Olympus is preparing to release a rangefinder-style camera based on the Micro Four Thirds System this summer, a blogger reports.

We contacted Olympus and a representative confirmed that the Micro 4/3 camera would be available in summer 2009 — although they would not confirm the early July release date cited by Aving USA.

The picture here is a mockup Olympus released last year and may have no bearing on reality.

We’re excited about this camera (and the Micro 4/3

format) because it could combine a reasonably large sensor size with a fairly compact, point-and-shoot-like body and the possibility of using interchangeable lenses.

[ad#Chitika 500X250 NEW AD top and bottom of page]

Panasonic released a Micro Four Thirds camera, the Panasonic G1, last year, to mixed reviews.

AVING USA – Global News Network (via Gizmodo)

www.wired.com