Will the G1 give me better overall picture quality, even at higher ISO settings, than is common with point-and-shoots? Larger chip?

I'm considering the DMC FZ50, but most point-and-shoots give poorer results due to (what I understand to be) smaller sensors. What I'm talking about is noise and lower sensitivity at lower light levels. The reviews I've read state that the FZ50 is no exception. So my choice is either accept the lower quality (I'd be happy to give up some pixels!) or go to a DSLR. I don't wanna chnge lenses. However, the G1, with its smaller size and lighter weight, etc. may be what I need.

YES! It is not an SLR, there are no mirrors. You cannot see through the lens with optics. It has a fairly large sensor, and interchangeable lenses, just like an SLR. but its smaller because there is no big chunk of glass up in that hump on top. What that does is allow them to make the body smaller. The 4/3s sensor is a little smaller that a Cannon Rebel, but much larger than a point and shoot. Unlike most DSLR's, the lenses are made to fit the sensor, not 35mm film. So they are also much smaller. In fact, the sensor is 1/2 the size of 35mm film. with means the included 14-45 lens is equivalent to a 28-90 mm lens on a 35mm. I am getting one.

Thanks much! I want one, too! I'll stick with the black one, though. Cameras in color? I'm just not ready for that much change in my life!!

I'm in the market for a new camera and this Lumix looks very interesting. My Canon G3 has performed very faithfully over the years but i'm now becoming frustrated by a few of it's limitations. I wonder if Canon will be coming out with a G11 with full frame cmos sensor this year? If they do, it would be a hard decision between the two.

The G1 does look interesting, but the frame is much smaller. As a result, you have to keep that in mind as you shoot because there's a multiplier in play.

And as for a G11, I don't think you'll see a followup to the G10 for at least a year. With news that Canon has posted an 81% operating loss last quarter, they can't really afford to undercut their latest follow-up to the G9. So I wouldn't look for a G11 until at least 2010.

So, has anyone gotten one of these G1s yet? If so, how do you like it, and aside from the EVF, what are its strong and weak points? Would you recommend it? I see it can be had at some places for $589 (such as 86th Street Photo and Video -- http://www.86photovideo.com/default.asp), making it a little more reasonable.