The XZ-1 operates much the same way the rest of Olympus' cameras do, with a separate, easier interface in Auto and the standard quick menu for most commonly accessed shooting settings. There's a Custom setting-easy to save but hard to edit-that allows you to save a single set of adjustments. It doesn't let you layer or select options for the filters the way you can with the PEN models. The mode dial has the usual PASM, auto, and scene modes, as well as an Art Filter mode with six of Olympus' typical options. The controls and mode dial are on the small side but probably would be OK unless you have very large hands. On top, the XZ-1 has a hot shoe and the same accessory port for an add-on EVF as the PEN ILC models. With the release of what is arguably its first ‘high performance’ pocket compact in the 10-megapixel, 4x optical zoom XZ-1. But it's a very welcome addition to what's become an exciting part of the market for the keen photographer. It has a nice feel, with decisive clicks for each stop. The XZ-1 is a rather late addition to the burgeoning enthusiast compact sector and, in some respects, a surprising one - the XZ-1's potential market can't help but overlap with the E-PL2's, to an extent. I want to get just ONE good compact camera to replace both of them.

The highlight is the control ring on the lens, a la the Canon PowerShot S95, which you use to change shutter speed, aperture, scene-whatever the most important adjustment is in the context of your shooting mode. Hi I just sold my Olympus E-510 and Panasonic Lumix LX3. Like most of its competitors, it's not very compact, but still small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or to throw in a bag. The camera has a straightforward and functional but attractive design that makes it comfortable to hold and shoot. With flash, two sequential shots take about 2 seconds. To put it in perspective, however, that's about 45 percent slower than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. Where it really stands out is shot-to-shot time: it ranges from 1.1 to 1.4 seconds, depending upon format, roughly 20 percent faster than its next closest rival, Panasonic's DMC-LX5. Like the others, it can focus and shoot in 0.4 second in good light, which slows to 0.7 second in dim. It powers on and shoots in just under a second, which ranks as practically speedy for this crowd. Overall, I found it quick enough for street shooting, but wouldn't count on it for pictures of more than moderately active kids and animals. The XZ-1 is fast for its class of camera-but it's a member of a generally slow class. It should be fine for occasional clips, though. Video looks just OK a little soft and jittery with abrupt exposure changes and some autofocus pulsing. The lens can focus closely, though, which is a big plus. However, the lens' six-bladed iris produces disappointingly polygonal, out-of-focus highlights. It's symmetrical (and therefore easier to correct) and not bad for a fixed lens. At its widest angle of view, 28mm-equivalent, the XZ-1's lens shows a little barrel distortion.

Olympus xz 1 2022