I use two cameras, an Olympus E-PL1 with 14-42 kit lens, 4/3 rds 12mp sensor. the other is a Lumix TZ10 with 12x optical zoom, 12mp sensor, it also has gps which records position in the EXIF.
I have gone through the SLR bit and but do not want to carry all the stuff that goes with it.
Both these cameras go into my pockets if I want, which suits me as I am mainly into street photos and some landscape work.
I include three photos, one of the cameras, a photo taken with the Lumix and an identical one taken with the Olympus
Can you look at these two shots, which are straight out of the camera and let me know which is better one, and if possible match the shots to a camera. I can then decide which camera to keep.
Thanks, John Eccles, Leyland UK.
Second post with origanls

No, Contax is not anywhere on the lens. It's the ZF.2 / 2.8 Zeiss Distagon- (ZF.2 is the newest version). It is not the faster F2.0/ 25mm n- just couldn't afford the extra $700.

It is a 100% manual lens, the camera will run the diaphragm, but I have to set it, as well as the focus. It is taking some getting used to, and fast shots are not going to happen. In fact at first thought there might be something wrong with it, but I seem to be getting the hang of it better now... you have to pay attention!

I do like the lens though... it is on my camera 99% of the time! IN fact rather then a longer lens, i think I'd like an even wider one, but that's a while off.

Here is another- focus may be off a tinge.

I think this comment (as well as those by CaptainC and Elliot) is right on the mark. In the digital age, computer and camera technology changes at a very rapid rate. True, many of the improvements are wonderful, but from our perspective as consumers we need to temper our buying behavior by realistically accessing our true needs. Do we really need the newest, fancy technology if the older technology is not imposing any limitations on our ability to express ourselves through our photography? We need to keep in mind that the major camera producers are marketing to us by following that old adage, "CREATE a need in the mind of the consumer, then fill it". We don't need to join the marketing rat race; we need only buy when the limitations of our equipment prevents us from meeting our goals as photographic artists.

As a side, I remember a story told to me by another photographer. A fine art photographer is at a dinner party. The hostess is talking to him about his art and makes the comment, "Your work is absolutely stunning. You must have a great camera". At the end of the evening, the photographer is saying his goodbyes at the door. He says to the hostess, "Thank you for a simply wonderful meal. It was one of the best I've ever had. You must have a great stove".

Its not the equipment, its the photographer behind the equipment that really matters.