Panasonic has unveiled what it is calling the World’s First Full-time Live View Digital Interchangeable Lens Camera - the Lumix DMC-G1. Utilizing the Micro Four Thirds standard, the G1 drops the mirror / prism optical viewfinder that has been standard in SLR cameras for over half a century in favor of a newly developed high resolution electronic viewfinder. Squeezed into the diminutive body are a new 12MP Four Thirds Live MOS sensor with SSWF, new processor (Venus Engine HD) and a comprehensive combination of DLSR and compact camera features.

Lumix DMC-G1 Key Features

* 12.1 effective Megapixel Live MOS sensor (same size as on a regular FourThirds camera)
* Venus Engine HD image processor
* Flip-out, rotating 3-inch LCD display + ultra-high resolution EVF
* Live view experience that rivals (or exceeds) that of a compact camera
* 23-point, fast contrast detect autofocus
* Dust reduction system
* Full manual controls + Intelligent Auto Mode (just like on Panasonic's compact cameras)
* Continuous shooting at 3 frames/second
* Hot shoe for external flash
* HDMI port