Panasonic chose Friday to break new ground with the launch of the Lumix G1, the first known production camera based on the Micro Four Thirds pseudo-SLR system. The absence of the traditional mirror and a smaller lens mount produce a 12.1-megapixel camera which is both the smallest and lightest to carry swappable lenses but which still has the sensor size and focusing abilities of a more typical DSLR. The lenses themselves are often half the size and weight of a regular SLR parallel.

A live electronic viewfinder makes up for the lack of an optical preview with a more than 1.4-megapixel, 0.7X equivalent look at the camera's target. For more casual or off-angle, the camera maker supplies a three-inch swiveling LCD.

The new imaging system and the G1's focus also give Panasonic free reign to implement software features to accommodate those graduating from strict point-and-shoot cameras as well as more experienced photographers. The camera takes control out of the issue with autofocus tracking, auto scene selection, face detection and a new contrast-based autofocus mode; all of the above can be combined into a full Intelligent Auto mode for absolute novices. Experienced users have a 23-point autofocus system with manual focus points and an adjustable focus point size.

Panasonic's camera further touts optical image stabilization, a dust removal system and HDMI video out for previews. The home user focus becomes evident with the new Lumix arriving in both a professional black as well as blue and red colors; the company hasn't announced pricing but says so far that it will first ship the G1 only as a kit camera, with a 14-45mm, f/3.5-5.6 lens bundled in the box to get users started on Micro Four Thirds. More details should be available in October and will include pricing for a 45-200mm, f/4.0-5.6 optional lens for distance shots.