Surprised to find so little discussion on the 4/3rds format nowadays (perhaps you have said it all). Want to start acquiring a photo system around a mid-level digital camera - is 4/3rds is a format to go with or avoid? While the jury may stay out for several years, and 4/3rds clearly has its risks, buying cameras from other makers without a declared long-term format plan poses equal risks? As an aside, will there be, say in 10 years,a digital format equivalent to 35mm film (and how long did 35mm take)?