The Panasonic Lumix GH1 Micro Four Thirds camera, introduced at the start of March, has finally received a tentative US price through electronics retailer J&R's website. The new model is set at $1,500 for its standard kit version, which carries Vario HD 14-140mm, f/4.0-5.8 lens, which features four aspherical pieces of glass, optical image stabilization and is meant to capture both the close-up and telephoto shots likely in the camera's signature 1080p video mode.

The 12.1-megapixel GH1 saves the HD video in an AVCHD format in an SDHC memory card slot. Users can record at 60fps, though at a reduced 720p resolution. A 3-inch LCD and a traditional viewfinder are found on the backside of the GH1, which is the second G-series digital camera from the company. The Micro Four Thirds system differs from traditional SLR camera designs as it lacks the latter's mirror box.

A nearly identical GH1 bundle launched in Japan on April 24th for the equivalent price of $1,535 after tax. Buyers get a choice of gold, black and red. Despite the J&R page, a release date for the GH1 is still unknown, though it's still expected soon. [via DPReview]