Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

Continuous autofocus can be used while recording video. Price: Expected to price less than $1,500

Get ready for a flood of HD-capable digital still cameras. Panasonic offers a different take from the rest of the crowd by employing the Micro Four Thirds standard for its new Lumix DMC-GH1. The open camera standard, which was developed by Olympus and Panasonic, debuted last summer. It uses the same size image sensors from its DSLR predecessor (the Four Thirds standard), but it offers a smaller camera body by dint of removing the reflex mirror box.

The new camera offers HD video recording at 1920x1080p at 24fps and 1280x720p at 60fps. Features include a 12.1-megapixel imager and a 3in. LCD screen that offers flexible viewfinding, since it''s mounted on an arm that swivels and rotates. New zoom lenses include a Lumix G Vario HD 14mm-140mm and a Lumix G Vario 7mm-14mm.

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