New S90/g12/lx5 killer from olympus

Looks like Olympus is swinging for the fences with this one:

http://www.dpreview.co​m/previews/olympusxz1/

New Olympus Xz1, premium compact features a hotshoe with wireless flash control, 1/1.63" sensor, 28-112mm equivalent f1.8-2.5 lens that is still f2.2 at 100mm, port to add the VF-2 viewfinder from the PEN line.

I'm definitely intrigued.

Yeah, this camera is definitely interesting. DPReview comments that Oly seemingly took some of the best parts of the various high end P&S cams and combined them to create a category leader. The one thing that bugs me is the lens cap. Same as LX5 and EX1 in that regard, but it really kills the convenience factor for me.

I'll be curious to see the IQ though. If this camera can deliver best in class JPEGs, like the PENs, it will be very interesting. I also have to wonder how quickly that $500 price point will recede.

Super exciting times.

mpix345 wrote in post #11583923
The one thing that bugs me is the lens cap. Same as LX5 and EX1 in that regard, but it really kills the convenience factor for me.

They only explanation I can think of is that it just isn't possible with a lens that fast. Canon's S90/95 have f2-4.9 lenses, which is a much smaller lens diameter than f1.8-2.5 or f2-2.4 like on the XZ1, LX5 and EX1. The fact that none of those can fit the lens in the body with a built in cover means maybe it is just asking too much.

I just keep thinking that this camera checks all the boxes and is pretty much the equivalent of a EPL-1 with the kit zoom (this camera would be like having a 14-61 f4.1-5.7 on a m4/3 in terms of DOF and noise)

I'll be waiting for reviews on this one. Ive been so close in ordering the LX5, im glad now that i waited.
The ONLY thing that has really been missing from these high end camewra is 1080p video.
Thats another thing that i want(reason why i didnt get a S90)! But i guess 720p is pretty good.
The lens on the oly is killer though. I didnt know about the F2 at 100mm thing, so thats exciting.
Hopefully we will have reviews with in a month and if they are better vs the lx5 ill have to get one. If its AS good or better ill get one.
Ive been missing having a good old point and shoot since my S5 went out!

LX5 still has the 24mm wide angle over the oly though(OR the flip screen up the Samsung TL500 either). So it didnt take the best from everything, if it did have both of them(plus 1080p)....I think the world would have exploded, due to the perfect P&S being made....(if the picture quality is as good as we all hope)
I dont care about the jpeg's on this camera give me good clean raw pictures to work with. Post processing is half the fun for me!


Next up.....F1.4 and then F1.2 and then F1.0 zoom lenses.... 1.4-1.8 24-100 lens anyone?? shooting at 1080p? LOL Im sure its right around the corner! I love competition!!!!
I wonder if they will ever/(or when they will) have to tech to make backlit 1.7mm sensors?!?

You guys are crazy about the whole lens cap thing. Just string it up with the supplied "whatcha ma caller" and attach it to the camera. Just turning on the camera would take the lens cap off all by itself. my S5 had a lens cap and it didnt bother me at all.


Anyone know if the camera can take a polorizer?????

tkbslc wrote in post #11584842
They only explanation I can think of is that it just isn't possible with a lens that fast. Canon's S90/95 have f2-4.9 lenses, which is a much smaller lens diameter than f1.8-2.5 or f2-2.4 like on the XZ1, LX5 and EX1. The fact that none of those can fit the lens in the body with a built in cover means maybe it is just asking too much.

I just keep thinking that this camera checks all the boxes and is pretty much the equivalent of a EPL-1 with the kit zoom (this camera would be like having a 14-61 f4.1-5.7 on a m4/3 in terms of DOF and noise)

You are likely right on both counts, but the difference with the E-PL1 is that you can add the Panny 20/1.7 for $325 or some fast vintage glass for much less and have a whole new camera, in terms of capabilities. Also the XZ1 will launch for more than the E-PL1 + 14-42 is retailing for. It is smaller than the PEN, but still not as small as the S95 to be really pocketable.

