Micro Four-Thirds Cameras: Panasonic G2 and G10

It's no accident that these two cameras look similar: they're both descended from the same family and have the same basic components.  The basic formula includes a 12 Megapixel 4/3'' sensor, a Micro Four-Thirds lens mount and a Venus Engine HD II processor.  But that's where the resemblance ends, because the G2 has been a lot more spoilt than its brother.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10	Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2
Product Unavailable Our suggested alternatives: Editor's Choice Sony NEX-5N Great for Beginners Panasonic Lumix GF3 + 14 mm Lens Aimed at Experts Olympus Pen E-P3	MARCHANDS €     Amazon mark...  364.99  Amazon.co.uk  379.90  Pc world  379.99  Currys  379.99  Compare prices

Logically enough, the Panasonic Lumix G2 is the successor to the G1.  With a few tweaks to the interface, a new processor and 720p HD video in AVCHD, it's a very respectable update.  It also features the first rotating touch screen on a camera with interchangeable lenses.

The Panasonic Lumix G10, meanwhile, is to the G2 what the Renault Logan is to the Clio: the same body and the same engine but with all the luxury stripped out.  Out go the SVGA viewfinder, the rotating screen, the mic jack, AVCHD video and a separate button for starting recording.  In short, anything that costs any money has been removed.  But has the baby gone out with the bathwater, or is the G10 still worth choosing for anything other than its more attractive price?

> Product Survey: Digital SLRs and Cameras with Interchangeable Lenses

> Buyer's Guides: Our Pick of The Best Products