Panasonic was the first to launch a CSC in the shape of the original LUMIX G1 back in 2008, and the LUMIX G10 is the more affordable alternative to the feature-packed LUMIX G2.The Panasonic LUMIX G10 is based around the Micro FourThirds system, so has access to the same growing range of lenses, while the supplied 14-42mm lens has a film focal length equivalent of 28-84mm. The lens itself is relatively compact and includes Panasonic’s MEGA O.I.S. to help combat camera shake.
The Panasonic LUMIX G10 features a 12.1Mp Micro FourThirds sensor with a broad ISO range of 100-6400 and has a native aspect ratio of 4:3, but can be set to 3:2, 16:9 and 1:1. Again, these different aspect ratios will result in a small sacrifice being made to overall resolution. The 3.0in screen at the rear of the camera has a decent 460K dot LCD resolution and if shooting at arm’s length doesn’t appeal, the LUMIX G10 features a built-in electronic viewfinder as well. The EVF doesn’t quite offer the same high resolution as other EVFs with a resolution of 202K dots, but the inclusion of a viewfinder has resulted in a more D-SLR-like design. A raised area above the lens accommodates the viewfinder and built-in flash, while there’s a smooth matte plastic finish on the exterior of the LUMIX G10.
The Panasonic LUMIX G10’s handling is a blend of D-SLR and compact. As well as the large mode dial on the top plate, the LUMIX G10 is dotted with quick access to a range of settings – there are dedicated switches for drive, focus type (single, continuous and manual focus) and buttons for ISO, WB and AF mode. You’ll find a command wheel at the rear to control a range of settings, including aperture and shutter speed adjustment, and there’s a handy Quick Menu to access and set a range of shooting controls. Along with M, A, S, P, there’s also Intelligent Auto mode that automates a host of settings, including ISO, AF and exposure.
The contrast-detect AF is very zippy, focusing quickly and rarely hunting. As well as being able to select a single point across a broad area, there’s wide-area AF, Face Detection and a competent focus-tracking mode, too. While we’d always welcome a viewfinder over nothing at all, the EVF on the LUMIX G10 isn’t the sharpest we’ve seen, so you may find you end up using the screen more. With that being the only exception though, the LUMIX G10 is a great camera to pick up and use, with an intuitive interface and a solid performance.
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