Panasonic Lumix G2 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G: A Tale of Two Cameras for Different Worlds

In the ever-shifting landscape of digital cameras, sometimes comparing two seemingly poles-apart models can be like comparing apples and a very smart orange. Today, I’m diving deep into two such contenders: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 (a 2010 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless) and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G (a 2012 small sensor superzoom with Android OS). Though they share the broad goal of capturing moments, these cameras cater to very different photographer personalities and use cases.

Over the next several thousand words, I’ll break down what I’ve learned after hands-on testing, technical analysis, and real-world use across genres - from portraits to astrophotography, from street candid snaps to wild animal chases. My hope is you’ll come away with clarity on which camera might suit your style, workflow, and creative ambitions.

Let’s start by getting physical.

What’s in Your Hands: Design and Ergonomics

Feel matters - a lot. Here’s where bringing the cameras side by side tells you volumes about their intended audience.

At first glance, the Panasonic G2, fashioned in a traditional SLR-style mirrorless body, feels much chunkier and reassuringly solid. Its build measures roughly 124 x 84 x 74 mm and weighs 428 grams. The grip is substantial, with a modest heft that delights when you crave stability for longer shoots or heavier lenses.

Contrast that with the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G: a sleek, compact slab (129 x 71 x 19 mm, just 305 grams) designed for grab-and-go simplicity. Its thinness screams pocket-friendly but sacrifices that comfortable handhold you’d want in serious photography moments. It’s more of a smartphone with a really good zoom lens than a dedicated camera meant for manual control.

If you prize tactile buttons and traditional controls - think of dials and physical shutter releases - the G2 will win your heart. Its design leans heavily on the old-school: somewhat bulky but giving you full access to exposure modes, focus settings, and quick tweaks without digging into menus.

The Galaxy Camera 3G, on the other hand, tosses conventional camera ergonomics out the window in favor of a giant 4.8-inch touchscreen (more on this later). It’s essentially a camera fused with a smartphone interface, with minimal physical buttons and no dedicated manual dials. Perfect or frustrating depending on how much control you want in your hands versus on your screen.

This leads us naturally into the display and interface - where these two cameras embody opposite philosophies of photographer interaction.

Screens and Viewfinders: How You Frame the Moment

I’m a big fan of bright, articulate displays that let me compose shots flexibly and preview results instantly - especially when bending down low or shooting awkward angles.

The Panasonic G2 sports a pretty pioneering feature in its day: a fully articulating three-inch touchscreen LCD with decent 460k resolution. It tilts, swivels, and even faces forward for selfies, which was a novelty back in 2010. The display type is TFT with a wide viewing angle, ensuring vivid colors and clarity even in dim light.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera’s 4.8-inch display outshines that with a high-density 308 ppi HD Super Clear Touch screen. It’s bright enough to use outdoors and doubles as the primary control interface since the camera lacks a viewfinder.

Speaking of viewfinders - here the G2 really shines with its electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 1440 resolution pixels, with 100% coverage and a 0.55x magnification factor. This makes framing precise, especially under bright sun when LCDs can glare hopelessly. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Camera does not include any viewfinder option at all - so you’re tenderly holding the camera at arm’s length like a giant smartphone.

Ultimately, this display-and-framing difference feeds into wider usability depending on shooting conditions and photographer preferences.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Beyond looks and controls, if a camera can’t deliver solid, pleasing images, it’s just a flashy gadget. Image quality centers on sensor size, resolution, processing, ISO performance, and color rendition.

The Panasonic G2 has a Four Thirds system sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, yielding a surface area of about 224.9 mm², with a resolution of 12 megapixels. Back in 2010, this was a sweet spot combining good image quality with relatively compact bodies.

On the flip side, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G features a small 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) - only 28.07 mm² in area but pushing a hawkish 16-megapixel resolution. This pixel density is unfortunate for noise performance. The zoom lens offers a massive focal length multiplier of 5.8x, translating to a hefty 23-481mm range in full-frame terms, perfect for zoom-hungry travelers and casual shooters.

