Panasonic Lumix DMC G10

The Lumix DMC G10 is a mirrorless camera that Panasonic released in 2010. It is built around the Micro Four Thirds sensor format and takes lenses through its Micro 4/3 mount.

The body measures 124 x 90 x 74 mm and weighs 388 g, figures that keep it small and light for everyday carrying.

It suits photographers who want a simple interchangeable-lens body with a real viewfinder and stabilisation rather than cutting-edge specs. Expect era-appropriate choices elsewhere, with a Standard HD video ceiling and no wireless connections.

The Optics score of 44 out of 100 reflects a modest stills package, and the camera sits in the bottom 14% of our database for Optics. The score is held back by the 12.1 megapixel count, the ISO ceiling, the burst rate, the 1/4000 shutter limit and the 23 autofocus points, while in-body stabilisation is a clear strength.

The Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor works with the Venus Engine HD II processor. Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 6400, a ceiling that limits the settings available in dim conditions. In-body stabilisation helps by reducing camera shake at slower shutter speeds, though it cannot freeze a moving subject.

Shooting pace is modest: the maximum burst rate is 3.2 fps, better suited to casual subjects than fast action. The camera lists 23 autofocus points, and the top shutter speed is 1/4000.

The electronic viewfinder puts framing and settings at eye level. Its 202,000-dot resolution suits checking composition more than fine detail.

The camera does record video, and the Video score of 34 out of 100 signals limited capability. Recording tops out at Standard HD resolution, with clips saved as MOV files. That suits casual clips and small-screen viewing, and the resolution ceiling is the clearest limit on the section's score.

The highest listed frame rate is 30 fps, which covers normal-speed playback. The resolution ceiling and the frame rate are separate specifications, so confirm which recording modes the camera actually offers before relying on a particular combination.

There is no built-in intervalometer, so timelapse sequences require manual triggering or external tools. Treat video as a secondary feature of this body and let stills drive your shooting plan.

The Features score of 36 out of 100 is limited. The 3-inch TFT LCD carries 460,000 dots, enough for menus and framing but short of the clarity needed for fine focus checks. Live view allows composition on the screen as well as through the eye-level viewfinder.

The screen is fixed and has no touch input. Overhead or waist-level framing therefore relies on guesswork, and all settings are adjusted through buttons. The electronic viewfinder gives you a second, eye-level way to shoot.

Flash coverage is reasonably flexible. The built-in unit covers everyday snapshots, and an external flash can be fitted when you need more power or bounce control.

There is no weather sealing, GPS, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Image transfer therefore needs a physical connection, and keeping the body dry in poor conditions is your responsibility.

The Storage & Battery score of 21 out of 100 is limited, and the reasons are easy to see. The single slot takes SD, SDHC or SDXC cards, so high-capacity storage is available, but there is no second slot for a backup copy on the shoot.

The DMW-BLB13PP battery carries a 380-shot rating. That figure is not a guarantee of real-world endurance, since usage conditions affect results. A spare battery is a sensible addition for longer outings away from a charger.

There is no USB charging, so the battery has to come out and go into its dedicated charger. Plan charging sessions at home or overnight rather than topping up from a laptop between shots.