If you’re looking for an entry-level DSLR, the Panasonic Lumix G10 14-42mm may well tempt you to try a Compact System Camera instead, as it delivers many similar functions and performance but in a smaller, lighter body. The entry-level DSLR market has been rather quiet recently, as very few models have been launched. Instead, Compact System Cameras (CSC) have stolen the limelight, with two models coming from the Panasonic stable alone. In many cases these CSC models offer a credible alternative to the entry-level DSLR, and are a lot smaller and lighter.
The Panasonic Lumix G10 looks very similar to the G2, and indeed shares the same 12.1MP Live MOS chip and therefore, resolution. But there are obviously some differences in these Micro Four Thirds models, the most obvious being that the G10 does not have a flip-out vari-angle LCD. In fact, the 3in screen is a very different beast on the G10, as it lacks the touch-screen control elements found on the G2. That said, you still have a lot of great features on this camera, and it’s all kept nice and simple. The enthusiast photographer will love the way this camera is set out – controls are not only well-labelled and positioned, they also enable quick and effective interaction.
Take the top-plate of the camera; to the left, you have a neat yet proportionally chunky little dial, dedicated to the task of setting the focus mode between single-shot, continuous or manual. That means there’s no need to delve into the electronic menus to alter the focus mode. The right-hand side of the camera’s top-plate features another chunky, albeit larger, control dial. This is the main shooting mode selection dial, or command wheel as some may describe it. Here you will find a great mix of options, including the stalwart PASM for the more creative users, and for those who like to point and shoot there are plenty of pre-set modes too. The back of the G10 is equally well laid out, with a selection wheel and control buttons to the side of the LCD. Above the LCD sits the camera’s electronic viewfinder, which stands proud of the rear of the camera but somewhat spoils the otherwise compact feel. You also have a built-in flash, and a hotshoe on top.
On the inside, this camera has the now commonplace sensor dust reduction system. Image stabilisation, meanwhile, is found in the lens rather than the body. There’s plenty of creativity too, with iA mode (available at the touch of a dedicated button) automatically providing all the camera settings for any photographer who wants the camera to do everything, including working out the type of subject you are shooting. If you want even more interaction, then elements like Defocus mode, where you can control the level of background and foreground blur (a simplified depth-of-field control, really), will be welcome. You can also use the My Colour mode to customise the images with styles like monochrome, dynamic art and a custom option. For movie fans, the G10 captures HD quality (1280x720 pixels at 30fps) Motion JPEG files. You can utilise the camera’s iA mode for movie capture, and of course the high-speed contrast AF.
PerformanceHandling the Panasonic Lumix G10 is a good experience, as the camera feels well balanced and like it’s capable of delivering. It’s easy to set up the various modes and navigate the controls and menus, which ensures that you get the camera ready to shoot without any major headaches. The G10 is not the fastest at 3.2 frames-per-second, but it’s plenty fast enough for most. Image quality is somewhat restricted by the sensor, but for a 12.1MP output the Four Thirds chip is not at all bad. The Panasonic Venus Engine HD II chip does a lot to control the image quality and processing, so the picture quality benefits from this. Images contain plenty of detail and the tonal range is broad enough to ensure you don’t lose shadow and highlight if the light is challenging. We were especially impressed by the iA function’s ability to identify the subject you are looking at, and set the camera accordingly.
VerdictWhen you look at other cameras that sit around this price point, there are some great value offerings. At £440, the Panasonic Lumix G10 with the 14-42mm lens is certainly good value, and it’s a credible alternative to an APS-C entry-level DSLR. The lens is a good range at the 35mm equivalent of 28-84mm and you have the advantage of lens image stabilisation. The picture quality is also very good, and so is the handling.
www.panasonic.co.uk AT A GLANCE:Street price: £440 (with 14-42mm lens)
Effective resolution: 12.1MP
Sensor type: 17.3x13mm Micro Four Thirds
Crop factor: 2x
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Exposure modes: PASM, scene, HD movie, iA
Metering modes: 144-zone – Spot, Centre-Weighted and Intelligent Multiple
ISO: Auto, 100-6400, Intelligent ISO
Shooting speed: 3.2fps
Card type: SD/SDHC
LCD monitor size: 3in
Aspect ratio: 3:2, 16:9, 4:3
Live View: Yes
Autofocus: Contrast AF, Continuous AF, MF
Integrated cleaning: Yes
Built-in stabilisation: No (on lens)
Weight/size (wxhxd): 558g/124x83.6x74mm