Panasonic Lumix DMC G2

The Panasonic Lumix DMC G2 is a mirrorless camera from 2010 built on the Micro Four Thirds system. It measures 124 x 84 x 74 mm and weighs 428 g, so it slips into a small bag and stays comfortable on longer walks.

Its combination of an electronic viewfinder and a flip-out touchscreen gives you two ways to frame, at eye level or with the camera held away from your body. The Micro 4/3 mount accepts interchangeable lenses.

The camera records stills at a modest resolution, and its 2.6 frames per second burst speed favours patient shooting over fast-moving action.

The 12.1 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor works alongside the Venus Engine HD II processor. Our Optics score of 44 describes a modest specification, so expectations should match that.

In-body stabilisation is the highlight. It reduces camera shake, which helps with handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds, though it cannot freeze a moving subject. The ISO range runs from 100 to 6400.

Continuous shooting tops out at 2.6 frames per second, which limits fast action and fleeting moments. There are 23 autofocus points for focus placement, and the shutter reaches a maximum of 1/4000 second.

Framing happens through a 1,440,000-dot electronic viewfinder, which shows the scene as the sensor records it. The camera sits in the bottom 14% of our database for Optics, so treat it as a straightforward stills tool rather than a specialist performer.

The G2 records Standard HD video in MOV or AVCHD Lite files. That is the maximum resolution listed. The flip-out screen helps here, letting you hold the camera low or high while checking the frame.

Its fastest listed frame rate is 60 frames per second, though resolution and frame rate are separate headline figures, so the supplied data does not confirm a combined recording mode.

There is no built-in timelapse function, so interval shooting is not available from the camera's own menu.

Overall, video is a secondary capability, and the modest score of 47 reflects the Standard HD resolution ceiling and the absent built-in timelapse, while the frame rate earns stronger credit.

The 3-inch TFT screen is both touch-sensitive and articulated. You can flip it out to frame over a crowd or down at ground level, and adjust settings by touch rather than hunting through buttons.

A built-in flash is on hand for fill light, and an external flash unit can also be attached.

Wireless options are absent, with no Wi-Fi, no Bluetooth and no GPS. Transferring images requires a physical connection or removing the memory card, and location tagging requires a separate device.

The camera also lacks weather sealing, so keep it dry in rain or dusty conditions. Missing weather sealing and Bluetooth cost points in our Features score of 49, a modest result.

The G2 takes SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards in a single slot. With no second slot there is no in-camera backup, so carry spare cards and download images often during important shoots.

The DMW-BLB13PP battery is rated at 330 shots, though real-world endurance varies with how much you use the screen and flash. A second battery is a sensible precaution for long days out.

There is no USB charging, so the battery cannot be topped up over a cable. The limited Storage & Battery score of 21 reflects the single card slot, the 330-shot rating and the missing USB charging.