We expected the Sony NEX cameras to be cheaper than MicroFourThirds so we compared the current prices with other (compact!) mirrorless cameras:

Camera+prime lens combos (cheapest on top / click on the product name to visit the shop):
Sony NEX3 + 16mm Lens ($549 on Adorama)
Sony NEX5 + 16mm Lens ($649 on Adorama)
Panasonic GF1 + 20mm Lens ($844.16 on Amazon)
Olympus E-P2 + 17mm Lens ($1,029.95 on Amazon)

Camera+kit-zoom
Olympus E-PL1 + 14-42mm Lens ($549 on Amazon)
Sony NEX3 + 18-55 Lens ($599 on Adorama)
Sony NEX5 + 18-55 Lens ($699 on Adorama)
Panasonic GF1 + 14-45mm Lens ($749.99 on Amazon)
Olympus E-P2 + 14-42mm Lens ($899.99 on Amazon)

The only cameras that seems to be overpriced are the GF1 and the E-P2. But you also have to consider the features. The GF1 has a built-in flash, allows the use of the optional electronic live viewfinder, faster autofocus and better ergonomy and buttons. The Olympus E-P2 has Built-IN stabilization and also a very high quality electronic live viewfinder
The Olympus E-PL1 is the cheapest item in the camera+zoom section. To bad they do not offer the E-PL1+17mm option.

The NEX is cheap, but not cheaper than MicroFourThirds. I guess the real battle is about image quality and features!

P.S.: Interesting:
After 36 hours amazon has still no Sony NEX product and if you search for Sony NEX you will get a MicroFourThirds advertising instead of NEX :)

The forum battle has started! People is “fighting” against each other in never ending discussions.

Let’s start with a surprise: Cgerrard from Alphamountworld lists all the “problems” of the Sony NEX camera. That’s called “friendly fire” :)

Thom Hogan “I’d say there are some ergonomic issues that need to be explored”.

Is the Sony Alpha line going to have the same problem like Olympus with the classic FourThirds line (dyxum)

NEX vs 4/3 (dpreview forum)

NEX-5 vs E-PL1 1600ISO samples (dpreview forum)

I guess Sony managed to keep the Sony NEX body incredible small. The “problem” is that the lenses are bigger.
Source: Imaging Resource

Full news coverage is available on SonyAlphaRumors.com

Source: CNET

Source: SonyAlphaRumors

And the price war has started:

Hopefully the Amazon ÖsterreichAmazon DeutschlandSony NEX camera will force Olympus and Panasonic to lower the price.