Olympus XZ-1 F/1.8 - First Encounter

[OoStarDustoO]

Hello all

I manage to try out the new Olympus XZ-1 at their hands-on workshop.

First impression is - it is impressive considering it as a compact camera. :thumbsup:

With the optical zoom, the aperture ranges from F/1.8 to F/2.5. Fast for a compact camera.

However, i forget to ask the retail price :dunno:

 

[OoStarDustoO]

First of all, let's take a look at the ISO performance of XZ-1.

Pardon me for the hand shake. ;p

All photos are unedited and straight from the cam.

ISO 100

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 200

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 400

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 800

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 1600

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 3200

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

ISO 6400

100%

 

[OoStarDustoO]

Some sample pics of cam at aperture F/1.8. All unedited raw from cam.

#1

#2

#3

Some sample pics of cam at aperture F/2.2. Unedited raw from cam.

#4

 

[OoStarDustoO]

There is this function which i like a lot - the super macro mode which can goes as near as 1 cm for the minimum focusing distance.

Here is the normal macro mode:

#5

This is the super macro mode
#6

Another pic using super macro mode
#7

 

[OoStarDustoO]

More sample pic

#8
F/1.8 ISO 200

#9
F/8 ISO 200

 

[jjtml]

Thanks. Wanted to be there but couldn't make it. I see Alan in the photos though.

I must say that I am rather disappointed with the ISO 200 and ISO 400 shots.

I know that definately the IQ of the XZ cannot match up to the E5 due to sensor size but the lack of detail in the ISO 200 shot just is a bit unnerving.

 

[OoStarDustoO]

Last 4 shots here. Thank you for viewing!!

#10

#11

#12

#13

 

[OoStarDustoO]

Thanks. Wanted to be there but couldn't make it. I see Alan in the photos though.

I must say that I am rather disappointed with the ISO 200 and ISO 400 shots.

I know that definately the IQ of the XZ cannot match up to the E5 due to sensor size but the lack of detail in the ISO 200 shot just is a bit unnerving.

Hi bro. Actually i am more of looking at the noise performance for these few pics. As i am shooting hand held, even the slightest shake might affect the image. So i do hope that this cam can display a much better IQ if it's mounted on a tripod.

 

[takepo]

What's the retail price of this camera? Issit out for sale already?

 

[OoStarDustoO]

What's the retail price of this camera? Issit out for sale already?

I think the news will be out by next week. That's what i heard from the person from olympus.

 

[sayjaibow]

The specs are impressive but the lens sharpness doesn't seem so good. I think my old LX3 can do better for sharpness than this. :think: I will have to see some more direct comparisons with the other advanced compacts first.

 

[takepo]

I think the news will be out by next week. That's what i heard from the person from olympus.

Thanks..

 

[tao]

Looks like too much 'water colour' effect in the noise reduction algorithm from ISO200 onwards, doesn't look good to me. The Sony 10MP 1/1.7" CCD sensor compacts can clearly perform better than this.

Wonder if there is any setting to contol the noise reduction strength like the m4/3 Olympus bodies?

 

[jjtml]

Agree on the water colour effect at ISO 200 and above. Waiting for news on whether NR can be turned off or lowered.

The algorithms don't seem to be performing very well.