Panasonic's third camera using the Micro Four Thirds system in less than a year should be a direct answer to the Olympus E-P1, a leak through a Chinese forum shows. The Lumix GF1 is potentially smaller than the E-P1 but should answer some of the weaknesses of its sibling, including adding a hidden (likely pop-up) flash on the top left. It would still omit a dedicated viewfinder but would bring a dedicated movie button to start capturing 720p video in the AVCHD Lite (H.264) format also used by some of Panasonic's fixed-lens compact cameras.
A mystery port also exists just below and behind the flash hot shoe that would perform an unknown function.
Many of the actual hardware specifications, such as the sensor resolution or ISO range, are still unknowns along with launch information. However, a promo shot suggests Panasonic will expand its range of Micro Four Thirds lenses to include a pair of fixed-zoom models, including a 20mm "pancake" model that would parallel the Olympus17mm equivalent and a 45mm macro lens. [via DPReview forums]
