Field Test : Olympus XZ-1 by LOTUSfairy

[LOTUSfairy]

Here's my field test : all pics are downsized only.

As a photographer of the fairer gender, I am constantly seeking a compact camera that is capable of delivering near-DSLR results.
The Olympus XZ-1 was tested on three occasions, namely, landscape, macros and gatherings, bearing different demands on the camera.

One advantage of the XZ-1 is the instantaneous popping off of the lens cap once you switched on the camera. There is no fumbling meaning you can focus on shooting as soon as the camera is on. In terms of ergonomics, the XZ-1 is not ideal for single hand use as it has a smooth metallic surface. However it has a solid built and enjoys a great battery life with 350 shots (inclusive of light previewing of images).

The XZ -1's flash is intelligent enough to ensure that the subjects, i.e., both the cake and the birthday guy are well lit. This makes it an ideal party camera to lug around.

The advantage of having a very bright f1.8 lens is evident during a recent CNY dinner celebration, capturing the luo-hei moments.

Another thing I like is the accuracy of the auto WB settings. The XZ-1 is not fooled by the tungsten lighting and the ambient bleed is controlled when the flash is used.

 

[LOTUSfairy]

OUTDOOR SHOTS in the day/nite

Sunrise… Took a snapshot facing the sun trying to get the silo, the clouds and the deliberate flares…

Frosty Glass Display

Pano Scene at Singapore Quarry.

At night at Clarke Quay

And with People

 

[LOTUSfairy]

The XZ-1 delivers even when there is complicated lighting setups as shown by the night scenery images.

Slow Shutter - handheld

 

[LOTUSfairy]

Art Filter – Dramatic
The art filters are great to use and you can deploy them according to your mood.

AFT FILTER – GRAINY
While great, the filters are not cure-all. For example, the grainy film effect evokes high contrast on an otherwise dull image, the user should be careful not to deploy it when the lighting conditions are already very contrasty. It’s a case of "too much of a good thing”.

 

[LOTUSfairy]

On Normal aperture Mode.
This dog is of a boring brown fur colour and it lies on the floor ie Black/grey. But the picture came out right..am pleased.

On FLOWERs.
Great Colours … this will appeal to the LADIES…*points at myself, me*

Thank you. :angel:

 

[arsene]

Thanks for sharing. I have fun reading your field test. It is certainly one PnS with good auto WB especially with flash, as the pictures turn out looking natural.

 

[Oly5050]

Slow Shutter - handheld

NO WAY THIS IS HANDHELD!!!!

BTW, nice shots!

And the proof of the pudding of this camera is all in your low light shots. Liked the way your wrote it. :thumbsup:

 

[LOTUSfairy]

NO WAY THIS IS HANDHELD!!!!

BTW, nice shots!

And the proof of the pudding of this camera is all in your low light shots. Liked the way your wrote it. :thumbsup:

thank you.

It was handheld..I leaned on some railings at the side, held my breath and pressed shutter :embrass:

 

[LOTUSfairy]

Thanks for sharing. I have fun reading your field test. It is certainly one PnS with good auto WB especially with flash, as the pictures turn out looking natural.

glad you like it.

 

[r0n1n]

hi wendy, thanks for the nice review. i'd like to ask, did you use pop art when you took a shot on the red and yellow flowers? i remember this when i still had my oly E-30, i find it a bit contrasty.

PS: in case you're wondering, i was one of the volunteers last time for nikon (SAM) assigned at registration booth

 

[LOTUSfairy]

hi wendy, thanks for the nice review. i'd like to ask, did you use pop art when you took a shot on the red and yellow flowers? i remember this when i still had my oly E-30, i find it a bit contrasty.

PS: in case you're wondering, i was one of the volunteers last time for nikon (SAM) assigned at registration booth

Hi Ron1n, how's life been? Hope to see you again
I used the normal aperture mode on the red/yellow flowers. They were taken during the early morning hours at the Sentosa Flower Festival. Nope, no pop art...

 

[Lx3ChuA]

Hi Ron1n, how's life been? Hope to see you again
I used the normal aperture mode on the red/yellow flowers. They were taken during the early morning hours at the Sentosa Flower Festival. Nope, no pop art...

Hi sis... Really long time no see u... Hope to have some wine with u... Hehe

 

[allenleonhart]

Hi sis... Really long time no see u... Hope to have some wine with u... Hehe

:bigeyes::bigeyes:

 

[r0n1n]

Hi Ron1n, how's life been? Hope to see you again
I used the normal aperture mode on the red/yellow flowers. They were taken during the early morning hours at the Sentosa Flower Festival. Nope, no pop art...

I'm good! thanks for asking. Yeah hopefully on the next Nikon kopitiam session

 

[Dan]

When you become a reviewer? haha