We were lucky enough to get a hands-on with Panasonic’s latest addition to their Lumix Micro Four Thirds product line, the G2. Introduced as an upgrade to the popular G1, the G2 has a number of welcome improvements over its predecessor; namely 30fps 720p High Definition video in the AVCHD Lite format and a touch screen interface.

The G2 has the same adjustable screen mechanism as the G1, only the G2 is fitted with a 460k high resolution touch screen. Using the touch screen interface, a user can quickly adjust a number of camera settings, set the AF area, adjust the level of magnification when using manual focus, initiate AF tracking and easily navigate through pictures taken. Another nice touch is that after choosing an area of focus, another tap in this area and the camera will take a photograph; something we found very useful during our hands-on!

The camera includes Panasonic’s new high performance ‘Venus Engine HD II’, which makes use of their new ‘Intelligent Resolution’ processing technology which, Panasonic claim, enables the recording of beautiful photo and HD video with high quality signal processing. Initial results seemed promising, although we will wait until we have a G2 to put through its paces before making judgment!

The G2 offers all the same modes and a similar button layout to the G1 but with the notable addition of a new dedicated ‘iA’ (Intelligent Auto mode) button. This allows a user to quickly return to the ‘iA’ mode regardless of their current settings; the button glows a pleasing blue when engaged and can be used for both stills and video. Build quality was good, on a par with the G1.

The G2 will come bundled with Panasonic’s newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm/F3.5-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens. Also on display at the press conference and set to be released this year is the LUMIX G VARIO HD 100-300mm/F4-5.6 ASPH/MEGA O.I.S. lens which, like the Lumix 14-140mm lens, has been designed specifically for video as well as photo use.

Yesterday, we mentioned another model would be introduced alongside the G2; the G10. This model, without rotating touch screen and HD video, will not be released within Japan.