A few weeks ago, Olympus and Panasonic announced the Micro Four Thirds system, a middle ground between point-and-shoots and SLRs. Not to be outdone, Samsung revealed today that it is also working on a similar system, but took care to note that it will have more megapixels. Both systems aim to reduce the size and weight of DSLR-form-factor cameras while retaining their large sensors and interchangeable lenses. Lacking a mirror element, it will still have to use an electronic shutter, which is sub-optimal, but you can’t have everything.

I’m glad to see competition in this area, it always makes for better cameras. Can’t wait to get my hands on the first of these little hybrids (probably around 2010).