Panasonic DMC-G1K

Review summary: This Four Thirds-based camera features SLR-like image quality in a smaller form factor.

Pros: Very small design; excellent image quality; full feature set; interchangeable lenses

Cons: Electronic viewfinder is difficult to see in low light and has limited dynamic range; no movie mode; small lens selection

Verdict: Point-and-shoot cameras use very small sensors, typically lack an optical viewfinder (you always use the LCD as a viewfinder), come in a huge range of sizes and prices, and pack a very wide range of features. SLRs have larger sensors, usually offer ...

Review summary: Does the first Micro Four Thirds camera impress?

Pros: Compact body, ease of control, great performance, articulating screen

Cons: New camera system means less accessories, those with big hands might find it too small

Verdict: We love the compact body and the level of control that you get. We also love the full articulation of the screen: it's a real bonus and helps make the G1 a really fun camera to use

Review summary: From the now-established camera house of Panasonic comes the Lumix DMC-G1 - a micro four-thirds camera that's aimed at both ardent amateurs and budget-conscious professionals who still want interchangeable lenses.

Pros: Compact build but packing plenty of heat

Cons: No video-capturing mode

Verdict: An excellent, affordable inbetweener, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 stands megapixel to megapixel with more illustrious DSLRs, without overdoing it on the bulk.

Review summary: Panasonic has developed an Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera (ILDC) that's not a single lens reflex model. Substantially smaller than a standard D-SLR, the 12.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-G1 is categorized as a Micro Four Thirds camera; that's only because ...

Verdict: The best feature borrowed from the latest Lumix "point-and-shoot" models, Intelligent Auto is selected by setting the mode dial to iA. The camera will then evaluate the scene conditions and automatically activate six features to operate simultaneously ...