Olympus XZ-1

I bought this camera after a lot of research into higher end compact cameras. I wanted the image quality of an SLR without the bulk. I have a film SLR (which I love, but it is just not convenient getting developing done often). I knew if I had a Digital SLR I would often wack it onto auto for happy snaps, and it seemed like a waste. This camera is perfect for me. While I do love playing with the aperture and other settings when I have time it is easy, and for the fun 'in action' shots you get a fantastic result on auto and the other pre-sets. You can also set up your own pre-set. I get stunning shots without having to lug around a bulky body/lenses. Just what I was after.

Would I recommend this? For some things yes, for other no. Read on!

Positives..

This camera would be excellent for a daylight only point and shoot. With the Olympus EVF2, it is also a great rangefinder camera. It starts up very quickly, and has good shot to shot times. The f1.8-2.5 lens means that in good light, one has a two stop advantage when shooting at maximum zoom. This means, for example, 400i so instead of 1600,iso or, 1/60 instead of 1/15. The menu system if pretty reasonable, and, as with the Canon S100, the ability to assign the ring on the lens to different functions is great.

Having both RAW and JPG is important to most of us, and, the XZ-1 has this.

So too is the full-sized hot shoe.

AF tracking seemed good, as did image stabilisation.

The camera is only just pocketable, however.


Negatives..

The downside is that, if ones does need to shoot above 800 iso for any reason, then the images are noisy.

Also, the camera is a smidgeon on the large size.

Conclusion

When I first bought this, I was being pushed by my vendor to go for a Canon S100. However, my preliminary tests led me to think the XZ-1 was better.

Additional testing showed up the relative noise levels above 800 iso, and, I ended up swapping it for the S100.

Can I recommend this camera?

If one was shooting moving targets in bright light, or, close macro, or needed a small camera to use with a full size flash (where one can shoot below 400 iso), yes.

However, as an allround point and shoot, the Canon S100 is better.

By the way, the web site DPREVIEW has detailed reviews of both cameras, and rated the XZ-1 slightly better than the S100.

I could imagine it being used with a flash as backup for wedding photography, E.G.

Really fabulous camera for my travels. it is easy to use for some things, yet harder for others.. Quick shutter speed is great for taking photos asap and am loving the panorama feature.

Really fabulous camera for my travels. it is easy to use for some things, yet harder for others.. Quick shutter speed is great for taking photos asap and am loving the panorama feature.

I like this camera - the Leica lens is great and the camera's menus and features are easy to navigate. I like the options for macro photography. The screen is a good size.
I enjoy changing the settings and experimenting with the camera. It is interesting that one has to charge the battery whilst still in the camera...although this saves having to use an external charger, it means that you need to have another back-up battery charging in your camera when it is not in use. One of the drawbacks of this camera is the loose fitting lens cap which just sits over the lens and is easily dislodged as there is no click-in action to secure it.
All in all, I find that this camera is a good back up to my SLR camera which I use for a range of photgraphic purposes. The compact digital is handy when I don't want the bulk of an SLR with me.

I class myself as an amateur photographer, owning several of the compact style cameras as well a as the more complex cameras with interchangeable lenses (DLR). You know which one I grab all the time? My Olympus XZ-1! Why? I have found that it fits the needs of all my requirements -light enough to sneak in a bag, with fantastic clarity that you would normally only get with the DLR's and then I can also get to "tweak" my photos with the "Art" range of features. The Olympus XZ-1 is an advanced compact, offering a lot of special features as well as being a damn good basic "focus and shoot" . Love It!

I was recently looking for a micro 4/3rds camera and one of the Ted's employees suggested I investigate the XZ-1. I was surprised with all of the functionality without the bulk or interchangeable lenses. The photos are incredible and the built in effects and scene selectors give that professional look. I had an Olympus point and shoot about 7 years ago and it was a piece of rubbish. I was hesitant to buy an Olympus camera again but this thing is the real deal and allows me to take far better photos than my skill level. My only gripe is that it is not the most comfortable to hold but that's a minor issue when the photos are so good.

I recently gave up the notion of carrying around a DSLR with me everywhere I go - too heavy and sometimes too risky...

I spent a fair amount of time looking at other cameras such as the Sony NEX5/7 and the Olympus PEN systems as well. While I would definitely recommend them to someone who wants DSLR like capability without the weight however they still are relatively bulky by comparison to a compact camera.

This camera has surprised me with it's image quality (the fact that the sensor is absolutely massive by comparison to other compact cameras helps) and auto-focus speed.

I would recommend this camera to anyone who wants a high quality compact or something to complement their DSLR. Don't be fooled by other compact cameras with higher mega-pixels and zoom - they won't give you image quality as good as this.