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LUMIX Global TOP > SYSTEM CAMERAS > DMC-G2 > Full-time Live View and Contrast AF System

Double Live View for Easy, Accurate Shooting

The Full-time Live View lets you check your image even before you shoot it. And the DMC-G2's mirrorless construction has made it possible to add a 1,440,000-dot equivalent LVF (Live View Finder). Both the LCD and the LVF give you a live view of what you're shooting with approx. 100% field of view. Of course, you can check the color effects like in the My Color Mode and the Film Mode. This makes it easier to capture a special shot or particular kind of image without shooting again and again, and gives you the highly accurate images you need.

Accurate and easy framing in real time with approx. 100% field of view.

The LVF has a breathtaking 1,440,000-dot equivalent resolution and approx. 1.4x / 0.7x magnification (35mm camera equivalent). Based on a field sequential system that uses independent RGB 3 pure color illumination to produce 180 frames per second for each of the 3 colors, the DMC-G2's LVF gives you a clear, natural and comfortable view when framing shots. It has the same approx. 100% field of view as the LCD for superbly accurate framing.

A built-in eye sensor automatically switches on the LVF when you look into it, then switches it off and the LCD on when a user looks away from the LVF. Since the same display style that was set for the LCD also appears on the LVF, you get a seamless live view at all times.

Free-angle LCD

The DMC-G2 has a 3.0-inch 3:2 460,000-dot free-angle LCD that rotates 180° to the side and tilts 270° up and down, and gives you approx. 100% field of view. This is a highly practical feature for high-angle shots, like when you need to shoot over the heads of people at a parade, and enables accurate, dynamic framing for artistic low-angle shots, like when shooting at nearly ground level. It's extremely convenient when shooting with a tripod too.

In addition, the wide-viewing angle of the LCD on the DMC-G2 is handy both for shooting and for viewing the results together with family and friends. Also, LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to the shooting conditions. At the highest of these 11 steps, the LCD backlight becomes approx. 1.4 times brighter than normal. This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, from nighttime to bright daylight scenes.

Aperture effect preview Shutter speed effect preview

Confirm the depth of field and shutter speed effects by pressing the Preview button and Display button.

Brightness, saturation and colors of the LCD or the LVF can all be adjusted. This is handy because it lets you adjust them in advance, based on your computer display or other playback device.

The DMC-G2 lets you snap off unlimited consecutive shots at approx. 2.6 frames per second with full resolution*¹ even when using the Full-time Live View*². So you can take shot after shot of the most decisive moments in sports and other action scenes, while precisely framing your shots in the LCD or the LVF and optimizing the settings*².

*1 When there are no RAW files, it automatically switches to unlimited consecutive shooting. When there are RAW files, the maximum number of consecutive photos becomes 7.
*2 The Live View image is not displayed during Burst Shooting mode with High-speed.

The Contrast AF system*¹ adopted in the DMC-G2 features not only the accuracy but also the industry’s fastest level of high-speed, approx. 0.3 sec*². There are more reasons to employ Contrast AF for its focusing system to realize the Full-time Live View and a lot of advanced functions. You can choose from a wide range of AF modes, including multiple-area AF with up to 23 focus areas, 1-area AF with a selectable focus area, Face Detection and AF Tracking. In the 1-area AF mode, the AF frame size can be changed by simply turning a dial. The DMC-G2 lets you combine these modes with Touch AF to bring the focusing operation closer to your photographic intent. With the DMC-G2's many auto focus modes, there's an option that's just right for any shooting situation.

*1 Lenses that are not compatible with the Contrast AF function can be used with manual focusing.
*2 With the LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm / F3.5-5.6 ASPH. / MEGA O.I.S.

The position of the AF area can be freely moved, which is convenient when you want to frame a shot for a special effect, like focusing on a subject at the very edge of the frame. The AF frame size can also be selected from among Spot, Normal, L, and XL.

This mode automatically focuses on one of up to 23 focus points. It also prevents the system from making mistakes, such as focusing on the area between two subjects in a vertical composition.

* The screen view is a simulated image. In the real screen, the AF frame is only displayed at the focused area.

Once you focus on your subject, the AF Tracking automatically tracks it until you press the shutter. When you're taking images of an active subject, like children or pets, this function eliminates the need to press the shutter button halfway down repeatedly to readjust the focus. The AF Tracking makes sure you don't miss those once-in-a-lifetime shooting opportunities.

Learn more about AF Tracking

The Face Detection function detects faces anywhere in the frame and automatically chooses the optimal focus and exposure. You can take clear, beautiful portrait shots easily. It detects up to 15 faces at once, and automatically readjusts the settings if their positions change.

Learn more about Face Detection

The DMC-G1, which is based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard, revolutionized the world of interchangeable lens system cameras in September 2008 as the world's first mirrorless system camera. The Micro Four Thirds System standard was developed as an extended version of the Four Thirds System standard for interchangeable lens system cameras. By adopting this standard and developing a camera that eliminates the mirror box and optical viewfinder unit, Panasonic was able to achieve a drastic reduction in both size and weight compared with conventional digital SLRs. This made it possible to create a new-generation system camera that features Full-time Live View, high-speed, high-precision Contrast AF, HD movie recording, and more. The DMC-G2 adopts this standard and inherits all of those benefits. Yet the camera body is the world’s smallest and lightest*. You'll find it small enough to take anywhere, yet sophisticated enough to take you as far into photography and movies as you want to go.

* For an interchangeable lens system camera with movable LCD as of March 7, 2010.

Operating ease was paid meticulous attention to when the DMC-G2 was designed. The drive mode lever and rotary / click rear dial are considerately placed for operation with minimal finger movement. The precise button placement and simple, logical menu interface work together to make operation easy and intuitive. The DMC-G2 is sophisticated in form, offers an extensive function set, provides uncompromising performance, and delivers the ultimate in operating and shooting ease.

Dedicated motion picture button and iA button

Simply click the Q.MENU button and use the rotary / click rear dial or the cursor to smoothly switch settings for each shot, without having to take your eyes off of your subject when using the LCD or the LVF. The DMC-G2 also has a Q.MENU especially for touch-screen use. You can select display style from the custom menu to match your shooting style.

The stylish GUI design of the DMC-G2 allows you to choose a blue, pink or black settings screen.

* Only for the LCD.

Functions that can be
assigned to Function buttons

● Focus area set
● Aspect ratio
● Quality
● Metering mode
● Intelligent Resolution
● Intelligent Exposure
● Extra Optical Zoom
● Guide line
● Recording area
● Remaining display

You can allocate frequently used functions to the Function button. Functions that normally have to be selected from a menu or switched can be assigned to this button for faster, easier operation.

Custom Mode stores up to 3 sets of frequently used settings in memory, for instant recall with the mode dial.

It memorizes up to 5 recently used items on the menu, so you can easily retrieve items that you frequently use.

The DMC-G2 breaks new ground in styling too, overturning interchangeable lens system camera conventions by giving users a variety of body colors to choose from. While traditionalists can choose authentic black, others will enjoy the appealing red and blue colors available. The bodies also feature specially textured coatings and designs that rest snugly in the hand. For people who have been hesitant to move up to an interchangeable lens system camera, the DMC-G2 is a perfect fit. With its exceptional mobility and features, it offers a new style of photography, and with its design and color selection, it offers a new sense of camera style.

• Four Thirds™ and Micro Four Thirds™, and Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds Logo marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Imaging Corporation, in Japan, the United States, the European Union and other countries.

• Availability of models and colors may differ depending on the country.
• Check the website of the Panasonic sales company in your country or region for details on the LUMIX models, colors, and optional accessories that are available in your market.