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Cameras Mirrorless Mirrorless EVF Cameras
Cameras Mirrorless Mirrorless EVF Cameras
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Mirrorless EVF Cameras
Interchangeable Lenses Meet Maximum Portability
 
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2LIST PRICE: $799 (with 14-42mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 lens)
The G2 (like the G1, GH1 and new G10) looks like a DSLR, but isn’t: It omits the SLR’s mirror and mirror-box assembly. This, in fact, is the key to its very compact dimensions. A high-resolution, quick-refresh, eye-level electronic viewfinder replaces the SLR’s optical viewfinder, but otherwise these Micro Four Thirds cameras function just like DSLRs, only smaller. Incidentally, while the camera and lenses are “Micro,” the image sensor isn’t: Micro Four Thirds System cameras utilize the same 17.3x13.0mm image-sensor size as standard Four Thirds System models. All Micro Four Thirds System cameras can use all Micro Four Thirds System lenses, regardless of manufacturer. They also can use standard Four Thirds System lenses, and other lenses, via adapters—in fact, they can use pretty much any lens for which an adapter is available. Also like other Micro (and standard) Four Thirds System cameras, the G2 incorporates a very effective sensor-dust-removal system. A Supersonic Wave filter vibrates at 50,000 times a second each time you switch the camera on to shake dust off the sensor assembly. There’s no built-in sensor-shift image stabilization, but a number of the lenses incorporate MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization). Images can be stored on SD, SDHC or the new high-capacity SDXC memory cards. |
STANDOUT FEATURE: The G2’s 3.0-inch 1,440,000-dot tilt/swivel LCD monitor adds a wonderful new idea: touch-screen operation. You can select the AF area merely by touching the subject on the live-view image, make camera settings, trip the shutter and more, all via the touch screen. You even can use the touch screen in video mode. (All settings also can be made in the conventional manner, if desired, but the touch screen makes for quicker, simpler operation.)
VERDICT: Panasonic’s G2 is one of the best values in the Micro Four Thirds System for photographers who want small, light bodies without sacrificing features.
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1The first Micro Four Thirds System camera to offer video, the GH1 still offers the best implementation, with full AVCHD vs. the G2 and G10’s AVCHD Lite, and a top resolution of 1920x1080. List Price: $1,499 (with 14-140mm HD zoom). |
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 The G10 is the lowest-priced video model in Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds System lineup, offering a bargain for limited budgets. It offers the same still-image resolution as the G2 and GH1, and accepts the same lenses. List Price: $599 (with 14-42mm Mega O.I.S. zoom). |
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