Q: I was reading your Web site's recommended Micro Four-Thirds Cameras page and was wondering if you'd recommend those instead of a full-blown SLR.

A. Micro Four-Thirds (m4/3) is a new interchangeable lens digital camera format based on the Four-Thirds digital SLR format. It uses live view only, allowing cameras and lenses to be much smaller.

Given the skyrocketing m4/3 sales figures, small interchangeable lens cameras providing the image quality of a digital SLR are what a lot of people have been waiting for.

Compared to m4/3, digital SLRs perform better when light is low and when photographing sports. If these are not serious limitations, I would definitely recommend m4/3 cameras to anyone wanting top quality in a portable camera.

Olympus has two 12.3 megapixel m4/3 offerings, the Digital PEN E-P1 and E-P2. Both feature stylish retro design, sensor-shift image stabilization for sharp pictures with every lens, and 720p HD video recording at 30 frames per second (fps.). Creative Art Filters add to the fun and both cameras use Olympus' latest and greatest sensor and processing technology for gorgeous, colorful and detailed images. You can hear the lens focus when recording video, but the footage looks great and is easy to edit.

The E-P1 retails for $799 with a 14-42 mm zoom lens. The E-P2 kit adds a few tweaks and a removable viewfinder, selling for $1,099. I do not think it is worth $300 more and recommend the E-P1. There is no built-in flash, but an accessory flash is available for $99. See www.getolympus.com.

Panasonic has three 12.1 megapixel m4/3 cameras available. Most Panasonic lenses have optical stabilization, and all the cameras have a built-in flash. For optimal results with the Panasonics you should record in RAW mode and tweak the pictures in software to make jpgs.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1 resembles a miniature SLR. The viewfinder is extraordinary, almost like real life, and the folding "high-rez" screen is wonderful for composing and reviewing images. The $650 (street price) kit includes a stabilized 14-45 mm kit zoom lens and, of course, image quality is outstanding. The DMC-G1 does not record video.

If you think of the Lumix DMC-GH1 as a DMC-G1 with HD video and a long-range zoom, you will have the right idea. The DMC-GH1 produces the best-looking video of any consumer product on the market, but be advised it takes some practice and skill to get the most out of the DMC-GH1's video capabilities, and the AVCHD files are difficult to edit. It sells for $1,499.

The new Lumix DMC-GF1 is the hottest m4/3 camera on the market right now. It is similar to an Olympus E-P1 but with much faster autofocus and better video recording. It sells for $899 with lens, if you can manage to find one! Of special note is the 20 mm 1.7 lens, available in one of the DMC-GF1 kits. The Panasonic 20 mm 1.7 is incredibly sharp and considered a must-have for serious photographers. Visit www.panasonic.net/avc/lumix to learn more about the Panasonic m4/3 cameras.

I have an E-P1 and a DMC-G1, and both see a lot of use, especially when I travel. Whether as your only camera or a supplement to your SLR, m4/3 is a great addition to the world of photography.

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