This camera fits in my pocket, so I can take it anywhere. This, plus the image quality and features is unbeatable.

XZ-1 performed flawlessly on trip. In the sunshine the lcd was still useable. Didn't even need to use the electronic viewfinder.
Overall a really well built product. Pics were all excellent, shot in the sun and indoors with or without flash. Autofocus was fast and shutter release was quick. A really outstanding camera.

I like this camera, minor warts and all, but I can't help but think that just few tweaks will improve on a very good camera. People love the warmth and quality of the XZ-1's pictures. But, I think the ability to moderate the noise reduction and to program a function key are two key omissions that keep the XZ-1 from being head and shoulders above the competition (S95 or LX-5). Instead, it's merely the best, which isn't a bad thing.

And if we were judging camera's by their instruction manuals, the XZ-1 would be a zero star. Poorly written and inadequate, it looks like it was written months before the tech writers touched an actual camera. The "instructions" on setting the Custom Mode are especially horrible.

I'm not a pro, by any means, but this little camera makes me feel like one!!

The "blues" on this camera are amazing. As are the macro's. If your into landscape shots or macro's or just looking for a camera that gives you TOP quality images in something very portable - this camera is for you.

My only drawback, initially; was the price. But after using this camera for a few weeks now? It was money well spent.

As I mentioned I'm not a pro, I just love taking photos. And the only things I would change on this camera would be to offer a slightly wider lens ( 24mm would have been really nice!!) And not sure why Olympus doesn't provide a wrist strap for this pricey camera. A neck strap just is a bit too much for this size camera (in my opinion).

But the sequential mode (pretty fast) the fast and bright lens, the simplicity of the menu, the outstanding image quality and the "in camera" panorama mode MORE than make up for the few ommisions on this great little camera.

All I can say is .... ENJOY ..... Olympus (for the most part) put together a great little toy !!

I've purchased quite a few point-n-shoot cameras over the years from a variety of manufacturers. The most recent addition to my P&S 'stable' is the Olympus XZ-1, and while I've only owned this camera for a month, it's just so much better than anything else at what it does. My main requirements when picking a point-n-shoot were: excellent image quality, excellent low-light performance, automatic and manual controls, pocketability, and excellent results straight from the camera. The XZ-1 provides these capabilities in spades.
Pros:
- outstanding image quality
- excellent low-light performance
- high-quality super bright Zuiko lens
- excellent build quality
- pocketability
Cons:
- requires special proprietary USB cable for connectivity & battery charging (included)
- lens cap is annoyingly easy to dislodge

Compact and sleek design with a large CCD and fast f1.8 lens lets you capture great images where lighting is a challenge.

Combines point and shoot readiness with full manual control for full image range and creativity.

Less than two weeks old, still mastering the controls of this advanced imaging device.