutter speed! The increased reliability at higher ISOs mean this is more possible.

I have also owned the G1, which I found to be good but felt somewhat toy-like. It creaked a little under pressure. But the G2 seems to have come from a different mould. The (minor) differences which Panasonic have made seem to have strengthened the body, though there is no evidence of this in their marketing.

One thing to chuck in. The ergonomics of the G2 have been really well thought out. There are physical switches for most functions, including focussing method and drive (including auto bracketing). Really photographer-friendly. Even exposure compensation can be done without moving a finger from the aperture wheel!

And a final point - along with the Pen, the m4/3 system with their implementation of eye-level EVFs have made manual focussing a real pleasure. A true nostalgia trip for us oldies, who had previously found the smaller viewfinders of modern DSLRs difficult to focus with. Nowadays about 70% of my shots are manually focussed, which in turn (should) mean they are more considered.

[baldyb]

Re: Panasonic G2

Thanks for that Stephen. Just the sort of hands on info I wanted. May have to make a purely exploratory trip to the dealers next week........

[sapper]

Re: Panasonic G2

I am seriously considering getting rid of my E 3 and getting a G2. Will I be able to use my Oly E lenses on it retaining auto focus/exposure?
The E 3 is a good camera but too heavy to lug around, I will probably replace my Oly E lenses with dedicated micro four third lenses as I can afford to.

[StephenL]

Re: Panasonic G2

The short answer is YES, with the appropriate adapter.

The long answer is that focussing will either be slow or quick(ish) depending on the lens. I've found the best regular 4/3 lens on the G2, from the points of view of both focussing and ergonomics, is the Mk2 version of the 14-54. Followed by the Mk1 40-150.

But one of the best things about the G2 (and the Pens) is the ease of manual focus. The magnified view is great.

All lenses which can fit on a 4/3 to m4/3 adapter will auto expose no trouble.

Will I be able to use my Oly E lenses on it retaining auto focus/exposure?

[stryker]

[StephenL]

Re: Panasonic G2

Technically theres not a lot of difference twixt the G1 and G2. But the G2 somehow feels better built - probably just me! I did prefer the control wheel position of the G1 at the front of the grip. You should be able to get a used G1 really cheaply.

[Ulfric M Douglas]

Re: Panasonic G2

I am seriously considering getting rid of my E 3 and getting a G2. Will I be able to use my Oly E lenses on it retaining auto focus/exposure?

But that adapter is such a rip-off in price. Grr.

I dislike the G1's adjuster-wheel on the front : I'd like it G2 style on the back ... maybe so many 'testers' agreed so they moved it.

[StephenL]

Re: Panasonic G2

Only if you pay full price. I got my first one at a great discount from SRS who were selling off unboxed ones. My second came free in an Olympus promotion.

But you'd think some 3rd party ones would be on the market by now.

But that adapter is such a rip-off in price. Grr.

That's probably why they changed it, but I preferred the front mounting. Each to their own!

I dislike the G1's adjuster-wheel on the front : I'd like it G2 style on the back ... maybe so many 'testers' agreed so they moved it.