If it doesn't have an optical viewfinder, I don't want it. Electronic viewfinder equipped cameras are decent for shooting static (non-moving) subjects in good light, but are less than useless for following action of any kind, or when used in dim or dark conditions. I've found this to be true regardless of what brand name is stamped on the camera. Of course, if you only take pictures of non-moving subjects, and you're looking for the most compact camera you can buy, then you might be happy with an EVF equipped camera. They are definitely not for me. My advice, try it before you buy it.

They do advertise them quite cleverly showing these little cams inside a DSLR but sorry, not the same. I always shoot with an SLR for a reason, picture quality and usability/control. There is a place for good little cameras, just not with me.

Fuji S2-S5 was a major break through and I think Panasonic can do the same as they have a good start with new ideas. I am also sure both Nikon and Canon will follow with the same shortly.

While capable of producing images of the same quality as an SLR, they still represent compromises with respect to acquiring the image (focus speed, superiorority of optical viewfinder, etc.)

Good & Great photographers will take compelling photos regardless of equipment Snapshot takers and the Best Buy crowd will have a much more powerful tool than a standard point & shoot. Some people will mangle shots - but they are fully capable of botching shots with a D3, point & shoot or ICL compact.

The Panasonic GH-1 is excellent- nice clear views in the viewfinder and LCD. Not fast enough for bird photography, generally. They need to fix the lugs that pull out though!

I think the heavier DSLR makes for a steadier shot. Besides due to it's compact size it can be somewhat feature limited.

EVF's don't give as nice a picture as a mirror finder.

After 6 months of using both a DSLR (my 3 year old Nikon D300) and live view (LV, as I think they should be called) cameras (Olympus E-P1 and EPL1) I have retired the DSLR (gave it to my son, actually) and am using the Olympus exclusively. The picture quality is near identical and once familiar with the menu's, the camera can be customized to my style of use like the DSLR and adapted to any situation just as easy. Big bonus: the smaller weight and size means I carry it with me all the time instead of a compact camera (I've been through 5 of them looking for one of acceptable quality).

I just got a nex3 and i personally think that this is the future of cameras. Small, light and extremely capable. At this point it is only the beginning. The only thing lacking that I see is the choice of lens which is a small problem since we're still in the early stages. I hate to think that we professional are condemned to a future of the old DSLR "film" camera design... Like the old rock song goes: "Somebody's got to change"!

Based on reviews that I've seen, I'd say that while they are not quite up to DSLR functionality yet, I feel that they are the future and we will eventually see DSLR's fade away, replaced by the new mirror-less cameras.

If the electronic viewfinder is "SUN VIEWABLE", ok, otherwise how can the camera be effectively used in bright sunlight?

I've used the Canon Elph cameras for years. I stopped buying them when Canon eliminated the crude but invaluable optical finder, and have remained happily with the stabilised SD700. It's tiny, and fits in a leather belt holster that is less bulky than a pager or cell phone. I put it on automatically whenever I go out the door. You can't imagine the pictures you get when you wear a camera as comfortably as you carry your wallet.

For me it is not a question about chip size. It is a question about results. There are many situations where I am just not happy with results from my compact camera. However, having said that, in the right situation the results are just fine. For this reason I always carry both cameras.

These finders are a poor substitute for an SLR.

It is most important to be at the right place at the right time with the right light and have a plan about what it is you want to get into your photo. A small camera that is always carried with you might yield a higher percentage of good photos.

The true rule is that pictures are made by photographers and are not dependent on the camera, i.e. Holgas, Dianas and the like.

I find myself taking my Olympus EP-2 more often and leaving my heavy Nikon D's at home for family events.

My wife has a Sony Cyber-shot 21MP. I just cannot find it in my hand?

I really like my Lumix G1, with the one notable drawback being the EVF. I hate LCDs for general use. I use my Nikon D300 less frequently; when I anticipate any action shots.

The ability to control perspective, depth of focus, and selective focus is not there yet for the compact system cameras. Especially useful with DSLRs are Canon's TS-E lenses, which are improving in functionality.

Yes. For years I used rangefinder film cameras and have stuck to point & shoot digital for travel as I don't want to cope with the bulk of DSLR's.

I am curious to hear results since I'm in the market for the winner.

The smaller form factor is hard for my hands to handle.

Hard to better a top flight DSLR and we all know it. Having said that, the smaller footprint camera is a welcome find for the weary traveler who is snapping with the common tiny travel digital snappers.

Designers and manufacturers need to rethink the "small screen at the back" idea, and go back to a method that allows us: 1. to see the screen in a dark environment--that is INSIDE the camera, not out in the glare of day. 2. to brace the camera with our "built in tripod"-our two arms and neck, and not have the camera waving in the breeze 18-24 inches from our faces/heads! I know they can do this, if they just try.

i use both and for travel it is great not so for action.

They make a good 2nd camera...

I own a Canon G 11 and it does a good job against my Nikon D 300.

Most will use the LCD for composing and so the size favors the compact system but real image quality is a function of sensor size so I use a full-frame SLR.