Combatmedic870 wrote in post #11584861
You guys are crazy about the whole lens cap thing. Just string it up with the supplied "whatcha ma caller" and attach it to the camera. Just turning on the camera would take the lens cap off all by itself. my S5 had a lens cap and it didnt bother me at all.

I know it seems crazy, but when I had the EX1 it sort of drove me crazy. I never remembered to take off the cap, and the camera didn't like it when I turned it on with the cap on. I go back to the S95. Turn it off the lens recedes and is covered. You can do whatever you want with the camera at that point and not worry about the lens becoming exposed because the cap falls off. If I'm spending $400+ for a convenient P&S I think I am going to be pretty picky about it really being convenient for me.

A whole $100 more than the S95 eh... well, lets see how it is when it comes out.

themadman wrote in post #11588315
A whole $100 more than the S95 eh... well, lets see how it is when it comes out.

It's about 2 stops faster on the long end. That's a pretty huge advantage unless you only shoot wide.

Looks great but still too big to replace my little S90
This pic says it all really....

That said, it is extremely tempting

Not sure why they have to slather f1.8 or the HD logo on the front though

Almost makes me want to own a point and shoot again.

tkbslc wrote in post #11584842
They only explanation I can think of is that it just isn't possible with a lens that fast. Canon's S90/95 have f2-4.9 lenses, which is a much smaller lens diameter than f1.8-2.5 or f2-2.4 like on the XZ1, LX5 and EX1. The fact that none of those can fit the lens in the body with a built in cover means maybe it is just asking too much.

I just keep thinking that this camera checks all the boxes and is pretty much the equivalent of a EPL-1 with the kit zoom (this camera would be like having a 14-61 f4.1-5.7 on a m4/3 in terms of DOF and noise)

I dont know about noise....But having a P & S thats gives you the DOF like that is pretty cool. But its only 4/3 DOF...4/3 doesnt have much to begin with.
Im to picky when it comes to these things. I always have my DSLR with me and once your used to them results its hard to shoot with a point n shoot.

Combatmedic870 wrote in post #11591819
I dont know about noise....But having a P & S thats gives you the DOF like that is pretty cool. But its only 4/3 DOF...4/3 doesnt have much to begin with.
Im to picky when it comes to these things. I always have my DSLR with me and once your used to them results its hard to shoot with a point n shoot.

Comparing current cameras, the LX5 is noticeably cleaner at ISO 400 than the GF1 is at 1600. Given the roughly two stop difference between the kit lens and the these new superfast compacts, that could mean they are even better. But, yeah, you are basically getting kit lens DOF. This camera is basically a 3x crop of APS-C. It can do 100mm equivalent at f2.2, which would be the most subject isolating aperture on this camera. That's going to look basically like 62mm f6 on APS-C or 100mm f10 on FF. Still, it's HUGE compared to the normal compact, which is f5-6 in the long end of the range. 100mm equivalent f5.6 on a small sensored compact is like 60mm f16 on APS-C! So it's a pretty big deal to get from f16 to f6 equivalent. Even the S95 with it's f4.9 lens at the long end is like f13.5 on APS-C.

tkbslc wrote in post #11583362
Looks like Olympus is swinging for the fences with this one:

http://www.dpreview.co​m/previews/olympusxz1/

New Olympus Xz1, premium compact features a hotshoe with wireless flash control, 1/1.63" sensor, 28-112mm equivalent f1.8-2.5 lens that is still f2.2 at 100mm, port to add the VF-2 viewfinder from the PEN line.

I'm definitely intrigued.

I wonder how practical wireless flash control is when the flash is twice the size of the camera. Just saying.

http://www.photography​blog.com …nd_fl_36r_wirel​ess_flash/

I recommend the 36R.

I think it becomes pretty handy. If you've ever seen a 430EX on a G12, you know how impractical that is. With wireless control, you could put the flash on a stand on the coffee table pointed upward and then walk around and shoot with bounce flash without the big flash on your tiny camera.