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The Lumix DMC-G2 is the world's first digital interchangeable lens system camera with a movable LCD that allows for touch control, says Panasonic, making it is the most lightweight DSLR on the market with this functionality.

With the 3-inch touchscreen it is possible to carry out single-touch auto focus, as well as take pictures and play back images and footage.

The Lumix G1 gets a successor

The DMC-G2 also shoots 720p high-definition video using the AVCHD Lite format and has a dedicated video record button plus 'Wind Cut' to reduce ambient noise as sound is recorded.

Touch screen is where it's at

"Touch operation is a user interface with which many consumers are both familiar and expect, and we think the LUMIX G2's touch operation makes it easier and quicker to take photos and videos that have professional-like effects," said David Briganti, senior product manager for Panasonic Imaging.

Along with the DMC-G2, the second new Lumix model soon coming to market is the G10, which it claims is the world's lightest digital interchangeable lens camera with a viewfinder.

The Lumix G10 comes with a kit including the newly announced LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm lens which has a zoom range of 14-42mm making it ideal for shooting a wide range of scenes, from landscape to portrait.

'My Colour' gives custom visual effects

It also has a funky 'My Colour' mode with seven preset effects: Expressive, Retro, Pure, Elegant, Monochrome, Dynamic Art and Silhouette, while Custom mode lets users manually set the colour, brightness and saturation levels.

Beginners can use the Live View function to experiment with and tweak settings and see instant results onscreen.

Pricing and availability has not yet been announced.

Photo: The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2

By Marie Boran