In my view the mirror based SLR design is a bit archaic. ... In my view electronic viewfinders are the long term solution, with the question being when will they be good enough?
One aspect I'm less enthusiastic about is the design leaving shutter open during lens change.
Agreed. Now that the two biggest consumer electronics companies, Panasonic and Samsung, are working on this and good early sales are surely fueling further R&D for Panasonic at least, some questions are:
1. how much and how quickly can they reduce the disadvantage in AF speed compared to good SLR AF systems?
2. how much and how quickly can they reduce the video lag and other impediments to working with fast moving subjects?
3. when will they make the simple, obvious firmware change to allow the shutter to be left closed when the camera is turned off for lens changes?!
4. when will they offer a good, silent electronic shutter mode, free of mechanical shutter noise?
I am also expecting a Nikon entry to the "compact system" market this year, so maybe it will address some of my wish-list items.