Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black)

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I bought this camera on a Consumer Reports recommendation and have not been disappointed. I'm a novice, but immediately read a few books and took the camera off of full auto. Pluses include the standard objective and subjective settings and a very easy to use full auto. Picture quality has been great with close ups, portraits, and landscapes (though I wish I had bought a wide angle). The multiple settings, both stops and number of pics, on the exposure bracketing are easy to use and extremely helpful. Good viewfinder and LCD. I have had problems with the displays and menus. Most notably, a month in and I still cannot find the manual aperture settings quickly. Also, some of the many and small nobs are easily accidentally moved to a position that you do not want when moving a nearby setting or simply taking the camera out of the bag. Finally, the manual is absolutely useless, one of the worst translations of a manual that I've ever read. I'm generally more confused after reading a passage than before. If you are experienced and can discover all of the tools yourself, you may be fine. If you are a novice like me, I suggest buying a decent book on digital photography and then looking to the camera and manual to find out how something is done on this camera. All in all, we are very happy with this camera and extremely happy with B&H's price [...]

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

great camera. camera does everything i want with its compact size.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

It was a risk buying this camera as I was a long time canon owner and recently bought and loved the nikon d5000. As nice as they were, they just seemed a bit too large and at times unfriendly to use quickly. I love the size and feel of this camera. The layout is really well-thought out. For instance the self-portrait is a hard button on top as well as the shooting modes for manual, auto focus and the multi frame shot mode. It is just so much easier to find these quickly rather than having to look at the back when you are in self-portrait mode. For me quickly being able to find the controls is something Ive been wanting. I also think out of the box with kit lens, the black and white formats (three) are amazing and look better in my opinion than both of the cameras previously mentioned. Die hard DSLR users may argue that, but dont be discouraged by them saying "its no dslr" of course it isnt, its a new technology that performs just as well.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I have been a photo enthusiast since the darkroom days and managed the transition to digital pretty well. My Panasonic Lumix point and shoot has been a faithful companion for about 5 years now, but its limitations were beginning to get to me. I considered a dSLR - I got my wife one several years ago and have used it ofter - but I really want something that I can put in my messenger bag and pull out at a moment's notice. A lot of online reading led me to consider the Panasonic DMC-G2 to be the best combination of value and features. I carefully considered the Olympus PEN cameras and even the newer Samsung (huge image chip, but limited feature set).
I am still learning how to access all the features on the DMC - not all are intuitive - but I am thrilled with the image quality and find it pretty easy to use. The stock lens is useful for getting started, but I am saving my pennies for an f1.4 fixed focal length lense. I love that I can use micro 4/3, 4/3 and standard lenses with the proper addaptors. I haven't tried the video feature yet - stay tuned.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I bought this camera because I did not want to have a DSLR, due to size/weight, but I wanted something that had a good size sensor and good performance. I was torn between this one, the DMC-G10 and the Pentax K-X. The Pentax seemed to have better image quality, but this one seems to have more chops in the computing department including video. So, the bottom line is that I bought this one and so far I am very satisfied as it is a big step up from P&S.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I am a professional investigator who uses cameras daily for studio and on site photography. I wanted to switch to a smaller body than my Canon's and need additional lenses. The point and shoot cameras just don't cut it. I burned out the flash in one job with another point and shoot brand. the Panasonic is ideal for most of my purposes and travels very well without a large bag. The image quality is almost as good as my Canon's. I like the swing out LCD screen.
I have ordered a ring flash for this unit as the built in flash is not good enough for the types of close up shots I take. The body is substantial and seems to have a nice "rubbbery" feel to it which helps in handling. I rate this camera very highly and hopefully it will give me the kind of service my Canon's have given me over the years.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

if you are in a hurry,the auto settings seem to work fine if not in auto you can be more creative

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I've used DSLR cameras for years and have been happy with the image quality and fast handling, but I wanted something that was a bit easier to carry, preferably pocketable. The Panasonic G2 has proven quite satisfactory in most respects. With the zoom kit lens it is scarcely going to fit in a pocket, but the 20mm f1.7 Lumix lens, though pricey, is very compact and provides excellent performance. The overall image quality is quite good, though not a match for what I have been getting with my Nikon D700. I have set the maximum ISO on auto on the G2 at 800, and that's satisfactory most of the time. At 800 there is some noticeably noise in the shadows, but with the f1.7 lens it is usually possible to stay at lower ISOs in most light.

One of the attractions to me was that Micro 4/3 systems can readily adapt to lenses from other systems, and as a confirmed gadgeteer/experimenter that was a definite plus. I had several C-mount lenses in my lens drawer, plus a full line of Nikon glass and a few Leica items. I've tried all on the adapters with varying success, but never without interest. A Wollensak 25mm f1.9 c-mount lens proved to provide quite good coverage, and a Nikon 24mm f2 provided outstanding performance, as did a 50mm Leica Summitar.

I'm still getting used to the touch screen controls--changing shooting settings is fast and easy, but I'm still trying to master how to move things along during display of images. I do like the fact that the screen swivels every which way and can be turned to the inside to provide protection when the camera is pocketed.

