Digitalcamerainfo (Click here) tested the popular Olympus XZ-1 camera. It’s a 15 page long detailed article and that’s the conclusion: “The [shoplink 19904]Olympus XZ-1[/shoplink] is a spectacular addition to the high-end compact camera family. We’re happy to see Olympus re-entering this market, especially with this 11-megapixel sensor and gorgeous new Zuiko lens. The hardware lets the camera churn out great photos, despite having such a portable form factor. For manual control enthusiasts, the XZ-1 has even more to offer: a slick control ring around the lens, full manual exposure options, and an accessory port that you can use for Olympus’ optional EVF. Most cameras in this price range have at least one weakness, but we’re not really sure what the XZ-1’s weakness is.”

The XZ-1 is not a Micro Four Thirds camera but it shows us that Olympus can make very good cameras. I do hope the next PEN cameras will be at least as successful as the XZ-1. You can get the XZ-1 in black or white at [shopcountry 19904].

Photographyblog (Click here) compared the Panasonic GH2 and Fuji X100 noise performance. Due the recent Japanese catastrophy the Fuji X100 shipment has been delayed until late April (Source: Quesabesde). The only place where you can get the X100 now is [shoplink 19929]eBay (but what a price!)[/shoplink].
Check the Panasonic GH2 price at [shopcountry 16254].

ePhotozine (Click here) tested the Panasonic LX5: “The Panasonic Lumix LX5 is a great camera for anyone looking to develop their photography without the bulk, weight, and potential expense of a ILC system or DSLR system. The camera provides an abundance of options and controls, and more importantly expansion potential. You can use the flash hotshoe to drive slave flashes, add an optical or electronic viewfinder, and more. Image quality is excellent for a compact camera, thanks to an impressive wide angle 24mm Leica f/2.0 lens. The body of the camera is built to a very high standard, and the ergonomics of the camera are excellent.”
Check the Panasonic LX5 price at [shopcountry 21136].

Crunchgear (Click here) posted a short Olympus E-PL2 review: “Again, I’m a big fan of what Olympus has done here and if you’re in the market for a mid-level portable camera with some great features, the E-PL2 is waiting for your call. Even with the caveats I mention above, the move towards micro 4/3s is exciting and potentially game-changing, especially when it comes to more casual prosumer shooting.”
Check the Olympus E-PL2 price at [shopcountry 18844].

The Olympus XZ-1 wins the red dot design award (Source: Photographyblog).
Check the Olympus XZ-1 price at [shopcountry 19904].

Hurry! Read the whole Panasonic GH2 review at Dpreview (Click here): “The GH2 might not be a revolutionary development (in all essential points it is very closely related to its predecessor, the GH1) but we’re confident in saying that it is the best mirrorless system camera that we’ve ever tested, bar none. With the GH2 Panasonic has finally demonstrated that it is able to compete with the APS-C format competition when it comes both to resolution and critical image quality. Although the GH2’s Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than those found in cameras like the Canon EOS 60D and Nikon D7000, it runs them both pretty close. Up to ISO 3200 in fact, we’d stick our necks out and say that the GH2 can hold its own against any of the current crop of APS-C format cameras on the market, which is high praise indeed. ”

The GH2 earned an overall score of 79% (which is pretty high!). It has the highest movie quality of all cameras ever tested on Dpreview. Only the [shoplink 21101]Nikon D7000[/shoplink] has one little point more (80%).

You can get the Panasonic GH2 at [shopcountry 16254] (Just click on shop name to directly visit the GH2 page). And for our US readers, it is in Stock at Adorama (Click here)!