In a nutshell, there is no denying the excitement of the Micro Four Thirds systems from Olympus and Panasonic. There are several models as I write this, the latest being the Pen EP=L1.

My personal fav has to be the very first G1, which I still use. The reason why so many people have jumped onto the Micro Four Thirds bandwagon is really the lenses.

Flash PEn anyone?

Panasonic has offered Leica R and M mount adaptors while third parties are already offering Nikon AIS and Canon FD. Now I think that the system is really spiffy. For one, there are just too many proprietary lens standards which are not only confusing but damn right expensive to invest in.

Of course manufacturers would only want you buying lenses for its own cameras and not the other way round. There are adaptors, which allow you to fits different lenses on DSLR bodies but the Mirco 4/3 standard makes it even easier for third party suppliers to make such adaptors for use on Panasonic and Olympus cameras. This you could say, maybe going against the grain but I think those who are signed up on the Micro 4/3 banner will capture a different market niche.
The Micro 4/3 system is not cheap to invest in. Dollar for dollar, the system is more expensive than other entry level DSLR systems. Secondly, there is the feature versus value for money for the casual buyer. The Lumix is pretty cool but it doesn’t measure up as a pro camera. The Pen on the other hand is strictly a street photography camera. You’d never think of using this beyond that. Then there are the Pros. The only thing stopping these Micro 4/3 systems from being a “professional” system is this, it just doesn’t have the lenses to attract these folks…at least the AF variety.
Autofocus is pretty important these days and even though you have adaptors for classic lenses from Leica, the lack of AF means it will only appeal to those who do not wear glasses.
Serious amateurs would take to this for one simple reason. It is small and easy to carry. And for Pros who want a backup camera and find the Leica DLUX 4 too much of a magnet for thieves, the Pen or Lumix would do just fine.

And this is where the EP-L1 slots in. A nice comfy compact with a interchangeable lens system. The only grip I have is that this thing hasn’t got an EVF which is available as an option. This camera slots in quite nicely in the market and with the optional EVF, it will also appeal to some pros who want the liberty to fine focus their images with legacy manual  lenses.

With five models to choose from (as I write this, rumors have surfaced that a G1 replacement is at hand) Panasonic and Olympus. The whole Mirco Four Thirds system will probably be around for a long time. That said, you just have to keep your fingers crossed for more lenses.