At the PMA convention, Panasonic has announced their formal entry into the interchangeable lens DSLR category with the Lumix DMC-L1. It uses the interchangeable 4/3 (four-thirds) system lens mount, so technically it should be able to mount lenses from any other manufacturer who is participating.
Although it looks like a rangefinder, it's actually a DSLR (none of the holes above the lens mount are for viewfinders). The body styling, though, is reminiscent of the Konica Hexar RF. In any case, the Lumix DMC-L1 has the following features:
- 7.5 megapixels
- Live viewfinder
- MOS sensor
- Supersonic sensor cleaner
- Mega OIS - optical image stabilization (built into lens)
- SD memory card
- Pricing is rumoured to be around US$3000 which is too much.
- Shipping is rumoured to be Q4 2006 which is too late.
Leica has announced its first 4/3 system lens, the Leica D Vario-Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 ASPH, which will be the standard lens for the DMC-L1, but could be used with any other 4/3 camera.
