Verdict

At first glance the Panasonic G2 may seem like a G1 with an HD Movie mode latched on – but it’s oh so much more of a success than that. After getting to grips with the new touchscreen LCD it becomes apparent that both first-time and more advanced users can garner a lot from this system. The variety of lenses available to expand on the system puts current competitors in the shade, Panasonic’s contrast-detect AF system is class-leading and the new Movie mode is highly functional. At just under £600 it’s not the cheapest Micro System camera on the market, and the highest ISO settings do suffer from excess image noise. These small issues brushed aside, though, and if you’re willing to work with an Electronic Viewfinder, the G2 is a standout Micro Four Thirds camera.