The Micro Four Thirds System was announced earlier last month by Olympus and Matsushita (Panasonic) and as exciting as it was, they had yet to reveal any real camera examples. While diagrams did the job of explaining the 'microness' of this system back in August, it appears we didn't have to wait long to see an actual camera. In just a matter of days leading up to Photokina, Panasonic took the honours (and the pleasure) of introducing the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1, the World's first Micro Four Thirds System camera set to be released this November.

Interchangeable Lens with Dust Reduction System
Based on the Micro Four Thirds System, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 enjoys DSLR-like versatility by having the option to use and change lenses from the Micro Four Thirds System and the Four Thirds System as well with the optional mount adapter attached. So far, Panasonic has announced two Micro Four Thirds Lenses for the G1, the 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 OIS and 45-200mm F4.0-5.6 OIS, two very interesting lenses for you to play with. With changing lenses bringing the possibility of dust entering the body, the G1 counters against dust with a Supersonic Wave Filter as part of its intricate Dust Reduction system.

Compact Size
Unlike DSLRs, the G1 ditches the mirror/prism optical viewfinder to achieve a more compact size and lighter weight. Not quite as compact as we'd initially imagine it to be, the G1 measures (124 x 83.6 x 45.2mm) which is slightly larger than the recent Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ28 (117.6 x 75.3 x 88.9mm) that we've reviewed. Although by DSLR standards, the G1 is still very small and definitely smaller than the Nikon D60 (126 x 94 x 64mm).

Outstanding EVF and LCD
Given that the G1 trades away an optical viewfinder for a more downsized body, framing and shot composition can be done in one of two ways, EVF or the LCD. While the EVF might not be the sparkling clarity of an optical viewfinder, it gets pretty darn close with an exceedingly high-resolution of 1,440,000 dots, and the great thing is, you get a full 100% field of view which not all optical viewfinders are capable of. If you fancy shooting more point-and-shoot style, you're sure to love the 3.0-inch free-angle LCD packing a high 460k resolution, which flips out and rotates for interesting framing.

Image Quality
Don't let the size and body fool you, the G1 downsizes without compromise and is all about delivering exceptional image quality. Boasting a wide dynamic range and an ISO sensitivity that stretches from 100 to 3200, the G1 shoots with a 4/3-type 12.1 megapixels Live MOS sensor and keeps image noise superbly low with Panasonic's new Venus Engine HD imaging processor. Matched with a superb and growing range of lenses, the G1 shines well above the competition.

In-Camera Features
Geared with the latest tech from Panasonic, beautiful photography can be a cinch with the G1 especially when you've got the iA (intelligent Auto) mode that figures out the best settings for your shot. Face Detection helps get you the pretty portraits without breaking a single sweat and the Intelligent ISO and Intelligent Exposure figures out the correct sensitivity and exposure to match the lighting around you. For focusing, the G1 offers 4 focus modes to put your subjects into focus, with the aforementioned Face Detection, AF Tracking, 23-area AF and single-area AF made available.

Final Word
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 might just be the camera that every enthusiast and photographer dreams about having in a compact non-DSLR camera. With requests for a better sensor and an interchangeable lens, that dream camera is finally here folks and the G1 makes a great alternative or backup camera to the DSLR-toting photographer. While the pursuit of a smaller size has meant doing away with the optical viewfinder, the outstanding EVF and free-angle LCD reveals specs that promises a very fun and pleasurable framing experience. For the average point-and-shooter, the G1 carries the lens-changing appeal of DSLRs but without the burden of a bulky size, it's also mighty easy to use, which all in all, makes the G1 well worth your attention.