Olympus XZ-1 seems to be the hype for compact - would you buy one?

p1tse

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Olympus XZ-1 seems to be the hype for compact - would you buy one?
 
Just read this:
"The Olympus XZ-1 is one of a number of recent compacts to offer high speed burst shooting options. In addition to the standard continuous mode, which shoots at around two fps, there are two dedicated high speed modes which deliver faster burst rates at reduced resolution: Hi1 shoots 5MP images at 7fps, and Hi2 shoots 2MP images at 15fps."

My old Sony TX5 did 10fps at 10MP.
I do like high fps to capture the right action shot of my toddler

sensor is a CCD vs my old Sony TX5 which was a CMOS (apparently better for IQ), anyone like to comment on CCD vs CMOS on the likes of this and Sony TX5?
 
Just reading reviews it seems to be very much a compact giving enthusiasts more level of control.

What other camera gives such good image quality, but in a more traditional auto compact?
 
p1tse said:
What other camera gives such good image quality, but in a more traditional auto compact?
Click to expand...
It's going to be competing against the LX5, EX1, G12, S95 etc.
While there have been improvements, so far haven't seen anything at this price point that would tempt me to move from my LX3 (sure, some are better now; but not THAT much). If you could get an auto opening lens cap for one of the smaller micro 4/3 'system' cameras, now that might interest me! (Not standard on the lx3, but can be got for under £20 and makes a big difference to me for the 'intended use'.)
 
If I was looking for a replacement for my C-5050 that would be it.
 
I was so impressed with the images on flickr that i bought one ! I wanted a good compact and could not decide between the XZ-1 and the LX-5 but after playing with both at work and seeing image examples, i plumbed for the Oly and have been really pleased so far. It has 2 macro settings which is what i have mostly used it for so far. I have not had a chance to use it in anger but will do soon.

Super Macro setting:

Olympus XZ-1 Bee by andywest1, on Flickr


XZ_1_Dropletts_1024pix by andywest1, on Flickr
 
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AndyWest said:
I was so impressed with the images on flickr that i bought one ! I wanted a good compact and could not decide between the XZ-1 and the LX-5 but after playing with both at work and seeing image examples, i plumbed for the Oly and have been really pleased so far. It has 2 macro settings which is what i have mostly used it for so far. I have not had a chance to use it in anger but will do soon.

Super Macro setting:

Olympus XZ-1 Bee by andywest1, on Flickr


XZ_1_Dropletts_1024pix by andywest1, on Flickr
Click to expand...

I think those images sum up the quality of the camera nicely. Now, can I fit one in my camera bag...................

Allan
 
i had a feel and play with one very briefly.

i'm thinking for what i want, a quick and easy point and shoot, i think i might not look at this type and maybe the canon sx220 instead
 
It might be getting all the hype (personally I've not even heard of it), but all the "Which compact?" questions on here get answered with Canon S95, so if I was after a compact that would be where I'm looking.
 
It depends what you want, the LX5 and XZ-1 are very similar in quality and functions. Tue S95 is smaller and that's the reason it is more recommended. Personally, I will be buying either the XZ-1 or LX5 because they have more manual control, better aperture and they are easier to hold.
 
p1tse said:
Just read this:
"The Olympus XZ-1 is one of a number of recent compacts to offer high speed burst shooting options. In addition to the standard continuous mode, which shoots at around two fps, there are two dedicated high speed modes which deliver faster burst rates at reduced resolution: Hi1 shoots 5MP images at 7fps, and Hi2 shoots 2MP images at 15fps."

My old Sony TX5 did 10fps at 10MP.
I do like high fps to capture the right action shot of my toddler

sensor is a CCD vs my old Sony TX5 which was a CMOS (apparently better for IQ), anyone like to comment on CCD vs CMOS on the likes of this and Sony TX5?
Click to expand...

CMOS is supposed to be generally better, however, a big CCD is far superior to a smaller CMOS.

The high end compacts use large CCD sensors that have approximately 70% larger surface area than a standard compact such as the Sony.

They also have better and faster lenses. Standard compacts can be great but the image quality and flexibility is not nearly as good as the high end compacts such as the LX5, S95 or XZ-1.
 
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