Panasonic Unveils LUMIX DMC-G10, DMC-G2 Micro Four-Thirds Cameras

Panasonic has two new Micro Four-Thirds cameras hitting store shelves soon, the LUMIX DMC-G10 and LUMIX DMC-G2. The new G10 is touted as the "world's lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder" while the G2, another digital interchangeable lens camera, sports a movable LCD for touch-control.

The new LUMIX G10 shoots 12.1-megapixel still images and can record 1280 x 720 HD video in Motion JPEG, QVGA, VGA and WVGA formats. It comes packed with features such as iA (Intelligent Auto) mode for both still images and video, a range of AF modes, Venus Engine HD II technology, a Live View Finder, 26 Scene modes, and My Color mode with seven preset effects.

The LUMIX G10 will be available as a kit with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. No pricing information has been given. Panasonic says that pricing and availability will be announced 30 days prior to shipping date.

Another "world's first," the 12.1-megapixel LUMIX DMC-G2 is the first digital interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD. The 3.0-inch LCD rotates 180 degrees from side to side, tilts 270 degrees up and down and allows for touch-operation.

The G2 also shoots 720p HD video using the AVCHD Lite format. Sound is recorded with Dolby Digital Creator and an optional stereo microphone can be attached. While shooting HD video, the camera can be set in "P" mode to change the aperture for movie effects. Also, video can be played back from the camera to a TV through an optional HDMI cable.

The LUMIX G2 features iA (Intelligent Auto) mode in both still photo and video recording, My Color mode with seven preset effects, AF Tracking and more. It comes with PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 HD Edition software, and videos can be uploaded directly to YouTube using the built-in YouTube uploader – (yes, even in HD quality).

The Panasonic LUMIX G2 will be available as a kit with the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. Again, no pricing or availability was announced, but I would expect both cameras out by this summer.