Panasonic makes some of our favorite Micro Four Thirds cameras, and has just introduced another model into the lineup: the Lumix G5. As rumored, the camera comes with a 16.05-megapixel sensor that's largely unchanged from previous models like the GH2, but a redesigned Venus processor that should get even better performance from the sensor. The new chipset also boosts the camera's general performance up to 18 percent, Panasonic said — an impressive feat given that we've rarely had speed issues with a Micro Four Thirds camera. The G5's other features are relatively small improvements over its predecessors: there's a new tap-to-focus system, and it has a 1.44-million-dot electronic viewfinder, and a 921,000-dot LCD that articulates and rotates 180 degrees.

Panasonic's G-series cameras have always been favorites of the Verge staff for their video prowess (a pair of GH2s are responsible for recording the Vergecast), and the G5 continues the trend: it can shoot 1080p video at 60 frames per second in AVCHD or MP4, and can use the tap-to-focus functionality while recording video.

The G5 will be available in a variety of kits, and will come in black, white, and silver. No word yet on pricing or availability, but we've heard that the camera's kits will cost between £599 and £879 in the UK, and since the G3 cost $699.99 with a kit lens when it launched last year, that's not a bad guess either.