G10=$599 G2=$799.95 Is that what you were expecting? The G10 looks to be competitive with the EPL1 at $599. However, it doesn't have the EPL1's size advantage and it doesn't have the flip out LCD and touch screen advantage of the G2.
I also still think the GF1 at about $800 new is the better deal if the optical viewfinder and flip out LCD are not important to you.
Isn't the whole point of m4/3s that it is smaller than the competition? I still fail to see how these larger G10 and G2 models are going to appeal to a mass market.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1004/10041902panagseriesprice.asp
-- Yes this is exactly the prices I expected but wish they would at same time make the GH1 available body only here in US.
I don't think even Pany expects the G10 with its scaled back specs to be competition with EPL1 rather it is aimed at low end DSLRs and NX10 and more importantly to give Pany a low priced model so they can shore up the G2 price they expect most to want. I think people will find that the JPEG and colors out of the G10 and G2 will be improved so the G10 for those interested only in pictures but don't want cost of adding an EVF to a mini. According to reports and pictures from handlers of the preproduction the pictures are much brighter and colorful from the G2 (& G10). Note these cameras will now be made available in US by end of May not June.
Another factor to consider is all m4/3 EVILS previously assumed to be not suitable generally for sports or fast action because of the blackout on viewfinder or LCD after taking a picture so very difficult to track. Panasonic claims that now blackout problem is absent or substantantially reduced when shooting in 2.7 fps burst mode so this may open up these cameras to more prospective customers who previously going to DSLRs for that very reason.
While I would prefer the format and metalic feel of a EP2 or GF1 more they are best with primes as once you add zoom lens or EVF to the package changes this perspective. If you have ever handled a G series camera you wouldn't be calling them large by any stretch of the imagination compared to their DSLR bretheran esp if you use with the 20/f1.7. If one wants to do a lot of video then the swivel screen as on the G2 or GH1 is invaluable. If I tried to use any of the m4/3 minis sans EVF for video or pictures on an bright sky safari I might as well give up.
Contrary to what many assume there is a big difference in size between the G2 and say the 550D or D5000 APS-C competition with the G2 being only 3.3" tall while the others are 0.6" and 0.9" taller respectively and 15 oz compared to 22 oz in weight for the body not to mention the std kit lens being smaller volume. What some dislike about DSLRs is the huge bump destroying compactness and the G series minimizes that to some extent.
Other advantages the G2 might hold is much much faster CDAF then D5000 or 550D when using Live View and isn't live view what one uses with all video? And having a video format which is twice as efficient in memory use is important as well as not being limited to only 7 minutes so cannot film a concert or show?
Based on some tests published I would expect that inspite of 550D higher MP sensor that the resolution and detail from the EPL1, GF1, and GH1 are a close match when compared using kit lens.
So I believe these new cameras will be more popular than most think just note the continued interest on G2 on this forum hits. I for one however will be more interested in an all metal mini rangefinder with EVF from either Oly or Pany in the future.
Just my personal opinion and two bits