Olympus E-P1

The Olympus E-P1 is the camera many enthusiasts have been waiting for. It packs a DSLR-sized sensor into a relatively compact body, with the added bonuses of interchangeable lenses, built-in stabilisation and 720p HD video. The advantage of using a DSLR-sized sensor is much lower noise, higher dynamic range and a potentially shallower depth-of-field than a typical compact can offer – and the E-P1 also has a kit zoom lens which collapses down to a shorter length when not in use for easier transportation. There may not be a built-in flash or viewfinder, and the screen is fairly average, but packing a DSLR sensor with stabilisation into a compact body makes for an extremely compelling camera – recommended, but compare closely with the Panasonic GF1 below.

Pros: Big sensor in a small body, built-in stabilisation, HD movies.
Cons: No built-in flash, no viewfinder, average screen.
Overall: Ideal compact for enthusiasts, but compare with GF1.