The sensor is great (and apparently has a weak AA filter, increasing sharpness, but perhaps allowing moire in some images). The lens is very good. You get near-SLR-quality images and resolution with good high ISO performance. You’ll probably need the ISO performance—the lens says f/2.8 on the front but most of its working range is f/4 or f/5.6.

What you don’t get is a viewfinder. It says it has one, but I’ve seen viewfinders and this isn’t a viewfinder. You’ll do all of your composing and shooting with the LCD. You don’t get a wide aperture lens. You also don’t get wider than a 28mm (full-frame equivalent) focal length. The camera is small, but not the smallest of compact cameras by any means. It will fit in your jacket pocket or purse, but that’s about it. The ergonomics are okay.

Here’s the bottom line: If you think of this as a supercharged G12, you’ll be correct and you’ll love it. If you think of it as an SLR alternative, you won’t be happy. For me, as much as I want to love the camera for its great sensor, the (poor excuse for a) viewfinder is really a deal breaker.
April, 2013