Finally realized that Panasonic G3 is a step down from G2 for my needs: fewer physical controls, smaller battery. The smaller “depth” turned out to be purely from the shorter handgrip, which won’t matter given the lens length. GH2 is out of the running because it is too much for a backup camera — I think I’d be just as happy with a smaller, cheaper and simpler G2, especially since video is less of a consideration for me than stills. The question how is whether I should just get the Olympus 45/1.8 or also a Panasonic 20/1.7 for wider shots. I take almost all of my 5D2 photos with 85-100mm range lenses, but wider views do come into play from time to time.
G2 with either lens won’t be purely pocketable, but then neither is my LX3. Truly pocket-sized camera were not useful for the poor image quality and the lack of usable controls. LX3 has the controls but they are too menu-driven for my taste.
I suppose I could just use the backup 5D (without the battery grip) with a 35/2 but somehow that doesn’t seem compact enough. Canon’s lower end bodies, though compatible with my existing lenses, just don’t inspire me much — and I have too much experience with lackluster 5D2 live view performance to want a repeat.
