For shooters like me, the NEX is by far the smallest option, and the APS-C IQ is welcome. I have zero interest in using zooms on a camera like this. It's all about primes, IMO[color="#FF0000"][/color].
As far as the m4/3 "consortium," there really isn't such a thing. The only two companies that are supporting it so far are the same two companies that supported regular 4/3. Sony has proven that the the better, APS-C sensors can be put in a small body, and I expect Canon and Nikon to follow suit.
Happy news for Bernard,
Rumors here are pointing that Nikon should be in the game before Canon. When? that's the big question.
Example of other Nikon rumors:
http://nikonrumors.com/2010/02/26/intervie...n-pma-2010.aspx, interesting anyway...goes in the same as you pointed before Bernard.
Well, I also join the Douglas post, to me there is little point carrying a bigger zoom lens than a pancacke with these cameras, even if the lens size is reduced, because then you fall, (and with the EVF quite a lot), on the size of a small DSLR. IMO, It's all about stuff like that:
[attachment=21955:41910205...d002cf07.jpg]
When I was looking for a street camera, I was very tempted by the m4/3 proposal, went to my favorite store and what I discovered? Than with an EVF and the standard kit lens (not the pancackes), it took the same volume as a little dslr. That's what Bernard and Doug pointed here and that's why I think history will repeat soon or later. As I had Pentaxes primes, AND Pentax has a range of real serious pancackes, I made a choice for the Pentax. No regret, can mount without adapter any K mount lenses and as I focus 90% manually, some really serious vintage M primes. IQ in low light is much much better, and to me these kind of cameras should shine in low light situation for their "street" nature, and do not have the hassle of external viewfinder. Also, what concerned and disappointed me a lot is that there are not specially silent being mirrorless, and that is another serious downside to me. The Pentax KX is far from perfect, but IMO, a more solid tool in a reasonable sized package.
Now, the Sony seems to be much more than a fancy gadget even if the design seems another marketing eccentricity. Looking carefully at the features, I'm very impressed to be honest, and I will follow this Sony in the next few months very seriously.
Or...waiting for a Nikon or Pentax
http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/...ews_289300.html proposal (well possibly Pentax is going to join the micro world instead of taking advantage of their pancackes line. sounds to me like a Leica deją vu...)