Olympus and Pansasonic's announcement of the new Micro Four Thirds format is one of the most potentially exciting new developments in digital photography this year.
The format appears to represent the point where prosumer compact cameras end and DLSR begin. Micro Four Thirds retains an interchangable lens ethos, but will require a considerably smaller and lighter lens at any effective focal length, compared to current DSLR systems. It also means considerably smaller, lighter camera bodies. And yet, this does not mean any reduction in sensor size and offers more camera-to-lens contact than ever before.
There's a sacrifice, though. The Micro Four Thirds format cannot feature an optical reflex viewfinder, because the shortened mount-to-sensor distance. No mirror box means a smaller camera, but not reflex design. As such, it's something completely new and different... cor!
All parties are keen to stress this has no bearing on the existing Four Thirds format, but comes in as a smaller, lighter option to the DSLR format. Given the smallest, lightest DSLR cameras are Four Thirds designs, this potentially bodes well for an extremely compact product line.
So, what do you think about this important new launch? Does it represent a legitimate way to minimise the size and weight of interchangeable-lens cameras? Or, maybe you think it represents a way of trying to gain more of a share in the more expensive camera market that is currently dominated by Canon and Nikon?
More importantly, does it spell the end of the DSLR? Could you live with Live View and nothing but? Or is this the lightweight option you have been waiting for?
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