How about comparing the G1 to popular small-sized SLRs like the Nikon D40? I think that's where the real competition with this camera will be.

My D40 with kit lens weighs 25 ounces and the G1 weighs 23 ounces with its kit lens. Too small a diference to get excited about ,especially since the G1 has a smaller sensor. BTW, the G1 costs $730 and the D40 $409 (current Amazon quotes).

Amin, I have added a new camera to my arsenal: the 10MP Canon XS. This live-view, entry-level Rebel, when coupled with the redoubtable Canon 50mm f/1.8, weighs about the same as the G1 with kit lens. The low-light performance is state-of-the-art for APS-sized sensors, which puts it slightly ahead of the G1. I'm looking for a sturdy-but-cheap wrist strap, since the neck strap on this configuration is overkill. I've been shooting with the camera for two weeks; nothing posted to my web galleries yet. But the camera, despite its painfully-plain black-plastic construction, is a very enjoyable photographic tool. Serious? Yes. Compact? Yes, although not pocketable. But then, neither is the G1. Does using it spoil me for going back to my G9 as the preferred street-shooting rig? It sure does.

We are witnessing the "serious compacts" genre expanding into the realm of DSLR's (and DSL's such as the G1) as they shrink in size, weight and price, while offering large sensors and top-flight imaging potential. And about price: the XS is widely available for under $500 including kit lens (about what my G9 cost). The 50mm lens was well under $100.