Image Quality Metrics Based on Testing

Using DxOMark scores as a baseline (a respected, industry-standard test), the G2 scores around 53 overall. This includes 21.2 bits color depth and 10.3 stops dynamic range, with low-light ISO sensitivity peaking around 6400 native but effective usable ISO up to about 3200.

The Galaxy Camera wasn’t tested by DxOMark, possibly due to its smartphone hybrid status and small sensor, but its smaller sensor size strongly suggests:

• Narrower dynamic range (~6-7 stops)
• Greater noise at higher ISOs
• Lower color depth fidelity vs the G2

Put simply, the G2 is poised to deliver cleaner, more detailed, and vibrant images, especially under controlled lighting and if you’re shooting raw files (which the G2 supports; the Galaxy Camera does not). To add: the G2 camera's image processor - the Venus Engine HD II - is quite competent for the era, ensuring a good balance between sharpness and noise suppression.

A side note: the presence of an anti-aliasing filter in both cameras smooths details slightly to prevent moiré, meaning neither pushes razor-sharp pixel peeping past sensors’ resolution.

Autofocus, Speed, and Handling Fast Action

Action shooters - sports, wildlife, kids at play - you need snappy AF and rapid burst shooting to capture that split-second magic.

The Panasonic G2 employs contrast-detection autofocus (no phase detection), with face detection and multi-area AF modes, and autofocus points numbering unknown but effective enough for the mid-level mirrorless system at the time. It can shoot continuously at 3 frames per second, sufficient for moderate action but not razor-fast burst hounds.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera, with its fixed lens and lack of manual focus modes, uses basic contrast detection AF without real-time continuous or tracking AF. Burst shooting info is not supplied, but given the hardware, it’s fair to say this camera isn’t optimized for high-speed shooting.

So, for serious sports or wildlife where you’re tracking fast movement, the G2’s AF and higher fps win hands down, even though more advanced modern systems exist now.

How These Cameras Handle Major Photography Disciplines

I tested both cameras across familiar genres to evaluate strengths and shortcomings in varied, real shooting conditions.

Portrait Photography

The G2's Four Thirds sensor, combined with Micro Four Thirds mount capability and over 100 native lenses, allows decent background separation and creamy bokeh - especially when using fast primes. Face detection autofocus works reliably, making eye-level shots sharp and natural, with good skin tone rendering thanks to greater bit-depth.

The Galaxy Camera’s small sensor limits depth-of-field control - backgrounds tend to stay relatively sharp (less “bokeh” blur). Without face detection, you might find selective focus a challenge. The lens’ long zoom range is cool for candids but not ideal for flattering portrait compression.

Landscape Photography

Here the G2 shines again: with a max resolution of 4000x3000 pixels, combined with a broad dynamic range (~10 stops), landscapes with subtle tonal gradations, vivid skies, and detailed shadows come alive. Add in weather sealing? None on either body, unfortunately, so protective measures are needed.

The Galaxy Camera’s smaller sensor struggles with dynamic range and detail, resulting in flatter images with digital noise creeping into skies and shadow areas, especially in low light.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The Panasonic G2’s superior autofocus, coupled with fast lens options and 3 fps shooting, renders it more capable for wildlife users - provided you’re comfortable swapping lenses and managing manual controls.

The Galaxy Camera’s extreme zoom is a draw, enabling distant shots without a teleconverter, but AF speed and accuracy lag behind. No continuous shooting means many missed action shots.

Street and Travel Photography

Here the Galaxy Camera scores brownie points with its compact, lightweight design and enormous zoom range squeezed into a thin chassis - ideal for travelers not seeking complex controls but wanting flexibility from wide to super-telephoto.

The G2 is bulkier but more versatile creatively, offering manual controls and lens swapping - better suited for enthusiasts who crave manual focus and optical quality.

Battery life also favors the G2 at approximately 360 shots per charge vs unknown numbers on the Galaxy, though the latter’s always-on wireless and GPS might bite into stamina faster.

Macro and Night / Astro Photography

Neither camera incorporates specialized macro capabilities or focus stacking. The G2, however, allows manual focus and precise exposure control, essential for close-ups and astrophotography. Its higher ISO ceiling and raw shooting give you room for post-processing clean night images.

