DPReview XZ-1 Review is up!

[Djarum]

Olympus XZ-1 Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

This looks like a really good camera after reading the review. It has a few faults, but I really think this camera might just have a better approach of getting novices into higher end compacts.

Dj

 

[bilzmale]

I agree - glad I waited for this review rather than buying a EX1 or P7000 (on price advantage). Now just need to convince better half to give her camera to our daughter and let me buy her an Oly (do miss those Oly colours).

 

[Herman]

Dpreview does not list of which material the body is made, is it plastic or metal, I prefer metal.
Like Bill said, I too like the Oly color output a lot.
Congrats Oly with Gold award.

 

[Ray Sachs]

Lack of an AEL/AFL button or function would be a deal breaker for me, and I prefer more wide end to more long end, so that's a negative too. Both personal preferences - not judgements on the camera's capability. Also, I find these reviews never really get into the most crucial aspects of operating speed. They talk about burst rates and whatnot and maybe a mention of AF speed, but rarely mentions stuff like shutter lag, write-time, etc, unless its REALLY bad. I find a vast difference, however, between the S95 and the LX5 that I only learned from folks around here and using them myself. And I have no idea from the review where the new Oly fits in this operating spectrum... I guess time will tell as some of these cams show up here. I like the faster lens, though, for sure...

-Ray

 

[bilzmale]

All metal body LINK:

Dpreview does not list of which material the body is made, is it plastic or metal, I prefer metal.

 

[Djarum]

I think this might be a little better camera than the LX5 for my other half. A little simplier to use..good focal length and reasonably compact.

 

[john1027]

I think this might be a little better camera than the LX5 for my other half. A little simplier to use..good focal length and reasonably compact.

DJ, you might have her look at the S95. My wife really likes it and shoots mostly in the auto modes and the results are very good. There is a thread at dpr that compares/rates the P7000, LX5, and the S95 if you haven't already seen it. She also liked it better when I installed the franiac custom grip.

https://www.photographerslounge.org/f9/richard-franiac-custom-grip-s95-896/

I also don't like Olympus' decision to go with only a usb charging option. I like to have a spare charging and ready for extended use and a usb only system makes that a little more difficult. I would imagine that there would be some 3rd party chargers that would become avaialbe at some point, but for $500 (usd), I just think that Oly could provide an a/c charger.

 

[Armanius]

From the DPreview comparometer, to my eyes, the IQ of the Canon S95 seems a little bit better than the XZ1. However, the super fast lens, especially at the long end, is quite enticing. May have to get one for my girlfriend. Hehehe.

 

[wt21]

I also don't like Olympus' decision to go with only a usb charging option. I like to have a spare charging and ready for extended use and a usb only system makes that a little more difficult. I would imagine that there would be some 3rd party chargers that would become avaialbe at some point, but for $500 (usd), I just think that Oly could provide an a/c charger.

What now??
Are you serious? Oh my. USB only charging?? That's silly. I was seriously thinking maybe I should try this camera, but that might be a deal breaker for me

 

[bilzmale]

Aftermarket chargers are already on eBay for about $10.

 

[Andrewteee]

I received mine yesterday and have only had the chance to take a few snapshots, but so far I'm impressed. My long search for that compact zoom for snaps and family ventures is over (it may even get more serious use!). The detail and resolution is similar to what the E5 does, although of course it is still a small sensor. The B&W mode is appealing and the pano mode is interesting; I'd like to experiment with that. JPGs are pure Olympus - great colors. It does macro, it is fast, it feels good in hand. I have no shot in RAW yet nor done much in low light (though the built-in flash seems well controlled). A great camera! Can't decide if I should indulge in the VF2 yet.

 

[BBW]

Andrew, I'll be looking forward to hearing more - and seeing more from you about this little camera! Thank you for your early report!