Verdict

The Micro Four Thirds system will definitely have an impact on the photography world, not least the Panasonic Lumix G1. The reduction in size that the new system allows means interchangeable-lens cameras are going to get smaller, and as such will appeal to a wider audience. What?s more is that, as more models hit the market, the price of an entry-level model in the system will fall.There is no arguing that Panasonic's Lumix G1 is a very good camera. Build quality is excellent, as is the articulating LCD and LVF (aside from the minor quibbles with over-sensitive eye sensors!). Image quality is also good, with overall exposure, tone, and noise control comparable with its Four Thirds peers. However, the G1's current price tag is wildly at odds with where it sits in the camera food chain - it's currently sitting more in price-line with mid-range DSLRs, even though everything about it screams entry level, from marketing, to size and features. In time I'm sure the G1 will become a cracking proposition around the bridge camera price point, but right now it?s merely a good, but pricey, forebearer of greater things to come.