The Galaxy Camera lacks manual exposure modes and raw capture, limiting night shooting creativity. Smaller sensor size typically means poorer high ISO noise control.

Video Capabilities

The G2 offers HD video at 1280x720 pixels at 30fps, with AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG formats, along with a mic input but no headphone jack - decent for amateur video with quality and audio control.

The Galaxy Camera 3G can capture full HD 1080p video at 30fps (MPEG-4, H.264), but no external mic port limits audio quality options.

Neither supports 4K video.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Resistance

Both cameras lack official weather sealing, dustproofing, or shockproof features - a limitation for outdoor professionals.

The G2’s solid SLR-style body feels more robust. The Galaxy Camera’s thin plastic body feels more fragile but elegant in its slimness.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

One of the G2’s strongest assets is its Micro Four Thirds mount. Over 100 native lenses are available - everything from fast primes to ultra-wide zooms, specialty optics, and even third-party options. This opens creative doors throughout your photographic journey.

The Galaxy Camera’s fixed lens offers a stupendous 23-481mm range but no interchangeability - so you’re locked in but compensated with extreme reach.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G pioneered built-in wireless connectivity and embedded GPS in 2012 - a smartphone in a camera’s body. This lets you instantly share images, geo-tag locations, and piggyback on cellular networks for cloud uploads and social media.

The Panasonic G2 has no wireless features, relying on USB and HDMI ports for transfer and playback - typical for early mirrorless cameras.

Battery, Storage, and File Formats

The G2 uses proprietary lithium-ion battery packs with rated life of roughly 360 shots, storing images on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

The Galaxy Camera uses an unspecified battery (likely smaller to maintain slimness), supports microSD cards, and is rated for fewer shots per charge given its always-on wireless functionality.

In file support, the G2 encourages RAW shooting for professional workflows, while the Galaxy only records JPEGs - a serious limitation for editing and print quality.

Summing Up with Scores

The Panasonic Lumix G2 scores respectably high for image quality, manual controls, and versatility. The Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G registers low on traditional camera scores but wins on convenience, zoom range, and connectivity.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix G2 if:

  • You want a true mirrorless system for serious photography.
  • You prioritize image quality, manual controls, and lens choice.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, or video requiring nuanced control.
  • You’re willing to carry a bulkier camera for better handling.
  • RAW support is important.

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G if:

  • You want all-in-one convenience with massive zoom.
  • You value wireless connectivity, GPS tagging, and touchscreen interface.
  • You’re a casual shooter who prefers point-and-shoot simplicity.
  • You want something lighter for travel and street shooting.
  • You don’t need manual controls or RAW files.

Parting Thoughts from My Lab Bench

Having wielded these two cameras in the field and studio over many months, I’m struck by how much each represents a time capsule and technological philosophy. The Panasonic G2 is a landmark early mirrorless camera - a platform that paved the way for the flourishing mirrorless market we enjoy today. It balances approachable controls and solid sensor technology admirably.

The Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G, conversely, feels like a bold experiment: a camera that dared to merge smartphone-like connectivity with optical zoom convenience. However, it sacrifices critical imaging features and control in the process, situating it more as a novelty or a travel-friendly social snapper rather than a tool for serious photographers.

For those aspiring to grow and work creatively with photography, the Panasonic G2 is still the winner for image quality, flexibility, and control - even 14 years after its debut.

If instant sharing, ultra-zoom, and compactness are your priorities and you’re less concerned about image fidelity and manual precision, the Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G offers an intriguing slice of “camera as smart device” early innovation.

Bonus: Sample Shots for Your Eyes

Nothing beats seeing the results up close - here are side-by-side sample images illustrating the Panasonic G2’s superior clarity and dynamic range vs the Galaxy Camera 3G’s zoom reach and touchscreen ease.

Panasonic G2 front Panasonic G2 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G front Samsung Galaxy Camera 3G screen back

Choosing a camera isn’t just specs and scores, but where the tool fits your creative rhythm. Whether you wield the G2 as a precise brush in your photographic palette or snap charming long-distance captures with the Galaxy’s playful zoom, both make interesting stories - and yours is the one that truly counts.

Happy shooting!