Olympus XZ-1 10 MP Digital Camera

Description

first-ever Olympus X Series camera. Designed for those who want the quality of an SLR in a high-end point-and-shoot format, this camera provides a new, easy-to-use outlet for artistic expression. With the XZ-1 you'll capture high-quality still images and HD videos in any shooting environment thanks to its fast, super-bright, built-in Olympus iZuiko lens and its large, super-sensitive CCD sensor.
  

 

Features

10 MP Camera

DSLR Quality images with a fixed lens camera

3.0 Amoled Monitor

HD Movie with HDMI Control

4x iZuiko Zoom

What's in the Box

•   Strap
•   Lens cap and Lens cap strap
•   LI-lithium ion battery
•   F-2AC USB-AC
•   Adapter
•   USB cable
•   AV cable
•   Olympus Setup CD-ROM

 

User Experience

"The Olympus XZ-1 is a marvel of technology. From the blazing fast Zuiko lens to the quick and slick menu interface, to the conservative beauty of the design, this camera means business. Shooting with the XZ-1 is an effortless joy, and it works so well and so intuitively at times that you almost forget you're using a camera at all. I've read in other reviews that the rear control ring is finicky and annoying, but that is not my experience. I find it to work quite well, with the right amount of tactile feedback. The same is true of the front ring around the lens, used to control various settings based on the mode you are in. Sure, there's not a dedicated button for ISO, but it's so easy to set the ISO from the menu that I'm not quite sure what the issue is. The lack of an AFL/AEL button is a bit of a letdown, but I don't find it to be a deal breaker by any means.
The art filters range from quaint novelty effects that I will rarely use to things like the Dynamic Tone filter, which (though the effect is a bit hit or miss) can be incredibly striking.
As far as all the other modes go, it's pretty much your standard fare, with the addition of the 'low light' mode. But I wouldn't go too crazy with that mode, as the noise at higher ISOs from the XZ-1 is pretty pronounced."

"The camera looks beautiful, has all the specs and potential, but sadly.
Once I tried the Canon S95 it was immediate in better focus and clarity of the pics.
I'm surprised that no one has indicated the differences in actually using the camera."

The Olympus XZ-1 has a lot of potential but is let down by its poor video performance, still picture quality could also be better. This camera is most suitable for an amateur who is looking for a reasonably priced point 'n' shoot.

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(This product is available in black or white)