M4/3

A fast, ultra-compact prime lens for Micro Four Thirds System cameras.Launched at the same time as the Lumix DMC-GF1 camera Panasonic’s Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 ASPH. lens will be offered with the camera body and makes an attractive kit option for serious photographers. Compact enough to make the GF1 a pocketable option, it also provides a fast f/1.7 maximum aperture that lets photographers shoot with a shallow depth-of-field.

A fast, lightweight ‘pancake’ prime lens for Micro Four Thirds System cameras.Panasonic’s Lumix G 14mm f/2.5 ASPH lens was released roughly a year ago with the GF2 camera body. A fast and compact, ‘pancake-styled’ prime lens, it is also offered with the new GF3 camera and bundled in the single-lens kit, which has an RRP of $899, where it represents great value for money. If you buy this lens on its own, however, the RRP is $649, which will probably deter potential buyers.

An affordable compact, lightweight zoom lens for portrait and sports photography.The Zuiko Digital 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 lens was launched at the end of 2006 and is usually offered in twin-lens kits with Olympus DSLR cameras. Claimed as the smallest and lightest in its class, it fulfils the promises of the Four Thirds System in both respects. With a barrel only 72mm long and weighing only 220 grams it covers a focal length range equivalent to 80-300mm in 35mm format.

A fast, solidly-built, wide-angle prime lens for Micro Four Thirds System cameras.The M.Zuiko Digital ED 12m f/2.0 lens is a ‘fast’ prime lens that covers a field of view equivalent to a 24mm lens on a 35mm camera. Ideal for landscape photography, its wide maximum aperture also makes it suitable for candid and street photography in poorly-lit situations. Unfortunately, its high price tag could deter many potential purchasers.

The compact, standard zoom kit lens for Olympus DSLR cameras.Usually supplied with the company’s DSLR cameras, the Olympus Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ED is a compact standard wide angle zoom lens covering focal lengths equivalent to 28-84mm in 35mm format. This covers all kinds of general photography, including family snapshots, scenery and portraiture.