gdgt

This model has, in my opinion, the combination of "killer features" that set it apart from the other models:
-Electronic viewfinder standard.
-Flip out & swivel LCD.
-Interchangeable lenses, with ability to use any legacy SLR lens through the use of a simple mechanical adapter ring.
-Touch screen zoom preview for dialing in manual focus when using legacy lenses.
-Useable 720P HD video with stereo audio recording.

Really, no other camera has this combination. This camera has pretty much replaced everything else I own. I do still grab a Sony DSC-P200 if I need to shove a camera in my front jeans pocket.

Inevitably, I compare it to my Canon EOS Rebel XTi. Comparing the two, the Panasonic is smaller, lighter, more compact, and able to use my huge collection of Canon FD lenses that my EOS Rebel cannot. For anyone with a significant investment in 1980's -era (or older) manual-focus SLR lenses, the micro 4/3 format is a savior. But the rebel has more sensible automated features; if you take a photo that needs flash, the flash pops open automatically, but on the Panasonic you must manually decide to open the flash. The battery door on the Canon is spring-loaded. You slide the locking tab and the door pops open. On the Panasonic you must slide the tab and pull the door open. Things like that aren't dealbreakers, but it makes the Canon feel like a refined design where the Panasonic feels more primitive. But the Rebel XTi does not show a live view on its LCD back; you can only preview your shot through the pentaprism viewfinder, where the Panasonic shows a live preview on both the LCD and in the Electronic Viewfinder. Also, the touchscreen capabilities of the Panasonic are insanely useful. Pick a focus point by just touching the screen. Zoom in with manual focus lenses by touching the screen. The camera's previewing light amplification compensates for light loss with long, slow lenses which would black out with a traditional optical pentaprism and ground glass focus screen. So overall, the advantages go to the Panasonic for technical features that make it far more usable than digital camera systems like the EOS which are locked into a single lens family. -They're great if you're willing to invest in EOS lenses, but for anyone with a significant investment in manual film-camera lenses, the micro 4/3 cameras, and in particular this Panasonic model DMC-G2, are ideally suited to shooting manually or in Aperture Priority mode using your old lenses.