" It features a generous configuration of 11 elements in 7 groups, including superior aspheric surface lenses and high-refractive-index, low-dispersion lenses. This optimal configuration restricts distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff at edges for wide-angle operation while delivering aperture light settings from F2.5 (wide) to F4.4 (tele-photo)" Ricoh press release

What they're saying is, the old lens was a little ratty outside the center of the image. Photographers refer to this a vignetting, or a drop off in light toward the photo's edges. You don't want it. Ricoh's also reduced chromatic aberration, which refers to different colors being slightly displaced. You can't have a sharp photo unless chromatic aberration is brought under control, so this is also a good thing. Finally, a new image processing engine claims to reduce noise without lowering resolution. Since the simplest way to reduce noise is to lower resolution, it's another plus.

I like the idea that this camera has an electronic level. It's quite a cool concept. No more photos shot on a tilt! The level, which is visible through the viewfinder and audible through an electronic sounder. This technology is driven by an acceleration sensor; a concept becoming more prevalent in everything from laptops to cellphones to cameras.

When you look at the specs, the GX200 seems more like a DSLR than a compact camera. You can shoot in RAW. In fact, you can shoot five continuous shots in RAW. You can also adjust nearly all the shooting parameters - even move the autofocus point. That's a lot without taking the leap into removable lenses