Best Micro Four-Thirds Cameras

Shopping for the best micro four-thirds digital camera on the market? Our editors reveal your top choices.

Olympus PEN E-P1

Street Price: $600

One of the first Micro Four-Thirds cameras on the market, the PEN E-P2 features a retro styling and a rather basic control set that appeals to many. Now that Olympus has released the follow-up (the PEN E-P2, see below), the original has become that much more affordable. If SLR-like operation and interchangeable lenses appeal to you, yet you yearn for compactness and a near-blowout price, by all means check this one out.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Street Price: $1000

The Micro-Four-Thirds concept is all about compromise, and the Lumix DMC-GF1 is no exception. There are several things it doesn’t do as well as an SLR, but it’s so much smaller and cranks out such excellent photographs through a variety of lenses that it can’t be ignored. That price tag, however, will be far too rich for many.

Olympus PEN E-P2

Street Price: $1100

Dig Olympus’ first Micro Four-Thirds offering, the PEN E-P1? Check the follow-up, the just-released PEN E-P2, which looks a bit slicker, addresses some of the perceived problems with the original, and is set to become the likely leader in the Micro Four-Thirds category. Remember though, the world’s smallest interchangeable lens system does come at a price.

Samsung NX10

Street Price: TBD

While we’re not sure how Samsung’s NX10 will ultimately fare, we bring the camera to your attention anyway because it will undoubtedly reside in a unique position in the marketplace. It’s a hybrid of sorts between the SLR and Micro Four-Thirds camps that does away with the mirror box of traditional SLRs, yet also features a larger sensor than previous Micro Four-Thirds. It thusly eliminates one of the major complaints against the concept – inadequate low-light performance – while also neutralizing of the most important Micro Four-Thirds advantages because it’s a comparatively large camera. Look for the NX10 this spring.

Ricoh GXR

Street Price: $600

We’re plunking this camera at the end of the Micro Four-Thirds category even though it is, in some ways, a concept unto itself. Billed as the “world’s fist interchangeable unit camera system,” the Ricoh GXR allows you to change not only its lenses, but it sensors too. That makes for some very expensive lenses (all available separately), but that’s the price for such a ridiculously small format – even in comparison with its already diminutive Micro Four-Thirds rivals. The just-released GXR has already scored well with reviewers, and Ricoh has traditionally produced some rather cool stuff. We look forward to its reception with consumers.