The G1 introduces an entirely new category of digital camera. At a suggested retail price of USD 800 in the USA (can be found for less), it is competitively priced. More like an SLR than a point-and-shoot, it has a myriad of useful features. The numerous controls and options mean that a neophyte user may be dismayed at first. Yet, it also means that there are enough features to warrant months of investigation.

Semi-professional photographers will find that this camera offers just about everything that they need in a slightly smaller and more portable form factor. The biggest drawback is the fact that the camera requires an investment in a new size lens and there are currently not many lens of this size available. While both Olympus and Panasonic seem committed to the format, how widespread it becomes remains to be seen.

Although we liked the camera and we happy with the image quality and size, future cameras of this type will be appearing that may outdate this one quite quickly. In fact, Panasonic has already introduced the GH1, which has most of the features of this camera and also takes high-definition movies with the ease and acuity of a camcorder. We will be watching to see what Panasonic and its competitors introduce in this format in the future.

Pros

• Very good image quality
• Sturdy build
• Excellent electronic viewfinder
• Small & lightweight
• Snappy performance
• Automatic Settings
• Great dust reduction technology
• HDMI output
• Excellent LCD screen that flips out and rotates
• Comes in body color choices
• Good selection of features like digital red eye reduction, face detection
• Good image stabilization

Cons

• Limited lens selection
• Complex controls
• No movie mode