The new Panasonic G1 Micro Four Thirds camera was announced today.

Key Features (Click here for full list of specifications):

- 12.1 MP Live MOS sensor
- 17.3 x 13mm image sensor size
- Dust reduction system
- No video capability
- 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens (195gm weight)
- Contrast AF system
- ISO 100-3200
- Max image size 4000x3000 (4:3), 4000 x 2672 (3:2), 4000 x 2248 (16:9)
- 1,440K dots equiv Live View Finder
- 460K dots 3:2 aspect articulating LCD
- 3.29" x 4.88" x 1.78"
- Weight 0.85 lbs

Contrary to expectations, this body does not appear to preserve the diagonal angle of view in all aspect ratios. This is clear from the sensor dimensions (typical of Four Thirds sensors) as well as the maximum image pixel dimensions given.

Imaging Resource has an excellent hands-on preview here.

Addendum: DPReview, DCResource, and Imaging Resource are all indicating that the contrast detect autofocus on this camera is SLR-like in speed. The EVF is also bright with 0.7x magnification (35mm equivalent), 100% coverage, and a 60 frames/second refresh rate.

Lenses:
- Besides the 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, a 45-200mm f/4-5.6 lens was also announced.
- Both lenses feature optical image stabilization
- Lens roadmap:



The "HD" added to the 14-140mm lens name means that the lens will support focusing during video capture on a body to be introduced in 2009 (source).

Until seeing the roadmap, none of what I've learned about the G1 had me reaching to sell my Olympus E-420. However, the idea of a 20mm f/1.7 lens on a future, smaller Micro Four Thirds body is very appealing!

Leica branding remains conspicuously absent in this announcement. Until now, all Panasonic lenses for Four Thirds have carried the Leica name. That the new lenses do not makes me wonder whether Leica will bring out competing products or avoid Micro Four Thirds altogether.