I'm also still fiddling with image processing to get things looking the way I want them to--in the RAW mode there is plenty of control, but I agree with some online comments that the images are somewhat duller-looking than the JPEGs. This can be fixed in Photoshop, either in the RAW screen or later on, but it does require some kick up of saturation and contrast to get the images looking really alive.

A very strong point of the Panasonic Lumix systems generally is very fast autofocus--my guess is that is practically as fast as that of most DSLRs I have used, and represents a quantum leap up from most point-and-shoot systems. Overall, the build quality also seems quite good.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I wanted to switch from compact camera to reflex but without the usual weight and size. This camera is exactly what I wanted. The menus are fairly easy to get used to as I already had a compact Lumix.
I haven't tried it in many situations but for the moment I am really pleased.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I use this product primarily for nature shots. Love the touch screen, not needed but adds some pizzaaz. Great viewfinder that activates automatically when you put your eye to it. Flash works well although I don't take that many inside night shots. All the controls are convenient and easy to learn.
Just upgraded lens to 40-200 zoom.
You can easily adapt your old 35mm lenses with a 4/3 optional adapter to use with this camera. This is my fourth Panasonic camera. Very pleased!

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

i am using this camera for 12 days now and i just love it . i am not a pro but can say that it is one of the better camera for the price .

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I've had this camera about a week and am very happy with it so far. I've wanted to upgrade from a high-end ultra zoom to an SLR, but they all seemed too big to carry around for casual use. The G2 gives me the advantages of interchangeable lenses in a size comparable to an ultra zoom. I like the feel of it, direct access to most settings through dials as well as the LCD, electronic viewfinder for use in bright sun, and the quality of pictures I'm getting. The kit lens doesn't have the smooth feel I'd expect on this expensive a camera, but seems to work fine. Also, the 6400 ISO is noisy so I avoid using it whenever I can. I do wish it was even smaller, but prefer the handling of this camera to the other micro 4:3s I looked at. Overall, just what I was looking for, I'd buy the same camera again. Biggest problem I have now is finding a small case I like.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

with one more very good EVF and more friendly control..
more valuable than GF2 if u dont mind the size.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

made the switch from a DSLR to the M 4/3 format and have no regrets. The selection of lenses is great and you cannot beat the prices of the m 4/3 bodies or lenes. The G2 has great image quality except at the higher ISO ranges. The only place that I have found some limitations is when trying to take photos at indoor sporting events. The poor lighting requires high ISO which can be pretty grainy. Other than that, I am thrilled with the photos I have been able to take. The camera is a nice smaller size which lends itself to being taken more places. I will probably get another (smaller) M 4/3 compatible body to take with me everywhere and be able to utilize the same lenses.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

The camera is small for the big capabilities which makes it the most useful.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I bought the camera to have something to travel with and still get good quality photo and video.

I've only had it for a few weeks but the things that stand out right now are great colors in general and specifically when taking pictures in low light without a flash.
Image stabilization is outstanding and the intelligent modes are a great help in getting good results for people who do not want to be bothered with details of shutter speed, aperture, ISO setting and such.

The only thing I found a bit disappointing is the flash and if it wasn't for that I would have given it 5 out of 5.

The few short video clips I've shot with it indoors came out well also. Looking forward to my first vacation with the camera soon.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

I was a manual 35mm SLR shooter for years and as film became more scarce I went to a digital point and shoot. This G2 gives me the ease of the point and shoot, the quality of the SLR and the ability to shoot manual again. The video quality is excellent compared to my mini DV video camera. I am impressed with the picture quality, compactness and weight. Excellent all around camera for the price. The only problem so far is with the PHOTOfunSTUDIO software. The included version would not install in Vista and the "face recognition function makes many errors and there is no way to easily correct them. The SilkyPix software looks very good.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

the camera is pretty good. it's very light and the touch panel is useful.

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

After having this camera for about 3 weeks now, this is one of the best camera's I have ever owned, including two Nikon SLRs. Fast time to turn on, fast auto focus, and really great pictures. My wife just took a great video of the kids today, and the video looks about perfect.With that said I do have a couple of minor things about the camera.1. The flash, would have liked for it automatically pop up when needed. Almost every SLR I have ever used with a flash on it, had this capability. Also would have liked it to be a bit stronger power wise. Dedicated flash will probably be the first accessory I get.2. Intelligent Auto mode sometimes isn't that intelligent. For the most part it works VERY well, but it can be fooled in some low light situations.3. Included lens is good, but the zoom isn't as smooth as I would like. The glass is very good, but one of the other lenses with Leica glass is probably the next purchase after the flash.4. When the camera connects to my computer, in Pict Bridge mode the camera identified itself properly (DMC-G2). In PC mode it identifies itself as something else.That being said, these are all minor problems at best, and can be overcome with dedicated flash, and other lenses.[...]

Comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 Interchangeable Lens System Digital Camera (Black):

Every aspect of this camera impresses me. It is incredibly light and has exceptional image quality. The only complaint I have is that the lens it comes with has minimal telephoto, but I plan to buy a bigger lens in the near future.