Last year, Panasonic launched two new lines of compact interchangeable lens models - the movie line embodied by the GH1 camera, and the ultra-compact line with the GF1. The G2 and G10 are not part of these two alternative product lines, instead replacing the G1 unveiled in mid-2008.

While the G10 will be marketed as the entry-level Lumix G camera for enthusiasts looking to make the jump from point-and-shoot cameras to DSLRs, the G2 is oriented at semi-professionals looking for a reliable and compact system that can use the wide array of OM lenses.

The G2, which will be available in three colours - red, blue and black -, sports a 12.1 megapixels sensor similar to the G1 and has an ISO range of 100-6400. It features three autofocus modes - Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Shutter Priority AE, as well as a manual mode - and can be entirely controlled using a new touch-sensitive swivel LCD screen.

"The main target is to make it easier and faster to take very good pictures," said a Panasonic spokesman in an exclusive press conference on 17 February. "Autofocus and exposure can be controlled by touch, and there is also the touch shutter option, which, for example, for macro shots, let's you take a picture with the touch of a fingerprint without moving the camera."

Panasonic has updated the G1's processing engine, with the Venus Engine HD II designed to deliver more streamlined operations to the G2. The new model also sports a 1280x720p 30fps AVCHD Lite film mode and can support external microphones.

The G10 uses the same sensor and engine as the G2 camera, but lacks the swivel touch LCD screen, is only available in black and offers limited video options.

Panasonic has also unveiled a new 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH lens, which is set to replace the existing 14-45mm model.