Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 is the first Micro Four Thirds (interchangeable-lens compact) camera with a touch screen. Whether this is a real benefit is a matter of personal preference: Some testers say the 3-inch, rotatable touch screen makes it easier and smoother to work manual controls while shooting, while others say they find the ordinary buttons better (the G2 has both). One of the touch screen's biggest benefits, according to some testers -- the ability to simply touch the screen to change your focus area -- becomes one of its biggest drawbacks in one test, where the reviewer can't stop accidentally hitting the screen and changing her focus while that feature is enabled. Experts say you may have to try before you see whether you like or need the touch screen. If not, Panasonic drops that feature on the less expensive Panasonic G10 (Discontinued).

Like other Micro Four Thirds cameras, the G2 is sized to fit in a jacket pocket (4.9 by 3.3 by 2.9 inches) yet allows you to change lenses like a digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera. We priced the G2 with its 28 mm to 84 mm, 3x zoom kit lens, but you can also buy the body only. You can also get separate Micro Four Thirds lenses (you can use other lens types with adapters). Image quality is better than a pocket camera, but not quite as good as that of the top-rated Micro Four Thirds camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL1 (Discontinued), reviews say. The G2 uses a 12.1-megapixel image sensor, and reviews say some colors turn out a bit wrong and noise shows up at mid to high ISOs in indoor and low light. The G2 does have a built-in electronic viewfinder, unlike the Olympus, but that makes the G2 a little bulkier than the Olympus. Both cameras shoot 720p HD video and include a pop-up flash and hot shoe.

We found plenty of reviews of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 by reliable experts, including the comprehensive tests and multi-part reviews at PhotographyBlog.com, DPReview.com, DCResource.com and TrustedReviews.com. CNET's review is more concise, but still based on expert testing. Amazon.com posts user reviews.